What is the primary purpose of a toner in hair coloring?

The primary purpose of a toner in hair coloring is to neutralize unwanted undertones and enhance color. Toners are typically applied after the hair has been lightened and help to adjust the base color by counteracting undesirable shades that may emerge during the bleaching process. For example, if hair has a brassy or yellow undertone after bleaching, a toner can be used to achieve a cooler, more desirable shade by introducing colors that neutralize those warm tones. This process allows for more customized hair color results, making toners an important part of achieving the desired look in professional hair design.

While lightening hair is achieved through bleaching, a toner does not lift color but rather refines and adjusts the existing shade. Changing hair texture is outside the scope of what toners are designed for, which is focused mainly on color adjustment. Additionally, although conditioning treatments can improve the health of the hair, toners are primarily color-focused rather than intended for conditioning purposes.