What is Toner / glossing?
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.
The 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.
A 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.
As 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.
On 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.