What does the term "toning" refer to in hair color treatments?

The term "toning" in hair color treatments specifically refers to the process of neutralizing unwanted tones in the hair. This is particularly important when dealing with hair that has been lightened or previously colored, as these processes can leave behind undesirable yellow, brassy, or orange hues. Toning involves applying a semi-permanent or demi-permanent color that can add balance and enhance the desired shade.

For instance, if someone has bleached their hair and it has taken on a yellow tone, a violet toner can be applied to neutralize that yellow, resulting in a more balanced, cooler shade. This process is essential for achieving the intended final look, especially in color corrections or when refining previously colored hair.

The other choices involve processes that do not align with the concept of toning. Lightening hair further refers to the action of making hair color lighter, which is different from neutralizing tones. Deep conditioning pertains to the treatment of hair health and moisture but has no direct relation to the color aspects. Perming involves changing the hair's texture and curl pattern, which is also unrelated to toning.