One of the most common conversations in the salon starts with a photo and ends with the question, “Why didn’t my hair turn out like this?”
The answer often has nothing to do with the colour itself. It comes down to choosing a shade without understanding the hair colour chart behind it.
Once you know how to read a hair chart, it’s much easier to choose shades that suit your natural hair, match your skin tone, and deliver results you’ll actually be happy with.
What Is a Hair Color Chart?
A hair colour chart is a numbered visual guide that organizes every hair shade by level, how light or dark it is, and tone, its underlying warmth or coolness. Stylists use it to match your current colour, plan a new one, and calculate exactly how much lift or deposit your hair needs.
It’s like a menu for hair colors, showing everything from platinum blonde to jet black in an easy-to-understand format.
These charts help you communicate precisely what color you want to your stylist. Instead of saying “light brown,” you can point to a specific shade and eliminate confusion about your desired result.
Key benefits:
- Shows actual color results, not guesswork.
- Helps compare shades side by side.
- Provides exact color formulas for stylists
Different brands create their charts with unique numbering systems, but they all organize colors by their lightness or darkness and the undertones.
Understanding Hair Colour Charts and Numbering Systems
Hair color charts use a clear and structured system to help you select the right shade based on level (lightness or darkness) and tone (the hue or reflection of the color).
Learning this simple numbering system eliminates the guesswork in choosing hair colors and enables you to communicate precisely what you want to your stylist.
Hair Colour Levels
The levels represent how light or dark a colour is. They range from 1 (black) to 10 (platinum blonde), with each level corresponding to a certain depth of color.
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Black |
| 2 | Very Dark Brown |
| 3 | Dark Brown |
| 4 | Medium Brown |
| 5 | Light Brown |
| 6 | Dark Blonde |
| 7 | Medium Blonde |
| 8 | Light Blonde |
| 9 | Very Light Blonde |
| 10 | Platinum Blonde |
Tone Indicators
The tone of a hair colour is indicated by numbers after the decimal point. These numbers show the underlying hue or reflection of the colour:
| Tone | Description |
|---|---|
| .0 | Natural (no added tone) |
| .1 | Ash (cool tone) |
| .2 | Pearl (cool, violet tone) |
| .3 | Gold (warm tone) |
| .4 | Copper (red-orange undertone) |
| .5 | Mahogany (deep red tone) |
Examples:
- Light blonde with no additional tones
8.1 Light blonde with a cool, ash undertone
Developer Strengths
The developer, measured in volumes or vol, works alongside your hair colour to lift or deposit pigment.
As a general industry guideline, higher volumes typically create more lift, though exact results can vary by brand, product line, and your hair’s condition, so always check the specific product’s instructions or ask your stylist for guidance.
| Developer | Strength | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5vol | 1.5% | Toning, minimal lift |
| 10vol | 3% | Permanent colour, level-on-level |
| 20vol | 6% | Standard for permanent colour, roughly 1 to 2 levels of lift |
| 30vol | 9% | Roughly 3 levels of lift |
| 40vol | 12% | High lift blondes, up to roughly 4 levels |
Because higher volumes are more likely to cause damage or uneven results, professional guidance is always recommended before using anything above 20vol at home.
About Hair Colour Tones
Hair tones refer to the underlying shades that influence the overall appearance of your hair colour. When you look at a hair colour chart, you’ll see a mix of these tones:
- Warm Tones: These shades have yellow, orange, or red undertones. They tend to make hair copper, golden, or reddish. Examples include golden blondes and auburn reds.
- Cool Tones: These have blue, violet, or ash undertones, giving the hair a more neutral or icy look. Ash blondes and cool browns are examples of cool tones.
- Neutral Tones: Neutral tones are a mix of both warm and cool tones. These shades create a balanced look and are not overly warm or cool. A neutral blonde, for instance, might have both gold and ash hues.
Each tone has its unique characteristics. Below are some of the most popular tones and their corresponding numbering systems.
Natural Tones (.0)
Natural tones have no added reflect, giving your hair an accurate colour result that’s neither warm nor cool. These tones are great for those looking for a true-to-life colour.
| Level | Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natural Black | A true black, no added warmth or coolness |
| 3 | Natural Dark Brown | Deep, rich brown with no additional tones |
| 6 | Natural Dark Blonde | A dark blonde with balanced warmth |
| 9 | Natural Very Light Blonde | Light blonde with a natural finish |
Ash Tones (.1)
Ash tones are cool tones with a subtle blue or green undertone, perfect for neutralizing warmth in blonde or brown hair. These tones are ideal for those who want a cooler, more modern look.
| Level | Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Ash Blonde | A fabulous blonde with a subtle grey undertone |
| 8 | Ash Light Blonde | Light blonde with cool undertones, great for neutral looks |
| 10 | Ash Platinum Blonde | A platinum blonde with strong ash undertones |
Gold Tones (.3)
Gold tones add warmth and richness to your hair colour. They create a sunny, golden hue that is perfect for those who want a bright, vibrant look.
| Level | Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Golden Blonde | A dark blonde with rich golden undertones |
| 8 | Golden Light Blonde | A bright, golden blonde with a sunny finish |
| 9 | Very Light Golden Blonde | A soft blonde with a golden touch that adds warmth |
Copper Tones (.4)
Copper tones bring a fiery red-orange undertone to the hair. This vibrant tone is perfect for those seeking a bold and striking look.
| Level | Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Copper Brown | Deep brown with bright, copper undertones |
| 5 | Copper Light Brown | Medium brown with a vivid copper hue |
| 7 | Copper Blonde | A rich, copper-toned blonde |
Mahogany Tones (.5)
Mahogany tones are characterized by deep reds with violet undertones, resulting in a vibrant color. These tones are perfect for adding depth and warmth to your hair.
| Level | Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Mahogany Red | A deep, red-brown with a violet undertone |
| 6 | Mahogany Blonde | A dark blonde with a rich, reddish violet hue |
| 8 | Mahogany Light Blonde | A medium blonde with rich mahogany tones |
|
Level vs. Tone: What’s the Difference? Level refers to how light or dark a shade is, ranging from black to platinum. Tone is its underlying warmth or coolness. A code like 8.1 means level 8 (light blonde) with an ash undertone, while 8.3 is the same level with a golden undertone instead. Both numbers matter. |
Hair Colour Charts: Understanding the Best Brands
Hair colour charts are essential tools for anyone looking to experiment with different shades of hair.
They provide a clear visual representation of the available shades from different brands, making it easier to choose the perfect hue for your hair.
Each of these brands has its system for numbering, categorizing, and showcasing hair colours to meet diverse hair needs.
1. CPR Colour Chart
CPR Hair Colour offers a wide variety of shades, ideal for those seeking high-quality colour and long-lasting results.
The CPR system uses natural technology and micro-pigments to offer rich, vibrant hues while being gentle on the hair. It is especially popular in Australia.
-
Range: CPR’s colour chart includes 137 colours, ranging fromblondes to dark browns, with various tonal options.
-
Ammonia-Free: Many shades in CPR are ammonia-free, making them a gentler option for sensitive scalps.
-
Numbering System: CPR follows the standard professional-level system, with shades numbered from 1 (darkest black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Tone is indicated after the level, similar to other professional brands.
CPR Hair Colour Chart Example:
| Level | Colour Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Light Blonde | A very pale blonde with minimal warmth |
| 6 | Dark Blonde | A natural dark blonde with slight warmth |
| 1 | Black | Deep, intense black. |
| 5 | Light Brown | Light brown with soft golden undertones. |
2. Wella Colour Chart
Wella is a renowned brand in the professional hair colouring industry.
Their colour charts are widely used by hairstylists worldwide, offering a vast range of colours suited for various hair types.
-
Range: Wella’s chart includes both permanent and semi-permanent colours, with a focus on natural tones, vibrant fashion shades, and toners.
-
Numbering System: Wella’s numbering system is widely recognized. The first number indicates the level of darkness, while the second number denotes the tone. For example, 8/1 is a light blonde ash.
Wella Hair Colour Chart Example:
| Level | Colour Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Lightest Blonde | Platinum blonde with ash undertones. |
| 8 | Light Blonde | Medium blonde with golden undertones. |
| 3 | Dark Brown | Rich brown with neutral undertones. |
| 5 | Light Brown | Light brown with a warm, golden base. |
3. The Shade Hair Colour Chart
The Shade hair colour chart is ideal for those seeking modern, high-quality results. The brand is known for its extensive selection of colours that caters to both professional salons and at-home users.
-
Range: The Shade offers a variety of shades that range fromrich brunettes to subtle blondes, with a special emphasis on neutral and ash shades.
-
Numbering System: The Shade typically uses a two-number system, where the first number denotes the level and the second number indicates the tone (for example, light blonde with ash undertones).
The Shade Hair Colour Chart Example:
| Level | Colour Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Light Blonde | Pale blonde with ash undertones |
| 4 | Dark Brown | Warm dark brown. |
| 5 | Light Brown | Medium brown with golden undertones. |
| 2 | Darkest Black | Deep black with no warmth. |
4. Lakmé Chroma Hair Colour Chart
Lakmé Chroma is known for offering professional hair colours with a rich selection of shades that deliver brilliant results while nourishing the hair.
It’s a popular choice for stylists looking to create vibrant, long-lasting colour.
-
Range: The Lakmé Chroma Colour Chart encompasses shades ranging from blondes to brunettes, reds, and even specialty colours, such as pastels and vibrant hues.
-
Numbering System: Lakmé uses a similar numbering system, with levels ranging from 1 (black) to10 (light). A tonal indicator follows each level.
Lakmé Chroma Hair Colour Chart Example:
| Level | Colour Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Light Blonde | A soft blonde with beige undertones |
| 5 | Light Brown | Medium light brown with soft golden undertones. |
| 7 | Medium Blonde | A warm blonde with a neutral tone |
| 1 | Deepest Black | Deep, rich black. |
Matching Your Skin Undertone to a Hair Colour Chart
Your skin undertone decides which shades on the chart will actually flatter you, not just which ones look pretty in the bottle. Match it right, and even a bold colour change looks natural against your complexion.
- Warm undertones (golden, yellow, peachy): Pair well with golden blonde, caramel brown, auburn, and copper shades from the chart.
- Cool undertones (pink, blue, red-tinted): Suit ash blonde, platinum, cool brown, and burgundy tones best.
- Neutral undertones (a mix of both): Have the most flexibility and can wear most shades on the chart with ease.
|
Grey hair has little to no pigment, so charts use a separate “.0” natural tone to fill it in evenly rather than just lighten it. Neutral or gold-based shades near your natural level cover grey best, since ash tones can look flat or translucent over resistant white strands. Always check the chart’s grey coverage percentage before choosing a shade. |
Not sure which you are? Check the veins on your wrist; blue or purple usually means cool, green usually means warm, and a mix of both means neutral.
Once you know your undertone, picking a flattering shade from any chart becomes far simpler.
How the Hair Colour Numbering System Works
Each brand follows a basic system of numbering its hair colours, but there are slight differences between them. The general idea remains the same, making it easier to find and understand the shade you want.
-
First Digit (Level): The first digit in the number system represents the depth or level of the colour, typically ranging from 1 (Black) to Blondedeedlight Blondedeede). The higher the number, the lighter the colour.
-
1: Black
-
5: Light Brown
-
10: Light Blonde
-
-
Second Digit (Tone): The second number or the digits after the decimal point represent the tone or reflect the colour. Some common tonal notations include:
-
.0: Natural (no reflect)
-
.1: Ash (cool)
-
.3: Gold
-
.4: Copper
-
.6: Red
-
.7: Violet
-
Example:
-
6.3: A dark blonde (level 6) with golden undertones.
-
9.1: A light blonde (level 9) with ash undertones.
How to Find Your Natural Hair Level at Home
Before you can pick a new shade, you need to know where your hair sits on the level scale right now. This quick check takes less than five minutes and needs nothing more than a mirror and some daylight.
- Wash and dry your hair first: Product buildup or old dye residue can make your natural shade look darker or duller than it actually is.
- Step near a window in daytime: Artificial or yellow indoor lighting distorts color, so natural daylight gives the truest read.
- Fan out a small section from the mid-lengths: Avoid the roots, since they can look darker from shadow, and avoid the ends, which fade with sun and styling over time.
- Hold a hair colour chart next to that section: Compare it against the level swatches rather than the tone swatches first.
- Match the closest level, not the closest tone: Get the depth right first (how light or dark), then worry about warm or cool undertones separately.
- Check in more than one spot: Hair often varies slightly between the crown, sides, and back, so an average reading is more reliable than a single strand.
|
Porous or damaged hair absorbs colour faster and darker than a chart predicts, since the open cuticle lets pigment in unevenly. Healthy, less-porous hair processes more slowly and is truer to the swatch shown on the chart. If your hair feels dry or over-processed, a colorist may adjust the developer strength or processing time so the final result still matches your chosen shade from the chart. |
Once you know your starting level, you can count up or down the chart to plan exactly how many shades lighter or darker you want to go.
Popular Hair Colors
Choosing the perfect hair color from the numerous options available can feel overwhelming, but understanding your choices makes the decision much easier.
This collection showcases the most popular hair colors, from classic natural shades to bold fashion statements, helping you find the exact color that matches your style and personality.
1. Roma Blonde (10NVA)
Roma Blonde is a light-toned blonde with purple and blue undertones. It gives a smoky, icy-blonde look by removing warm pigments, resulting in a natural light-blonde appearance.
- Best for: Blending grays, pale skin tones, and light eyes.
- Perfect for: Cool, pale skin tones.
2. Ash Blonde (7.1)
Ash Blonde has grey undertones that neutralize warmth, making it a cool and sleek shade. It’s ideal for achieving a sophisticated, icy finish without brassiness.
- Best for: Neutralizing brassiness.
- Perfect for: Cool to neutral skin tones.
3. Golden Blonde (6.3)
Golden Blonde provides a bright, radiant finish with golden undertones. It’s perfect for creating a warm, sunny blonde shade.
- Best for: Warm skin tones and those with golden undertones.
- Perfect for: Medium-to-dark complexions.
4. Honey Blonde (8.3)
Honey Blonde is a rich blonde with soft, golden undertones, offering a warm and inviting glow. Perfect for those seeking a naturally sun-kissed effect without being too light.
- Best for: Warm or neutral skin tones.
- Perfect for: Medium skin tones or darker eyes.
5. Caramel Blonde (7.4)
Caramel Blonde features deep caramel undertones and a warm, golden hue. It’s perfect for adding depth while keeping a natural appearance.
- Best for: individuals with medium to darker skin tones or eyes.
- Perfect for: Warm or neutral skin tones.
6. Champagne Blonde (9.1)
Champagne Blonde is an incredible, pale blonde with a subtle sheen. It’s perfect for achieving a sophisticated, neutral blonde without too much warmth.
- Best for: Fair to cool skin tones.
- Perfect for: Pale skin tones.
7. Vanilla Blonde (10.1)
Vanilla Blonde is a soft, cool-toned blonde with neutral undertones. It provides a creamy, blonde finish, ideal for those seeking a natural blonde look.
- Best for: Fair to medium skin tones.
- Perfect for: Light skin tones.
8. Ice Blonde (10.2)
Ice Blonde is an ultra-light blonde with platinum, almost white undertones. The blonde, edgy look is perfect for those seeking a high-fashion style.
- Best for: Very light skin tones with pink undertones.
- Perfect for: Cool-toned complexions.
9. Platinum Blonde (10.0)
Platinum Blonde is an ultra-light blonde with cool undertones. It creates a striking, dramatic finish, perfect for those who want an icy, almost-white blonde.
- Best for: Dramatic blonde looks.
- Perfect for: Fair to medium skin tones.
10. Dark Chocolate Brown (4.0)
Dark Chocolate Brown offers a deep, warm reddish brown finish. It’s ideal for adding depth and intensity while keeping a rich, natural appearance.
- Best for: Medium to dark skin tones
- Perfect for: Warm complexions
11. Deep Black (1.0)
Deep Black is a true jet-black shade that delivers boldness and intensity, perfect for creating a striking, dramatic look.
- Best for: A bold, dark finish
- Perfect for: Cool to neutral skin tones
12. Espresso Brown (3.0)
Espresso Brown is a dark, neutral brown with cool undertones, offering a sleek, sophisticated finish that remains soft and natural.
- Best for: Dark brown with cool undertones.
- Perfect for: Olive or cool-toned skin.
13. Rich Auburn (4.5)
Rich Auburn brings a warm, reddish brown base with visible copper glints that catch the light. It reads bold without tipping into full red territory.
- Best for: Adding warmth without a complete color change
- Perfect for: Warm skin tones and brown or hazel eyes
14. Mahogany Red (5.5)
Mahogany Red pairs a deep brown base with a wine-red cast that appears only in direct light. Indoors, it reads closer to a rich, near-black brown.
- Best for: A red tone that stays subtle day to day
- Perfect for: Medium to dark skin tones
15. Burgundy Red (5.6)
Burgundy Red leans more toward violet than any other red on this list, giving it a cooler, wine-toned finish rather than a fiery one.
- Best for: A dramatic red with a cool edge
- Perfect for: Cool-toned skin
16. Strawberry Blonde (8.4)
Strawberry Blonde blends blonde with red, offering a warm, inviting hue. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a natural, sun-kissed appearance.
- Best for: Warm golden undertones.
- Perfect for: Pale skin tones with a warm undertone.
17. Copper Brown (5.4)
Copper Brown keeps most of its base brown intact, with copper only showing as a warm glint rather than an overall red cast.
- Best for: Warming up brown hair subtly
- Perfect for: Medium to dark skin tones
18. Light Cinnamon Brown (5.3)
Light Cinnamon Brown offers a soft reddish-brown shade with a smooth cinnamon undertone. It gives a natural yet vibrant look while remaining warm and inviting.
- Best for: A subtle reddish-brown shade.
- Perfect for: Medium to light skin tones.
19. Sable Brown (4.3)
Sable Brown is a cool leaning dark brown with just a whisper of red, keeping it grounded rather than vibrant. It looks polished in any light.
- Best for: A refined, low-maintenance dark brown
- Perfect for: Olive or cool-toned skin
20. Plum Brown (4.2)
Plum Brown provides a dark brown with purple undertones. It offers a sophisticated shade with depth that doesn’t overpower brightness.
- Best for: A dark, cool-toned brown.
- Perfect for: Cool skin tones and dark eyes.
21. Dark Chocolate Cherry (4.4)
Dark Chocolate Cherry is a deep red-brown with chocolatey undertones and a hint of cherry. It creates an intense yet vibrant finish.
- Best for: Deep, rich red-brown with vibrancy.
- Perfect for: Medium-dark skin tones.
22. Mahogany Chestnut (5.6)
Mahogany Chestnut blends a nutty brown base with a soft plum undertone, giving it a muted richness rather than a bold red finish.
- Best for: Adding quiet depth to brown hair
- Perfect for: Warm skin tones
23. Rich Gold (7.3)
Rich Gold is a clean, sunlit blonde built almost entirely around yellow gold pigment, with no red or copper mixed in.
- Best for: A pure golden blonde with no warmth confusion
- Perfect for: Warm, golden undertones
24. Bright Copper (6.4)
Bright copper is a fiery, vivid shade with intense copper undertones. It creates an eye-catching, warm look that shines with vibrancy.
- Best for: Bold, fiery red tones.
- Perfect for: Warm skin tones.
25. Soft Black (1.5)
Soft Black is a jet-black shade with a touch more softness than true black, giving it a slightly less harsh, more wearable finish.
- Best for: A deep, natural-looking dark color
- Perfect for: Medium to dark skin tones
26. Deep Mahogany (5.5)
Deep Mahogany offers a rich, dark reddish-brown finish with vibrant mahogany undertones. It adds depth while delivering a bold, vibrant hue.
- Best for: Adding depth and warmth.
- Perfect for: Medium to dark skin tones.
27. Silver Grey (9.0)
Silver Grey offers a cool, ashy grey shade with silver undertones, perfect for a chic, modern metallic look. It’s a trendy choice for those embracing the grey hair trend or looking to add a touch of blonde to their hair.
- Best for: A modern, cool grey look.
- Perfect for: Cool or neutral skin tones.
28. Cinnamon Blonde (8.5)
Cinnamon Blonde Blonde golden blonde with warm, reddish-brown undertones. It’s perfect for adding vibrancy and warmth to blonde hair.
- Best for: A rich, radiant blonde.
- Perfect for: Warm to medium skin tones.
29. Copper Blonde (6.3)
Copper Blonde sits between gold and true copper, giving it a slightly deeper, more autumnal cast than a standard golden blonde.
- Best for: A blonde with noticeable warmth and depth
- Perfect for: Medium to light skin tones
30. Light Rose Blonde (9.4)
Light Rose Blonde combines blonde with soft pink, creating a gentle, feminine touch. This pastel blonde with a hint of pink is perfect for those seeking a subtle colour.
- Best for: A gentle pastel pink blonde.
- Perfect for: Cool, fair skin tones.
31. Soft Peach Blonde (8.5)
Soft Peach Blonde offers a pastel, peachy tone blended with blonde. It’s a fresh and playful hue with a natural warmth that works well in the spring and summer.
- Best for: Subtle pastel peach tones.
- Perfect for: Light to medium skin tones.
32. Dark Mahogany (5.4)
Dark Mahogany is the deepest of the mahogany family here, staying closer to brown than red and showing its warmth mainly at the ends.
- Best for: Warmth without a full red commitment
- Perfect for: Warm skin tones
33. Smoky Lavender (9.2)
Smoky Lavender uses a faint grey-violet cast over light blonde, giving it a muted, almost smoky effect rather than a visible purple tone.
- Best for: A barely there pastel accent
- Perfect for: Fair skin tones and cool complexions
34. Coral Red (6.6)
Coral Red combines red and orange to give a fiery, vibrant hue. This striking colour is perfect for anyone looking to make a bold statement with their hair.
- Best for: Bold, striking red-orange hues.
- Perfect for: Warm skin tones.
35. Golden Copper (7.3)
Golden Copper shares its code with Rich Gold above but pushes further into copper, giving it a warmer, more fiery finish than a straight gold.
- Best for: Bold warmth with more copper presence
- Perfect for: Warm skin tones and light to medium complexions
36. Amber Blonde (8.2)
Amber Blonde offers a soft, golden blonde with amber undertones, providing a warm and radiant glow. It’s perfect for those who want to brighten their hair with a smooth, sunny hue.
- Best for: Warm and radiant blonde tones.
- Perfect for: Medium to light skin tones.
37. Frosted Lavender (9.5)
Frosted Lavender goes lighter and icier than Smoky Lavender, with a frostier, almost white-lavender finish rather than a soft grey tint.
- Best for: The lightest, iciest pastel option
- Perfect for: Fair skin tones with cool undertones
38. Sunlit Copper (7.6)
Sunlit Copper is a warm, golden copper shade that shines brightly with sun-kissed tones. It’s perfect for those wanting to add vibrancy without being too bold.
- Best for: Vibrant, golden copper tones.
- Perfect for: Medium to warm skin tones.
39. Lavender Blonde (8.11)
Lavender Blonde features a mix of soft blonde with subtle lavender hints. It gives a nuanced, cool-toned pastel look with a stylish, understated twist.
- Best for: Cool, pastel shades.
- Perfect for: Fair skin tones with pink or neutral undertones.
Recommended Hair Color Care Products
To maintain your perfect hair color from the chart, these professional-grade products will protect your investment and keep your shade vibrant between salon visits.
Each brand offers specialized formulations designed to work with specific color levels and tones.
1. The Shade
Colour Protection Shampoo & Conditioner Duo – Features pomegranate extract and grape seed oil for intensive conditioning of color-treated hair. Ammonia-free formula with botanical extracts provides salon-quality maintenance at home.
Regular Colour Kit – Contains vivid violet pigments to neutralize brassiness in blonde hair. Italian-manufactured formula offers 100% grey coverage with PPD-free ingredients.
2. CPR
Colour Anti-Fade Shampoo – A sulphate-free formula with UV filters, specifically designed for Australian climate conditions. Contains cell repair proteins and natural botanicals for superior color protection.
Serious Blonde Intensive Toning Masque – Professional-strength violet and blue micro-pigments with flexible 5-15 minute processing times. Features 360° Shine Complex for blonde vibrancy and tone correction.
3. Wella
ColorMotion+ Color Protection Shampoo & Conditioner Duo – Professional treatment with WellaPlex+ bond-building technology for color protection and strengthening. Provides up to 8 weeks of color protection with 99% less breakage in damaged color-treated hair.
ColorMotion+ Structure Mask – An intensive treatment mask featuring antioxidants and metal purifier technology. Creates 12x smoother hair while locking in color vibrancy and protecting against environmental damage.
4. Lakmé Chroma
TEKNIA Color Stay Shampoo & Conditioner – Acidic pH formulations that seal cuticles for 50% more color protection. Incorporates organic acai and sunflower seed extract with up to 99% derived ingredients.
TEKNIA Deep Care Shampoo & Conditioner – Strengthens internal hair bonds with paraben-free, mineral oil-free formula. A plant-derived molecule system provides intensive repair for damaged, color-treated hair.
How to Use This Information
Now that you understand hair color charts, here’s how to use this knowledge:
- Look at your natural hair color – What level is it? This helps you know the amount of work required.
- Decide on your goal – Do you want to go lighter, darker, or change the tone?
- Consider your lifestyle – How much time do you want to spend on maintenance?
- Test first – Try a small section or use temporary color to see if you like it.
- Talk to a professional – Show them the exact shade from a color chart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, many people make simple mistakes that can lead to disappointing hair color results.
Learning about these common pitfalls will help you avoid costly errors and achieve the beautiful color you’re dreaming of.
| Mistake | Why It Matters | What To Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping the patch test | Can cause severe allergic reactions | Always test 24 hours before coloring |
| Going too extreme at once | It can severely damage your hair | Make significant changes gradually over time |
| Ignoring natural undertones | Creates unflattering color combinations | Please work with your undertones, not against them |
| Forgetting about eyebrows | Mismatched brows look unnatural | Adjust brow color to complement new hair |
| Coloring damaged hair | Poor color absorption and uneven results | Repair hair health before coloring |
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your desired hair color in natural lighting to show your stylist. Phone screens and magazine prints can display colors differently than they appear, leading to miscommunication about your goals.
Conclusive Thoughts
A hair colour chart is more than a collection of shades. It’s a practical tool that helps you understand levels, tones, and how different colors are likely to look on your hair.
Taking a few minutes to identify your natural level and undertone before choosing a color can make a noticeable difference in the final result.
Keep a hair chart handy the next time you’re planning a color change, and you’ll be far better prepared to choose a shade with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know What Level My Natural Hair Colour Is?
Check your hair in natural daylight and compare the mid-lengths to a hair colour level chart. This gives the most accurate match.
What Does the Number After the Decimal Point Mean on a Hair Colour Chart?
The number after the decimal shows the hair colour tone, such as ash, gold, or copper. The number before it indicates the colour level.
Can I Mix Two Tones to Create a Custom Shade?
Yes, you can mix compatible hair colour tones to create a custom shade. Always check the brand’s mixing recommendations for the best results.
How Often Should I Redo My Colour to Match My Chart Shade?
Most permanent hair colours need a touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks. Fashion shades may need refreshing more often because they fade faster.
Should I Choose a Warmer or Cooler Tone to Cover Greys?
Neutral or warm tones usually provide better grey coverage than cool ash shades. They often produce a more even and natural-looking result.
