Color Mixology
by Yushika Jolly on Jul 23, 2021
We love it when our little Paradyes family channels their inner artist to create different looks using a variety of techniques from split-dye to money-pieces, at times using 2 or even 3 different colors to create their very own masterpieces! The true mark of an artist though? Mixing and creating new shades from old ones! Our range offers 9 vibrant, highly pigmented shades but that in no way limits the number of looks or shades you can create using our color jars. With a little knowledge of the color wheel and color theory, anyone can blend our shades to create their very own custom color, that is deeply intimate and personal, and truly defines them. Read on to find out the basic rules of color mixology, and how you too can start blending colors and creating your desired shades.
Color + Conditioner = Lighter shades/ Pastels
Looking for a lighter, more pastel version of one of our shades? Simply mix your desired shade with some conditioner and you’re good to go! The more color you have in proportion to the conditioner, the brighter your shade will turn up. So, for a very pastel look, you will need only a few spoonfuls of color mixed with conditioner.
Remember that light shades only turn up properly on very light, almost platinum blonde bases, so make sure your hair level is high enough before proceeding with color.
Opposite colors cancel each other out!
Colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel usually cancel each other out when mixed. This is the basic principle behind toning, where yellow/orange hues are countered by minimal amounts of blue/violet pigment, generally mixed with conditioner. In the same way, mixing opposite shades of red and green creates a neutral brown shade. So, before you decide to experiment with color mixing, make sure you study the color wheel well, and never blend colors that sit opposite each other.
Keep proportions in mind!
When it comes to color mixology, it is not only the chosen shades on which the outcome depends but also the proportions in which these shades were mixed. For example, 1 part Saxony yellow and 2 parts Carola pink will create a lighter, almost Barbie pink, whereas 2 parts Saxony Yellow and 1 part Carola Pink will give off more Coral-esque results. So, keep the undertones of your desired shade in mind, and decide mixing proportions accordingly.
Always do a strand test
Before mixing (and possibly not achieving desired shades) in large quantities, it is always smarter to mix in a smaller batch and do a strand test to see how the color turns up on your hair base. Remember to note down the shades used and their proportions, so once you achieve your desired outcome on the strand test, you can simply mix a larger batch to recreate the look all over your hair.
To help your inner color alchemist, we’ve already mixed and tested some combinations from our color range. If you are unsure how to begin color mixing and which shades would result in your desired look, you can take tips from the list below!
