South Carolina Cosmetology Practice Exam

The purpose of a toner in hair dyeing is to adjust the final color result. Toners are typically used after the initial dye application to neutralize unwanted undertones, such as brassiness that can occur after bleaching or lightening hair. They help refine the color, creating a more balanced, vibrant, and natural-looking hue. For instance, if the hair has a yellowish tint after bleaching, a violet toner can be applied to counteract that yellow and achieve a cooler blonde.

Other choices do not align with the primary role of toners. Although toners can enhance shine as a secondary effect, that is not their main function. They do not serve to remove excess dye, which is typically handled during the washing process, nor are they used to prepare the hair for dyeing; that preparation is more about ensuring the hair is in optimal condition for color application. Thus, the correct focus is on toners as tools for fine-tuning hair color post-dyeing.