Color Theory & Application Flashcards
7 cards from real CHS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Color Theory & Application flashcards as text
Which color application pattern describes applying color to the mid-lengths and ends first, then addressing the roots last?
Answer: Virgin application technique
A virgin application processes the mid-lengths and ends first because they are more porous, then color is applied to the roots last since body heat accelerates processing at the scalp.
When a client's hair appears green after using an ash formula over highlighted blonde hair, what is the most likely cause?
Answer: Ash formulas have blue-green pigment that over-deposited on porous hair
Ash tones contain blue-green pigment that can over-deposit on porous or pre-lightened hair, resulting in a green cast.
What is the role of hydrogen peroxide in an oxidative hair color formula?
Answer: It activates the color precursors and lifts the natural pigment
Hydrogen peroxide (developer) oxidizes the color precursors in the dye and simultaneously disperses natural melanin to allow lifting and color deposit.
A stylist formulates a formula by mixing one tube of level 7 copper and one tube of level 7 gold together. What is the resulting color contribution?
Answer: Level 7 copper-gold blend
Mixing equal parts of two same-level formulas produces a blend at that same level, combining both contributing tones — here, a level 7 copper-gold.
Which factor most significantly affects how fast hair color processes on a client with fine, highly porous hair?
Answer: Increased porosity accelerates color absorption and processing
High porosity allows color molecules to penetrate rapidly, speeding up processing time and increasing the risk of over-deposit or uneven results.
A pre-lightened client has yellow-gold tones and wants an icy platinum result. Which toner formulation achieves this?
Answer: A violet or blue-violet toner to neutralize yellow
Violet is complementary to yellow, so a violet or blue-violet toner neutralizes yellow-gold tones and achieves a cooler, icy platinum result.
In color theory, what is meant by 'color saturation' as it applies to hair color?
Answer: The intensity or purity of the color's hue
Saturation refers to the intensity or vividness of a hue; a highly saturated hair color appears bold and vibrant, while low saturation appears muted or ashy.