What is the underlying color in melanin that emerges during the lifting process?

The concept of the underlying color in melanin that becomes visible during the hair lifting process is known as the undertone. Throughout the hair color lifting process, the natural melanin in the hair is broken down, revealing various tones that comprise the hair's color base.

When hair is lifted, or lightened, the natural pigments, specifically the eumelanin and pheomelanin, degrade. This degradation exposes the undertone of the hair, which can vary depending on the original hair color. Undertones can appear warm, cool, or neutral and significantly influence the final color result after coloring.

Understanding undertones is vital for hair colorists, as they guide the choice of toners and further color treatments to create a desired shade. This knowledge allows for more accurate color matching and client satisfaction, as the final color can either enhance or counteract the visible undertone.

In contrast, the base tone refers to the overall primary color of the hair, overtone typically relates to the most prominent color seen, and highlights are lighter strands added to create dimension. These terms do not specifically capture the subtle hue revealed during the lifting process as effectively as the term "undertone."