Kansas Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a toner in hair coloring?

1. To lighten the hair color

2. To adjust the tone and remove unwanted brassiness

3. To permanently alter hair texture

4. To increase the hair’s pH level

The correct answer is: To adjust the tone and remove unwanted brassiness

The purpose of a toner in hair coloring is primarily to adjust the tone and remove unwanted brassiness. After the initial hair coloring process, particularly when lightening hair, it is common for the result to have warm or orange undertones. A toner, which is typically a semi-permanent color or a hair product specifically designed for this purpose, is applied to neutralize these warm tones and achieve a more desirable shade. Toners can introduce cooler or ashier tones that balance out the warmth, resulting in a more polished and vibrant overall look. Lightening hair color may occur during the coloring process itself but is not the function of toner; hence, it is not a correct answer. Altering hair texture permanently relates to chemical treatments such as perms or relaxers rather than toners. Additionally, increasing the hair's pH level does not relate to toning; in fact, toners often work to keep the hair at a balanced pH level that maintains its health and vibrancy. Therefore, the purpose of toner is specifically tied to adjusting the color tone and tackling any unwanted brassiness that may arise after the coloring process.