A hair color chart organizes hair colors by level and tone. The level is how light or dark the color is, on a scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). The tone is whether it's warm, cool or neutral. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Hair color chart at a glance
- Type: Reference
- Tone: Cool (ash, violet), neutral, warm (gold, copper, red)
- Lightening needed: Going more than about two levels lighter usually needs lightener.
- Maintenance: Depends on the change
- Touch-ups: 4 to 6 weeks for roots on all-over color; 3 to 4 months for balayage
What makes it different
Every shade name, from ash brown to honey blonde, is a level plus a tone. Knowing both lets you describe a color precisely and understand box dye numbers.
Who it suits
Use your natural level as the starting point. Staying within two levels of it is the lowest-maintenance choice; bigger changes need more upkeep.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Tell your colorist your natural level and your target level.
- Say the tone: ash, neutral, golden, copper or red.
- Bring photos in daylight; screens shift color.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Lighter-than-natural colors need toning shampoo; darker and red shades need color-safe shampoo and cool water.
Hair color levels
- Level 1: black.
- Level 2: darkest brown.
- Level 3: dark brown.
- Level 4: medium brown.
- Level 5: light brown.
- Level 6: dark blonde.
- Level 7: medium blonde.
- Level 8: light blonde.
- Level 9: very light blonde.
- Level 10: lightest, platinum blonde.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see different shades on your own hair before you book.
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FAQ
What is a hair color chart?
A hair color chart organizes hair colors by level and tone.
Which should I choose?
Use your natural level as the starting point. Staying within two levels of it is the lowest-maintenance choice; bigger changes need more upkeep.
Is bleach needed?
Going more than about two levels lighter usually needs lightener.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 4 to 6 weeks for roots on all-over color; 3 to 4 months for balayage.
What do the numbers on hair dye mean?
The number before the point or slash is the level, from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). The numbers or letters after it describe the tone, such as ash, gold or copper. Tone codes vary by brand.
