What does the "base" in hair color formulation determine?

The "base" in hair color formulation is crucial because it defines the color's underlying tone, which can significantly influence the final appearance of the hair. When selecting a hair color, the base tone plays a role in how the dye interacts with the natural hair pigment. For instance, a warm base will create a different result compared to a cool base, even when the top shades are similar. Understanding the base helps in predicting how the color will reflect light and how it may shift over time, factoring in both the client's natural hair color and the desired result.

While aspects like chemical stability, application methods, and longevity are important in hair coloring, they are not directly tied to what the "base" represents. The base is specifically about the foundational hue that form the overall color experience, guiding the stylist in creating harmonious and complementary tones. Therefore, associating the "base" with the underlying tone is essential for achieving the desired outcome in hair color applications.