Matrix SoColor is a professional, permanent hair color line known for its vibrant shades and predictable results. A corresponding systematized chart organizes these shades, typically displaying them on swatches of hair. This visual aid facilitates color selection by allowing stylists and clients to see the hues and understand their relationships to one another within the color spectrum. Often, these charts also provide numerical codes and level designations that correspond to the lightness or darkness of each shade.
Such a systematized representation of hair color options is invaluable within the salon environment. It streamlines the consultation process, minimizes the risk of miscommunication, and promotes accurate color formulation. By offering a tangible, visual representation of the available shades, it empowers informed decision-making and contributes to client satisfaction. Over time, these charting systems have evolved alongside advancements in hair color technology, reflecting trends and incorporating new pigments and formulations.
This foundation in color theory and practical application provides context for understanding various aspects of hair coloring, from choosing the right shade to achieving desired tonal results. Further exploration of these topics will cover color selection, application techniques, and aftercare for maintaining vibrant, healthy-colored hair.
1. Shade Selection
Effective shade selection within the Matrix SoColor system hinges on a thorough understanding of its color chart. The chart serves as a visual and organizational tool, presenting a comprehensive array of available shades. Successful navigation of this chart requires recognizing the interplay between level, tone, and reflect. For instance, a client desiring a cool, medium-brown shade necessitates identifying the appropriate level (e.g., a level 5), selecting a cool tone (e.g., ash), and understanding how the chosen reflect will interact with the clients existing hair color. Without a clear comprehension of the chart’s organization, achieving the desired result becomes significantly more challenging.
Consider a scenario where a stylist aims to transition a client from a warm, light brown to a cool, dark blonde. The SoColor chart allows the stylist to visualize the target shade in relation to the client’s current color. It facilitates the identification of necessary neutralizing tones to counteract unwanted warmth and guides the selection of the appropriate level to achieve the desired lightness. This systematic approach, facilitated by the chart, minimizes the risk of unexpected color results and maximizes the likelihood of client satisfaction. Furthermore, understanding the underlying pigments within each shade on the chart helps predict how the color will lift and deposit, further refining the selection process.
Accurate shade selection represents a cornerstone of successful hair coloring. The SoColor chart empowers informed decision-making by providing a clear, visual framework. Mastery of this tool allows stylists to translate client desires into precise color formulations, ensuring predictable and desirable outcomes. This understanding ultimately builds client trust and elevates the overall salon experience.
2. Level System
The Level System is integral to the Matrix SoColor color chart, providing a standardized scale representing the lightness or darkness of a hair color. This system typically ranges from 1 (blackest black) to 10 (lightest blonde), with each number signifying a distinct level of lightness. Understanding the Level System is crucial for accurate shade selection and predictable color results when using SoColor. It provides a common language for discussing hair color, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring that both the stylist and client envision the same end result. For example, a Level 5 will always indicate a medium brown, regardless of the underlying tone or reflect.
The practical significance of the Level System becomes evident during the consultation and formulation processes. If a client desires to lighten their hair from a Level 3 to a Level 7, the stylist can readily determine the necessary lift and choose the appropriate SoColor product and developer volume to achieve the desired result. Conversely, if the goal is to deepen the color from a Level 8 to a Level 6, the Level System guides the stylist in selecting the appropriate shade and anticipating the resulting depth. Without a solid grasp of the Level System, achieving consistent and predictable color outcomes becomes considerably more challenging. Consider a scenario where a stylist misinterprets a client’s desired Level 7 blonde as a Level 9; the resulting color would be significantly lighter than intended, potentially leading to client dissatisfaction. This highlights the importance of the Level System as a foundational element within the SoColor framework.
In summary, the Level System provides an essential framework for navigating the SoColor by Matrix color chart. It facilitates clear communication, enables precise color formulation, and ultimately contributes to predictable and desirable results. Mastery of the Level System is therefore indispensable for any stylist working with the SoColor line, enabling them to achieve consistent client satisfaction and professional-grade color outcomes. This understanding also allows for effective troubleshooting when color results deviate from expectations, by providing a structured approach to analyze the factors influencing the final outcome.
3. Tone Identification
Tone identification is critical within the Matrix SoColor system. The SoColor chart organizes shades by tone, allowing for precise selection and predictable results. Tones generally fall into categories: warm (golden, copper, red), cool (ash, violet, blue), and neutral. Accurate tone identification is essential for achieving the desired color. For example, neutralizing unwanted brassiness in blonde hair requires selecting a shade with the correct cool tone, such as ash or violet. Misidentifying the tone can lead to unwanted warmth or coolness in the final result. The SoColor chart aids in visualizing these tonal relationships and guiding selection.
Consider a scenario where a client desires a warm, honey-blonde. A stylist must correctly identify the underlying tones of “honey” (likely gold and perhaps copper) and locate the corresponding shade on the SoColor chart. Selecting a shade with the wrong tone, such as an overly ashy blonde, would result in a cool, rather than warm, outcome. Conversely, if a client seeks a cool, platinum blonde, the stylist would need to identify a shade on the chart with strong cool tones, like violet, to counteract any underlying yellow or gold pigments. This demonstrates the practical importance of tone identification in achieving desired color results and avoiding unwanted tones.
In summary, proficient tone identification is essential for utilizing the SoColor chart effectively. It enables precise shade selection, facilitates neutralization of unwanted tones, and ultimately ensures predictable, desirable color outcomes. The SoColor chart serves as a valuable tool for visualizing tonal relationships and guiding accurate tone identification. Failure to understand or correctly identify tones within the SoColor system can lead to significant discrepancies between the desired and achieved color results, underscoring the importance of this skill in professional hair coloring.
4. Reflects
Reflects, within the context of the Matrix SoColor system, represent the subtle nuances of color visible in the hair after coloring. These nuances, often described as warm or cool tones, significantly influence the overall perception of the hair color. Understanding reflects and how they interact with the SoColor chart is crucial for achieving predictable and desirable color outcomes. They are key to formulating precise mixtures and neutralizing unwanted underlying pigments. Reflects play a critical role in controlling warmth or coolness and contributing to the vibrancy and dimension of the final color.
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Primary and Secondary Reflects
SoColor utilizes a system of primary and secondary reflects. Primary reflects are the dominant tones visible in the hair, while secondary reflects contribute subtle nuances. For example, a shade might have a primary gold reflect and a secondary copper reflect, resulting in a warm, rich color. These reflects are indicated on the SoColor chart, often through numerical or symbolic codes, allowing stylists to identify and select shades with the desired combination of reflects. This system allows for fine-tuning the color and achieving precise tonal results.
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Impact on Color Formulation
Reflects significantly impact color formulation within the SoColor system. Choosing a shade with the appropriate reflects is essential for neutralizing unwanted underlying pigments and achieving the desired tonal result. For example, if a client has unwanted orange tones in their hair, a shade with blue or violet reflects might be chosen to counteract the warmth. The SoColor chart aids in visualizing these relationships and guiding formulation decisions. Understanding how reflects interact with the existing hair color and the target shade is fundamental to successful color formulation.
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Visualizing Reflects on the Chart
The SoColor chart visually represents reflects, often using specific symbols or color coding. This allows stylists to quickly identify and compare shades based on their reflect families. For instance, shades with warm reflects might be grouped together in a specific area of the chart, while cool reflects are displayed elsewhere. This visual organization simplifies the selection process and helps stylists choose the most appropriate shade to achieve the desired reflects in the final hair color. This visual aid is instrumental in preventing misinterpretations and ensuring predictable results.
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Reflects and Hair Texture/Porosity
Hair texture and porosity influence how reflects appear in the final color. Porous hair tends to absorb color more readily, sometimes resulting in more intense reflects. Fine hair, on the other hand, might not hold reflects as strongly. Considering these factors when selecting a shade from the SoColor chart is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. A stylist might adjust the formulation or processing time based on the client’s hair characteristics to control the intensity of the reflects. This understanding allows for tailored application and personalized color results.
In conclusion, reflects are integral to the Matrix SoColor system and play a significant role in determining the final hair color. Understanding how reflects are represented on the SoColor chart, how they interact with hair characteristics, and how they influence color formulation is essential for achieving predictable and desirable results. By considering the complex interplay of reflects, stylists can create vibrant, dimensional hair color tailored to individual client needs and preferences. The SoColor chart, with its visual representation of reflects, serves as an invaluable tool for navigating this complexity and achieving consistent, professional-grade color outcomes.
5. Underlying Pigment
Underlying pigment is a crucial concept within the Matrix SoColor system, significantly influencing color results. The SoColor chart, while displaying the final hair color, doesn’t explicitly reveal the underlying pigment. Understanding these underlying pigments and how they interact with the SoColor shades is essential for predicting how a color will lift and deposit, especially crucial when lightening or changing tones. This knowledge empowers informed color choices, minimizing unwanted outcomes and maximizing predictable results.
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Natural Hair Color’s Role
Every natural hair color possesses an underlying pigment. For example, brown hair often contains underlying red and orange pigments, while blonde hair may have yellow or gold undertones. These underlying pigments influence how hair reacts to SoColor dyes. When lightening hair, these pigments are exposed and can impact the final result. The SoColor chart assists in anticipating these interactions, enabling stylists to choose the right shade to neutralize unwanted tones and achieve the desired color. For instance, if lightening dark brown hair, understanding the potential for exposed red/orange pigment informs the choice of a SoColor shade with cool, neutralizing tones.
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Lift and Deposit’s Interplay
SoColor dyes both lift and deposit color. The underlying pigment impacts both processes. When lightening, the lift exposes the underlying pigment. The dye then deposits the target color. If these two elements aren’t carefully considered, unwanted brassiness or other undesirable tones may surface. Understanding the interplay between lift, deposit, and underlying pigment is therefore critical for achieving desired results. The SoColor chart, used in conjunction with knowledge of underlying pigment, helps determine the necessary lift and the appropriate target shade to achieve a balanced, harmonious outcome.
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Neutralization and Tone Correction
Underlying pigment often necessitates neutralization, particularly when lifting. SoColor offers shades specifically designed to neutralize unwanted tones. For instance, violet-based shades counteract yellow, while blue-based shades neutralize orange. Selecting the appropriate neutralizing shade requires accurate identification of the underlying pigment. The SoColor chart aids in this process, enabling stylists to anticipate and address potential unwanted tones through strategic shade selection. Failure to account for underlying pigment can result in unsatisfactory color, underscoring the importance of neutralization.
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Consultation and Client Expectations
Understanding underlying pigment is essential for managing client expectations. A client requesting a specific color might not realize how their underlying pigment will influence the final outcome. Educating clients about underlying pigment and demonstrating its effect using the SoColor chart is vital for informed decision-making. This ensures realistic expectations and facilitates collaborative discussions about achievable color goals. This knowledge also empowers clients to understand the rationale behind specific product and technique choices.
Underlying pigment is an inseparable factor when working with the SoColor system. Its impact on lift, deposit, and neutralization directly influences the final color outcome. Effective use of the SoColor chart requires a comprehensive understanding of underlying pigment, allowing stylists to predict potential challenges and formulate strategies for achieving predictable, desirable results. By integrating knowledge of underlying pigment with the SoColor chart’s visual guide, stylists can navigate the complexities of hair color and consistently deliver professional-grade results that meet client expectations.
6. Color Families
Color families, a core organizational principle within the Matrix SoColor system, significantly influence shade selection and formulation. The SoColor chart arranges shades into distinct color familiesreds, blondes, browns, etc.allowing for systematic navigation. This organization simplifies the identification of harmonious shades within a desired color range. Understanding these families enables efficient selection of complementary colors for multi-dimensional effects or neutralizing unwanted tones. For example, within the blonde family, ash tones neutralize gold, while violet tones counteract yellow. This structured approach streamlines the decision-making process and promotes predictable color outcomes. Without a grasp of color families, formulating desired shades becomes significantly more challenging, increasing the risk of unwanted tones and inconsistent results.
Consider a client requesting a rich, dimensional brunette. A stylist proficient in SoColor’s color families can readily navigate the brown family on the chart. They might select a base shade within the desired level and then incorporate highlights from a related, yet slightly lighter, brown family to add depth and dimension. Alternatively, if neutralizing unwanted red tones within the brown family, the stylist could select a shade from the ash-brown family. Practical application of color family knowledge allows for nuanced control over the final color, enabling stylists to create bespoke looks tailored to individual preferences. Further, understanding the underlying pigments associated with each color family helps predict how these shades will interact with existing hair color and contributes to informed formulation decisions.
In summary, color families within the SoColor system provide a crucial framework for navigating the color chart. This structure significantly simplifies shade selection, facilitates neutralization, and enables the creation of multi-dimensional color results. Mastery of SoColor’s color families empowers stylists to achieve predictable outcomes and deliver personalized, client-specific looks. Failure to consider color families can result in disharmonious color results and difficulty in achieving desired tones. This underscores the importance of color family knowledge in maximizing the effectiveness and versatility of the SoColor by Matrix color chart. This understanding lays a foundation for advanced color techniques and facilitates ongoing professional development within the field of hair coloring.
7. Formula Development
Formula development within the Matrix SoColor system relies heavily on accurate interpretation of the SoColor chart. The chart serves as a roadmap, guiding the creation of precise color formulations. Each shade on the chart corresponds to a specific formula, incorporating factors such as level, tone, reflect, and underlying pigment. Developing a successful formula requires understanding these elements and their interactions. For example, achieving a target shade might necessitate blending two or more SoColor shades to balance tones and achieve the desired reflect. The chart facilitates this process by providing a visual representation of the available shades and their relationships. Without a thorough understanding of the chart, consistent and predictable formula development becomes significantly more challenging. Accurate formula development ensures the desired color result, minimizes the risk of unwanted tones, and contributes to client satisfaction.
Consider a scenario where a client desires a cool, ash-blonde. Achieving this specific tone often requires neutralizing underlying warm pigments, typically gold or yellow. The SoColor chart allows the stylist to identify an appropriate ash-blonde shade and, crucially, determine the necessary neutralizing tone to counteract the warmth. This might involve incorporating a violet-based toner or mixing the target shade with a small amount of a blue-based shade. The chart informs these decisions by providing a visual representation of the tonal relationships within the SoColor system. Further, if the desired ash-blonde is a Level 9, and the clients natural hair is a Level 6, the stylist must calculate the appropriate developer volume and processing time to achieve the required lift while minimizing damage. This calculation relies on understanding the level system within the SoColor chart and its interplay with developer strength. Without precise formula development, guided by the chart, the resulting color could be too warm, too light, or too dark, significantly impacting the overall look.
In conclusion, the SoColor chart is an indispensable tool for formula development within the Matrix SoColor system. It provides a structured framework for understanding the relationships between shades, tones, reflects, and levels, allowing for precise and predictable color formulation. Accurate interpretation of the chart enables stylists to achieve desired color results, neutralize unwanted tones, and tailor formulations to individual client needs. Challenges in formula development often stem from a lack of comprehensive understanding of the SoColor chart and its underlying principles. Mastering this tool is essential for consistent success and professional-grade color services, contributing significantly to client satisfaction and confidence in the stylist’s expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Matrix SoColor system and its corresponding color chart.
Question 1: How does one choose the correct level when using the SoColor chart?
Accurate level selection depends on the desired lightness or darkness of the final hair color. The SoColor chart displays levels numerically, typically ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Careful assessment of the client’s natural hair level and the target level is essential. Consulting the chart facilitates a visual comparison, ensuring alignment between the desired outcome and the chosen shade.
Question 2: What is the significance of tonal values on the SoColor chart?
Tonal values (warm, cool, neutral) determine the overall perception of the hair color. The SoColor chart organizes shades by tone, facilitating selection based on desired warmth or coolness. Choosing the correct tone is crucial for neutralizing unwanted underlying pigments and achieving the desired aesthetic.
Question 3: How do reflects influence hair color within the SoColor system?
Reflects contribute subtle nuances and dimensions to the hair color. Understanding how reflects interact with natural hair color and chosen shades is crucial. The SoColor chart often uses symbols or codes to indicate reflects, guiding selection for desired vibrancy and tonal interplay.
Question 4: What is the importance of understanding underlying pigment when using the SoColor chart?
Underlying pigment significantly impacts how hair reacts to SoColor dyes. Predicting how underlying pigment will interact with the chosen shade is essential for avoiding unwanted tones during lifting or color changes. Knowledge of underlying pigment, coupled with the SoColor chart, enables informed decisions regarding neutralization and tone correction.
Question 5: How does the SoColor chart facilitate color correction?
The SoColor chart provides a visual representation of available shades and their underlying tones, enabling strategic selection for color correction. By understanding the relationships between different shades on the chart, stylists can formulate corrective mixtures to neutralize unwanted tones and achieve the desired color balance.
Question 6: Where can one find a Matrix SoColor chart?
Authorized Matrix distributors, professional beauty supply stores, and the official Matrix website are common sources for SoColor color charts. These charts are typically provided to licensed cosmetologists as professional resources.
Understanding the nuances of the SoColor system and its accompanying chart is essential for achieving predictable, desirable hair color results. Consistent reference to the chart and continuous professional development ensure optimal utilization of the SoColor product line.
This concludes the FAQ section. The following section will delve into practical application techniques for SoColor products.
Tips for Utilizing the Matrix SoColor Chart Effectively
Optimizing use of the Matrix SoColor chart requires attention to detail and a systematic approach. The following tips provide practical guidance for achieving predictable and desirable color results.
Tip 1: Consistent Lighting is Key: Evaluate the SoColor chart under consistent, neutral lighting. Variations in lighting can distort color perception, leading to inaccurate shade selection.
Tip 2: Clean Swatches Ensure Accuracy: Maintain clean color swatches on the chart. Product buildup or fading can compromise color accuracy and hinder proper shade identification.
Tip 3: Consider Hair Texture and Porosity: Account for variations in hair texture and porosity when selecting shades. Fine hair may process color more quickly, while coarse hair may require longer processing times. Porous hair absorbs color more readily, potentially resulting in more vibrant or intense results.
Tip 4: Prioritize Client Consultation: Utilize the SoColor chart during client consultations to facilitate clear communication and ensure shared understanding of desired color outcomes. Visual aids enhance client engagement and facilitate informed decision-making.
Tip 5: Understand Underlying Pigment: Recognize the impact of underlying pigment on color results. The SoColor chart, in conjunction with an understanding of underlying pigment, enables accurate prediction of how hair will react to color and guides appropriate neutralization strategies.
Tip 6: Utilize Reflects for Dimension: Explore the nuances of reflects to create depth and dimension. The SoColor chart aids in identifying and selecting reflects that complement the desired hair color and enhance overall vibrancy.
Tip 7: Practice Consistent Chart Navigation: Regularly review and practice navigating the SoColor chart. Familiarity with the chart’s organization and the relationships between shades, tones, and levels enhances efficiency and accuracy in color selection and formulation.
Tip 8: Supplement with Matrix Educational Resources: Take advantage of Matrix’s educational materials and training programs to further develop expertise in using the SoColor system and its accompanying chart. Continuing education enhances understanding of color theory and best practices, leading to improved color results and increased client satisfaction.
Adhering to these guidelines enhances color accuracy, minimizes the risk of unwanted outcomes, and contributes to client satisfaction. Effective utilization of the SoColor chart empowers stylists to achieve predictable, professional-grade color results.
Following these practical tips and guidelines allows for a seamless transition to achieving optimal results with the Matrix SoColor system. The concluding section will summarize the key benefits of utilizing the SoColor chart effectively.
Conclusion
This exploration of the SoColor by Matrix color chart has emphasized its significance as an indispensable tool for professional hair coloring. Understanding its organization, from the level system to the nuances of reflects and underlying pigment, is paramount for achieving predictable and desirable color results. The chart empowers informed decision-making in shade selection, formula development, and color correction. Its systematic approach minimizes the risk of unwanted tones and maximizes the potential for creating vibrant, dimensional hair color tailored to individual client needs.
The SoColor by Matrix color chart represents more than a simple guide; it embodies a comprehensive system built on color theory and practical application. Mastery of this system equips stylists with the knowledge and precision necessary to navigate the complexities of hair color, ultimately elevating the client experience and establishing professional credibility. Continued exploration and application of the principles outlined herein will contribute to ongoing growth and mastery within the art and science of hair coloring.
