What are complementary colors on the color wheel?

Complementary colors are defined as those that are positioned directly opposite each other on the color wheel. This specific relationship means that when paired together, these colors create a high contrast and can enhance each other’s intensity. For example, blue and orange are complementary colors; when used together in design or artwork, they make each other appear more vibrant. This understanding is essential in barbering, particularly in color theory, as stylists may use complementary colors to create striking looks that draw attention and enhance a client's features.

The other options diverge from this definition. For instance, while blending well together can refer to analogous colors that sit next to each other on the wheel, it does not capture the unique contrast of complementary colors. Identical colors would simply be duplicates rather than contrasting pairs. Lastly, shades of the same color refer to varying tones or tints of a single hue, which is quite distinct from the idea of complementary opposites.