US 6,314,372 B1Grant
Method and apparatus for hair color characterization and treatment
Issue Date:2001-11-06
•72 Claims
•5 Drawing Sheets
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for determining accurate hair color classifications and appropriate coloring agents to bring about a selected change of color include a table of hair color classifications, a color measuring instrument to arrive at Hunter L, a and b values for use in identifying a particular classification from the table and a database that identifies appropriate coloring agents based on a selection of coloring actions from a menu and the classifications of hair color.
Metadata
Assignee
- Chromatics Color Sciences International, Inc.
Inventors
- Darby Simpson Macfarlane
- David Kenneth Macfarlane
- Fred W. Billmeyer, Jr.
Application Information
Application Number:US 08/657,590
Filing Date:1996-06-07
Priority Date:1994-05-09
Art Unit:7
Classifications
IPC:
G01J 346
Field of Search:
364526356402356421356422356423356425434 81434 94434 98434 99434100434101434102434104434371434377132212702 22702 23702 27702 28702 30702134702FOR 121702FOR 132702 18405840884288429
Patent Drawings (5 sheets)
Description
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0002] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/476,809, filed Jun. 8, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,504, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/239,733, filed May 9, 1994 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,735. No right of priority is claimed based upon any application filed earlier than May 9, 1994.
Background of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the categorizing of hair color and hair color treatment agents for their interrelationship, and more particularly to a process and instrument for measuring three color characteristics of hair color and categorizing it and determining the effect of a wide variety of hair coloring agents thereon.
[0004] Hair coloring agent choices are often made by a consumer based on relatively vague indications of the color to be expected as a result of the use of the agent on an individual person's hair. This approach does not take into consideration the color of the hair that is to be treated and how interaction of that particular individual's hair color with the coloring agent will affect the resultant color.
[0005] No reliable source of information has been available to a private consumer regarding what the actual color of her or his hair is and what hair coloring agent will provide the hair color alteration that consumer seeks.
[0006] Consequently it can be seen there exists a need for procedures and apparatus that will accurately characterize an individual's hair color to enable selection of appropriate coloring agents for a desired color result. Likewise there exists a need for a reliable process and instrumentation to permit the use of the accurate color-characterization of an individual's hair color in the selection of hair coloring agents to effect hair color alterations of a type desired by the individual.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[0007] According to this invention there is provided a method and apparatus for accurately characterizing the hair color of individuals to enable identification of the hair color and products suitable to achieve a desired change in hair color. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring color factors in an individual's hair color to assign that hair color to a classification previously determined to interact with identified hair coloring agents to bring about predictable color changes.
[0008] Through experimentation over a prolonged period, the applicants were able to compile a vast amount of information relating to coloration of virtually every imaginable hair color. Thousands of individual hair samples were treated with many various coloring agents. The hair color before and after such treatment was accurately, scientifically measured and characterized using known, reliable color measurement. Hair color was then assembled into a large number of categories based on ranges of the measured color factors. A database was assembled comprising the desired changes available through various hair coloring agents and the particular agents that would effect those changes in human hair to the various categories.
[0009] Instrumentation was implemented to measure from an individual's hair the color factors that operate to place the hair color in one of the numerous hair color classifications and to identify that classification to the individual or the individual's hair specialist. In addition, the instrumentation was arranged to allow for selection of a desired alteration in hair color, and on the basis of the gathered empirical data, hair coloring agents capable of effecting the desired change were located from within a database.
[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the process for hair color analysis is carried out by measuring with a measuring instrument the value of a number of color factors in the color of an individual's hair at various sites, and then providing an indicator or table having a large number of hair color classifications defining ranges of those same color factors, and finally comparing the color factors of the indicator or table to the measured color factors to arrive at a classification of the individual's hair color.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention just described the color factors were Hunter L, a and b.
[0012] In an instrumentation implementing the process just described, a calorimeter was used to measure the color factors. The indicator or table having a large number of color classifications was retained in computer memory, and the comparison was made electronically between the memoryretained classifications and the measured color factors.
[0013] To use the process just described a list or menu of possible choices for varying hair color was presented. Upon selection of that choice, along with the hair color classification as previously determined, is used together with a database of hair color classifications and associated product identifications empirically determined to effect the presented choices of color changes to locate in that database previously tested hair coloring agents capable of effecting the chosen action.
[0014] In one further embodiment of the process described, the color factors measured in an individual's hair color were Hunter L, a and b. Classifications of hair color provided in the indicator or table were percentages of grey in the hair of the individual. This embodiment enables the coloring of grey hair or partially grey hair to obtain an individual's natural hair coloring or another preferred hair color. This procedure required the selection of one of a number of categories of hair colors such as “light brown,” “darkest blond,” “light red,” etc. The indicator or table that identified various hair color classifications was divided among broad hair color families or groups of categories, and for an individual the particular hair family division of the indicator associated with that individual's broad family of hair color was found. The ranges of color factors in that division were then compared with the factors measured in the individual's hair to arrive at a classification.
[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, to arrive at a hair color treatment agent, a database of hair color treatment agents and classifications of color characteristics of individuals was compiled and an individual's color characteristics were determined by measurement of color factors, followed by comparison of those color factors with ranges contained in the database. In one embodiment the color characteristic of the individual that provided the basis for comparison was skin color.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0016] In the Drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustration of an instrument for determining hair color Hunter L, a and b values and for comparing them with hair color classifications previously determined and stored in memory.
[0018] FIG. 1ais a diagrammatic illustration of exemplary memory content in an instrument like that of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration in block diagram form illustrating the steps in the process of arriving at hair color classification of an individual.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration in block diagram form illustrating the steps in the process of using hair color classification and a database to arrive at a coloring agent for making a selected alteration in hair color.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration in block diagram form illustrating the steps in the process of arriving at hair color classification of a greying individual.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration in block diagram form illustrating the steps in the process of using hair color classification of a greying individual and a database to arrive at a coloring agent for making a selected alteration in hair color.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration in block diagram form illustrating the steps in the process of arriving at hair color treatment agents based upon a database of agents and individual skin color characteristics.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0024] Any modern version of two general types of color-measuring instruments, calorimeters and spectrophotometers, is an example of instruments suitable for the hair color measurement according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. The basic components of either type of instrument are a light source, a sample illumination and viewing arrangement, a means of selecting certain wavelengths of light for the measurement, a detector of the light reflected from the sample, and some relatively simple computing capacity. In commercially available instruments the main purposes of the computing capacity are to store and apply calibration information and to calculate various color coordinates for later use. In FIG. 1, a color measuring instrument 10 is illustrated. An individual person's hair 11 is illuminated by the instrument as generally indicated by the broken line arrow 12, and the instrument receives illumination reflected from the hair 11 as generally indicated by the broken line arrow 13. Based on the illumination received by reflection from the hair, the instrument 10 develops the coordinates Y, x and y. In FIG. 1 the instrument 10 is a colorimeter, commercially available and suitable for development of the values Y, x and y.
[0025] Another type of instrument that can be used in the hair color categorization method according to this invention is the spectrophotometer that measures the hair reflectance at discrete wavelengths and from these data derives tristimulus values, from which can be computed the Hunter color values used to measure hair color for the purposes discussed below.
[0026] Important to the use of a commercial colorimeter of the kind employed for the color measurement instrument 10 of FIG. 1 is the calibration of the instrument using a standard. In the early use of an instrument of this kind by the inventors, the “Light Skin” sample from the Macbeth Color Checker, described in the publication of C. S. McCamy, H. Marcus, and J. G. Davidson, “A Color-Rendition Chart,” J. Appl. Photogr. Eng. 2, 95-99 (1976) was used. A tile of this approximate color was selected for its greater durability as an instrument standard. It was found, however, that the use of the “Light Skin” painted paper as the primary standard did not adequately avoid the phenomenon known as metamerism, by which objects that look alike (have the same perceived color) under some kinds of light sources or to some observers do not match under other types of light sources or to other observers. By this phenomenon colorimeters may not read their colors the same as the average human observer would under the daylight type light source usually employed for visual observation. This, then could lead to an error in calorimeter calibration.
[0027] As an improved primary standard, the skin of a subject whose skin color measurements were highly reproducible and in the approximate center of the range of skin colors of the human population was selected. The spectral reflectance factors of the skin of this subject were carefully measured on a Macbeth 1500 Plus spectrophotometer (Macbeth, New Windsor, N.Y.); these data are given in column 2 of Table I at the wavelengths listed in column 1. By using well-established techniques of computer color matching, carried out on an ACS 1800 system equipped with an ACS SpectroSensor II color measuring instrument (Datacolor International, Lawrenceville, N.J.) a colorant formulation matching this skin color was developed. The spectral reflectance factors for this match are given in column 3 of Table I. It may be seen that the data closely match those of column 2, indicating the absence of metamerism. Calculations according to the CIE 1976 CIELAB system showed that the two data sets match to within 0.27-0.36 units, less than can be perceived by human color vision, for daylight, incandescent light, and cool white fluorescent light, the three most commonly used light sources for the proposed applications.
[0028] The above-mentioned formulation was made up in a stable, durable material, and tiles were prepared as instrument standards. The spectral reflectance factors of one of these tiles are given in column 4 of Table I. It was found, however, that the improvement in calibration resulted in color coordinates that were significantly different from those obtained in the many studies made with the earlier system. A decision was made to adjust the calibration values of the new tiles in order to achieve consistent results between the new and old methods of calibration. Colum 5 of Table I gives the adjusted set of spectral reflectance factors for the tile of column 4. The CIE and Hunter color coordinates, for measurement with the specular coponents excluded and calculated for CIE standard illuminant C and the 1931 2° CIE standard observer, are also tabulated for each of the samples in the table.
[0029] With a suitable standard, basically, calibration is carried out by forcing the calorimeter 10 to give the desired color coordinates Y, x and y mentioned above, while utilizing the calorimeter with the standard tile chosen. The method of calibration is known for particular instruments and follows a series of steps prescribed by the manufacturer that need not be detailed here.
[0030] In hair color analysis, prior to each test of a subject the subject's hair should be free of dirt. The site should be well dried to avoid any wetness which may interfere with the reflection of light from the hair 11 to the instrument 10. In all cases with the instrument correctly calibrated, the instrument's measuring head or instrument orifice is placed against the site to be measured. Care is taken to avoid the admission of ambient light to the instrument. Pressing the instrument head firmly against the measurement site prevents the entry of ambient light. Additionally, it was determined that best results are obtained if one removes the instrument from the measurement site briefly, between illuminations. This can be provided for in software by a conventional delaying routine and, if desired, with an appropriate display instructing the user to remove the instrument briefly well away from the subject's hair.
[0031] In a calorimeter of the type shown in FIG. 1, at block 10 the instrument has an internal microprocessor or other computing capability so that it is able to develop the color coordinates Y, x and y from the measured values X, Y and Z (Y being the same in each case). Certain calorimeters develop the Hunter color coordinates L, a and b. Since the degree of computation that the color measuring device 10 (i.e. colorimeter or spectrophotometer) internally performs varies, the manner of calculating the Hunter values from the tristimulus coordinates is useful to an understanding and practice of the invention and will enable correct use of a CPU by appropriate calculation to perform the invention with any commercially available calorimeter or spectrophotometer. Most modern color measuring instruments begin with measurement of the tristimulus values X, Y and Z. From these can be derived the CIE chromaticity coordinates x and y:
[0032] x=X/(X+Y+Z) (1)
[0033] y=Y/(X+Y+Z) (2)
[0034] The instrument 10 of FIG. 1 outputs the triplet of values x, y and Y as the starting point for further calculations by a central processing unit which can be dedicated microprocessor circuitry or personal computer 15. The remaining two tristimulus values X and Z are available by computation as follows:
[0035] X=xY/y, and (3)
[0036] Z=(1−x−y)Y/y (4)
[0037] In the preferred embodiment, in any event, the CPU according to FIG. 1 develops the Hunter values L, a and b. The Hunter L,a and b values are the three values derived by Richard S. Hunter in 1958. Richard S. Hunter, “Photoelectric Color Difference Meter,” J. Opt. Soc. Am. 48, 985-995 (1958). The equations for these are:
[0038] where L is a lightness coordinate whose values correlate better with the visual perceptions of the lightness of object colors than do values of Y; a is a coordinate denoting redness or greenness, for which positive values denote that the color is red rather than its opponent color green, and negative values of a denote the opposite; and b is a yellowness-blueness coordinate, for which positive values denote that the color is yellow rather than the opponent color blue, and negative values of b denote the opposite. For yellow colors, starting with a=b=0 and an appropriate high value of L, which would be a light grey, increasing positive values of b result in a series of colors that may be described as light yellowish grey, pale yellow, light yellow, brilliant yellow and vivid yellow, in turn. Thus b is a measure of the “intensity” of the yellow color.
[0039] In the particular arrangement of FIG. 1, wherein the calorimeter 10 produces the values Y, x and y, the computer 15 derives the Hunter values L, a and b.
[0040] Following the procedure represented in FIG. 2, the calorimeter is calibrated as described above in step 1. In step 2, the values of Y, x and y are measured for each of multiple sites on the subject's hair. Preferably the top, each side, the back of the subject's head, the color of the hair at the roots and at its ends, are measured. Three measurements are taken at each site. In step 3, the measurements are averaged to arrive at an Y, x and y for each site and, from the average for each site, Hunter L, a and b for each site is calculated.
[0041] In step 4 of FIG. 2, the values of Hunter L, a and b are compared to the values of Hunter L, a and b of the color categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 etc. of the Hair Categories table of Table II.
[0042] This, then, identifies the category of the subject's hair coloring at each of the measured sites. Each Hair Category in Table II, set forth below has in association with it the hair color name, such as Black-Cool, Darkest Dark Brown-Cool, etc., an identification of one or more manufacturer's “Levels” which are commonly indicated upon a manufacturer's product to indicate products recommended for individuals with particular hair color. In other words, the identification of hair category or classification can also indicate to the subject or the subject's hair specialist the designation or level that the subject should seek out in a particular manufacturer's line of products.
[0043] The Hair Categories Table II may further identify for the subject or his or her specialist the pigment designation given by the manufacturers to the particular color. In step 5, the color category for each match of measured site and the corresponding selected company's hair tone level is displayed.
[0044] The hair color categories for the several measured sites, then, can be used by the subject or her or his hair specialist to allow for accurate assessment of the hair color to be dyed and to choose a product for hair coloring. As will be appreciated, the category or classification may vary from site to site and this will inform the subject or specialist whether it will be necessary to use varying products or longer or shorter periods of application at varying sites to achieve a hair coloration desired. In other words, dark roots might be treated differently than light ends.
[0045] In accordance with the further method according to FIG. 3 steps 1 through 5, a hair coloring agent recommendation is made to achieve a subject's desired coloration change.
[0046] Such steps are the same as steps 1 through 5 of FIG. 2, discussed above.
[0047] Once having determined the correct color categories for each measured site, a menu of possible actions (Table III, set forth below) affecting hair color is displayed and one such action is chosen by the subject or hair specialist.
[0048] Using that selection and the hair color category, a database (Table IV, set forth below) is consulted as indicated at step 7 and at step 8 products are identified from Table V, set forth below of a given manufacturer that will accomplish the sought-after result.
[0049] The menu of hair color action choices available in step 6 as shown in Table III.
[0050] The database used in step 7 to arrive at a particular product that will effect the chosen hair color option for the particular person's hair category is shown in Table IV. Certain codes in this table that are used by this database require explanation. The same 75 hair color categories 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., and category names as appear in Table II are listed under the heading “Category Name.” Also under “Category Name” the Category Group, A, B, C, D, etc. is designated as in the table. Next, the ranges of Hunter L, a and b defining the category appear. Under the heading “CW Level” one of four levels of cool to warm is listed. In these the numeral “1” is coolest, “2” is a border color on the cool side of the cool-warm boundary, “3” is a warm color on the warm side of the cool-warm boundary, and “4” is a warm color. The “Level” column lists again the product manufacturer's “Level” designations like those listed in the table.
[0051] In the Table IV database, two manufacturers are listed for each category. Opposite each appears a series of numbers such as −1:01 −2:01 +1:02 +2:02. In each of these numbers the first digit represents an action which may be chosen from the menu of hair color options. For example in −1:01, the number “−1” means making hair color slightly darker. The number “−2” means “darker,” which is somewhat more darkening than “slightly darker.” The number “+1” means “slightly lighter” and the number “+2” means “lighter,” e.g. somewhat more lightening than “slightly lighter.” The number after the (:), “01,” is a direction to go to category group A. In category Group A, then, are identified the manufacturers products of :011. An index, Table V, set forth below, identifies products of each manufacturer. These are the products that will have the desired effect.
[0052] From the database of Table IV it will be seen, then, that, for example, to darken hair of Categories 2, 3, 4 and 5, “01” appears, making reference to Category Group A1.
[0053] The database appended as Table III was developed empirically by, first, measuring the Hunter L, a and b of an enormous number of sample hairs from the numerous Categories, then applying the colorants of the manufacturers to these hairs and again measuring the Hunter L, a and b to determine the color change effect of the hairs thus colored. This was done as well for the lighter ends of these hairs and for darker roots. This was also done for greying hair for use in the grey hair program described below. In this fashion the database of Table III was built.
[0054] Turning to the block diagram of FIG. 4 characterization of greying hair can be accomplished, following calibration of the instrument at step one, by selecting one's natural color from the following List Of Natural Hair Color Options by step 2.
[0055] Again, at step three Y, x and y for the natural hair is identified, either by measurement at a natural hair color site on the individual or by the individual's identifying hair swatches considered to be his or her natural color. From Y, x and y, Hunter L, a and b—three measurements are taken and then averaged to reach average Hunter L, a and b, or in the case of the swatch this may already have been done so that Hunter L, a and b for the swatch is known.
[0056] Further sites containing grey are then measured at step 4 to arrive at Y, x and y for these additional sites, which again may be the sides, top, back of the head, roots and ends. The same procedure is followed with three measurements per site to reach average Y, x and y for each site and thereafter calculating average L, a and b for each site. With the Hunter L, a and b for natural hair and the Hunter L, a and b for the greying hair determined, the table entitled “Calculation of Percentage of Grey Hair,” Table VII, set forth below is consulted, which defines the grey hair categories on the basis of percentage of grey (step 5).
[0057] The percentage grey thus identified is displayed (step 6) and this represents the category for an individual with greying hair. This characterization is used similarly to the previously described characterization or category of the table of hair categories shown in Table II.
[0058] In FIG. 5 the use of the grey hair identification as just described in a procedure for identifying colorants to achieve a desired result is indicated. After calibration of the instrument (Step 1) as described above, the steps previously discussed in connection with FIG. 4 are followed to identify the category of greying hair. Then, at step 7 of FIG. 5 from the menu of options appearing above, a selection of one of the 35 choices is made. With that, now the database of Table IV (step 8) can be used in exactly the same manner as described previously. That is to say, the category of hair is found, the option selected is chosen as −1, −2, +1 or +2. The Category Group designator, 01, 02, 03, etc. is used to identify the appropriate category family to go to and in that category family is found the identifier of manufacturer's hair colorants that will produce the desired result which is found in Table V (step 9).
[0059] In FIG. 6 a method of using an indicator table to choose hair coloring agents for compatibility with skin coloration entails taking 5 measurements for the subjects right cheek and calculating Y, x and y (step 2), following calibration of the instrument (step 1). Out of range readings are discarded prior to calculation of Hunter L, a and b based on the remaining three averaged Y, x and y readings (step 3 and 4). Using the value of Hunter b at step 5 it is determined whether the skin tone type is less than 11.5 and consequently cool or equal to or higher than 11.5 and therefor warm. Using this cool or warm designation the Table VIII, set forth below is consulted to arrive at hair color recommendations (step 6).
[0060] Table VIII is developed by assessment of Hunter b in the products listed to assess the warmness or coolness of those products and products are recommended that have the same proportion of yellow to blue as does the measured skin color.
[0061] In FIG. 1 the colorimeter 10 provides Y, x and y to the computer 15. The computer's memory 17 is divided into RAM and ROM.
[0062] In the system of FIG. 1, following the routine of FIG. 2, the CPU or central processing unit of the computer calculates the Hunter values L, a and b and stores these at selected addresses of the data portion or RAM of memory 17. The data RAM (or nonprogram) portion 18 of the memory 17 is indicated in FIG. 1a. A relatively permanent section 18aof RAM 18 stores the data of Table II. A more often revised memory segment stores the results of the measurements performed with the instrument. Based on a relatively straightforward program retained in the permanent ROM memory, from the measurements taken at intervals, the CPU calculates new values of Hunter L, a and b. The CPU compares these to the Hunter L, a and b values in Table II and indicates the appropriate hair color category from Table II, for example on the display 20.
[0063] To perform the procedure according to FIG. 3, the RAM memory 18 contains as well the information of the menu of options in Table III. These are called up and displayed at display 20 and, using an input device such as a keyboard 22 or a mouse, a selection is made. The selection is retained in the more temporary portion 18bof the RAM 18.
[0064] The CPU consults the Table IV database in the more permanent RAM section 18aand pulls up the appropriate manufacturer's product identifications in Table V for the choice of menu items and the hair color category. These are displayed on the display 20.
[0065] To accomplish the procedure of FIG. 4 the computer 15's RAM 18 retains the Table II information which includes the greying hair categories 61 to 68 and the Table VII, information giving the manner of arriving at percentage of grey hair. The CPU inquires of the user via the display or measurement and is given the natural hair color via the input. The CPU uses the Hunter L, a and b values and Table II to determine Color Category or if Table II does not yield a category the Table VII information is employed with Hunter L to arrive at a Category using Table VII. The category is displayed.
[0066] To perform the procedures of FIG. 5 the CPU determines the category-percentage of grey hair as above, from either Table II or Table III. The menu of selections, Table III is displayed and a choice is indicated. Using the choice and the category identified the Table IV database is used to indicate a group or “file” of manufacturer's products in Table V, which are then displayed on the display 20.
[0067] For the choice of hair coloring agent based on skin color the CPU determines if Hunter b is above or below 11.5 and based on this available selections from Table VIII, as set forth below are chosen and displayed.
[0068] While particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that revisions can be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
We claim:
1. A process for analyzing the hair color of a subject, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a measuring instrument the values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair;
(b) providing an indicator having a plurality of hair color classifications which define ranges of said color factors; and
(c) comparing the measured values of said plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair to said ranges of said color factors of said indicator, to indicate a classification of the hair color of said subject.
2. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises arriving at the values of a plurality of color factors that correlate to a measure of preestablished ranges of hair coloration.
3. The process according to claim 2, wherein step (a) comprises arriving at the values of a plurality of color factors that correlate to a measure of preestablished ranges of hair coloration in subjects having hair colorations of substantially varying degrees of lightness or darkness.
4. The process according to claim 2, or 3, wherein step (a) comprises arriving at the values of a plurality of color factors that correlate to a measure of preestablished ranges of hair coloration having establisted laboratory utility.
5. The process according to claim 2, further comprising the step of comparing the measured values of said plurality of color factors with a preestablished range of values of said color factors, to determine where within said preestablished range the measured values of said color factors lie.
6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the step of measuring with a measuring instrument the values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair includes measuring the value of a color factor that is dependent on relative content of red and green in the coloration of said subject's hair.
7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the step of measuring with a measuring instrument the values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair includes measuring the value of a color factor that is dependent on relative content of blue and yellow in the coloration of said subject's hair.
8. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises the step of providing said indicator in a computer memory and step (c) comprises comparing electronically the measured values of said plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair to said ranges of color factors indicating at least one hair color classification contained in said computer memory.
9. The process according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of indicating a menu of actions affecting hair color and providing a database of the hair color classifications.
10. The process according to claim 9, wherein said menu of actions affecting hair color is substantially as follows:
MENU OF HAIR COLOR OPTIONS
1. Match Natural Hair Color
2. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer
3. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler
4. Highlight Natural Hair Color
5. Make Natural Hair Color Slightly Darker
6. Make Natural Hair Color Slightly Lighter
7. Make Natural Hair Color Darker
8. Make Natural Hair Color Lighter
9. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Darker
10. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Lighter
11. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Darker
12. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Lighter
13. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Darker
14. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Lighter
15. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Darker
16. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Lighter
17. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer with Highlights
18. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler with Highlights
19. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer
20. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler
21. Highlight Tinted Hair Color
22. Make Tinted Hair Color Slightly Darker
23. Make Tinted Hair Color Slightly Lighter
24. Make Tinted Hair Color Darker
25. Make Tinted Hair Color Lighter
26. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Darker
27. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Lighter
28. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Darker
29. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Lighter
30. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Darker
31. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Lighter
32. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Darker
33. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Lighter
34. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer with Highlights
35. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler with Highlights.
11. The process according to claim 1, further characterized by the steps of identifying at least one of a number of broad families of hair colors corresponding to values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair, said indicator being arranged in divisions corresponding to said broad families of hair colors; locating the division of the indicator associated with the identified at least one broad family of hair colors and matching the measured values of said plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair to said color factors corresponding to said division to indicate a classification of the hair color of said subject.
12. The process according to any one of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the color factors are selected from at least two of a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L, a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a.
13. The process according to claim 1 wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and the hair color classifications are percentage of grey.
14. The process according to claim 1, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
15. The process according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the step of measuring with a measuring instrument the values of said color factors comprises measuring the values of said color factors at different locations of the hair of said subject.
16. The process according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the step of measuring with a measuring instrument the values of said color factors comprises making a set of multiple measurements of the values of said color factors and averaging each set of multiple measurements.
17. The process according to claim 1, wherein said indicator comprises an indicator of hair color classifications, hair coloring agent classifications and at least one commercially available product falling within each hair coloring agent classification.
18. An apparatus for analyzing the hair color of a subject, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for measuring the values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair;
(b) a memory having stored therein a plurality of hair color classifications which define ranges of values of said color factors; and
(c) means responsive to said values of a plurality of color factors measured by said means for measuring and for comparing the values of said plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair to said ranges of said color factors of hair color classifications in said memory, to indicate a classification of the hair color of said subject.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, said apparatus further comprising:
(d) an indicator for indicating a menu of actions affecting hair color;
(e) said memory containing:
(i) a database of the hair color classifications, and
(ii) menu action items; and
(f) means for locating in the database hair color classifications associated with a selected menu action item and said classification of the hair of said subject as determined by said means of comparing.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said menu of actions affecting hair color is substantially as follows:
MENU OF HAIR COLOR OPTIONS
1. Match Natural Hair Color
2. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer
3. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler
4. Highlight Natural Hair Color
5. Make Natural Hair Color Slightly Darker
6. Make Natural Hair Color Slightly Lighter
7. Make Natural Hair Color Darker
8. Make Natural Hair Color Lighter
9. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Darker
10. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Lighter
11. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Darker
12. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer and Lighter
13. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Darker
14. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Lighter
15. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Darker
16. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler and Lighter
17. Make Natural Hair Color Warmer with Highlights
18. Make Natural Hair Color Cooler with Highlights
19. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer
20. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler
21. Highlight Tinted Hair Color
22. Make Tinted Hair Color Slightly Darker
23. Make Tinted Hair Color Slightly Lighter
24. Make Tinted Hair Color Darker
25. Make Tinted Hair Color Lighter
26. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Darker
27. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Slightly Lighter
28. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Darker
29. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer and Lighter
30. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Darker
31. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Slightly Lighter
32. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Darker
33. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler and Lighter
34. Make Tinted Hair Color Warmer with Highlights
35. Make Tinted Hair Color Cooler with Highlights.
21. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the color factors are selected from at least two of a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L, a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a.
22. The apparatus according to claims 18, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
23. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
24. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized by means for identifying at least one of broad families of hair colors corresponding to values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair, said hair color classifications in said memory being arranged in divisions corresponding to said broad families of hair colors; and said means responsive to said values for comparing the values of said plurality of color factor values to determine a classification of said subject including means for locating the division of the hair color classifications in said memory associated with an identified family of hair colors and matching the measured color factors with the division corresponding to the at least one identified family.
25. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized by means for identifying at least one of broad families of hair colors corresponding to values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair, said hair color classifications in said memory being arranged in divisions corresponding to said broad families of hair colors; and said means responsive to said values for comparing the values of said plurality of color factor values to determine a classification of said subject including means for locating the division of the hair color classifications in said memory associated with an identified family of hair colors and matching the measured color factors with the division corresponding to the at least one identified family.
26. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized by a display for displaying a menu of action items affecting hair color and a database of the hair color classifications; and means for locating in the database hair coloring classifications associated with a selected menu action item and a determined classification of the hair color of said subject.
27. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising:
(a) measuring with a color measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor of said hair coloring agent, said at least one color factor being associated with a color characteristic of said hair coloring agent;
(b) providing a database of at least one preestablished range of values of the at least one color factor in association with the color characteristic; and
(c) classifying said hair coloring agent based on said measured value of said at least one color factor by comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with the at least one preestablished range of color factor values within said database.
28. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising:
(a) identifying a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent, when applied to a hair color sample, by measuring with a color measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the color characteristic of said hair coloring agent, when applied to a hair color sample of at least one hair color classification;
(b) providing a database of preestablished ranges of values of color factors associated with the color characteristics of hair coloring agents when applied to a hair color sample of said at least one hair color classification; and
(c) classifying said hair coloring agent based on said measured value of said at least one color factor associated with said color characteristic of said hair coloring agent, when applied to said hair color sample, by associating said identified color characteristic of said hair coloring agent with at least one range of color factor values within said database.
29. A process for identifying a hair coloring agent for a subject, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying a color characteristic of said subject by measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the color characteristic of said subject;
(b) providing a database of ranges of color factor values of hair coloring agents when applied to a hair color sample of at least one hair color classification and classifications of said color characteristic associated therewith in subjects other than said subject; and
(c) associating said color characteristic of said subject with at least one hair color classification within said database.
30. The process according to claim 29, further comprising the step of associating said color characteristic of said subject with the ranges of color factor values of hair coloring agents when applied to at least one hair color classification.
31. A process for analyzing the hair color of a subject, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a measuring instrument the values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair;
(b) providing an indicator having a plurality of hair color classifications defining ranges of said color factors;
(c) comparing the measured values of said plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair to said ranges of said color factors of said indicator, to indicate a classification of the hair color of said subject; and
(d) providing an indicator table of at least one classification of a hair coloring agent identified with the classification of the hair color of said subject indicated in step (c).
32. The process according to claim 31, further comprising the steps of indicating a menu of actions affecting hair color, providing a database of the hair color classifications, menu action items and associated hair coloring agent identifications empirically determined to effect said menu actions, and locating in the database hair coloring agents associated with a selected menu action item and indicated classification of the hair color of said subject.
33. The process according to claim 31, wherein said indicator and indicator table comprise hair color classifications, hair coloring agent classifications and at least one commercially available product falling within each hair coloring agent classification.
34. An apparatus for analyzing the hair color of a subject, said apparatus comprising:
(a) an instrument for measuring the values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair;
(b) a memory having stored therein a plurality of hair color classifications defining ranges of values of said color factors;
(c) means responsive to said values of a plurality of color factors measured by said instrument and for comparing the values of said plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair to said ranges of said color factors of hair color classifications in said memory, to indicate a classification of the hair color of said subject; and
(d) means for storing a table in memory of comparisons of a classification of hair coloring agent identifications with said indicated classification of the hair color of said subject.
35. The apparatus according to claim 34, said apparatus further comprising:
(e) an indicator for indicating a menu of actions affecting hair color;
(f) said memory containing:
(i) a database of the hair color classifications,
(ii) menu action items, and
(iii) associated hair coloring agent identifications empirically determined to effect said menu action items; and
(g) means for locating in the database hair coloring agents associated with a selected menu action item and said classification of the hair of said subject as determined by said means of comparing.
36. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the color factors are selected from at least two of a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L, a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a.
37. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a, and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
38. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b, and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
39. The apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising means for identifying at least one of broad families of hair colors corresponding to said values of a plurality of color factors in the coloration of said subject's hair, said hair color classifications in memory being arranged in divisions corresponding to said broad families of hair colors; and said means responsive to said values for comparing the values of said plurality of color factor values to determine a classification of the hair color of said subject including means for locating the division of the hair color classifications in memory associated with an identified family of hair colors and matching the measured color factors with the division corresponding to the at least one identified family.
40. The apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising means for displaying a menu of action items affecting hair color; a database of the hair color classifications, menu action items and associated hair coloring agent identifications empirically determined to effect said menu action items, and means for locating in the database hair coloring agents associated with a selected menu action item and a determined classification of the hair color of said subject.
41. An apparatus for identifying a hair coloring agent for a subject, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for identifying a color characteristic of said subject by measuring the values of a plurality of color factors associated with the color characteristic of said subject;
(b) a database of hair coloring agents and classifications defined by preestablished ranges of values of said color factors associated with the color characteristic of said subject; and
(c) means for associating said color characteristic of said subject with at least one classification within said database to identify a corresponding hair coloring agent.
42. The apparatus for identifying a hair coloring agent according to claim 41, further comprising means for associating said color characteristic of said subject with the ranges of color factor values of hair coloring agents when applied to at least one hair color classification.
43. An apparatus for classifying a hair coloring agent, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for measuring the value of at least one color factor of said hair coloring agent, said at least one color factor being associated with a preestablished range of values of said at least one color factor defining preestablished color classifications of hair coloring agents,
(b) a database of at least one preestablished range of values of said at least one color factor associated with said color classifications;
(c) means for comparing the measured value of said at least one color factor of said hair coloring agent with the at least one preestablished range of color factor values in the database to determine the location of said measured value within said at least one preestablished range of values; and
(d) means for identifying from said location of said measured value the color classification of said hair coloring agent.
44. An apparatus for identifying a hair coloring agent, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for measuring the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent;
(b) a database of color characteristics of hair coloring agents and preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor associated therewith; and
(c) means for comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with said preestablished, ranges of values of said at least one color factor in said database to identify the location of said measured value of said at least one color factor within said preestablished ranges of values; and
(d) means for identifying said hair coloring agent from the color characteristic thereof associated with the range of values of said at least one color factor in said database identified by said comparing means.
45. A process for analyzing the hair color of a subject, said process comprising the steps of:
For Color Categories listed above having grey (e.g. 61-68):
for Color Categories containing grey, not listed above:
where negative values denote values less than zero.
(a) compiling a group of lightness measure color factor value ranges in the hair color of subjects other than said subject, said lightness measure color factor being substantially that of color factor Hunter L; and
(b) associating with each lightness measure color factor value range a value of at least one further color factor for use in comparison with a measurement of the value of said at least one further color factor in the hair color of said subject having a lightness measure color factor value in said lightness measure color factor value range, said at least one further color factor having a value substantially that of at least one of color factors Hunter b and Hunter a, and the relationship between said lightness measure color factor value ranges and said associated color factor values being substantially as follows:
The “L” value of the natural hair (Site #1) and the value of the “L” from antoher site. If the other site's “L” value is from 1 to 2 points higher than the “L” of the natural hair, the category is: 40% to 60% Gray Hair
If the other site's “L” value is above 2 points higher than the “L” of the natural hair, the category is: 70% to 90% Grey Hair
If the “L” value is under 1 point increase from the most natural site (Site #1), then the category is: Low percentage of Gray Hair
46. The process according to claim 45, wherein step (a) comprises compiling the group of lightness measure color factor value ranges in machine-readable, tangible form and step (b) comprises associating said at least one further color factor value with each lightness measure color factor value range in said machine-readable, tangible form.
47. A method of identifying a hair color category for an individual, comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring the value of at least one color factor associated with the skin color of said individual, and
(b) comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with a database of hair color categories, in which the hair color categories are defined by respective ranges of values of said at least one color factor, to identify the range of values of said at least one color factor within which the measured value of said at least one color factor of said individual lies; and
(c) identifying the hair color category of said individual defined by the range of values of said at least one color factor within said database in which said measured value of said at least one color factor lies.
48. A process for classifying hair coloration of a subject, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the skin color of the subject to determine a skin color classification,
(b) measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the hair coloration of the subject,
(c) providing predetermined ranges of color factors associated with hair coloration of subjects which are compatible with at least two skin color classifications of subjects,
(d) determining the compatibility of the subject's hair coloration with the skin color classification by classifying the at least one measured color factor associated with the subject's hair coloration into the one of the at least two skin color classifications based on said predetermined ranges.
49. The process according to claim 48, wherein step (a) comprises measuring color factors substantially those of Hunter b and Hunter L.
50. The process according to claim 48, wherein step (b) comprises measuring color factors substantially those of Hunter b and Hunter L.
51. The process according to claim 48, wherein step (c) comprises providing predetermined ranges of color factors associated with hair coloration of subjects which are compatible with cool and warm skin color classifications of subjects, with cool being color factor values substantially those of Hunter b decreasing below a value within the range of approximately 11 to 12 and warm being color factor values substantially those of Hunter b increasing above said value within the range of approximately 11 to 12.
52. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying a color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample by measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample of at least one hair color classification, said at least one color factor being selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and said at least one hair color classification being percentage of grey, and
(b) classifying the hair coloring agent corresponding to said identified associated color characteristic by comparing the measured value of said at least one color factor with a range of preestablished values of said at least one color factor associated with said identified color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample of said at least one hair color classification.
53. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample having at least one hair color classification, said at least one color factor being selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and said at least one hair color classification being percentage of grey;
(b) identifying said associated color characteristic of said hair coloring agent based on said measured value of said at least one color factor; and
(c) classifying said hair coloring agent based on said identified associated color characteristic by comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with a range of preestablished values of said at least one color factor associated with said identified color characteristic when applied to a hair color sample of said at least one hair color classification.
54. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying a color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample by measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample of at least one hair color classification, said at least one color factor being selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and said at least one hair color classification being percentage of grey, and
(b) classifying said hair coloring agent by comparing the measured value of said at least one color factor with a range of preestablished values of said at least one color factor associated with said identified color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample of said at least one hair color classification to identify the hair coloring agent corresponding to said identified color characteristic.
55. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of said hair coloring agent when applied to a hair color sample having at least one hair color classification, said at least one color factor being selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and said at least one hair color classification being percentage of grey;
(b) identifying said associated color characteristic of said hair coloring agent based on said measured value of said at least one color factor; and
(c) classifying said hair coloring agent based on said identified associated color characteristic by comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with a range of preestablished values of said at least one color factor associated with said identified color characteristic when applied to a hair color sample of said at least one hair color classification.
56. An apparatus for classifying a hair coloring agent, comprising:
(a) means for measuring the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent, said at least one color factor being selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L, a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a;
(b) a database of color characteristics of hair coloring agents defined by preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor associated therewith; and
(c) means for using said measurement of said at least one color factor to classify a particular hair coloring agent by identifying said associated color characteristic within said database hair coloring agent.
57. An apparatus for classifying a hair coloring agent, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for measuring the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent;
(b) a database of color characteristics of hair coloring agents and preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor of hair coloring agents associated therewith; and
(c) means for classifying said hair coloring agent based on said measured value of said at least one color factor by comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with said preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor within said database, said at least one color factor being selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L, a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a.
58. A process for identifying a hair coloring agent for a subject, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying a color characteristic of said subject by measuring with a measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with the color characteristic of said subject;
(b) providing a database of ranges of color factor values of hair coloring agents when applied to a hair color sample of at least one hair color classification and classifications of said color characteristic associated therewith in subjects other than said subject; and
(c) identifying said hair coloring agent for said subject based on said measured value of said at least one color factor associated with said color characteristic of said subject by associating said color characteristic of said subject with the database ranges of color factor values of hair coloring agents when applied to said at least one hair color classification.
59. The process for identifying a hair coloring agent according to any one of claims 29, 58 or 30, wherein the color characteristic of said subject is skin color.
60. The process according to any one of claims 29, 58 or 30, wherein said at least one color factor is selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and the hair color classification is percentage of grey.
61. The process according to any one of claims 28, 29, 58, or 30, wherein said at least one color factor is selected from a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and the hair color classification is percentage of grey.
62. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a color measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent;
(b) providing a database of color characteristics of hair coloring agents defined by preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor associated therewith; and
(c) classifying said hair coloring agent based on said measured value of said at least one color factor by comparing said measured value of said at least one color factor with said preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor within said database.
63. A process for classifying a hair coloring agent, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring with a color measuring instrument the value of at least one color factor associated with a color characteristic of a hair coloring agent, when applied to a hair color sample having at least one hair color classification;
(b) providing a database of color characteristics of hair coloring agents, when applied to a hair color sample of said at least one hair color classification, and preestablished ranges of values of said at least one color factor associated therewith;
(c) identifying said associated color characteristic of said hair coloring agent from said database based on said measured value of said at least one color factor; and
(d) classifying said hair coloring agent based on said identified associated color characteristic.
64. The process according to any one of claims 27, 28, 29, 58, 30, 62 or 63, wherein the step of measuring with a measuring instrument the value of said at least one color factor includes measuring the value of said at least one color factor at different locations of the hair of said subject.
65. The process according to any one of claims 27, 28, 29, 58, 30, 62 or 63, wherein the step of measuring with a measuring instrument the value of said at least one color factor includes making a set of multiple measurements of said at least one color factor and averaging each set of multiple measurements.
66. An apparatus for identifying a hair coloring agent for a predetermined effect on a subject, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for identifying a color characteristic of said subject by measuring the values of a plurality of color factors associated with the color characteristic of said subject;
(b) a database of hair coloring agents and associated classifications defined by preestablished ranges of values of said plurality of color factors as measured after application of said agents to at least one hair color sample; and
(c) means for identifying said hair coloring agent by associating said identified color characteristic of said subject with the preestablished ranges of color factor values of hair coloring agents in said database.
67. The apparatus for identifying a hair coloring agent according to any one of claims 41, 66 or 42, wherein the color characteristic of said subject is skin color.
68. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
69. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
70. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41, 66 or 42, wherein the color factors are selected from at least two of a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L, a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a.
71. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41, 66 or 42, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter a and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
72. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41, 66 or 42, wherein the color factors are a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter L and a color factor which is substantially that of color factor Hunter b and the hair color classifications are percentages of grey.
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