Choosing the perfect hair color can feel like an overwhelming task. Have you ever stood in front of a wall of hair dye boxes unsure of which shade would suit you best? That is where the hair color wheel comes in.
This tool often used by professional stylists, can guide you in selecting a color that complements your natural tones.
Understanding the hair color wheel is not just for the experts—anyone can use it to find a flattering hue. In this blog post, we will explore what the hair color wheel is and why it is a game-changer for your hair color decision.
What is the hair color wheel?
The hair color wheel is a handy tool used by hairdressers to understand how different hair colors relate to each other. It shows the spectrum of hair colors from warm tones like reds and oranges to cool tones like blues and greens.
By using the wheel, stylists can predict how colors will mix and neutralize each other. For example, if someone wants to tone down brassy yellow hair, a violet toner can be used because violet and yellow are opposite on the wheel. This helps in achieving the desired hair color while maintaining balance and harmony.
Hair Color Theory: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors
Hair color theory revolves around three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. These primary colors mix to create secondary colors like orange, green, and purple.
secondary hair colors include green, violet, and orange. Mixing blue and yellow results in green. Red and yellow combine to make orange, while blue and red create violet.
When you mix equal parts of a primary and a secondary color, you get tertiary colors. These include red-orange, yellow-orange, blue-green (teal), yellow-green, blue-violet (indigo), and red-violet (maroon).
Additionally recognizing the difference between cool and warm tones is crucial. Cool tones have blue or green undertones, while warm tones have red or yellow undertones. When you have these rudiments you can then make well-informed decisions regarding your hair color.
Some color wheels use numbers to represent hair color tones, making it easier to choose the right shade. Others show undertones and hair levels, which help in toning, neutralizing, or enhancing your hair color.
Primary Hair Color
| Primary Colors | Examples |
|---|---|
| Red | Bright cherry red hair |
| Yellow | Golden blonde hair |
| Blue | Deep blue-black hair |
Secondary Hair Color
| Secondary Colors | Examples |
|---|---|
| Orange (Red + Yellow) | Copper hair |
| Green (Yellow + Blue) | Ashy green hair |
| Purple (Blue + Red) | Plum hair |
Tertiary Hair Color
| Tertiary Colors | Examples |
|---|---|
| Red-Orange | Auburn hair |
| Blue-Green | Teal hair |
Understanding how these colors mix helps you see how different hair shades are made. Knowing the difference between cool tones (blue or green) and warm tones (red or yellow) is important for choosing the best hair color for your style.
Cool vs. Warm Hair Tones: How to Pick Your Best Shade
Understanding cool and warm tones is essential in achieving the perfect hair color. Cool tones include shades like blues, greens, and violets. These colors give hair an icy sleek look.
On the other hand, warm tones consist of reds, oranges, and yellows, offering a vibrant, sunny appearance. When coloring hair, using the hair color wheel helps stylists determine how these tones will interact. For example, a cool violet can neutralize unwanted yellow in hair.
- Cool vs. Warm Tones:
- Cool Tones: These have blue or green undertones.
- Example: Ash blonde, cool brown.
- Warm Tones: These have red or yellow undertones.
- Example: Honey blonde, warm brunette.
- Cool Tones: These have blue or green undertones.
The hair color wheel helps you see which colors complement or contrast each other. For example, if you want to neutralize a color, you look for its opposite on the wheel.
This is useful when trying to balance out unwanted tones in your hair. Understanding this tool can make choosing and maintaining your hair color much easier.
How Hairdressers Use the Hair Color Wheel for Toning
For hairdressers, the hair color wheel is an essential tool in both creating and correcting hair color. Using the wheel, professionals can determine the best color combinations to complement their client’s natural tones.
For instance, if someone’s hair turns too orange after bleaching, the color wheel helps them select the right toner (blue or violet) to neutralize that orange.
Many professional hairdresser color wheels come with advanced features such as identifying undertones and selecting complementary colors to create vibrant or muted looks.
Hair Coloring Techniques: Highlights, Balayage, and More
There are different ways to color your hair, and each technique can give you a unique look. Here are some popular methods:
Highlights and Lowlights
- Highlights: Adding lighter streaks to your hair. This can give your hair more dimension and make it look sun-kissed.
- Lowlights: Adding darker streaks to your hair. This can add depth and make your hair look richer.
Balayage and Ombre
- Balayage: A technique where the color is painted onto the hair in a way that creates a natural, blended look. It usually starts lighter at the tips and gradually gets darker towards the roots.
- Ombre: A style where the hair color gradually changes from one shade at the top to another shade at the bottom. For example, your hair might start dark at the roots and gradually turn lighter towards the ends.
Full Color vs. Partial Color
- Full Color: Coloring all of your hair in one shade. This can be a bold change if you’re looking for a completely new look.
- Partial Color: Coloring only parts of your hair. This includes techniques like highlights, lowlights, or coloring just the tips of your hair.
Understanding these techniques helps you decide which method is best for the look you want to achieve. Whether you want a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, there’s a coloring technique that’s perfect for you.
Correcting Hair Color Mistakes with the Hair Color Wheel
Color corrections are one of the main reasons professionals turn to the hair color wheel. Sometimes, a dye job doesn’t turn out as planned, and knowing how to correct color mistakes using the wheel can save a lot of time and frustration.
If your hair turns too brassy after lightening, use the wheel to select a cool-toned toner to counteract those unwanted tones.
Using the Hair Color Wheel for Toning
Toning is one of the most common uses of the hair color wheel. Whether you’re trying to remove brassiness or enhance ashy tones, the wheel helps guide which toning color to apply. If your hair is turning too yellow, using a purple toner (found opposite yellow on the wheel) will neutralize those tones.
Example Toning Uses:
- Blonde Hair: Use a purple toner to combat yellow undertones.
- Brunette Hair: Blue toners help remove orange tones.
- Red Hair: Green toners are ideal for neutralizing excessive redness.
Toning hair with the color wheel is an efficient way to achieve the exact shade you want, without the guesswork.
Popular Color Trends and the Hair Color Wheel
In recent years, colors like burgundy, brown, and blonde have gained popularity. The hair color wheel allows you to visualize where these colors fall on the spectrum and how to mix and match them.
- Burgundy on the color wheel: A rich, deep red that complements cooler tones.
- Brown on the color wheel: Falls between red and yellow, ideal for warmer undertones.
- Blonde on the color wheel: Typically falls in the yellow range, which is why purple toners are often used to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair.
Each of these colors can be enhanced or corrected using the appropriate complementary colors from the hair color spectrum wheel.
Using the Hair Color Wheel for Toning
For professionals, using a hairdresser’s color wheel allows for precise adjustments. The hairdressing color wheel or hairdressing color wheel is designed to show the subtle differences in shades, making it easier for professionals to mix colors for the perfect result.
A color wheel for hairdressers also often includes specialized tools like toning guides and charts for even more detailed color matching.
conclusion
To wrap it up, understanding the hair color wheel can make choosing a hair color much easier. By knowing the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, you can see how different shades are created. It’s also important to recognize cool and warm tones to find a color that complements your natural features.
With this knowledge, you can confidently pick a hair color that suits you best. Remember the hair color wheel isn’t just for professionals—anyone can use it to make smart hair color choices. Happy coloring
FAQs: Common Questions About the Hair Color Wheel
Q: What is the best color wheel for toning hair?
A: Look for a hair-toning color wheel that shows the relationship between complementary colors, like purple and yellow, to help neutralize unwanted tones.
Q: How do you use the hair color wheel for hair dye?
A: Use the hair color wheel for hair dye by finding the color you’re working with and selecting a complementary or neutral shade.
Q: Can the color wheel be used for any hair color?
A: Yes, whether you’re working with blonde, brown, or more vibrant colors like burgundy, the color wheel can help you find complementary tones.
