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What Is Hair Tonic and How Do I Use It? Experts Explain

Hair routines are ever-evolving. There is always one step, product, or style that isn't quite perfected. This could mean embarking on a journey to mastering an air dry routine or simply hoping to take things to the next level. No matter what your hair goals are, most of us can benefit from some extra volume, better-defined texture, and a healthy sheen that leaves hair looking shiny—not greasy.

Enter hair tonic. Think of this as your lighter, more versatile leave-in treatment that can help to moisturize your scalp, add volume, and increase shine. If you aren't familiar with the product outside of barbershops, the unassuming spray might just be the answer to a slew of your haircare concerns. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about hair tonic and why it might be a worthy addition to your routine.

Meet the Expert

• Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
• Amy Abramite is the creative director at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

What Is Hair Tonic?

Hair tonic functions similarly to the way toner does in a skincare routine. Both are lightweight liquids used as a prep step before the main event (the actual styling of the hair in this case, or serums and creams when it comes to skincare). And like toners, tonics can have a slew of benefits depending on what you're looking for. As a result, tonic formulas and uses can vary pretty widely.

Tonics deliver benefits to both the scalp and the hair itself. Per Raven Hurtado, hairstylist at Maxine Salon, tonics help balance the scalp and stimulate blood circulation while detangling hair, adding shine, reducing frizz, adding volume and texture, and reducing breakage. And they're more common than you might think. Hair tonics are often hidden in plain sight, obscured by other names like detangler, styling primer, and leave-in treatment.

Benefits of Hair Tonic

• Balances Dry Scalps: Tonics deliver a burst of moisture to otherwise dry scalps, helping condition and balance the area, says Chicago-based hairstylist, Amy Abramite.
• Stimulates Blood Circulation: According to Hurtado, tonics promote a healthy scalp environment by stimulating blood circulation.
• Detangles Hair: Tonics also nourish the hair itself, helping soften and untangle strands.
• Adds Shine: According to Hurtado, added moisture and nourishment adds shine to the hair.
• Reduces Frizz: By restoring elasticity and hydration, tonic helps reduce frizz in the hair.
• Adds Volume and Texture: According to Hurtado, certain formulas can help add volume and texture to otherwise thin, straight hair.
• Prevents Breakage: By adding moisture to the hair and softening it, tonics help prevent breakage.

It's important to note that not all tonics have all these benefits. Just like the way that different facial toners target different specific issues—hydrating, pH balancing, exfoliating, calming—hair tonics can address a laundry list of different hair and scalp benefits. It really comes down to finding the tonic that matches your particular needs. But more on that below.

Targeting Hair Concerns

As a general rule of thumb, Abramite says tonics work best for those with dry scalps and hair, and tangled ends. However, there are different tonics for different hair types and concerns, and finding the right formula for your specific needs is key to getting the best results.

If you have a dry scalp, look for a tonic that focuses more on soothing and restoring this target area. Meanwhile, those with oilier scalps might want to skip the tonic up there altogether and instead use it as a detangler along the length of the hair. Hair tonics are particularly great for those with thinner hair since they help strengthen individual strands while creating volume and texture. On the flip side, those with thicker hair that's prone to tangles should opt for a more hydrating tonic formula that helps soften and detangle. Some tonics even work like leave-in treatments, simply nourishing lackluster hair and providing more internal benefits than external.

How to Use Hair Tonic

After cleansing and conditioning, towel dry your hair until strands are damp. Then, simply mist hair tonic from the scalp to the ends—with the caveat that those with particularly oily scalps may want to skip the scalp region. Then, use a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair, starting from the ends and working up toward the scalp. Style as usual. It's that simple!

The Final Takeaway

Hair tonics are a great product for those looking to hydrate their scalp, reduce breakage, increase shine, and instantly give strands extra volume and texture. Should you have an oily scalp or sensitive scalp skin, be careful what formulas you reach for as not all products will give you the same results. If you are still unsure whether hair tonic is right for your hair goals, as a hairstylist at your next salon appointment.