A toner should be used following a

• A. Damp hair
• B. Natural hair
• C. Prelightened hair
• D. Colored hair

Answer: (C)

Toners are used to refine the color after lifting because removing natural pigment often leaves brassy undertones. After hair has been prelightened, the underlying yellow or orange tones need neutralizing to achieve the desired shade, and a toner deposits the correct pigment to counter those tones. This is why a toner follows the prelightening step. Using toner on damp or natural hair wouldn’t address any lifted tones, and while toners can be used after some color services, the scenario described is specifically about correcting the tone after lifting to a lighter level. For example, a violet-based toner can neutralize yellow, while a blue-based toner can counteract orange.