Color Theory

The fundamental of color in cosmetology is color theory. Artists use this in painting, and so do we to create our art (hair design). First, prior to anything else, evaluate the hair you are working on; "who is my client?", "what does she/he want to become?” By simply picking up sections of hair and watching how the light reflects the color will determine what you are dealing with. Darker shades of tint (levels five and below) are much more difficult to extract, darker tones consist of more blue color molecules, therefore, much more difficult to break down to what the hair is naturally made out of (red, orange and gold pigments).Lets say for example; your client (considering you have evaluated him/her), is a level 6 and the last time hair was colored was 4 months ago and now she want to be a level 10 platinum. You must ask yourself "what are the dominant pigments im dealing with both levels?", the answer being a level six is red/orange and a level 10 is palest yellow. Now what are we to do in order to get there? Shall we use artificial color extractor? Or lightener? Answers to these questions are based on preference, and how good of condition your client’s hair is in. Once you have lightened your client’s hair to desired level (10), now what is to be used to get platinum results? A violet based color of course. Toners are a fast and quick way to achieve pale platinum blonde, typically if client desires a light shade (very light), actual color should not be used (again based on preference). Toners are rapid, and will not deposit as much as permanent color due to the porosity change in pre-lightened hair. Color theory is the basis of hair color in the cosmetology world and one of the most artistic ways to express ones individuality and creativity.