California Cosmetology Written ExamHaircoloringMedium
A client's hair turns an unwanted olive-green cast after a toner application over yellow, over-lightened hair. Which base color should the cosmetologist use in the corrective formula to neutralize the green?
- AOrange-based
- BYellow-based
- CRed-based
- DBlue-based
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Red-based
Green is a secondary color made from blue and yellow; its complement on the color wheel is red. A red-based corrective color or filler will neutralize the green cast.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Orange neutralizes blue, not green.
- B. Yellow contributed to the green cast and would not fix it.
- D. Blue would intensify the green cast further.
Green Cast Correction
Unwanted green tones result from too much blue-green toner over yellow hair; corrected using red-based products.
- Green = blue + yellow
- Complement of green is red
- Red-based filler restores balance before recoloring
Memory trick: Green needs Red medicine (complementary opposites cancel).