Barber Practice State Board Practice Exam

What do manufacturers use to identify the natural level of hair color?

1. Color shampoo

2. Color swatches or a color ring

3. Shade charts

4. Sample hair strands

The correct answer is: Color swatches or a color ring

Manufacturers use color swatches or a color ring to identify the natural level of hair color because these tools provide a standardized way to visually compare the hair's color against a range of predetermined shades. The color ring typically includes various colors that represent different natural and artificial shades, allowing stylists to assess the client's hair in a more accurate manner. This comparison helps determine how to best achieve the desired results when coloring hair, ensuring that the color applied will harmonize with the natural undertones and existing hair color. While shade charts can provide similar information, they are often less comprehensive than color swatches or rings, which allow for a direct visual and tactile comparison. Sample hair strands can also be useful, but they might not represent the full range of natural hair colors because they are typically limited to specific examples. Color shampoo, on the other hand, is not used for identifying natural hair color but rather for maintaining or enhancing color-treated hair.