Does AI Colour Analysis Work?

We tested three of the most popular AI Colour Analysis apps for you.

AI colour analysis is everywhere right now. From TikTok filters to dedicated apps promising to build you a complete digital wardrobe, virtual colour analysis has exploded across the internet. But can these digital solutions really replicate the expertise of an in-person colour draping session? We put several popular AI colour analysis tools to the test to find out.

How We Tested AI Colour Analysis

To give these apps the fairest chance of success, we tested multiple solutions for the first time, using optimal lighting conditions. We already knew the expected seasonal palette result, so we could accurately assess how well each app performed.

Traditional Colour Analysis vs AI Colour Analysis

Traditional colour analysis involves an expert stylist holding different colour drapes under your face while you sit in front of a mirror. They observe how each colour impacts your skin tone, guiding you to see which shades enhance your natural colouring and which ones drain you of vitality.

The process happens in real-time with professional lighting, and results in both a seasonal palette (Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter) and often a specific subtype within that season. Different systems exist - some use 12 seasons, others 16 - but the goal remains the same: to identify your most flattering colours.

AI colour analysis attempts to replicate this process using a selfie. These apps consistently emphasise the importance of good natural daylight, so we tested them using professional studio lighting that mimics daylight as closely as possible.

1. Style DNA's Colour Analysis Result

The first app we tested was one of the most heavily advertised on social media, the Style DNA Colour Analysis App. After answering questions about shopping preferences and style (which seemed more focused on general styling than colour analysis), the app delivered its verdict: True Summer.

This result was completely incorrect. Summer colours - with their light, cool, chalky tones - are among the worst colours for our test subject, who sits clearly in a warm seasonal palette. The app had misidentified not just the subtype, but the entire temperature undertone.

2. ChatGPT's AI Colour Analysis Result

Next, we turned to ChatGPT - not a specialist colour tool, but one with access to vast amounts of internet information. We uploaded a neutral selfie taken in good lighting and asked for a seasonal palette analysis.

ChatGPT also concluded we were a Summer, suggesting specific colours to embrace and avoid. Ironically, the colours it recommended avoiding - camel, tomato red, and olive green,are go-to shades in our test subject's wardrobe and among their most flattering colours.

TikTok AI Colour Analysis Results

This one was certainly a mixed bag!

TikTok offered several different approaches to colour analysis:

Filter 1: Input-Based Analysis 

This filter asked for specific details like hair colour, eye colour, and vein colour, then generated a result based on these inputs. It correctly identified the broad season (Autumn) but placed our test subject in Soft Autumn - the worst subset of the Autumn palette for them, lacking the depth and richness they need.

Filter 2: Visual Comparison Tool

Rather than providing a definitive answer, this popular filter allowed us to scroll through different palettes while seeing them against our face in real-time. While not diagnostic, this approach proved surprisingly useful for identifying which colours clearly didn't work - particularly light palettes lacking warmth.

Filter 3: Virtual Draping

This filter offered an appealing virtual draping experience. While not as accurate as real-life draping, it did help demonstrate that deeper colours looked better than lighter ones - useful guidance for someone beginning to understand their colour preferences.

The Limitations Of AI Colour Analysis

Even with professional studio lighting designed to mimic natural daylight, results were inconsistent. If optimal lighting conditions still produce mixed results, the accuracy drops significantly in typical home lighting situations.

The apps that performed best were those that didn't attempt to give definitive answers but rather allowed users to compare different colour options against their own face.

Our Conclusion

Be Cautious With AI Colour Analysis

The short answer is no - AI colour analysis didn't work reliably in our testing. Even in perfect lighting conditions, we received conflicting results, with only a 50% chance of getting the correct broad season. This doesn't feel like a reliable success rate for making wardrobe decisions.

However, there are some potential benefits:

Where AI Colour Analysis Could Be Helpful

1. As a starting point: If you have no idea about colour and want to begin exploring what works for you
2. For general guidance: Apps that let you see different colours against your face can help identify your worst colour families
3. Building colour awareness: The process can help you start noticing how different colours affect your appearance

The Bottom Line

While AI colour analysis apps might offer some general guidance for complete beginners, they're not reliable enough to base significant wardrobe decisions on. If you want to discover your true colours and build a wardrobe that makes you look and feel your best, invest in a proper in-person colour analysis.

Your most flattering colours are worth getting right - and for now, that still requires the trained human eye of a colour expert.

Our AI Colour Analysis Recommendations

If you're serious about discovering your most flattering colours, nothing replaces an in-person consultation with a qualified colour analyst. The human eye can detect subtle differences in how colours interact with your skin tone that current AI technology simply cannot replicate.

A professional analysis considers factors beyond what any app can assess: the way light reflects off your skin, how your eyes respond to different colours, and the overall harmony between your natural colouring and various colour families.

There is no need to use fancy apps. You can use our free online quiz as a great starting point. As long as you give accurate answers it will give you a good idea of your season based on your hair, skin and eyes. We also have our own Colour Analysis services at our Studio in Somerset with Kettlewell trained Stylists.