Photo: imustbedead
A tool that has been used by artists for centuries, the color wheel can be your secret weapon in mastering hair color. In this article, we explore the science behind the color wheel and its connection to hair coloring techniques, and reveal how you can use it to achieve vibrant results you’ll love.
Understanding the Color Wheel:
- Complementary colors: Placed opposite each other they create a vibrant contrast (think fiery red and cool green) and are great to use for bold highlights or for a dip-dye effect.
- Similar Colors: They blend seamlessly next to each other on the wheel (like warm browns transitioning into fiery auburns), which creates a natural, harmonious look.
- Neutralizer: Some colors cancel each other out – for example, blue-purple tones will reduce the yellowness of brown hair.
Step 1: Identify your location
Where do you fall on this colorful spectrum? Take a good look at your current hair color. Is it cool (blue or purplish) or warm (yellowish or orangey)? Is it light or dark? Maybe your bleaching is uneven and patchy. Pinpoint where it is on the color wheel. This is your starting point.
Photo: Joshua Roberts
Step 2: Plan your transformation
Ready to explore? Here are some color strategies based on the effect you’re looking for.
Bold statement: Add some drama. Add complementary highlights for a striking contrast. Try emerald green stripes on brown hair.
Natural flow: Prefer a seamless blend? Try analogous colors. Brown hair accented with golden highlights and magenta lowlights creates a sun-kissed, dimensional look.
Remove unwanted tones: Blondes, fear no more: use neutral colors: orange tones will disappear with the addition of a touch of blue-purple, and bright yellows (like banana peel) will disappear with the addition of blue.
- The “Lift” Factor: Light ≠ Easy
Remember: to lighten your hair, you have to “remove” the pigment with bleach, which can be damaging. Lighter shades are like an “open canvas” that absorb new colors easily. If you’re going darker, you often won’t use bleach, but it can be harder to remove the color later.
How to Cycle Through Vibrant Hair Colors on the Color Wheel
Want a dramatic color change from bright orange to teal? Stick to “analogous” colors that sit close together on the color wheel for a seamless transition, like orange blending into lime green. But if you want a bolder change, consider “color stripping” (think bleach, done safely by a pro!).
Then, choose a new vibrant tone based on the wheel. Worried about yellowing? First “apply” a complementary color to neutralize unwanted tones before completing your vibrant masterpiece. If you want a smooth transition to your new hair color, try “highlights and lowlights” with similar or complementary colors to create vibrant dimension without completely changing the base.
Photo: Daniel Ursace
Avoid color disasters:
While the color wheel is a very useful tool, it’s important to also consider other factors such as hair type, care and lifestyle. Some colors may require more care, especially the more drastic changes in color from one end of the wheel to the other, and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you’re considering a drastic change, especially from dark to light, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional who can assess the health of your hair, determine the best course of action, and minimize potential damage.
Let’s summarise…
So, are you ready for a bold color change? Armed with this knowledge of the color wheel, you can make an informed choice and begin your journey to a vibrant hairstyle. The most important rule is to embrace your unique beauty and have fun experimenting.
Source: Moonsugarbeauty – www.moonsugarbeauty.com
