What effect does a base color have when coloring hair?

When coloring hair, a base color primarily serves to change the underlying tone of the hair. Specifically, the base color is the predominant shade that establishes the overall color and reflects the desired hue. This foundational color acts as a base from which other tones can emerge, influencing the final appearance of the hair after it's been dyed or highlighted.

The role of the base color is essential because it can determine warmth or coolness and sets the stage for how other pigments will interact with the hair. For example, if the base color has warm undertones, it can enhance gold or red hues, while a cooler base may support more ashy or neutral finishes.

While the base color might also contribute to shine and can introduce new colors through layering pigments, those aspects are secondary functions compared to its primary role in altering the underlying tone. Similarly, lightening the hair often involves different processes or products beyond just applying a base color, such as bleaching or using a lightening agent. Thus, understanding that the base color's main purpose is to affect the underlying tone is crucial for achieving the desired hair color outcome.