Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Practice Exam

What are the three primary levels of hair color?

1. Base, highlight, and shadow

2. Base, undertone, and tone

3. Color, shade, and hue

4. Dark, medium, and light

The correct answer is: Base, undertone, and tone

The three primary levels of hair color are best described by the concepts of base, undertone, and tone. The base refers to the primary color that dominates the hair, which serves as the foundation for the hair color. The undertone is the subtle hue beneath the base color that can affect how the overall color looks in different lightings; for example, a certain dye may appear warm or cool depending on its undertone. The tone relates to the overall impression of the hair color and can shift based on the mixing of base and undertone as well as how the hair is lightened or darkened. Other options may refer to elements of color but do not encompass the specific terminology used to describe hair color levels effectively. For example, using terms like color, shade, and hue can apply broadly to various contexts of color theory but lacks specificity regarding hair coloring. Additionally, dark, medium, and light define categories of brightness and shade rather than the foundational structure and perception of hair color itself. Thus, the understanding of base, undertone, and tone provides a clearer framework for discussing and working with hair color in a professional setting.