NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A client with pre-lightened hair desires a vibrant, semi-permanent violet color. To achieve the truest and most intense violet tone, which underlying pigment must be effectively neutralized or removed from the hair's current level?
- AYellow
- BOrange
- CGreen
- DRed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Yellow
Violet is a complementary color to yellow. To achieve a pure and vibrant violet, any underlying yellow tones in the pre-lightened hair must be neutralized. If yellow is present, the violet will appear duller or shift towards a muddy brown or blue-green.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Orange would be neutralized by blue, not violet, and would result in a muddy tone if violet was applied.
- C. Green is a tone, not an underlying pigment at common lightening levels. If green were present, red would be needed to neutralize it.
- D. Red would be neutralized by green, and would lead to a brown or muted violet if violet was applied.
Color Theory: Complementary Colors
Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, which, when mixed in equal proportions, neutralize each other to create a neutral tone.
- Red neutralizes Green.
- Blue neutralizes Orange.
- Yellow neutralizes Violet.
Memory trick: Yellow and Violet: A vibrant dance, if one is gone, the other gets its chance.