Which term refers to the unrefined warm tones revealed during the lightening process?

The term that refers to the unrefined warm tones revealed during the lightening process is "contributing pigment." When hair is bleached or lightened, it doesn't just turn a single color; instead, the natural pigments within the hair interact with the lightening agents. These natural pigments, particularly the warm tones that can appear gold, orange, and red, are known as contributing pigments.

As the hair's natural melanin is broken down by the lightening process, these underlying warm tones start to emerge. Understanding this concept is crucial for professionals when choosing hair colors and making adjustments to achieve the desired end result. Recognizing the underlying warmth helps colorists predict how the hair will react to various coloring products and how to neutralize or enhance these tones effectively in the coloring process.

The other terms do not accurately define the warm tones revealed during lightening. Primary pigments refer to the foundational colors in color theory, base color indicates the initial color used before any manipulation, and storage pigment is not a common term used in hair coloring contexts.