When it comes to coloring your hair, the only limits are your creativity and your courage to try something new. At Overtone, we believe that vibrant hair shouldn’t come at the expense of healthy hair. That’s why we’re here to help you mix, match, and maintain your dream shade, all while keeping your hair nourished, vibrant, and damage-free.

Whether you’re eyeing a bold new hue or looking to create a custom color cocktail, we'll walk you through the essentials—from mastering color theory to maintaining your masterpiece.

Understanding the Color Spectrum: Choosing the Right Shade

Color theory is more than just an artist’s secret; it’s the foundation for creating hues that complement your unique hair type and shade. When you’re choosing a color, knowing the basics of the color spectrum can be a game-changer.

Primary Colors: Red, Blue, and Yellow. These are your building blocks—the base tones that can be combined to create every other color.

Secondary Colors: Green, Orange, and Purple. Created by mixing two primary colors. For example, blue and red make purple.

Tertiary Colors: When a primary and a secondary color are mixed, you get a tertiary shade, like Blue-Green or Red-Orange. These are your nuanced tones that add dimension to your look.

Pro Tip: Consider your natural hair color and texture when choosing a shade. Lighter, porous hair tends to grab color more intensely, while darker or coarser hair might need a bit more saturation. Knowing your hair’s base tone will help you predict the final outcome more accurately.

Customizing and Mixing Colors: Your Shade, Your Rules

Feeling adventurous? We’re all about that! Mixing colors is where the magic happens. Whether you’re blending two complementary shades to create a new hue or just adding a touch of something bolder to an existing color, the goal is to express your vision.

Start with the Color Wheel: If you’re mixing shades, remember: Opposite colors (like red and green) cancel each other out, while neighboring shades (like blue and purple) blend seamlessly. Read all about the color wheel HERE.

Experiment with Ratios: Try blending in small amounts first to see how colors interact. Sometimes just a drop of a secondary color can change the overall tone dramatically.

Create Gradients: If you want a multidimensional look, consider using one shade as a base and adding highlights or lowlights with a different color. This technique works wonders on textured hair, creating depth and contrast.

Once you’ve nailed your mix, show it off! Tag us on social @overtonecolor and use #overtonecolor to share your one-of-a-kind creation. We love seeing the stunning shades our community dreams up.