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Original poster

HOC colour analysis. Worth the money?

67 replies

WiseKneeHair · 16/10/2014 10:34

I've often seen threads on here about HOC and which season people are.
I've looked into it and to have a colour analysis is £110 for 3.5 hours.
Now, I don't mind paying that if it will help me.
I just wondered what those who have done it think?
Fwiw, I'm mid 40's and sometimes think I dress reasonably well but at other times think WTAF was I thinking wearing that!
So, worth the money or not?

OP posts:
Raptorrrethy · 16/10/2014 14:09

I would love to have my colours done…I came close last year and then couldn't go in the end. Would anyone care to take a guess at my season?? I get very confused by the pink/blue skin tone part…I would say I am pinky but my inner wrists have very visible veins which thus look blue Confused

Hair - naturally mousey/dark blonde but highlighted honey blonde
Eyes - light hazel/amber/similar to highlighted hair colour, actually!
Skin - pale, burn easily, but not 'white' more light light 'golden'
I have always worn silver jewellery.
I love pastels - although I have no idea if they suit me - and I also wear many different shades of brown and, gulp, black. I never wear red or navy/royal blue or most greens (but I like pale, sage greens).
Anyone? Grin
I think I am a summer but after that I'm lost...

ElleMcFearsome · 16/10/2014 14:41

Wise thanks for this thread - I was about to write exactly the same post. I've got as far as looking up my nearest consultant - I've always been hopeless with colours and my teen DDs seem convinced that I have no idea what suits me (and they're probably right!) and I think I'll treat myself early next year.

Milmingebag · 16/10/2014 15:45

Rap- you sound more like a soft autumn based on the info you have given.

HandMini · 16/10/2014 16:21

Yay to this thread, as I've just booked my appointment for the beginning of December. Very excited. I have fairly pale/sallow skin and mousey (sometimes blonde highlighted) hair and I decided to do the colour thing because I think different colours can make the difference between me looking washed out and ill and looking decent. And stupid as it may be, I cannot work that out for myself.

luxaroma · 16/10/2014 17:00

I had it done last year. I disagreed with about 30-40% of it. I certainly don't suit all the colours in my autumn season...some of them make me look dead like beige or any of the lighter shades and mustard, some just lend themselves to looking very frumpy, not my style at all. It's helped me add some more colour to my wardrobe, I just remain unconvinced by the categories. I shouldn't be wearing black or navy or white but I really couldn't see the thing the consultant saw that suggested I shouldn't wear them - they look great on me. Smile

sansucre · 16/10/2014 17:12

I've been thinking about this for ages now, in fact, I even sent Shop a message earlier this week asking about her recent analysis!

So, after spying this thread earlier, I've emailed my nearest consultant and am just waiting for her to confirm when my appointment is. Very excited as I've been drowning in a sea of navy and grey for almost a decade now, and have almost forgotten how to wear colour!

Scarletohello · 16/10/2014 17:23

I had it done over ten years ago. I was an Autumn and really didn't want to be! I wore mainly black at the time and it took some adjustment to change. However it was so worth it as now I know exactly what suits me, have a wardrobe of beautifully matching clothes, love colour and frequently get compliments on what I'm wearing!

I think as you get older it's a good thing to do as black can be very draining and ageing next to the face.

Embrace colour!

Raptorrrethy · 16/10/2014 18:42

Oooh a soft autumn...off to google!
White looks awful on me...
Black I'm not sure...it's become a bit of a 'crutch' colour as I've for older.

Twinklestein · 16/10/2014 18:57

Before I joined Mumsnet I would have said no, as, surely everyone can look in the mirror and see what colours suit them. But I accept now some people find that hard.

Personally I think after 40, black, grey and navy against the face can be very ageing. I find that wearing the right colours against your face can make you look youthful, and is generally more flattering.

whatiswrongwithyou · 16/10/2014 19:01

I have just looked up my local consultants for HOC - all I will say is that it's firmly persuaded me not to bother...

msdolittle · 16/10/2014 19:02

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Hopefully · 16/10/2014 19:16

The website is dire. I may have mentioned it to them once or twice a week for the past few years. I'm in Devon and Travel is in Sussex Wink

TravelinColour · 16/10/2014 20:34

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Milmingebag · 16/10/2014 20:38

Puh-lease.

I thought you had to pay to advertise on Mumsnet.

TravelinColour · 16/10/2014 20:40

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

temporaryusername · 16/10/2014 20:43

Costs of doing it wouldn't be low for me (if I was a consultant) as I'd have to pay either to live somewhere with the space for it, or rent somewhere outside the home (which presumably would not be earning money for you outside class time). Also the training is an investment. If someone wanted to offer a cheaper service provided by an untrained person they could do that.

It is all about market forces in the end, not just covering your costs. In basic economic terms if there is a healthy demand then it is not overpriced.

Milmingebag · 16/10/2014 20:54

I think demand can be created through the repeated (false) message that the only way you can work out what colours suit you is to be draped.

Fair enough if you want to pay for the 'experience' aspect of it but it's not the only way and it is for a lot of people very expensive.

It is based on opinion not science.

I have had a look various consultants and the way their customers are styled by these companies and I have to agree it is not for me.

TravelinColour · 16/10/2014 20:59

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Milmingebag · 16/10/2014 21:00

Not angry in the least. That is your perception issue.

Littlemoocow · 16/10/2014 21:11

It's definitely worth the money in my opinion . I've always loved clothes and colours but thought that as I was pale and dark haired, I could wear most things. What a revelation it was to see how awful army green actually is on me when compared with pine green! And the subtle differences in shades makes such a huge difference. I had no idea that bright red and strong burgundy would be 10 times better than a soft muted red. These are the things that I think it's hArd to work out on your own. It's saved me a lot of money so it's been a real investment for me.

Original poster
WiseKneeHair · 16/10/2014 21:14

Thanks for all the responses.
Milminge I am a born sceptic and understand what you are saying, but as the money isn't a particular issue, I am going to give it a go. I haven't got much to lose except money and by the sounds of it, may benefit greatly. As I said before, I think that if I haven't managed to figure it out for myself by now, then I never am.
Unfortunately, Travelincolour and hopefully, I am significantly further north than both of you.
The consultant has emailed me back and offered me the 25th October, so DS3's social life permitting, I will give it a go.

OP posts:
Littlemoocow · 16/10/2014 21:15

Good luck, I'm sure it'll be brilliant!

Original poster
WiseKneeHair · 16/10/2014 21:18

Thanks Littlemoo, I'll report back Grin

OP posts:
Charitygirl1 · 16/10/2014 21:25

You do seem angry milmingebag! To be fair, I'm sure I would be too if I saw people being sucked into something I thought was of dubious value, promoted through 'false' messaging.

However, I LOVED my two HoC experiences. I dont think you can work it out for yourself, and I love my wardrobe about 200 times more than I did before. So sign me up for the cult!

InEveryDreamHomeAHeartache · 16/10/2014 21:34

I'm a "self-diagnosed" autumn and have an idea of the sort of colours that suit me but often think about having my colours done properly.

Can someone tell me who has had it done how easy it is to actually go out and find something in the right colours and do they have to match the swatch you are given exactly?

I find it so hard to find clothes that I actually like anyway; that aren't too short, too low cut, have sleeves, suit my body shape etc (not to mention can actually afford) and it seems that when I do actually find something I love, that it comes in a colour/colours that I know wouldn't suit me at all. When you factor in the style days and styles and details you should go for, what in reality are the chances of you actually finding all the things you should have in a single clothing item that match one of your swatches?

Hope someone can help, as this has always made me hold back from having my colours done.