A Study on the Changes in the Perception of Skin Tone According to Hair Color among Female University Students in Their 20s

Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop a method for determining appropriate hair color based on an understanding of the perceptual interactions and visual mechanisms through which variations in hair color influence skin tone perception among women in their 20s. Methods: An assessment of visual perception was performed using a hair and skin color matrix stimulus from October 3 to 24, 2023, among women in their 20s. A total of 320 valid responses were statistically analyzed using frequency analysis with SPSS 25.0. Results: First, frequency analysis indicated the highest preference for cool under-tones (69.7%), demonstrating a strong association with phenotypic categorization preferences. Second, 85.0% of respondents perceived shifts in skin tone depending on hair color, confirming the significant influence of chromatic selection. Third, strong ash induced the highest perceived skin luminance across all skin tone gradations levels (C1, C5, and C9) via complementary contrast effects. Conversely, the hair colors perceived as making the skin appear darker varied across skin tone levels, and were influenced by simultaneous contrast and differences in lightness. Conclusion: Beyond revealing individual subjective preferences, this study empirically confirms the cognitive processing linking hair color and skin tone perception. Finally, it draws empirical evidence and business guidelines for developing customized beauty systems tailored to every personal color profile.