Colour
Theory
Tints, Tones and Shade
Colour Makes all the Difference

Basic Colour Theory

Working with colour doesn't have to stress you
out, and sometimes the most unexpected
combinations are the best. You don't have to use
the brightest powders in the box, and adorn your
nail creations with crude combinations, some
simple adjustments and little colour know how will
not only amaze your clients and build your
reputation, but you might ignite a new passion
for colour within.

So I think before we delve into the lustrous world

of colour we should familiarise ourselves with
there the terms you might hear when talking
about colour theory and what they mean to you.

A HUE = COLOUR

PRIMARY COLOUR = BLUE,YELLOW & RED

SECONDARY COLOUR = GREEN, ORANGE, PINK

Created when you mix 2 primary colours together

TERTIARY COLOUR = when you mix a primary and

secondary colour together

TINT = LIGHT HUE

TONE = MID HUE

SHADE = DARK HUE

 Colour Mixing
Basic colour mixing
Understand that if you are blending two colours together you will
get that third colour.

The exact shade or hue of the secondary colour will depend on

which red, blue or yellow you have mixed and what quantities
have been used. Giving you a very extensive palette.

Your Primary colours are; Blue, Yellow and

red, from these three colour you can mix
any other colour called secondary
colours.



for example -
Blue and Red primary = purple secondary
Red and Yellow primary = orange secondary
Yellow and Blue primary = green secondary
But What About Black and White?
Colour Value


Black and white are not classed as a primary, although like red, blue and yellow can
not be made by mixing together other colours. But Black and white aren't used to
create any colour and therefore excluded from the colour mixing theory.
They they only lighten and darken your colour palette. If you add white to a colour you
lighten it and if you add black you darken it.

Black and white aren’t used to create any colour and

therefore excluded from the colour mixing theory.
They only lighten and darken you colour palette.

See how much the colour changes across the spectrum with added white, grey and black.
Creating Harmony
Ombre
Let's look at what is a harmonious design. It’s a use of colours that
are balanced and pleasing to the eye.


Do the colours engage well and have a sense of balance?
The colour theory is taught at school, and something which as an
artist is ingrained in us, but how do we pick the colours we need to
make a harmonious nail design.

First let’s look at what that means, what is a harmonious design? It is

a nail design which is balanced and pleasing to the eye, I always
say ‘does the nail sing’? Does your nail designs engage the viewer
and create an inner sense of order and balance. 


By using only one colour you can create an ombre by

making use of the differences in the tint, tone and the shade.

Make sure you stick with one colour and work in the same column otherwise your colours won’t blend.
 What if we Want to Add More
Colours?
Then there are some simple rules to follow.
If using 3 colours. Stick to either all tints, all tones or all shades.



Try not to mix more than 3 colours.

It does not work if you use 3 colours which do go

together but are a different tint, tone or shade.

It is important to create a harmonious balance of colours on

your nails. When something is not harmonious, it's either
boring or chaotic. The human brain will reject under-
stimulating information, in other words boring nails, or are
your nails so overdone and chaotic that the viewer can't
stand to look at it. The human brain rejects what it can not
organise, what it can not understand. check out this colour
wheel and choose a colour.
the two colours on either side of this colour will reinforce
your colour and give you more scope.

The colour directly opposite your chosen colour will
compliment it.

Any colours will go together if combined

properly and with the right proportions.
Instead of choosing colours and hoping they match. We
can use the science behind the colour wheel to help.
When choosing two or more colours, focus on a main
dominant colour and two supporting colours.
Colour Combos



Two colours that are directly
opposite each other on the colour
wheel.

Such as: red & green, blue & orange and yellow & Purple

Three colours that are next to each

other on the colour wheel. Perfect for
an ombre.

Such as: red, red-purple & purple or orange, orange-

yellow & yellow

Three colours evenly spaced on the

colour wheel. Also great for an
ombre.

Such as: red-purple, blue-green & orange yellow

Similar to complementary colours,
but instead of choosing one colour on
the opposite side, choose two colours
adjacent to the complementary one.

Such as: blue with yellow & orange

Also known as Double Complementary

is four colours made up of two sets of
complementary colours that make a
rectangle on the colour wheel.

Such as: orange, purple, blue & yellow

Warm & Cool Colours
Warmer colours are more
towards yellow.

Cooler colours are more towards

blue.

It’s best to not mix warm and

cool colours together in designs.

One easy way to remember this is: Yellow Sun & Blue Ice
Look around, there is a
lot of inspiration…

Don’t just think that the colours in your pots of

paint is your only choice, combine, blend
and mix your own pallet.

Look around you for inspiration and find a

colour pallet perfect for your client and your
design.