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How does colour effects us

Colour has always been a key aspect throughout history - art, religion and some forms of spiritual healing have all derived meaning from certain colours and the feelings that they invoke. We derive meaning from red to stop and green to go, black to show menace and fear, whilst white defined beauty and goodness.

When we are children, whilst our brains are still growing, we begin to discern colours such as red, before others. This is because we perceive these colours through the hypothalamus, making us sensitive towards the frequencies of certain colours, red being the highest and therefore the first we see.

As we age, our perceptions of these colours change.

The Basics of Colour

Hue: Hues, the names of colours and their colour families, are the colours we perceive. This is attributed to the wavelengths of the colours themselves.

Value: The lightness or darkness of a colour is based on its value. The lighter a colour is, the higher its value, with white at the very top of the scale, and black at the very bottom. Value is added or removed by adding white or black respectively.

Intensity: Also known as the chroma. Weaker intensity colours have a more faded appearance, whilst higher intensity colours have a more powerful quality to them.

The psychological attributes of colours are deeply-seated in our sub consciousness, affecting our emotions and responses to them. Whatever the occasion, there is a colour to suit it.

Different colours will spark different emotions.

Red: The Base Chakra - The Element of Earth - Red is the most powerful colours, symbolising strength and raw emotion as well as grounding and the Earth. Naturally, red is classically used in a romantic sense, but can also be utilised sparingly in the workplace to demonstrate power and authority.

Pink and Peach - Are delicate, feminine, compassionate and calming. They project less energy than red. They can be worn by men exceptionally well, especially when contrasted with deeper colours, a pink tie worn with a charcoal suit for example. A peach shirt with stone chinos at the weekend.

Orange - The Second Chakra - Sacral, just below the belly button, Element Water Stands for fire and sunlight. Orange is like red, but toned down in intensity. It can reflect friendliness and liveliness. It is a 'happy' colour and loved by children, hence it is used extensively in children's toys, clothes, games etc.

Yellow: The Third Chakra - The Element of Fire - Yellow isn't as fierce as orange or red, and allows for a more receptive, approachable appearance.

Green: The Fourth Chakra - The Element of Air - Green is one of the more dualistic colours, either representing tranquillity and order or drama and tension depending on where it is worn.

Blue: The Fifth Chakra - The Element of Space - One of the most versatile neutral colours, lighter shades show peace and calm, whilst darker shades show authority and control. Navy, in particular, is a great colour for communication.

Purple: The Sixth Chakra - The Element of Light - Commonly associated with aristocracy and mysticism, purple invokes a creative, artistic feel.

Brown - Is associated with the ground, dirt and earth. It creates a feeling of comfort, sincerity and casualness.

Black - Stands for the night, power, mystery and dignity. It has been one of the most well used fashion colours.

Grey: Basic levels of grey invoke neutrality, mediation and conservatism, darker greys show authority and seniority.

White: The Seventh Chakra - Symbolic of light and divinity, white is a very pure, clean colour.

Now you know the unconscious power of colour, I'm sure you'll begin to use them with care. More vibrant colours, such as oranges, pinks and reds, can give you a boost early in the day, although you may need to consider the reactions of those around you.

Experiment with different colours and your mood and discover for yourself just how powerful colour is, it's a lot more than what colour lipstick you can wear!