Congratulations, you have made the big decision to change your hair color – that’s the hard work done, right?
Wrong. Now the job of selecting a shade begins. And let’s face it, if it was as simple as choosing between blonde, brunette, black and red, there wouldn’t be a need for HairColorCode.com!
When it comes to shades there are literally hundreds if not thousands of possibilities so it is wise to start by narrowing down your options.
Get started by finding your level
To kick things off, let’s start by selecting your level. This is how light or dark you want to go, and obviously a strong determination of whether you become a brunette or a blonde. Level 1 is the darkest and Level 10 is the lightest (however some cosmetic brands go up to Level 12).
As a general guide, Level 1 is black (reserved for the Goth kids) and Level 2 is typically the color found is most Asian/Indonesian hair. Levels 8 through 10 are the very lightest blonde (but remember to allow room for margin as every brand is slightly different). We are not concerned with tonality or shade here, just the lightness or darkness of your color.
Next step, pick your perfect tone
Ok, so you have chosen your level, the next step is to select your tone. This is how you tailor your color to your complexion and your wardrobe.
When it comes to tones you will have three options, cool, neutral or warm. Let’s say for example you have selected Level 4. You now have the choice of Level 4 cool, Level 4 neutral or Level 4 warm. Each of these categories will contain two or three specific shades so you can find the one that is exactly right for you.
The three options when it comes to tone:
So how do you decide if you are cool, neutral or warm?
One of the best indicators of your perfect tone is your skin complexion and eye color
Check out this article on selecting a color for your skin tone.
An understanding of tones is invaluable when it comes to color correction, for example if your neutral shade becomes ‘brassy’ you can select a shade with cool tones at the same level to balance it out.
There are some tonal selections which might initially seem confusing, for example ‘cool reds’ such as burgundy and merlot shades, these are called secondary pigments and are another means of subtly changing your color.
And Now it’s time to pick your next hair color shade!
Once you have decided on a level, and either a cool, neutral or warm tone, you will have narrowed down your options to two or three shades. Which one you go for is entirely up to you, but hopefully if you have followed these steps the choice should be a little less daunting!
If you’re ready to pick your new shade, check out our Hair Color Chart
Color does not have to be tricky, but a little research will help you to make the best choices. Whether you are coloring your hair at home, or starting negotiations with a professional, an understanding of levels, tones and shades will help you predict the end result prior to placing the product on your precious locks.
What colours are 6 neutral or warm
Dark brown
Hi Carol,
6 is the level of the color, which is the lightness or darkness (and 6 is more or less bang in the middle). When it comes to tone though, you can get both neutral, warm and cool shades at level 6.
Because it’s a mid-level selection, I would say that there tends to be more neutral shades available at level 6, but there are still plenty of warm shades out there.
Is there a specific tone you’re going for?
S x
I have been colouring my hair for years with a light golden brown, but would like to go a shade lighter to dark blonde. There was only neutral dark blonde in this brand, no golden and I would like to stay with this brand.
I have heard there are dangers in changing from warm to cool, you can end up with green hair, but can you change from warm to neutral?
Sir/Madam
Can you tell me which color do i apply on my hair,i have being using light brown but there is some red tone in it and now i want to change my color want to go in light golden blonde please tell me if i use medium ash will it cover my grey and remove red from my hair.
LOOKING FOR WHITE COLOR TO COVER GRAY HAIR. NO YELLOW IN IT . BEEN TOLD YOU DISCONTINUE IT WHY WHY WHY! Chic
I would like to go from golden blonde to champagne blonde..what do you suggest?
Thank you!
Jenn
i colored my hair about a month ago, it came out way to dark almost black, when i just wanted a medium brown, im trying to light it up to a light brown, i just bought a 5nw wella and a 5n alfaparf evolution, will that help me to get rid of the dark and get to where i wanted to be? can anybody help me….
can i mix chestnut brown with burgundy before applying onto hair??
Did you end up trying this combination? I’m wanting to do it but not sure how it will turn out.
Yes… I’ve mixed colors before to create my own cherry cola color. I used a dark brown and vibrant auburn. If you’re unsure, do a strand test first. Reds generally take longer to adhere to your hair. The brown may need less time; maybe put the red on first? I mixed then together in the bottle and the result was subtle. It all depends on the look you’re going for!
Currently my hair is layered and the back is a little past my shoulders… I have been growing it out after having to cut off my long light brown highlighted hair (naturally ash brown) (shoulder length bangs the rest to the middle of back) due to several months of stubborn stupidity thinking i could figure out how to fix what was suppose to be dark brown color i put on my hair (after wearing a dark brown wig to a cinco de mayo party where i got tons of compliments) that turned my hair burgundy…..sorry for rambling….
Anyway, now my hair is this blondish reddish orangish color and i have about 2 inches of natural color roots – medium/light ash brown with an irritating introduction of gray…..
I recently used Revlon Roux Young Color 29/4GN light ash brown which is a semi permanent color, it uses “Crystals” no ammonia or peroxide…..I love what it did…..but it didn’t even last 2 weeks….I want to accomplish the same results but with permanent not semi permanent….
So again, sorry for rambling….my question is…..can I use 20 developer with the Roux Young Color or can someone suggest what color to buy at local beauty supply store to get same result?
Hi,
I am trying to keep my natural hair colour which is light auburn, its not red or ginger or blond but a mixture leaning to the blonder end of the scale. I am of a certain age and turning gray and cannot find a product to maintain my colour or even get close. Can colours be mixed? what would you suggest I do?
Thanks in advance for your advice
By the way some of the links on the hair colour chart are not connecting
my articles http://katdelunaonline.org/2013/12/some-facts-about-strawberry-blonde-hair-color/
hi i have a morena/tan skin tone andi dyed my hair yellow gold before and now its starting to fade.. any suggestions on what hair color should i do next ?
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