Color Fundamentals
What are the 4 main categories of hair color?
Temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, permanent.
Name the three primary colors of the color wheel.
Blue, Red, Yellow
What is the proper sectioning pattern for applying hair color?
The hair is typically sectioned into four quadrants (or sections) for even, controlled application.
How many stages can natural hair go through in the decolorizing process?
10
What part of the hair does temporary coat?
Cuticle
Define melanin and its role in natural hair color
Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocytes that gives hair its natural color; eumelanin creates brown/black tones, and pheomelanin creates red/yellow tones.
What is a complementary color used for in hair coloring?
To neutralize or cancel out unwanted tones (e.g., violet cancels yellow, blue cancels orange)
Where should color application begin on virgin hair?
Zone 2
What is the hair's natural pigment level scale called?
The Level System
Who approves the certified colors that are contained in haircolor?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
What does the term "undertone" mean in hair coloring?
The underlying pigment that appears when hair is lightened; it becomes more visible as the hair level gets lighter.
Explain the difference between warm and cool tones in hair color
Warm tones include reds, golds, and coppers; cool tones include ash, platinum, and blues.
What is the purpose of a strand test before coloring?
To predict the final color result and check for allergic reactions or damage to the hair.
What is the range of the level system?
1-10 Black being the darkest and pale yellow being the lightest.
Which type of haircoloring is considered the best for covering gray hair?
Permanent haircolor.
What precautions should be taken when handling hair color products?
Wear gloves, avoid contact with skin/eyes, work in ventilated areas, and follow manufacturer's instructions.
What does the term "deposit" mean in hair coloring?
The amount of color that remains on the hair after the coloring process is complete. When you are not removing(lifting) any pigment out of the natural
hair.
Define "virgin hair" in the context of hair coloring
Hair that has never been chemically treated or colored.
What is the difference between level and tone?
Level refers to the lightness or darkness of hair color; tone refers to the color family (warm, cool, or neutral)
A specialized preparation designed to help equalize the porosity and deposit a base color in one application are known as what?
Fillers
What is the maximum recommended processing time for permanent hair color?
Typically 45 minutes (follow manufacturer's specific recommendations)
How does the color wheel help predict the results of color corrections?
It shows which colors neutralize unwanted tones and helps determine what pigment to add to achieve desired results.
What is the proper technique for applying color to previously colored hair?
Apply color to the new growth (retouch) first, then blend through the ends in the last few minutes to refresh faded color.
What is H2O2?
Hydrogen Peroxide
There are 4 basic questions that must always be asked when formulating a hair color. Name them.
1. What is the natural level?
2. What's the clients desired level and tone?
3. What are the undertones or contributing pigment?
4. What colors should be mixed to get the desired results?