What is the primary purpose of toner in hair coloring?

The primary purpose of toner in hair coloring is to adjust the final tone of the hair after bleaching. Once hair has been bleached, it often contains unwanted warm undertones, such as yellow or brassy hues. Toners are specifically formulated to neutralize these tones, helping achieve a cooler, more desired shade. This is especially important for clients who want pastel or ash shades after lightening their hair, as toners can effectively balance and refine the color to better match their desired outcome.

In the context of hair coloring, other options serve different purposes. Bleaching is a separate process that lightens hair; enhancing shine typically involves different products or treatments that focus on the hair's overall health and luster rather than adjusting color, and darkening hair is achieved through dye formulations specifically designed for that purpose, rather than through toning. Thus, toning plays a crucial role in fine-tuning the final appearance of the hair color, ensuring the client's expectations are met.