What psychology says about the color red: who likes it and who uses it

People are surrounded by a colorful world; among all shades, red is the most important and important. In psychology, the color red has the greatest impact on the psyche. Moreover, scientists believe that it was this shade that humans began to distinguish very first, despite the fact that it is not so common in the natural world around us.

The red spectrum has the strongest effect

Significance in psychology

The psychological influence of color turns out to be primary on the emotional state of people - emotions can be excited from one spectrum, and inhibited from others. Warm colors can affect the excitability of the psyche. The effect of the red shade does not end there:

Scarlet evokes the strongest expression of emotions in people compared to other shades. In this case, the reaction to color can be either excessive joy or vice versa – irritability. In this regard, psychologists often recommend limiting the amount of this color in your environment at home and at work.
Gives strength, promotes activity, increased productivity. People under the influence of this spectrum experience a short surge of emotions, followed by fatigue and emptiness. Therefore, in order to use the spectrum as a long-lasting stimulus for energy, it is worth choosing a calmer version.
A bright and visible color is often used as a warning symbol. Sometimes this is explained by its resemblance to a flame, which people subconsciously fear.

Scarlet in psychology affects people regardless of cultural background. The general impression and reaction to a particular spectrum are the same for people. This confirms the fact that even animals that can distinguish the red spectrum show the same reaction as humans.

Men

Scientists confirm that this color causes a subconscious association with desire, sensuality and sexuality. Indeed, according to statistics, men prefer girls in red clothes more often than others. They are invited on a date, given gifts and are willing to spend more than on a girl dressed in any other color. However, the men themselves deny the influence of scarlet in their choice.

Red has a rather raw energy that suits men in many ways. Therefore, lovers of this shade can be called persistent and persistent, leaders by nature. These are people who are true to their goals. Sometimes they can show excessive cruelty.

Red lovers are strong individuals with faith in their goals.

Women

Red is often found in a woman's wardrobe or home environment, but this is not always justified by fashion trends, sometimes it is a personal preference. If a girl chooses red for herself, then this characterizes her as a strong personality who values personal boundaries and freedom. She prefers to act based on her own interests and desires. She expects others to share her opinion. At the same time, girls who prefer this spectrum are soft and passionate in nature. These ladies value life, enjoy its happy moments and try to make sure that not a second of time is lived without benefit.

Children

Unlike adults, children always prefer bright colors. According to research, preschool children prefer red, yellow, and pink. Later it can switch to blue or green. The choice may largely depend on the gender of the child. However, those who prefer red among all are the most open and active children. They do not like to act by rules and believe that the children around them should listen to them. These kids love to act “to spite” their parents. Therefore, adults often have a hard time raising such children.

It is advised not to use scarlet in large quantities in children's or playrooms, since a child's fragile psyche may react inadequately to a large number of bright elements.

Shades

There are many shades of red and this must be taken into account when choosing suitable combinations. All existing shades can be divided into several groups:

Light . These shades are formed by diluting red with white. These include the whole range of pink and coral shades. Light red can be used to create vintage or retro looks, as well as rustic and ethnic looks.

Bright . These shades demonstrate the power of red. The group of bright shades includes pure red, scarlet, tomato, and rowan. Bright shades of red are especially good for country style looks. They are suitable for sports and evening looks.

Dark . Dark red includes almost all berry shades - cherry, raspberry, lingonberry, as well as the color of red wine and mahogany. These colors symbolize seriousness and stability, so it is fashionable to include them in business looks.

Who loves red

Yellow color in psychology - what it means for a woman, man, child

If people have a preference for one color, this may indicate their character traits and their prioritization.

This color is loved by active people who strive to become leaders and who try not to sit idle. These are people who love to feel freedom, clearly set a goal and follow to achieve it. They are not afraid of possible obstacles, so they often show qualities such as cruelty, pride, and excessive self-confidence.

If people like scarlet, it may indicate a desire to open up sexually. Thus, men try to look more courageous, proving their superiority in sexual terms. It’s the same with women who love this color - they attract attention and are liberated in the eyes of men.

Scarlet reveals sensuality and sexuality

Choice of stars

Famous people, movie and pop stars are used to attracting glances. Therefore, they often choose red dresses for special occasions. This is how Charlize Theron appeared at the 2016 Oscars in a red Dior dress.

Impact on the psyche

Purple color in human psychology - what does it mean who likes it?

Psychologists, using color therapy techniques, often turn to this color. What does red mean in psychology? It is a spectrum that has an exciting effect on people. Any shade (from the weakest to the most intense) has a strong influence on the subconscious, which means on the mood.

The ability of red from a psychological point of view:

Strengthens the active abilities of people. There is a powerful surge of strength. The tone from this therapy will be short-lived, followed by a feeling of fatigue. In order for the effect of therapy to be long-lasting, you should pay attention to the spectrum of calmer, but warmer shades.
Causes irritation. Sometimes mental irritation allows people to decide on actions that they cannot begin in a calm state. Excessive use of this method can subsequently cause an uncontrollable state of anger.
Causes a state of alarm. In the subconscious of most people, red evokes fear, associations with blood or fire; more flexible people may even experience panic attacks.

Who is it suitable for?

There is no woman in the world for whom the color red would categorically not suit her. You just need to choose the right shade. Age must also be taken into account. If young girls can create monochrome looks and wear clothes in the brightest shades, then older ladies should use dark tones and “dilute” them with other shades.

When choosing a shade of red, you should consider your color type:

“Winter” girls have a bright appearance; pure red, as well as shades of red wine and pomegranate, suit them well.
“spring” young ladies very well. The color of flame, coral, light tomato, brick will suit them.
Most berry shades, scarlet and wine, are suitable for “summer”
Representatives of the “autumn” are perfectly suited to brown-red tones, garnet, lafite, and cinnabar.

Use in interior and clothing

Green color in psychology - what it means in life, who likes it

The use of red in clothing can tell about a person some details of his character, desires and habits:

When things of this color are often found in a person’s wardrobe, this may mean that he likes to attract the attention of people around him, he likes to be in the crowd so that people talk about him.
Things or accessories speak of the courage of their owner, his determination and confidence.
In scarlet, strong personalities often appear who intend to break through and achieve new heights. Sometimes people specifically buy clothes of this catchy color to give themselves confidence and look strong in the eyes of others.
People wearing red clothes have an optimistic outlook on life and are emotional and passionate people.
However, psychologists do not recommend choosing this spectrum for your wardrobe on the days of negotiations or applying for a job. In a formal setting, this color can play a cruel joke and show a person as frivolous.

Using red in your wardrobe

The use of one or another shade in the interior may also indicate some characteristics of the owner of the apartment. What is the significance of red in psychology if you add this color to the interior decoration of premises? It is known that warm shades in the interior create a feeling of comfort, scarlet is one of them.

Important! This color in large quantities and saturation can enhance some emotions, so do not be too zealous with its use.

Features of application in the interior:

When choosing curtains or wall paint, it is important to remember that these interior pieces will take up significant space. Therefore, psychologists advise abandoning bright colors or making them muted. A large amount of red in a room can cause attacks of aggression. However, small elements, on the contrary, will create a cozy effect.
It is not recommended to use scarlet if a person suffers from hypertension or has problems with blood pressure.
If you correctly combine and maintain the number of bright elements in the decor of the room, the effect will be positive - the room will become a place where people accumulate strength and are filled with energy.
When decorating a festive area, be sure to use elements of red, since many people associate this color with solemnity.
This range of colors is often used in the design of kitchens or restaurants, since the color is responsible for increasing appetite.
Scarlet is also well suited for the hallway or gym - places where people stay for a short time. Here a person can recharge with energy and move on.
It is better to avoid red when decorating the interior of the bedroom, bathroom and especially the nursery. These are places where the psyche should be calm.

When decorating the interior, it is important not to overdo it with red.

Red is considered the most recognizable color of the entire spectrum. It has the strongest impact on the psyche. Depending on the amount and intensity, it can either give a short-term burst of energy or awaken aggressive emotions. Among those who prefer shades of scarlet, there are both men and women, all of them are freedom lovers, somewhat selfish, and at the same time cheerful and energetic people.

Psychologists use all shades of red in color therapy to give people confidence, strength and sensuality. You can do this yourself, surrounding yourself with elements of this color; it is important to remember that you should add it to your surroundings little by little. In large quantities, color can awaken an aggressive mood.

Origins

Red dye is one of the very first pigments discovered by man. Thus, the ancient Phoenicians learned to obtain it from a species of aphid that lived on trees. In Egypt, sunflowers were grown using their red-orange heads for dye. The Aztecs, like the Phoenicians, turned to insects: the red pigment of the cochineal beetle was valued very highly, almost worth its weight in gold, and artisans, mixing it with aluminum alum, obtained incredible color fastness of the fabric. Subsequently, in the 16th century, this dye came to Europe through the Spanish conquistadors, causing a real sensation.

Having brought the miracle dye from America, the Spaniards received an inexhaustible source of financial profit for several centuries: the Spanish red dye was valued throughout the continent, and its “discoverers” jealously kept the secret of its production. Naturally, as in the case of black paint, only wealthy people could afford this luxury: it was used to dye the clothes of kings, cardinals and the richest Europeans.

In Rus'

In our country, red has traditionally been considered a wedding color - no matter how surprising it may sound now. Madder root, a herbaceous plant containing a coloring pigment, was used to dye the fabric. Another source was scale insects containing carmine dye. This is where the ancient name for the color red comes from - scarlet. Special processing made it possible to achieve bright red and fiery shades with which the canvas was painted. By the way, the color red was held in high esteem in Rus': it symbolized fire, sun, life. It was present not only in wedding attire, but also in other products: towels and tablecloths were often decorated with original patterns embroidered by craftswomen. In everyday clothes, color could also be present, in the form of the same embroidery.

Synthetic substitutes

The first synthetic red pigment was obtained in the 19th century, called “magenta”. This discovery allowed all textile workers and artisans to get rid of the “Spanish dependence”. Over time, more and more new ways of dyeing fabric began to appear. Today, everyone can afford a high-quality red item, but the symbolism of the color remains the same: it is strength, power, fire and frantic energy.