A toner differs fundamentally from a classic permanent colour: it contains no or only little ammonia and works with much lower developer strengths. The colour pigments attach to the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) instead of penetrating deep into the hair shaft. That is why a toner can only darken or add colour – it cannot lighten. Precisely this makes it the gentle choice when you want to blend away grey, refresh an existing shade, neutralise brassiness or simply give the hair more depth and shine. Glossing follows the same principle at its core, but is often applied clear or only lightly pigmented and is used primarily for the mirror-like shine effect and to refine colour.\n\nThe salon process is straightforward and usually needs no pre-wash. The stylist assesses the hair's colour and condition, mixes the colour cream or gloss with a mild developer and applies it evenly to towel-dried or freshly washed hair. After a processing time of roughly 10 to 25 minutes it is rinsed out, often followed by a conditioning treatment. A pure gloss takes about 30 to 60 minutes including washing and blow-drying, while a toner with grey coverage takes a little longer. Because nothing is lightened, the aggressive bleaching step is skipped entirely.\n\nA toner suits practically every hair type. It is especially popular for fine or stressed hair that tolerates a full colour poorly, for first greys (up to roughly 30 to 50 percent grey can be blended in well), and for coloured or bleached hair whose shade you want to refresh or cool down. If you need fully opaque, lasting grey coverage or genuine lightening, a permanent colour is the better choice – this is where a toner reaches its limits.\n\nAs for longevity and care: a toner gradually washes out and, depending on the product and hair structure, lasts about 4 to 8 weeks or roughly 6 to 24 washes. A pure gloss fades faster, often within 2 to 4 weeks. It leaves no harsh regrowth line like permanent colour, but a soft transition – ideal for easy refreshers. For longer-lasting results, use a colour-protecting, sulphate-free shampoo, avoid very hot water and apply heat protection when styling.\n\nOn price, a toner or gloss in Switzerland ranges roughly from about CHF 40 to 90 depending on hair length, salon and region; for very long or thick hair, or as an add-on to a cut and colour, it can be higher. These figures are rough guidance without guarantee – actual prices vary widely. This is exactly what CityHero's hairdresser price comparison is for: transparently compare what salons in your city charge for toning, glossing and colouring.
Toner / glossing
A toner or gloss (Tönung / Glossing) is a gentle, low- or no-ammonia hair colour that coats only the outside of the hair and gradually washes out – it does not lighten, but adds colour, shine and reflection. Glossing is the more modern, usually clear or lightly tinted version that focuses on brilliance and mirror-like shine.
Example
A client with medium-blonde, shoulder-length coloured hair notices an unflattering yellow tint six weeks after her last colour. Instead of a fresh full colour, she opts for a cool gloss: the stylist applies a lightly violet-pigmented gloss, leaves it on for 15 minutes and rinses it out. The result is a more neutral, noticeably shinier tone – with no additional lightening and gentle on the already-treated hair.
Frequently asked
How much does a toner or gloss cost in Switzerland?
As rough guidance, toning and glossing cost roughly between CHF 40 and 90 depending on hair length, salon and region. For very long or thick hair, or as an add-on to a cut and colour, the price can be higher. These figures are without guarantee; you can find concrete local prices in CityHero's hairdresser price comparison.
How long does a toner last?
A toner gradually washes out and usually lasts around 4 to 8 weeks, or about 6 to 24 washes. A pure gloss fades faster, often within 2 to 4 weeks. A colour-protecting, sulphate-free shampoo and avoiding very hot water help it last longer.
Is a toner damaging to the hair?
No, a toner is considered gentle: it contains no or only little ammonia, does not lighten and only coats the outside of the hair rather than breaking it open. Many glosses actually condition the hair and make it look shinier, which is why it is a popular choice for fine or already-treated hair.
What is the difference between a toner and a permanent colour?
A permanent colour penetrates deep into the hair, can lighten and fully cover grey – but it creates a regrowth line. A toner or gloss only coats the outside, does not lighten, washes out and leaves a soft transition. For full grey coverage or genuine lightening you need a permanent colour.