Photo: Imast Bed Dead
A tool used by artists for centuries, the color wheel can be your secret weapon for mastering hair color. In this article, we explore the science behind the color wheel and its connection to hair color technology, and reveal how you can use it to achieve the vibrant results you love.
Understand the color wheel:
Step 1: Identify your location
Where do you fall on this spectrum? Take a close look at your current hair color. Is it cool (looks more blue or purple) or warm (looks yellowish or orange)? Is it bright or dark? Maybe it’s all stained after uneven bleaching? Shows exact location on the wheel. This is your starting point.
Photo: Joshua Roberts
Step 2: Graph the transformation
Ready to explore? Here are some color strategies based on your desired effect.
Bold statement: Embrace the drama! Add complementary highlights for striking contrast. Brown hair with emerald green streaks? Why not!
Natural Flow: Prefer seamless blending? Analogous colors are your friend. Brown hair with plenty of gold highlights and reddish-purple lowlights creates a three-dimensional look that looks like it has been bathed in sunlight.
Banish unnecessary tones: Fear no more, sassy blondes. Use neutralizing colors. Orange tones disappear with a touch of blue-purple, and bright yellow (the color of a banana peel) disappears with blue.
Keep in mind that whitening requires bleaching to “lift” the pigment, which can damage your hair. Light shades, like an “open canvas”, easily absorb new colors. Bleach is often not used when darkening, but it can make the color difficult to remove later.
How to switch between vibrant hair colors using the color wheel
Want a dramatic color change from fiery orange to teal? Stick to “analogous colors” that nestle on the wheel, like orange blending into yellow-green, for a seamless shift. But for a bolder leap, consider “color removal” (think bleach done safely by professionals!).
Then choose a new vibrant shade based on the wheel. Worried about the brassiness? “Depositing” complementary colors first neutralizes unwanted tones before creating a vibrant masterpiece. If you want a smooth transition to your new hair color, try “highlights and lowlights” with analogous or complementary colors to achieve vibrant dimension without changing your base completely.
Photo: Daniel Ursash
Avoid color disasters:
While the color wheel is an invaluable tool, it’s important to consider other factors such as hair texture, maintenance, and lifestyle. The rapid change in color, especially from one end of the wheel to the other, can require more maintenance and may not be suitable for everyone.
It’s best to consult a professional, especially if you’re considering making a drastic change from dark to light. They can assess the health of your hair, determine the best course of action, and minimize potential damage.
Let’s finish…
So, are you ready for a major color change? Armed with this knowledge of the color wheel, you can make informed choices and embark on your vibrant hair journey. Remember that the most important rule is to embrace your unique beauty and have fun experimenting.
