What does a universal color wheel assist in determining?

A universal color wheel is a tool used particularly in the field of cosmetology and hair styling to help determine complementary colors. Complementary colors are pairs of colors that, when combined, cancel each other out and produce a grayscale color, or when placed next to each other, create a strong contrast that enhances each other’s appearance. In hair coloring, utilizing complementary colors is essential for achieving desired results, such as neutralizing unwanted tones or enhancing the vibrancy of hair color.

For example, if a hair color has excessive warmth, a cosmetologist may refer to the color wheel to choose a complementary, cooler shade that can be used to counteract those warm tones. This application of the color wheel is vital for color correction, formulation, and ensuring a harmonious look in hairstyles.

While other options may relate to aspects of hair care and styling, they do not pertain directly to the function of the universal color wheel in identifying and applying color theory principles effectively in hair coloring techniques.