hair color · salon tips
Hair Color Levels Chart: Levels 1 to10 Explained
A simple hair color levels chart from level 1 black to level 10 lightest blonde, how to find your level, what tone numbers mean, and how far you can go in one session.
Hairover Team
Hair color levels are a scale colorists use to describe how light or dark hair is, from level 1 (black) to level 10 (lightest blonde). The level describes lightness only. Tone, such as ash, gold, or copper, is shown separately, usually by the number after a dot or slash on a dye box. Most people’s natural color is between level 4 and level 6.
The levels chart
| Level | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Black |
| 2 | Darkest brown |
| 3 | Dark brown |
| 4 | Medium brown |
| 5 | Light brown |
| 6 | Dark blonde |
| 7 | Medium blonde |
| 8 | Light blonde |
| 9 | Very light blonde |
| 10 | Lightest blonde |
Some brands add levels 11 and 12 for high-lift blondes. Names vary a little between brands.
How to find your level
- Look at your natural roots, not dyed ends.
- Use daylight, near a window.
- Compare against a swatch or the chart on a dye box.
- If you’re between two levels, choose the darker one.
What tone numbers mean
A dye labeled 7.1 means level 7 (medium blonde) with tone 1. Brands use different tone systems, but common ones include:
| Tone | Often means |
|---|---|
| .0 or N | Natural |
| .1 or A | Ash (cool) |
| .3 or G | Gold (warm) |
| .4 or C | Copper |
| .6 or R | Red |
Always check the brand’s own chart.
Why levels matter
- Going lighter: each level of lift exposes warmer underlying pigment, which is why lightened hair can turn orange or yellow. See how to fix brassy hair.
- Going darker: easier, but going back to light later is harder.
- Big changes: large lifts often take more than one session to keep hair healthy.
- Gray coverage: gray hair needs the right formula. A colorist can advise. See going gray.
Working with a colorist
Tell your colorist your natural level, your current color, and any past box dye. Previous color affects what’s possible. See box dye vs. salon color.
Related guides
Try a shade before you commit
Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hair colors and hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, so you can see two levels lighter before you book.
FAQ
What are hair color levels?
A scale colorists use to describe how light or dark hair is, usually from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). It describes lightness only, not tone.
How do I find my hair color level?
Compare your natural roots in daylight to a level chart or swatch. Most people are between level 4 and 6.
What do the numbers after the dot mean on hair dye?
The number before the dot (or slash) is the level. The numbers after it describe the tone, like ash, gold, or copper. The tone system varies between brands.
How many levels can you lift in one session?
It depends on your hair and the products used. Large lifts often take more than one session to keep hair healthy. A colorist can tell you what's realistic for your hair.
