Hair Color: Definition, Types & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：hair shade (hair color)

hair color 🔊

/hɛr ˈkʌlər/

The natural or artificial color of a person's hair, like black, brown, blonde, or red.

Hair color application by stylist in bright salon

hair shade 🔊

➕

/hɛr ʃeɪd/

Hair color refers to the pigmentation of hair follicles, which can be natural (e.g., black, brown, blonde, red) or artificially applied through dyes. It is a key aspect of personal appearance and fashion.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Compound: 'hair' (Old English 'hǣr') + 'color' (Latin 'color' via Old French).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a paintbrush coloring the strands of hair — each stroke adds a new shade.

📖 Example

I was video calling my friend at the salon, and she asked me, "What do you think of my new hair color?" 🔊 I was video calling my friend at the salon, and she asked me, 'What do you think of my new hair color?'

🔗 Collocations

change hair color – to alter the shade of one's hair

natural hair color – the original pigmentation without dyes

hair color chart – a visual reference for different shades

🔄 Synonyms

hair shade (n.) – a particular variation of hair color

hair tint (n.) – a subtle or temporary hair color

hair hue (n.) – the specific tone or color of hair

🌱 Derivatives

hair coloring (n.) – the process of applying color to hair

hair colorist (n.) – a professional who applies hair color

hair colorant (n.) – a substance used to dye hair

📖 Cultural Story

Hair dyeing dates back to ancient Egypt and India using natural pigments like henna. Today 'hair color' is central to beauty salons and personal style.