Which color is used to neutralize red tones in hair?

The color blue is used to neutralize red tones in hair due to the principles of color theory and the color wheel. In hair coloring, colors are positioned opposite each other on the wheel to cancel each other out. Red, being a warm color, is directly opposed by blue, which is a cool color. When blue is applied to red tones, the two colors blend to create a more neutral effect, diminishing the brightness and intensity of the red undertones in the hair.

This property of blue is especially useful in hair coloring techniques such as toning and color correction. When a stylist wants to reduce unwanted warmth (like red) in a hair color, they would incorporate blue, either through blue-based hair dyes or toners, to achieve a more balanced and desired hair color.

In contrast, other colors serve different purposes in hair color correction. For instance, green is typically used to neutralize red and reddish-orange tones, yellow neutralizes purple, and purple is used to neutralize yellow tones. Understanding these relationships is essential for achieving optimal results in hair coloring.