Hairstylist exam: Hair colour theory

Key points

• Levels run from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde).
• Lightening exposes warm underlying pigment: red, then orange, then yellow.
• Opposite colours on the wheel cancel: violet neutralizes yellow, blue neutralizes orange, green neutralizes red.
• Higher developer volume gives more lift but more damage.
• Permanent colour needs developer. Semi-permanent deposits only.

Study tip

When asked which toner to use, name the unwanted tone, then pick its opposite on the wheel.

Try these

1. To neutralize brassy orange tones, use a toner with:

   1. Violet
   2. Blue
   3. Green
   4. Red
   Show answer

   B. Blue Blue is opposite orange.

2. Level 1 is:

   1. Lightest blonde
   2. Medium brown
   3. Black
   4. Red
   Show answer

   C. Black Levels run from 1 black to 10 lightest.

3. Which colour product deposits without lifting?

   1. Permanent
   2. Lightener
   3. Semi-permanent
   4. High-lift tint
   Show answer

   C. Semi-permanent Semi-permanent only deposits.

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