North Dakota Barber Practice Exam

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

1. To enhance shine

2. To reduce brassiness and adjust tones

3. To provide volume

4. To cool down the scalp temperature

The correct answer is: To reduce brassiness and adjust tones

The primary function of a toner in hair coloring is to reduce brassiness and adjust tones. When hair is bleached or lightened, it often takes on unwanted warm or brassy tones, which can create an unflattering appearance. Toner works by neutralizing these tones through the use of color theory—in particular, complementary colors that counteract yellow, orange, or red hues in the hair. For instance, a violet toner can help neutralize yellow tones, while a blue toner can counteract orange tones. This process allows hairstylists to achieve a more balanced and desirable hair color, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the finished look. In contrast, while enhancing shine, providing volume, and cooling down scalp temperature are important aspects of hair care and styling, they are not the primary functions of a toner in the context of hair coloring. Each of these serves different purposes: shine is typically enhanced through the use of specific serums or glosses, volume is achieved through various styling products and techniques, and cooling down scalp temperature is more related to comfort and can be addressed through different products or techniques during the coloring service.