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.

    >>> Learn more: 14 Inch Hair: Ideal Length for Effortless Beauty

    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.

    >>> Read more: Brighten Your Style with Blonde 613 Hair Color

    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.

    Read more:

    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

    Related Posts

    how-to-care-for-vietnamese-hair-extensions
    21 Aug

    How to Care for Vietnamese Hair Extensions?

    How to Care for Vietnamese Hair Extensions?

    Continue reading

    FAQ FEATURED CATEGORIES

    • What is the difference between single weft and double weft?

      The main difference between single and double weft extensions is how thick they are. Double weft are literally 2 wefts of hair sewn together on the same seem as you would a single weft extension. Double weft extensions are brilliant for adding a lot of volume and length without having to have loads of clip. Moreover, the end of double weft are equal, and the hair get thick from roots to ends.

    • Can I restyle the straight hair extensions?

      Sunny Vietnam Hair Vendor promise to give you the best hair, 100% Vietnam Virgin Human Hair, so the hair product is like your hair. Treat hair extensions as your own hair. You can make this straight hair in new looks such as wavy, natural wavy, body wave... as your desired look. However, restyle hair too much can cause some damage. Therefore, you should take care of it such as using fine shampoo and conditioner to prevent them for shedding and dryness.

    • Is Vietnamese Hair good?

      Our Vietnamese hair is one of the most versatile hair from ethtic donors with natural straight, wavy, and curly hair textures. It holds up very well to styling tools, can withstand heat, and is durable and long-lasting. It can easily be curled, dyed, and colored with minimal damage to the quality of the hair. However, the hair is made of 100% human hair like your own hair, you should take care of it like your hair. We highly recommend you to use fine shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair from dryness.

    • Tips for Hair Care?

      Follow these steps to take care of your hair: 1. Avoid washing by machine. Avoid sleeping with hair. Avoid making complex hair style with hair products. Or the hair will be tangled easily. 2. Before wearing the hair or after putting the hair down, make sure the hair is smooth by combing the hair beginning from the bottom . If there is slightly tangled, do not comb forcedly. you can cut the tangled hair. 3. If the hair is tangled seriously, you need wash the hair with shampoo. Comb the hair from the bottom gently in the water, untill all tangled hair is combed off. In general, all the tangled hair can be combed off in water. 4. Immerse the washed hair in water with conditioner for 3 to 5 minutes. 5. Let the hair dry naturally after washing. Avoid dry the hair with dryer. Avoid exposing the hair with sunshine directly. Avoid ironning the hair with high temperature(advise 100-120 degree).Avoid curlling the hair. The reason is that high temperature will hurt the hair. 6. Avoid bleaching the hair. Bleaching will hurt the hair.

    • How often should I wash the hair/wigs?

      You should wash your wigs at least twice a week if you use it daily, and remember to use conditioner as well. Because it's human hair, you should treat it like your own hair. There are some warm tips for you: 1. Use good shampoo and hair conditioner to care it. Olive oil is also a good choice to keep it healthy. 2. You shouldn't use gel or spray styling products to keep the style too much. 3. Wash your hair once or twice a week to keep it soft and tangle free, and comb it daily.

    • Can I curl or straighten the hair extension?

      Sunny Hair Extensions are made of 100% human hair, so they can be straightened, blow-dried, styled and curled. In order to preserve and extend the lifespan of hair extensions, however, we highly recommend to only use a low heat setting of 120C/250F, as anything higher runs the risk of damaging the hair. The reason why we recommend opting for a lower heat setting is because it will prolong the lifespan of your set. While our own hair may be able to handle a high heat setting, our hair is also constantly getting revitalized from the scalp, whereas hair extensions don't get that sort of constant nutritions.

    • Does the hair have smell?

      We packed the hair by plastic bags, and plastic bags are most sealed, so sometimes there is smell during long term shipping, but the smell will disappear after washing with middle shampoo and condition.If the smell still existing after several times washing, pls contact me at first time, I will try my best to help u make everything right.

    • What is the best size of lace closure?

      A 5x5 lace front closure is usually placed at the front top of your head, it is used to close off installation and create a natural hairline as you prefer. The best 5x5 lace closure is 5 inches width and 5 inches length. It can cover your forehead area of 5x5 Inch.

    • Lace closure and Lace frontal, which one is better?

      Lace Closures typically only cover a horseshoe size portion at the top or front of an install. Lace Frontal is typically 13x4 inch. A lace frontal instead will go from ear-to-ear, which gives greater coverage, allowing you to be able to part the hair anywhere and therefore gives more flexibility in styling.

    • How should I do to keep colors from fading?

      A strong hair plays an important role in keeping colors in your hair. So, it's always important to keep the hair moisturized, especially color-treated hair will need extra care. We recommend doing a sulfate-free deep conditioning treatment on the extensions after dyeing to ensure that any lost moisture and nourishment is added back into the hair. If possible, leave this on overnight for the best results. Moreover, you can look for natural products that add moisture to the hair like argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil and so on.

    • How long could the hair extension last?

      The hair could last for a very long time depends on how you treat it. Treat the hair like your own hair and take good care of it will last longer.

    • What kinds of hair care products should I use with hair extension?

      You can treat this hair like it is your own hair by regularly using good shampoo and especially, conditioner. Remember not to wash them everyday. After washing, let the hair dry naturally, do not use hair dryer too much. Olive oil is also a good choice to keep the hair healthy.

    • How to know the hair extension is real or fake?

      Human hair has natural protein and smell foul. When burning, the human hair will show white smoke. Otherwise, synthetic hair will be a sticky ball after burning and will show black smoke.

    • How long does shipping take?

      It normally takes 5-7 days to be delivered in the US and 1 to 2 weeks for international orders. Orders are processed within 24 hours or less. Note: Any fraudulent high risk orders will be held until our team investigates. Please make sure your billing and shipping information are 100% correct and match the card you wish to use. Express orders placed before 2:00 p.m. EST will be shipped the same day. No orders are shipped on weekends or Holidays. All shipments include real-time tracking so that you always know where your shipment is at during all times. For Saturday delivery there will be an extra charge if using FexEx.

    • Do I need to wash my own hair before I wear tape in hair extensions?

      Yes, you need. Suggest to wash your own hair and hair extension at most once or twice a week as every wash is not good for your hair extension. Never use any products containing oil, alcohol or ethanol as this can damage the hair extensions and also wear down on the adhesive. Use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner as well as 100% natural hair products to keep hair extensions in good condition. For conditioner, make sure you apply it from mid-shaft down only.

    • Will the hair shedding or tangle?

      Being 100% human hair, Black Loose Wave Bulk hair is shedding-free and tangle-free. However, when it's too dry, it can be tangle and hard to comb. At that time, you should wash it and use the right conditioner.

    • Why are my hair extensions getting tangled?

      The easiest way is to do burning test. The bulk human hair burn out quickly and become ashes. Synthetic hair burns become a twisted ball with a plastic smell.

    whatsapp Get Quotation for Wholesale messenger