Hair Color Chart Explained: From Light to Dark
Choosing a hair shade can be exciting, but without the right guide, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where the hair color chart comes in. More than just a list of colors, this chart organizes shades from light to dark and helps you understand how different levels and tones interact with your natural features.
In this guide, Sunny Hair will break down the hair color step by step, from levels and undertones to light, medium, and dark shades, so you can choose a color that feels uniquely yours.
The Basics of Hair Color Levels
The first thing to know about the hair color chart is that it’s built on a system of levels. Levels describe how light or dark a shade is, usually on a scale of 1 to 10. Level 1 represents jet black, while level 10 is the palest blonde. Everything else sits in between, forming the gradient from dark to light.
It’s important not to confuse levels with tones. A level only measures lightness or darkness, while tone describes the warmth or coolness of that shade. For instance, a level 7 blonde could be ash (cool) or golden (warm). Both belong at the same level, but they look very different.
Knowing about hair color chart
Understanding levels is crucial because it determines what’s possible when dyeing hair. Someone starting at level 3 who wants to reach level 9 blonde will need far more processing than someone at level 7. This is why stylists always use the hair color chart to evaluate your starting point before planning a transformation or buying any color of hair extensions.
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Understanding Undertones: The Hidden Layer of the Hair Color Chart
Hair color levels describe how dark or light the hair is. The scale goes from Level 1 (black) to Level 10 (platinum blonde).
- Level 1: Black
- Level 2: Very Dark 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: Platinum Blonde
Light Hair Shades (Levels 8–10) on the hair color chart
Now that we’ve covered levels and undertones, let’s explore the shades themselves. The color chart begins at the lightest end with platinum, icy blondes, and soft golden tones.
Levels 8–10: Blonde hair
Platinum and Icy Blondes
Platinum and silver shades sit at levels 9–10. They create a striking, high-fashion look that works especially well with cool undertones and lighter complexions. However, achieving platinum often requires bleaching, and keeping it vibrant demands regular toning and special care.
Golden and Light Blondes
Golden blondes are warmer, softer alternatives that suit a wider range of skin tones. They provide brightness without the starkness of platinum. Still, they require maintenance to prevent brassiness and to keep the glow fresh.
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Medium Hair Shades (Levels 5–7)
Medium shades are the sweet spot of the hair color chart. They offer balance, versatility, and a natural appearance that works for almost everyone.
Levels 5–7: Medium color hair chart
Caramel, Honey, and Warm Browns
Caramel, honey, and chestnut tones give hair a sun-kissed glow. These shades are flattering for warm skin tones and look stunning with balayage or highlights.
Ash Browns and Sandy Blondes
Medium shades aren’t limited to warmth. Ash browns and sandy blondes sit in this category too, giving a cooler, more refined finish. These shades are popular for those seeking sophistication without the heavy upkeep of lighter tones.
Why Medium Shades Are So Popular
Medium levels on the hair color chart are forgiving when it comes to regrowth, so roots blend more naturally. They’re also easy to adjust—you can lighten them with highlights or darken them with lowlights without committing to a drastic change.
Dark Hair Shades (Levels 1–4)
At the other end of the hair color chart are the darker shades: jet black, espresso, and rich dark browns. These shades are bold, timeless, and easier to maintain.
Dark shades of hair color hold pigment longer and give hair a healthier shine. However, they can be limiting if you later decide to go lighter, since lifting dark pigments takes time and can damage hair.
Jet Black and Espresso
Level 1 jet black is glossy and dramatic, creating maximum contrast. Espresso tones, sitting at levels 2–3, are slightly softer but still intense. Both shades are elegant and long-lasting but difficult to lighten later.
Dark hair colors
Dark Chocolate and Mahogany
Dark chocolate, mocha, and mahogany shades add richness without being as stark as pure black. These colors suit a variety of complexions and add depth with subtle warmth.
Choosing the Right Shade from the Hair Color Chart for Your Skin Tone
Picking a color isn’t just about trends—it’s about finding what makes you glow. Here are some quick tips to use the hair color chart wisely:
- Fair skin: Stick to lighter tones. Ash or platinum blondes suit cool undertones, while honey and golden shades add warmth if you lean warmer.
- Medium skin: You’ve got options! Caramel, chestnut, and sandy shades all work. Add balayage for extra dimension.
- Olive skin: Rich colors are your friend. Try chestnut, espresso, or golden browns. Avoid super pale blondes that can wash you out.
- Deep skin: Bold looks shine here. Jet black, mahogany, or chocolate browns highlight your features beautifully.
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Conclusion
The hair color chart is more than a lineup of shades—it’s your guide to choosing a color that truly works for you. By understanding levels, undertones, and how shades interact with different skin tones, you’ll avoid guesswork and pick with confidence.
Looking for hair extensions or wigs in the exact color you want? The color chart is just the starting point—at Sunny Hair, we make it real. We create high-quality wigs and extensions with colors customized to your order.
As a trusted wholesale supplier, we keep things simple: fair prices, consistent quality, and plenty of shades from light to dark. Whether you need bulk orders or a perfect color match, our team is here to help your business grow.
Contact Sunny Hair today, and let us deliver customized hair solutions that match every shade of hair color and every need of your customers.
Our Whatsapp: +84 985 767 599