diff --git a/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme b/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme
index 77ed4d92..a939d861 100644
--- a/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme
+++ b/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ VCS_STAGED_ICON='✚'
 # color scheme
 ################################################################
 
+local DEFAULT_COLOR DEFAULT_COLOR_INVERTED DEFAULT_COLOR_DARK
 if [[ $POWERLEVEL9K_COLOR_SCHEME == "light" ]]; then
 	DEFAULT_COLOR=white
 	DEFAULT_COLOR_INVERTED=black