What is the primary function of a color wheel in cosmetology?

The primary function of a color wheel in cosmetology is to help visualize color relationships and mixing. It serves as a crucial tool for cosmetologists when working with hair color, as it illustrates how different colors interact with one another.

Understanding the relationships between colors allows cosmetologists to predict the outcome of color mixing effectively. For instance, adjacent colors (analogous colors) on the wheel blend well together, while colors that are opposite each other (complementary colors) can neutralize each other. This knowledge is essential for achieving desired hair color outcomes, whether for highlights, lowlights, or color corrections.

In contrast, determining hair type, selecting haircuts, or measuring hair extensions does not directly involve the use of a color wheel, making this answer specific to the context of color theory in cosmetology.