California Barber Written ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A client has previously colored hair that is now a level 7 (medium blonde) with visible warm, yellow-orange tones. She desires a neutral, ash blonde result. Which color additive or toner would be most effective for neutralizing these unwanted tones?
- ARed intensifier
- BBlue-green toner
- CViolet toner
- DGold enhancer
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Blue-green toner
Yellow-orange tones are neutralized by blue-green. According to the color wheel, blue neutralizes orange, and violet neutralizes yellow. For yellow-orange, a combination, or a blue-green, is most effective to create an ash blonde.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Red intensifier would add more warmth, worsening the problem.
- C. Violet toner neutralizes yellow; while helpful for some yellow, it won't fully counteract the orange component.
- D. Gold enhancer would intensify the warm, yellow tones, which is the opposite of the desired effect.
Color Neutralization (Yellow-Orange)
Using a complementary color from the color wheel, specifically blue-green, to counteract unwanted yellow-orange tones in hair color, creating a more neutral or ash result.
- Color wheel opposites neutralize each other
- Blue neutralizes orange
- Green neutralizes red
- Blue-green neutralizes yellow-orange
Memory trick: Blue beats Orange, Green beats Red, Violet beats Yellow, Ash comes from these paired beds.