Which complementary color category helps neutralize brassiness or orange tones in hair color?

Which complementary color category helps neutralize brassiness or orange tones in hair color?

• A. Red-based
• B. Yellow-based
• C. Blue-based
• D. Green-based

Answer: (C)

Brassiness and orange tones in hair are warm reflections that you counter with a cool opposite on the color wheel. The opposite of orange is blue, so blue-based pigments absorb those orange reflections and reduce the brassy look. That’s why blue-based products—toners, shampoos, or color-depositing conditioners with blue tones—are the most effective choice for neutralizing orange/brassiness. If the brassiness were more yellow, you’d use purple-based products instead, because yellow’s opposite is violet. The key idea is using the color opposite the unwanted tone to cancel it out.

Brassiness and orange tones in hair are warm reflections that you counter with a cool opposite on the color wheel. The opposite of orange is blue, so blue-based pigments absorb those orange reflections and reduce the brassy look. That’s why blue-based products—toners, shampoos, or color-depositing conditioners with blue tones—are the most effective choice for neutralizing orange/brassiness. If the brassiness were more yellow, you’d use purple-based products instead, because yellow’s opposite is violet. The key idea is using the color opposite the unwanted tone to cancel it out.