Does Colour Analysis Actually Work?

Thousands of colour analysis videos are starting to flood social media, with many going viral across TikTok and Instagram. Many of these videos contain women filmed as a colour consultant skillfully draping various shades of colours across their chest, asking whether one colour is better or worse. 

It certainly piques your interest.

Eventually, after being fed these colour analysis videos via an intoxicating algorithm, you start to self-evaluate: Do I have a cool or a warm undertone? Which season am I, a Summer or a Winter? This is when I began to become curious about colour analysis.

But is colour analysis living up to the hype?

At first, I will admit I was a sceptic. I filed Colour Analysis in the same category as Horoscopes - a questionably subjective subculture. Although I will admit that I read the occasional horoscope (only when it's in my favour), my curiosity about colour analysis led me down a rabbit hole that shifted my entire perspective.

So, how did I go from a sceptic to starting my own colour analysis business?

To answer this question, we need to step back.

How does colour analysis work?

You may be surprised to learn that colour analysis relies on colour theories, such as colour in light, colour in vision and colour in pigment. For example, it was Sir Isaac Newton who discovered that light is the source of colour, which led to the creation of the light spectrum. Light travels in waves; variation in wavelength corresponds to different colours.

If you think of a rainbow, the longest wavelength is red, eventually followed by violent with the shortest wavelength. As light hits an object, the colours are either absorbed or reflected. We see white when all the wavelengths are reflected. We see black when all the wavelengths are absorbed. 

So, where do all of these colourful drapes fit in? The premise is that we can determine the colours you should wear by how well a colour reflects light onto your face and the harmony and contrast the colour provides to your overall features. The colour of your shirt can reflect onto your face, affecting how your skin tone appears. For example, wearing a shirt with a strong undertone can subtly influence the overall appearance of your complexion. 

Also, consider the contrast between your shirt colour and your natural features (hair, eyes, and skin). For example, high-contrast individuals (e.g., dark hair and light skin) may look great in shirts with bold colours or strong contrasts. Low-contrast individuals (e.g., blonde hair and fair skin) may prefer softer, more muted shirt colours to maintain a harmonious look.

Now, let's dive deeper into how these theories played out in my own journey.

Putting Colour Analysis to the test: my own experiment

As a sceptic, I decided to put colour analysis to the test. At the beginning of my journey, I followed an online tutorial, draped myself in various colours, and assessed the impact on my appearance. Surprisingly, certain hues made my skin appear more radiant, and I could see how the contrast between my shirt and natural features created a noticeable difference.

One memorable instance was experimenting with bright hues compared to muted hues. As a self-proclaimed sceptic, I hesitantly draped myself in a bright apple green shirt and muted forest green shirt. The change was transformative. The forest green colour complemented my neutral undertones and accentuated my features. The apple green did absolutely no favours; in fact, it made my skin look more patchy and overwhelmed my appearance. Since introducing a muted palette to my wardrobe, the compliments that followed were hard to ignore.

Casey immediately looks more in harmony when she was paired with the True Summer palette when compared to the Warm palette.

This led me to delve further into the psychological aspect of colour. I realised that it's not just about the science of wavelengths but also the emotional response tied to colours. Certain shades evoke specific feelings, and understanding this added a whole new dimension to my perception of colour analysis.

As my curiosity evolved into passion, I decided to take a more formal route. I enrolled in colour analysis courses, learning about the intricacies of seasonal colour palettes and the art of creating personalised style guides. Armed with this knowledge, I began offering colour analysis consultations to friends and family, witnessing firsthand its positive impact on their confidence and style choices.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself running a boutique colour analysis business called Colour Capsule. What started as a sceptic's experiment became a fulfilling journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. I've witnessed clients light up with joy as they discover the power of wearing colours that genuinely resonate with their unique features.

In conclusion, colour analysis isn't just a viral trend or a passing fad. It's a fusion of scientific principles and personal expression, creating a unique approach to self-discovery and style enhancement. 

While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, my journey from sceptic to colour analysis consultant is a testament to its transformative potential. So, next time you question the impact of a particular shirt colour, remember that there might be more to it than meets the eye – it could be the key to unlocking your most confident and radiant self.