To want to know the purpose of the "tonic" hairdressers apply to your head after having colour.

[Rollergirl1]

And what's in it that burns your scalp to buggery! Whenever I ask what it is and why it's neccesary they respond as if i've asked them to sh*t in a cup.

Can someone enlighten me? Is it used to rectify mistakes?

To inflate the bill.

Mine don't put anything on - just shampoo and conditioner. Or do you mean the stain remover stuff they dab round your hairline?

Do you mean 'toner'? Do you have your hair lightened? If so its what 'mmmwine' says.

It gets rid of the yellow/acidic tones left after your hair is tinted/bleached.

Im not sure why it hurts though. If you have had your hair lightend that will leave your scalp tender and even a shampoo may sting a bit.

You can buy a big bottle yourself if you dont want the hairdresser to do it. There are some good toning shampoos now so you dont need to use an old fashioned toner at all.

I use them regularly cos I live in London and all the polution is apt to turn my hair a fetching shade of greyish yellow after a few weeks.

because otherwise your hair will be yellow