Hair Color Chart
The Hair Color Chart is a reference tool covering hair color chart, hair dye color chart, hair color shades chart, hair color numbers chart. Use the chart below to look up values instantly. Printable and downloadable versions are available on this page.
Natural Hair Color Chart — Levels 1 to 10
Professional hair colourists use a standardised numbering scale from 1 to 10 to describe natural hair colour — with 1 being the darkest black and 10 being the lightest blonde.
| Level Number | Colour Name | Description | Underlying Pigment When Lightened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Black | Deepest black with no visible warmth or brown | Red-orange |
| Level 2 | Darkest Brown | Extremely dark brown — appears black in most lighting | Red |
| Level 3 | Dark Brown | Rich dark brown visible in direct light | Red |
| Level 4 | Medium Brown | Classic medium brown | Red-orange |
| Level 5 | Light Brown | Light brown — a warm medium tone | Orange-red |
| Level 6 | Dark Blonde | Dark golden blonde — the transition zone between brown and blonde | Orange |
| Level 7 | Medium Blonde | Medium warm blonde | Orange-yellow |
| Level 8 | Light Blonde | Light blonde — requires some lifting from most natural hair | Yellow-orange |
| Level 9 | Very Light Blonde | Very light blonde — requires significant lifting | Yellow |
| Level 10 | Lightest Blonde or Platinum | Pale platinum blonde — requires maximum lifting and often toning | Pale yellow |
The underlying pigment column shows what colour appears when hair is lightened (bleached) at each starting level. This is critical for achieving cool tones — orange or yellow underlying pigment must be toned with purple or blue toner to achieve ash, silver, or platinum results.
Source: Professional cosmetology colour theory standards
Hair Colour Tone Chart
Tone refers to the warmth or coolness of a hair colour at a given level — the same level 7 (medium blonde) can be warm gold, neutral, or cool ash depending on the tonal descriptor.
| Tone Category | Descriptors and Common Names | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warm tones | Golden, honey, copper, caramel, auburn, chestnut, bronze | Contain yellow, orange, and red pigment. Complement warm skin undertones. More natural-looking at lower levels. |
| Neutral tones | Natural brown, natural blonde, beige, mink | Balanced between warm and cool — neither golden nor ashy. Versatile and low-maintenance. |
| Cool tones | Ash, smoky, pearl, platinum, silver, blue-black | Contain blue, green, or violet pigment to neutralise warmth. Require the underlying pigment to be lifted sufficiently before toning to avoid brassiness. |
Hair Colour Numbering System — Professional Notation
Professional hair colour products use a number and letter coding system that combines the level and tone — the first number is the level and the second number or letter is the primary tone.
| Code | Meaning | Example Colour Name |
|---|---|---|
| X.0 | Natural — no added tone | 7.0 = Natural Medium Blonde |
| X.1 | Ash (blue-based) | 6.1 = Dark Ash Blonde |
| X.2 | Violet or Beige | 8.2 = Light Pearl Blonde |
| X.3 | Gold | 7.3 = Medium Golden Blonde |
| X.4 | Copper | 6.4 = Dark Copper Blonde |
| X.5 | Mahogany (red-violet) | 5.5 = Light Mahogany Brown |
| X.6 | Red | 7.6 = Medium Red Blonde |
| X.7 | Brunette (warm brown) | 4.7 = Medium Warm Brown |
| X.8 | Pearl or Matte | 9.8 = Very Light Pearl Blonde |
| X.9 | Soft Natural | 8.9 = Light Soft Blonde |
| X.11 | Intense Ash | 6.11 = Dark Intense Ash Blonde |
| X.66 | Intense Red | 5.66 = Light Intense Red Brown |
Source: WELLA Professional and Schwarzkopf Professional colour coding conventions
Hair Color Finder
Select your current hair level and desired result to get your recommended dye level, toner, and developer strength — with a skin tone compatibility filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 7 hair colour?
Level 7 is medium blonde on the professional 1 to 10 hair colour scale. It is the most common natural hair colour for Northern European populations and is the starting point for many highlighting and lightening services.
What is the difference between ash and cool hair colour?
Ash and cool are often used interchangeably in hair colour — both describe tones with a blue, green, or violet base that neutralise warmth and brassiness. Ash tones are specifically blue-grey while cool tones is a broader category that also includes silver, platinum, and beige-cool tones.
Can I go from Level 3 to Level 10 in one session?
No — lifting 7 levels of hair colour in a single session risks extreme hair damage and breakage. Professional colourists typically lift 3 to 4 levels per session and multi-step processes over several appointments are required to achieve platinum results from dark starting hair safely.
What causes brassiness in blonde hair?
Brassiness occurs when the yellow and orange underlying pigment is not fully neutralised after lightening. Blue-violet toning products (purple shampoo, toners) counteract these warm pigments to maintain cool blonde, ash, or silver tones.
What is the difference between highlights and balayage?
Traditional highlights use foils to lift specific sections of hair to a precise colour. Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a more gradual natural-looking sun-kissed blend — typically softer and lower-maintenance than foil highlights.
How long does hair dye last?
Permanent hair colour lasts until the hair grows out — it does not wash out but the colour may fade slightly over time especially in direct sunlight or with frequent washing. Semi-permanent colour fades gradually over 6 to 12 washes. Temporary colour washes out in 1 to 2 shampoos.
What does it mean to tone hair?
Toning applies a small amount of pigment over pre-lightened hair to neutralise unwanted warmth or add a specific colour cast. A purple toner neutralises yellow. A blue toner neutralises orange. A pink or gold toner adds warmth to platinum hair.
What level is natural black hair?
True natural black hair is Level 1 to Level 2 on the professional scale. Most people who describe their hair as black are actually Level 2 to Level 3 — deeply dark brown that reads as black in most lighting conditions.