Color analysis: the science behind it –

Lately, chromatic analysis has been gaining strength on social networks (even having filters to discover your color palette). The analysis (or personal color test) consists of discovering which colors and tones harmonize best with each skin type, helping to manipulate the colors in your favor.

Colors have the power to affect our emotions and even our reason, messing with our unconscious and directly with our well-being. We know a lot more feelings than colors. Therefore, each color can produce more than one feeling and effect – even contradictory ones.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND

Eva Hellerin your book “The Psychology of Color: How Colors Affect Emotion and Reason” says that all colors awaken some kind of feeling in the individual, and that these influences change according to context, cultural, historical and social references. The author states that “color in clothing will be evaluated differently than color in surroundings, food, or art” (HELLER, 2012, p.23)¹.

Another aspect addressed by the author is that some colors, when combined with others, have their meaning altered, for example, red, which is related to love, but which, combined with black, tends to characterize hate. In another example, she mentions that red and yellow together refer to joy, but that by adding black to this combination, the feeling in relation to the triad changes to “selfishness”.

“This reinforces that color is a form of non-verbal communication and its meanings come from the culture and values ​​of each people, so it can be said that the color of clothing will influence the perception that other people will have of you at that moment” explain Valesca Sperb Lubnonprofessor of Fashion Design at Unipê.

Another example, warm colors (such as reds and yellows) cause a stimulating effect on the mind, providing the perception of warmth, warmth and intensity. In contrast, cool colors (such as blues and greens) provide freshness, lightness and tranquility.

“The preference for a certain color(s) is associated with psychological, sociological and physiological factors. However, sometimes the choice of a color is determined by the use it may have for something (bride=white, mourning=black, religiosity=light blue). Based on social habits that are established throughout a lifetime, psychological reactions are established that guide individual trends”, completes the professional.

HOW CHROMATIC ANALYSIS IS PERFORMED

The analysis can be done alone, in front of the mirror, following tips found on the internet, however, expert guidance is recommended which, in addition to colors, will also indicate which types of modeling enhance your silhouette, as the stylist is always on top of fashion trends and will know how to make the perfect combination between your personal taste, the best colors and pieces for every moment of the your everyday life.

To carry out the analysis, some basic steps are followed:

Sit down in front of the mirror in a well-lit place (professional or natural light) Be without makeup, without accessories. Be wearing a neutral colored blouse (preferably gray). If your hair is not a natural color, use a neutral colored headband to cover it up. At this point, the professional will present different colors of fabrics, positioning them at shoulder height. It is possible to notice the beneficial effects of colors at the same time, so it is important that the test be done in person, as digital screens change the intensity and tone of colors, directly influencing the result. It will be defined whether your skin best receives warm or cold, strong or clear, earthy or colorful, shiny or matte colors. There are several color grading methods available, the most popular of which are the seasonal method and the expanded seasonal method.

“I believe that like everything else in life, the result of the personal color analysis should not be analyzed in isolation. This theme is very rich and the idea is not to enslave people with certain methods or lack of mobility to dress on a daily basis. Getting to know yourself better and having a critical analysis of what you really like without getting stuck in methods is the key. Never losing individuality is what makes us unique!” share Marcela OhanaCEO of Dash.