Hair toner refines hair color, typically after bleaching or lightening. It deposits a small amount of pigment to neutralize unwanted undertones that become visible during the lifting process. For example, a blue or purple-based toner counteracts brassy yellow or orange hues, adjusting the final shade to a cooler, more desirable tone. The total cost varies significantly, depending on whether the application is performed at home or by a professional in a salon setting.
Retail Cost of At-Home Toning Products
Purchasing products for a do-it-yourself application is the least expensive way to tone hair. A single bottle of liquid or cream toner, which is typically a professional-grade product requiring a separate developer, generally costs between $9 and $18 from beauty supply stores. These concentrated formulas are designed for one or two applications, depending on the hair’s length and porosity.
Toning shampoos and conditioners offer a less intense, lower-commitment option, often costing $20 to $45 for a standard-sized bottle. Formulated with violet or blue pigments, these products incrementally maintain a cool tone with each wash, functioning as a recurring maintenance expense. Boxed kits that include the toner, developer, and sometimes a gloss or conditioning treatment, offer convenience for around $15 to $30 for a single application.
Pricing for Professional Salon Toning Services
Opting for a professional application in a salon involves a significantly higher cost, as the price reflects the stylist’s expertise, the time spent, and the quality of the products used. Nationally, the average cost for a standalone hair toning service, separate from a full coloring or highlighting appointment, is around $63. However, a broader estimate suggests that a toner treatment can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the salon’s pricing structure.
The service often includes a consultation to analyze the hair’s current tone and porosity, the precise mixing and application of a professional-grade demi-permanent product, and a final wash and blow-dry. In some high-end establishments, a deep conditioning toning mask service might be offered, which could be a two-hour appointment priced upward of $250, reflecting the extended time and specialized treatment. The stylist’s ability to accurately choose the correct color theory counter-pigment—such as blue to neutralize orange or violet to neutralize yellow—is a specialized skill built into the service cost.
Variables That Determine the Final Cost
Several factors influence the final price a customer pays for a hair toning treatment beyond the basic cost of product or service. Geographical location is a major variable; salons in major metropolitan areas or high-cost-of-living regions typically charge more than those in rural areas. This difference is due to higher operational expenses, such as rent and labor costs, in urban centers.
Hair length and density also directly impact the total price. Longer or thicker hair requires a greater quantity of product and a longer time for the stylist to apply the toner meticulously. Salons often use a tiered pricing system where the cost increases incrementally as the hair extends past the shoulder or if the hair volume necessitates extra bowls of color.
The stylist’s experience level plays a role; a master colorist with a high demand may charge more than a junior stylist for the exact same service. Finally, if the hair is excessively dry or damaged, requiring a pre-treatment like a clarifying wash or a bond-reconstructing additive before the toner application, this will increase the total service cost.