The hair color level chart is the base tool every colorist uses to describe how light or dark a shade is. It runs from level 1 (black) to level 10 (extra light blonde), and each step carries its own hidden warm pigment. This guide walks through every level so you can read the chart with confidence.
Whether you color hair at home or in a salon, the level is the first decision you make, and tone comes second. Knowing both helps you predict the result, pick the right developer and avoid orange or brassy surprises. Each section below covers tone families, brand examples, pigment and the lift needed.
| Level | Shade | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black | ⬛⬛⬛ #141110 |
| 2 | Very dark brown | ⬛⬛⬛ #2a1d18 |
| 3 | Dark brown | 🟫🟫🟫 #3d281d |
| 4 | Medium brown | 🟫🟫🟫 #5a3b28 |
| 5 | Light brown | 🟤🟤🟤 #7a5337 |
| 6 | Dark blonde | 🟤🟤🟤 #96693f |
| 7 | Medium blonde | 🟧🟧🟧 #b88d58 |
| 8 | Light blonde | 🟨🟨🟨 #d3b076 |
| 9 | Very light blonde | 🟨🟨🟨 #e6cc9b |
| 10 | Extra light blonde | ⬜⬜⬜ #f1e2bf |
⬛⬛⬛ Level 1: Black (#141110)
Available tone families
Level 1 has the smallest tone choice on the whole chart. You will mostly find natural, ash, violet and red options. Natural gives a true neutral black, while ash adds a cool, blue-toned depth.
Tones: 🟫 Natural · ⬜ Ash · 🟪 Violet · 🟥 Red
Violet and red tones show up only as faint tints on such a dark base. They usually become visible in sunlight rather than indoors. Choose the tone based on whether you want a flat black, a glossy cool black or a hint of warmth.
Professional brand examples
Matrix SoColor offers 1N Black Neutral, and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal has 1-0 Black for a natural result. For a cooler look, Redken Shades EQ 01B Onyx and Alfaparf 1.11 Black Blue are good examples.
Joico LumiShine 1VV Violet Black gives a darker shade with a violet shimmer. Number systems differ between brands, so compare the shade name and tone, not only the digits.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
The underlying pigment of level 1 is very dark red. When this level is lightened, it shows a deep red-brown before anything else appears.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟥 Very dark red (#4a0f12) | 🟩 Green (matte base) (#5f8a5a) |
The neutralizer is green, usually found in a matte base. A green-based product cancels unwanted red, but remember that natural black hair is rarely the same level all the way to the ends.
⬛⬛⬛ Level 2: Very dark brown (#2a1d18)
Available tone families
Level 2 offers natural, ash and matte families. Natural shades look like soft black-brown, and ash shades give a cool, almost blue-black finish.
Tones: 🟫 Natural · ⬜ Ash · 🟩 Matte
The matte option is limited but useful for people who see too much red in dark hair. At this depth, tone differences are subtle, so choose carefully and judge them in daylight.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ offers 2/0 Black, and Matrix SoColor has 2N Natural Black. For a cooler result, Wella’s 2/8 Blue Black and Redken Shades EQ 02ABn Cool Ebony work well.
Redken 02M Midnight Ash is a matte example for this level. Always read the brand’s own shade name, because “black” and “very dark brown” overlap between lines.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
Level 2 hides dark red pigment underneath. Lightening it reveals a reddish tone that can look warm even when you wanted a cool brown.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟥 Dark red (#6b1a1a) | 🟩 Green (matte base) (#5f8a5a) |
A green or matte base is the neutralizer. Because the red is strong, correction is easier when you plan it before coloring, not after.
How to reach level 2
According to the general guideline, going from level 1 to level 2 needs 20 vol (6%) developer. This is a small shift, so it is mostly a gentle softening of black.
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 20 vol (6%) |
Treat this as a starting point, not a promise. Hair history, porosity and the product matter, so test a strand first.
🟫🟫🟫 Level 3: Dark brown (#3d281d)
Available tone families
Level 3 opens up many choices, including natural, violet, red, ash, mahogany, golden and copper. This is where dark brown can start to look warm, cool or rich.
Tones: 🟫 Natural · 🟪 Violet · 🟥 Red · ⬜ Ash · 🟫 Mahogany · 🟨 Golden · 🟧 Copper
Natural and violet are the largest groups, which is why dark brunettes often choose subtle shine. Red and mahogany add depth without making the hair look bright.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ lists 3/0 Dark Brown and 3/00 Dark Brown Intense Natural for strong gray coverage. Matrix SoColor offers 3RR for red and 3AA for ash.
Redken Shades EQ 03R Roxy Red is a gloss example, and Joico 3NA gives a natural ash brown. Compare these by tone, since each brand names its reflects a little differently.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
The underlying pigment here is still dark red. When bleaching or lifting begins, a warm red-brown appears first.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟥 Dark red (#6b1a1a) | 🟩 Green (matte base) (#5f8a5a) |
Green, usually in a matte base, is the neutralizer. Use it lightly, because too much can make dark brown look flat or muddy.
How to reach level 3
From level 1 or level 2, the usual guideline is 20 vol (6%) developer. The lift is modest, so the process is mild.
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 20 vol (6%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
Keep in mind that color alone does not lift much on very dark hair. Check the result on a small section before you apply it to the whole head.
🟫🟫🟫 Level 4: Medium brown (#5a3b28)
Available tone families
Level 4 supports all eight tone families: natural, red, golden, ash, violet, mahogany, matte and copper. It is one of the most flexible levels for natural-looking brunettes.
Tones: 🟫 Natural · 🟨 Golden · 🟥 Red · ⬜ Ash · 🟪 Violet · 🟧 Copper · 🟫 Mahogany · 🟩 Matte
Natural is the biggest family, followed by red and golden. Medium brown works well with warm tones for glow or ash tones for a cooler, smoother finish.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ has 4/0 Medium Brown and 4/3 Medium Golden Brown. Matrix SoColor offers 4A Dark Brown Ash and 4RB for red brown.
Schwarzkopf Igora Royal 4-88 Medium Brown Red Extra is a good choice for strong red. Pick the shade by tone name first, then confirm the number.
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Underlying pigment & neutralization
Level 4 reveals red underneath. This is why medium brown hair often looks reddish after sun exposure or light lifting.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟥 Red (#a02a1f) | 🟩 Green-ash (#7fa08a) |
A green-ash neutralizer cancels it. This balances red warmth without making the hair too dull or too gray.
How to reach level 4
Moving to level 4 from level 2 or 3 usually calls for 20 vol (6%). From level 1, the guideline rises to 30 vol (9%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 30 vol (9%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
A higher volume lifts more but also stresses the hair more. Use the lowest volume that gives the lift you need.
🟤🟤🟤 Level 5: Light brown (#7a5337)
Available tone families
Level 5 has a wide range, led by natural, golden, red and ash. Violet, copper, mahogany and matte are also available.
Tones: 🟫 Natural · 🟨 Golden · 🟥 Red · ⬜ Ash · 🟪 Violet · 🟧 Copper · 🟫 Mahogany · 🟩 Matte
Light brown is a popular level because it is bright enough to show tone and dark enough to look natural. Golden shades add warmth, and ash shades keep it cooler.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ offers 5/0 Light Brown, 5/3 Light Golden Brown and 5/1 Light Ash Brown. For red tones, 5/43 Light Brown Red Golden is an example.
Wella’s 5/82 Light Brown Pearl Matte is useful when you want to calm warmth. As always, test the swatch under daylight before you choose.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
The pigment at level 5 is red-orange. When lightened, hair can look copper or rusty.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟧 Red-orange (#c4421f) | ⬜ Ash (#9aa3a8) |
An ash neutralizer balances this. Ash helps cancel the orange part, but strong red may need a green-based correction first.
How to reach level 5
From level 3 or 4, the guideline is 20 vol (6%). From level 2 it moves to 30 vol (9%), and from level 1 it reaches 40 vol (12%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 40 vol (12%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 30 vol (9%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟫 Level 4 (Medium brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
Those higher volumes are advanced territory. Use them only on healthy hair, and prefer bleach for large lifts.
🟤🟤🟤 Level 6: Dark blonde (#96693f)
Available tone families
Level 6 is the point where brown turns into blonde. Natural, golden, red, ash, copper, matte, violet and mahogany are all available.
Tones: 🟫 Natural · 🟨 Golden · 🟥 Red · ⬜ Ash · 🟪 Violet · 🟧 Copper · 🟫 Mahogany · 🟩 Matte
Natural and golden lead the choices, which suits warm skin tones well. Ash and matte options help when you want a calmer, less golden dark blonde.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ offers 6/0 Dark Blonde, 6/3 Dark Golden Blonde and 6/1 Dark Ash Blonde. For a richer tone, 6/45 Dark Blonde Red Mahogany is an example.
Wella Color Touch also has 6/3 Dark Blonde Gold. Dark blonde shades vary a lot between brands, so read the tone description carefully.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
Orange is the hidden pigment at level 6. It is the classic “brassy” tone people notice after lightening brown hair.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟧 Orange (#e0661f) | 🟦 Blue-ash (#7d93ad) |
A blue-ash neutralizer cancels orange. Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, so it is the logical correction.
How to reach level 6
From level 4 or 5, 20 vol (6%) is the usual guideline. From level 3 it moves to 30 vol (9%), and from level 1 or 2 it goes to 40 vol (12%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 40 vol (12%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 30 vol (9%) |
| 🟫 Level 4 (Medium brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟤 Level 5 (Light brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
Dark hair rarely reaches a clean blonde in one step. Plan gradual lifting and protect the hair between sessions.
🟧🟧🟧 Level 7: Medium blonde (#b88d58)
Available tone families
Level 7 offers golden, natural, ash, copper, red, matte, violet and mahogany. Golden is the largest family here, followed closely by natural and ash.
Tones: 🟨 Golden · 🟫 Natural · ⬜ Ash · 🟧 Copper · 🟥 Red · 🟩 Matte · 🟪 Violet · 🟫 Mahogany
This level is a favorite for first-time blondes. It is bright but still realistic, and copper shades are especially popular for warm, sunny hair.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ lists 7/0 Medium Blonde, 7/3 Medium Golden Blonde and 7/1 Medium Ash Blonde. For warm choices, Matrix 7CC and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal 7-7 are copper examples.
These options show how one level can look very different by tone. The level controls brightness, and the tone changes the color you see.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
Level 7 hides orange-yellow pigment. It sits between brassy orange and clean yellow.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟧 Orange-yellow (#eb9526) | 🟪 Violet (#8a5fa8) |
Violet is the neutralizer. Violet cancels yellow-orange tones and gives a softer, more balanced blonde.
How to reach level 7
From level 5 or 6, the guideline is 20 vol (6%). Level 4 needs 30 vol (9%), and levels 1 to 3 need 40 vol (12%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 40 vol (12%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 4 (Medium brown) | 30 vol (9%) |
| 🟤 Level 5 (Light brown) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟤 Level 6 (Dark blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
Reaching blonde from dark hair is a lift of several levels. In practice, bleach and toner are usually safer than high-volume color alone.
🟨🟨🟨 Level 8: Light blonde (#d3b076)
Available tone families
Level 8 includes golden, natural, ash, copper, violet, matte, red and a few mahogany shades. Golden and natural lead, with ash close behind.
Tones: 🟨 Golden · 🟫 Natural · ⬜ Ash · 🟧 Copper · 🟪 Violet · 🟩 Matte · 🟥 Red · 🟫 Mahogany
Light blonde looks bright and fresh, and tone choice matters a lot. Ash cools the yellow, golden adds warmth and copper gives a peachy effect.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ offers 8/0 Light Blonde, 8/3 Light Golden Blonde and 8/1 Light Ash Blonde. Redken Shades EQ 08C Cayenne and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal 8-77 are copper-leaning examples.
Compare these swatches to see how the tone changes the look. A good chart makes it easier to choose between warm and cool blonde.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
The hidden pigment at level 8 is yellow. If the yellow is strong, the hair looks warm or brassy.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟨 Yellow (#f0bb2e) | 🟪 Violet (#8a5fa8) |
Violet neutralizes it. A violet toner or corrector gives a cleaner, cooler blonde.
How to reach level 8
From level 6 or 7, 20 vol (6%) is the general guideline. Level 5 moves to 30 vol (9%), and levels 1 to 4 use 40 vol (12%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 40 vol (12%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 4 (Medium brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟤 Level 5 (Light brown) | 30 vol (9%) |
| 🟤 Level 6 (Dark blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟧 Level 7 (Medium blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
Such a big lift is not something permanent color handles well. Pre-lightening in stages protects hair strength.
🟨🟨🟨 Level 9: Very light blonde (#e6cc9b)
Available tone families
Level 9 is led by ash, with golden, natural, violet, copper, matte, red and mahogany also available. Ash is the biggest family, which shows how often cool blonde is requested.
Tones: ⬜ Ash · 🟨 Golden · 🟫 Natural · 🟪 Violet · 🟧 Copper · 🟩 Matte · 🟥 Red · 🟫 Mahogany
Violet shades are also strong here, because very light hair needs good tone control. These shades look best on healthy, well-lifted hair.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ lists 9/1 Very Light Ash Blonde, 9/3 Very Light Golden Blonde and 9/0 Very Light Blonde. Redken Shades EQ 09V Platinum Ice and 09P Opal Glow are popular gloss choices.
Schwarzkopf Igora Royal 9-98 is a violet-red example. Always check the exact tone, since a pastel shade can look very different from a natural one.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
Level 9 hides light yellow. It is a soft undertone, but it still shows if the hair is not toned.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟨 Light yellow (#f5d96b) | 🟪 Light violet (#b79bd0) |
A light violet neutralizer is the right correction. Use gentle products, because strong violet can leave a gray or lilac cast.
How to reach level 9
From level 7 or 8, the guideline is 20 vol (6%). Level 6 moves to 30 vol (9%), and levels 1 to 5 use 40 vol (12%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 40 vol (12%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 4 (Medium brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟤 Level 5 (Light brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟤 Level 6 (Dark blonde) | 30 vol (9%) |
| 🟧 Level 7 (Medium blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟨 Level 8 (Light blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
Starting from dark hair, this lift is very demanding. Take your time, use bond care and avoid doing it all in one day.
⬜⬜⬜ Level 10: Extra light blonde (#f1e2bf)
Available tone families
Level 10 has ash, natural, golden and violet as its main families. Matte, copper and mahogany exist but are very limited.
Tones: ⬜ Ash · 🟫 Natural · 🟨 Golden · 🟪 Violet · 🟩 Matte · 🟧 Copper · 🟫 Mahogany
This level is mostly about cool, pale and platinum looks. The small range of tones shows that it is a finishing level, not a starting point for strong color.
Professional brand examples
Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ offers 10/0 Lightest Blonde, 10/1 Lightest Ash Blonde and 10/3 Lightest Golden Blonde. Wella Color Touch has 10/6 Lightest Blonde Violet.
Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance 10-91 Violet Cendré is a soft toner example. Toners are common here because the hair is already very light.
Underlying pigment & neutralization
The hidden pigment at level 10 is pale yellow. It is the lightest undertone on the scale.
| Underlying pigment | Neutralizer |
|---|---|
🟨 Pale yellow (#f8eaa5) | 🟪 Pale violet (#d5c4e6) |
Pale violet neutralizes it. Even a small correction can shift the hair from creamy to a clear, icy platinum.
How to reach level 10
From level 8 or 9, the guideline is 20 vol (6%). Level 7 moves to 30 vol (9%), and levels 1 to 6 use 40 vol (12%).
| Starting from | Developer |
|---|---|
| ⬛ Level 1 (Black) | 40 vol (12%) |
| ⬛ Level 2 (Very dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 3 (Dark brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟫 Level 4 (Medium brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟤 Level 5 (Light brown) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟤 Level 6 (Dark blonde) | 40 vol (12%) |
| 🟧 Level 7 (Medium blonde) | 30 vol (9%) |
| 🟨 Level 8 (Light blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
| 🟨 Level 9 (Very light blonde) | 20 vol (6%) |
Dark hair needs bleach and patience to get here. Hair at this level is fragile, so deep conditioning and gentle toning are essential.
Know the level now? The app turns it into a formula.
Once you know your starting level, the next step is to turn it into a formula. A good formula combines your current level, your target level, the tone you want and the right developer.
Writing this down saves time and prevents mistakes. A simple notebook, a spreadsheet or a color app can all store each client’s formula and result for the next visit.
| Step | Example |
|---|---|
| Start level | 🟫 Level 4, medium brown |
| Target level | 🟨 Level 8, light blonde |
| Tone | ⬜ Ash, to cool the yellow |
| Developer | Chosen from the lift table |
How the 10-level system works
The 10-level system measures how light or dark hair is, from 1 for black to 10 for extra light blonde. It is the standard language professionals use, so a level 7 means the same lightness in most salons.
Each level also holds an underlying pigment that appears when hair is lightened. The order moves from dark red through orange to pale yellow, and knowing it helps you predict the result before you start.
🟥🟥🟥 Dark red (levels 1 to 3) → 🟥🟧 Red to red-orange (levels 4 to 5) → 🟧 Orange (level 6) → 🟧🟨 Orange-yellow (level 7) → 🟨 Yellow to pale yellow (levels 8 to 10)
Blonde hair color chart: levels 7 to 10
The blonde levels are 7 to 10, and they are the most requested in salons. They are also the hardest, because yellow and orange tones show clearly on light hair.
Their pigments move from orange-yellow at level 7 to pale yellow at level 10. Violet is the main neutralizer, and it gets lighter as the level gets lighter.
| Level | Shade | Underlying pigment | Neutralize with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟧 7 | Medium blonde | 🟧 Orange-yellow | 🟪 Violet |
| 🟨 8 | Light blonde | 🟨 Yellow | 🟪 Violet |
| 🟨 9 | Very light blonde | 🟨 Light yellow | 🟪 Light violet |
| ⬜ 10 | Extra light blonde | 🟨 Pale yellow | 🟪 Pale violet |
Brown hair color chart: levels 3 to 6
The brown levels are 3 to 6, and they cover most natural hair colors. Their pigments move from dark red at level 3 to orange at level 6.
This is why lightened brown hair often looks coppery or orange. For a small change, 10 vol (3%) can deposit color, while 20 vol (6%) can lift one to two levels. Bigger changes need bleach.
| Level | Shade | Underlying pigment | Neutralize with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟫 3 | Dark brown | 🟥 Dark red | 🟩 Green (matte base) |
| 🟫 4 | Medium brown | 🟥 Red | 🟩 Green-ash |
| 🟤 5 | Light brown | 🟧 Red-orange | ⬜ Ash |
| 🟤 6 | Dark blonde | 🟧 Orange | 🟦 Blue-ash |
Reflect families: what .0, .1, .3 mean
The number after the dot or slash shows the reflect, which is the tone you see. A .0 usually means natural, and a .1 usually means ash, while other digits change by brand.
Because of this, never trust the number alone. Schwarzkopf and Wella, for example, use some codes differently, so check the brand’s own chart before you mix or buy.
| Tone family | Common code | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 🟫 Natural | .0 | Pure base tone with no added reflect |
| ⬜ Ash | .1 | Cool, blue-based tone that calms warmth |
| 🟨 Golden | .3 | Warm, yellow-based tone that adds glow |
| 🟧 Copper | .4 | Warm orange-based tone, bright and fiery |
| 🟫 Mahogany | .5 | Red-violet tone that adds warm depth |
| 🟪 Violet | .6 or .2 | Violet base for a cool, iridescent finish |
| 🟩 Matte | varies | Green base that cancels unwanted red |
Hair Level Chart Undertones
Undertones are the warm pigments that appear when hair is lightened. Level 1 shows very dark red, levels 2 and 3 show dark red, level 4 shows red, and level 5 shows red-orange.
Level 6 shows orange, level 7 shows orange-yellow, level 8 shows yellow, level 9 shows light yellow and level 10 shows pale yellow. Match each undertone with its opposite color, and the result will look cleaner.
| Level | Undertone revealed | Neutralizer |
|---|---|---|
| ⬛ 1: Black | 🟥 Very dark red | 🟩 Green (matte base) |
| ⬛ 2: Very dark brown | 🟥 Dark red | 🟩 Green (matte base) |
| 🟫 3: Dark brown | 🟥 Dark red | 🟩 Green (matte base) |
| 🟫 4: Medium brown | 🟥 Red | 🟩 Green-ash |
| 🟤 5: Light brown | 🟧 Red-orange | ⬜ Ash |
| 🟤 6: Dark blonde | 🟧 Orange | 🟦 Blue-ash |
| 🟧 7: Medium blonde | 🟧 Orange-yellow | 🟪 Violet |
| 🟨 8: Light blonde | 🟨 Yellow | 🟪 Violet |
| 🟨 9: Very light blonde | 🟨 Light yellow | 🟪 Light violet |
| ⬜ 10: Extra light blonde | 🟨 Pale yellow | 🟪 Pale violet |
Hair color levels 1 10 chart bleach
Bleach is the main tool when you want to go up several levels. Permanent color usually lifts two to three levels at most, while bleach can lift about four to seven levels depending on the product and the hair condition.
Go step by step instead of one big jump. Use the right developer volume, protect the hair with bond care and tone the result, because bleach reveals the underlying pigment but does not remove it.
| Developer | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 10 vol (3%) | Color deposit, toner and gray coverage |
| 20 vol (6%) | 1 to 2 levels of lift, standard permanent color |
| 30 vol (9%) | 2 to 3 levels of lift, highlights and balayage |
| 40 vol (12%) | Maximum lift, only on healthy hair and with caution |
Hair color level chart: professional visual guide
A visual chart makes levels easier to understand because you can compare swatches side by side. It shows how light each level is, which tones are available and which undertone to expect.
To use it well, view the swatches in natural light and compare them with your mid-lengths. Screen colors are only a guide, so a physical shade chart is always more accurate.
Natural hair color level chart
Natural hair usually falls between level 1 and level 8. Jet black is level 1 or 2, brown hair is levels 3 to 5, dark blonde is level 6 and medium blonde is level 7.
To find your own level, look at the mid-lengths, not the roots or the ends. If you are not sure, a professional colorist can tell you the exact level in a few minutes.
| Natural shade | Level | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Jet black | 1 to 2 | ⬛⬛ |
| Brown | 3 to 5 | 🟫🟫🟤 |
| Dark blonde | 6 | 🟤 |
| Medium blonde | 7 | 🟧 |
| Light blondes | 8 to 10 | 🟨🟨⬜ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hair color level chart?
A hair color level chart is a guide that shows hair shades from level 1 (black) to level 10 (lightest blonde), helping you identify natural hair color and choose the right dye.
What are the 10 levels of hair color?
The 10 levels generally range from black, dark brown, and medium brown to light brown, dark blonde, and lightest blonde.
Which hair color level is the darkest?
Level 1 is typically the darkest hair color, representing black. Some professional color systems may include level 1A or additional dark shades.
Which hair color level is the lightest?
Level 10 is generally the lightest blonde shade on a standard hair color level chart, although some brands offer additional high-lift or special shades.
How do I find my natural hair color level?
Compare your hair with a professional hair color chart under natural lighting. Check the roots, where your natural color is most visible, rather than previously dyed lengths.
What is the difference between hair color level and tone?
Hair color level describes how light or dark your hair is, while tone refers to the shade’s underlying color, such as ash, gold, copper, or red.
Can I go from level 1 black hair to level 10 blonde?
Going from level 1 black to level 10 blonde usually requires significant lightening. The process may involve multiple salon sessions to protect hair condition and achieve the desired result.
Does a hair color level chart work for all brands?
Most professional hair color charts follow a similar lightness scale, but numbering systems and tonal codes can vary by brand. Always check the specific manufacturer’s chart before selecting a color.
Conclusion
A hair color level chart is an essential tool for understanding the difference between dark, medium, and light hair shades. By learning how levels 1 through 10 work, you can identify your natural hair color, compare shades, and make more informed decisions when choosing a new hair dye.
Remember that hair color level and tone are two different things. The level tells you how light or dark the color is, while the tone determines whether it appears warm, cool, or neutral. For the most accurate results, compare your hair with a professional chart in natural lighting and consider your hair’s existing color and condition.
Whether you are a beginner exploring a new look or a professional stylist planning a color transformation, this complete hair color level chart can help you understand the coloring process and choose a shade that matches your goals.
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