For those of you who have never heard of Color Analysis, it is a system that helps determine the best colors for your wardrobe, accessories, hair, and makeup.

Color is the core element in building a personal or professional image. In face, today more than ever, from top executives to celebrities, people are realizing how critical color is in the branding process.

Color is not only used to build one’s wardrobe. Many are now starting to realize that color is one of the most powerful communication tools to help market and brand themselves. For example, color can create a more authoritative or approachable look, as well as a more formal feel. It all depends on how one wishes to position him or herself.

Aside from the psychological impact of color, there are many advantages in knowing which colors best harmonize with one’s skin, hair, and eye color. Just to mention a few:

Saves Time and Money
You can reduce your shopping time by 50% and your mistakes by 100%. For example, once you know your wardrobe color boundaries, you can simply walk to the rack of clothing and scan for your colors. If they are not there then move on… you just saved time.  Not to mention making a purchase that is not a good investment.

You should always look for the sale items first, but don’t let price determine the purchase. Look to see if the garment is in your color palette range. If it is, then ensure that the style is right. Then there is the consideration of fit. But that is another whole article. But just considering color and style, if they work, then purchase the sale item.

As you shop, be aware of fashion color trends. They are important in helping one ensure that his or her image is current. The key is to know how to interpret from your palette. For example, if gray is “in”, are you better in a dove gray (warm undertones) or a charcoal gray (cool undertones)? A particular Wardrobe Color Palette makes this determination.

Builds Self-Confidence
Wearing the right colors is important, but by itself, is not going to make you successful. Knowing you are doing all the right “things” creates confidence, and it is that confidence that translates into success.

You will also be equipped with knowledge of color analysis when you venture to make purchases for any items for your wardrobe. It will not be easy for salespeople to sell you something that is not right for you. You will know with certainty whether or not garment is a good investment.

Color Concept
Below are the 4 Wardrobe Color Palettes that I have created to help teach you how to wear colors more effectively, while at the same time saving time and money. Review each palette and see if you can determine which palette belongs to you.

FIRE
Color Concept: Think warm, clear, and bright colors.  Think of a wood fire, how the flames are predominately bright yellow and red and almost transparent. Yes, there are some blue flames as well, but that is how nature mixes warm and cool colors; however, the predominant concept is warm.

EARTH
Color Concept: Think deep, rich, warm tones from the earth, such as clay. This palette is great in that it contains bright colors like that of the leaves when the fall season first begins. But it also has muted tones, reminiscent of when those same fall leaves have lost their vibrancy.

AIR
Color Concept: Think blue, cool, gray, and dusty. Imagine the mountains in the horizon and how the haze blends the sky and moutains as one. You can see the distinction, but they “blend” together. This palette has a soft richness to it.

WATER
Color Concept: Vivid, sharp contrast between light and dark. Water is clear and crisp, like that of the colors that make up this palette. Think of a pool of clear, blue water.  You can see right through its clear consistency. Or consider the Caribbean’s clear ocean water, with a consistency almost like glass.

First, the hot fad for men began with the slick-back look sported by the Fonz. Then, the full-bodied hair worn in confidence by the news anchors gained popularity. Next, the term “metro-sexual” was coined allowing men to admit (at least most men) that they’re in tune with taking care of their appearance from their suits, shoes, nails (polished or buffed to shine) and facials…

facials???

Even though some men are into being pampered, they are still torn between being a “manly man” and having cucumbers over their eyes. So what’s the new rage? The wives and girlfriends of these men are now seeking out barber shops that offer those signature shaves… several hot towels, straight razor shaves, and finally a calming/skin toning mask followed by a cold towel! They want their men to experience this form of pampering because it relaxes their mood and the after effect gives their men radiance and confidence.

Now where did I learn this you may ask? I had been hearing about hot shaves for quite some time from friends and associates alike either when they went on vacation or visited an older barber that still had a steady hand who applied the mask with the Old Italian style like you would see on the movie “The Godfather” minus the “Sweeny Todd” ending of course.

I was lucky enough to have a barber who had just joined our team at CHUVA group give me a shave using hot towels and straight blades. He also provided education on my skin, explaining issues I had and why. It was phenomenal!

“So let me get this straight,” I asked the barber, “they won’t get a facial but they will go see a stranger with a blade that rivals any knife wielding infomercial?”

Smiling, he explained that most of his clients were from the immediate Buckhead area that would come in as a getaway from the office just to enjoy the down time.  They loved the facial massages, hot towels and essential oils. It’s their one hour massage therapy, better yet their facial as the re-hydrating mask and toner worked wonders for them. By no means, he warned, was this a substitute for a genuine facial as no extractions were done along with no analyzing of the t-zone etc.

They would come in and learn how to shave because they have just been shaving up down and in every direction to catch the ever elusive “baby’s bottom” feel and this has been the way of men for years. “You would be surprised of some of the things my clients explained to be the norm.” He said shaking his head. There’s a generation gap who were never taught how to shave… looking up at dad in admiration but by the time you get of age when your yellow fur falls out and those dark hairs under your chin starts to stick out, you’re out of the house going a thousand miles a minute. So to no surprise, 5 – 10 years later you’re at the light with an electric razor ripping your skin to shreds saying, “I hope there’s not a line at Starbucks because I need to be on time for my 9am.” The new facial for men???

So I learned the craft and perfected my technique enough to guarantee satisfaction. After the first or second visit men generally book a standing appointment. The wives or girlfriends will buy a series of appointments because they like how the man looks and feels. They typically stand as the sounding board for the men. Guys don’t go to the bar and say “run your fingers through my hair, feel the body, and feel the silkiness. No… but they’ll talk to their ladies and or their friends about the “shave experience” and that’s how the message gets out.

In business, if your hair sticks out like Einstein, then your work, knowledge and overall organizational skills can be perceived just as scattered. Is this the look you want to project in business?  Unless you are in a rock band, chances are it is not a look for you.

The first step in determining a good hair cut/style is knowing your face shape because it is all about framing your face.  Your face shape also gives you direction for collar lines and eyewear.

CHUVA identifies “9” different face shapes; from a square to a circle, with oval in the middle. This scientific approach helps takes a lot of the guessing out of what is right for you. For example, a square face typically softens the lines and adds length; scientifically speaking. Artistically however, your personal style, classic, dramatic, romantic or romantic can help you style your look.

A dramatic for example, might want to reinforce the angles and keep the squareness of the face. Lifestyle also determines a lot about how you cut/style your hair. If you have to shower and go, then your cut and style needs serious consideration.  There are always some tips to remember when styling your hair.  We have highlighted a few for your consideration.

MEN:
Avoid the slicked-back look! This gives a greasy look and feel.

If you use hair spray, avoid a “fixed” look. Even many TV personalities are too “fixed”. This use can give the perception that you are too fixed, inflexible and too much of a perfectionist.

Ponytails are generally not found in the more conservative markets. If you work in one, you might consider cutting your hair. Know your customer.

Long hair is coming back. Unless you look great in longer hair, avoid it. It could send the message that you are trying to be young again. Although there is nothing wrong with trying to stay competitive with the younger generation, it can do more harm than good.

To try to look more youthful African-American men do well in short cuts while for Caucasian men this cut might look too militant. If you are transferring out of the services into civilian life, consider letting it grow out a bit.

Avoid products that make the hair too stiff or unnatural such as a spiked look. It might work for a more creative industry, but I still suggest toning it down for the interview.

WOMEN:
A professional hairstyle is one that is controlled, kept neat, yet has personal style. For those of you who are fortunate enough to have long, curly, gorgeous thick hair, be sure to use a style and products that help keep that professional look. Remember, it is about perception.

When wearing bangs be sure to NOT cover you eyes. Remember, you communicate with your eyes.

If you color your hair, ensure that your try to make it look natural. For example, if you change your hair color from a dark level to a light level, you will have to attend to it about every two weeks, so if time and money is not an issue, enjoy!

Ponytails can be very effective. Remember to use a hair accessory that matches your hair color; this helps it not to be the focal point. Putting a ponytail on top of the head like that of a water fountain is not professional.  Ponytails pulled back and tight are more severe, while a looser ponytail has a more relaxed look. Again, know your business and your customer.

You can also put your hair up; however, do not go above the crown area. This look is too dressy and should be kept for evenings. This “look” with a suit sends two different messages, one professional and one social, thus creating a disconnect.

For men and women, whatever look you wish to create in business your hair should be consistent with the message sent by your clothing. In addition, remember to not lose your own sense of identity! Let your hair be an extension of your inner essence; just modify your hairstyle as each business situation presents itself.