Why I Prioritize Color Drapes Over Natural Coloring
- Personal Color Systems I Have Studied and Applied
At present, I have studied and practically applied two different personal color systems: the American Colortime system and the Japanese JPCA personal color system.
These two systems differ quite significantly in both their underlying philosophy and diagnostic approach.
- The Concept of the American Colortime System
The American Colortime system classifies personal color into three main categories: Sunrise / Sunlight / Sunset, and additionally provides a set of Crossover colors that are considered suitable for everyone.
In terms of diagnosis, Colortime focuses on analyzing a person’s natural coloring—such as hair color, skin tone, and eye color—and then selecting colors that are similar to and harmonious with those innate characteristics.
- The Core Perspective of the Japanese JPCA Personal Color System
In contrast, the Japanese JPCA personal color system clearly emphasizes that:
Only through the use of color drapes—and by evaluating the four attributes of color (base, value, chroma, and clarity)—can one accurately determine a person’s true personal color.
For this reason, analyzing hair color, skin tone, or eye color does not constitute part of the JPCA personal color diagnostic process.
- Differences Between the Two Systems and My Practical Observations
At first glance, both systems appear to have well-established theoretical frameworks.
However, in practical application, I find that the American Colortime system has a limitation that is difficult to overlook: its diagnosis relies heavily on the analyst’s visual judgment.
The analyst subjectively evaluates a client’s natural coloring and then infers which colors appear similar and harmonious. As a result, the information gathered is relatively limited and can easily lead to oversimplified conclusions, such as:
“Bluish skin tone → suitable for blue-based colors”
“Yellowish skin tone → suitable for yellow-based colors.”
In reality, individual differences are far more complex.
Some people with yellowish skin tones actually require blue-based colors to neutralize the yellow cast and make the complexion appear brighter.
Others, despite also having yellowish skin tones, look more harmonious when wearing yellow-based colors that enhance warmth and vitality.
Judging personal color solely by similarity to one’s natural coloring often fails to explain these differences.
- Why I Choose the JPCA System in My Professional Practice
For this reason, when conducting personal color consultations for my clients, I choose to use the Japanese JPCA personal color system.
The reason is simple: color drapes provide abundant, concrete, and observable evidence.
By testing different colors, I can clearly see how a client’s appearance changes under each condition. From these visible reactions, I can logically infer which color attributes are truly suitable for that individual.
More importantly, this process intentionally removes abstract concepts such as “style,” “atmosphere,” or “vibe.”
JPCA focuses on clear, verifiable phenomena, such as:
• A certain color making dark circles more pronounced
• A certain color causing the cheeks to appear sunken
• A certain color draining color from the lips and making them look pale
From these observations, it becomes possible to determine which color attributes are unsuitable.
- For Those Who Are Searching for Their Personal Color
If you are someone who wants to discover your personal color through observable, objective changes rather than descriptive impressions of “vibe” or “image,” I would recommend choosing a diagnosis conducted by a JPCA-certified analyst using color drapes.
This is not simply about whether a color looks good on you, but about understanding what effect color actually has on your appearance.
