NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesHard
A cosmetologist is performing a color consultation for a client who has previously colored hair (Level 6 red-orange) and desires to achieve a Level 8 neutral blonde. Which complementary color would the cosmetologist primarily use to neutralize the existing red-orange tones?
- AYellow-orange
- BGreen-blue
- CBlue-violet
- DRed-green
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Green-blue
On the color wheel, the complementary color to red-orange is green-blue. Therefore, to neutralize the client's existing Level 6 red-orange tones and achieve a neutral blonde, the cosmetologist would primarily use a color containing green-blue pigments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Yellow-orange is an existing tone to be neutralized, not a neutralizer itself.
- C. Blue-violet neutralizes yellow-orange (gold) tones, not red-orange.
- D. Red-green are complementary colors, but the existing tone is red-orange, not just red.
Complementary Colors for Color Correction
Complementary colors are directly opposite each other on the color wheel and are used in hair coloring to neutralize unwanted tones.
- Red neutralizes green.
- Blue neutralizes orange.
- Yellow neutralizes violet.
- Understanding the color wheel is crucial for color correction.
Memory trick: Opposites on the wheel cancel out; think of primary and secondary color pairs.