Decoding the Numbers on Hair Color Tubes for Perfect Shades

Choosing the right hair color can feel like solving a puzzle. The numbers on hair color tubes might look confusing at first, but they hold the key to achieving the exact shade you want. Understanding these numbers helps you pick colors that suit your style and skin tone, avoid surprises, and get professional-looking results at home or in the salon.

Hair color tube with visible numbers and codes

What Do the Numbers on Hair Color Tubes Mean?

Hair color tubes usually display a series of numbers separated by dots or slashes. These numbers represent two main things: the level of the color and the tone or reflect of the shade.

• Level: This number indicates the darkness or lightness of the color, usually on a scale from 1 to 10.

- 1 is the darkest (black)

- 10 is the lightest (very light blonde)

• Tone: This number shows the color’s undertone or reflect, such as ash, gold, red, or violet. It tells you what kind of hue will appear once the color is applied.

  
  

For example, a tube labeled 6.3 means:

• 6 is the level (dark blonde)

• 3 is the tone (gold reflect)

  
  

How to Read the Level Number

The level number is the first digit before the dot or slash. It tells you how light or dark the color is. Here’s a quick guide to common levels:

• 1: Black

• 2: Very dark 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

  
  

If you want to go lighter or darker than your natural hair, this number helps you decide. For example, if your natural hair is level 4 (medium brown) and you want a lighter look, you might choose a level 7 or 8.

Understanding the Tone Number

The tone number comes after the dot or slash and indicates the color’s undertone. Different brands may use slightly different codes, but here are the most common tones:

• 1: Ash (cool, blue or green undertones)

• 2: Matte or pearl (neutral, soft tones)

• 3: Gold (warm, yellow undertones)

• 4: Copper (warm, orange undertones)

• 5: Mahogany (red-violet undertones)

• 6: Red (bright red undertones)

• 7: Matte violet (cool purple undertones)

• 8: Blue (cool blue undertones)

• 9: Light ash (very cool, pale undertones)

  
  

For example, a 7.1 shade means medium blonde with ash undertones, giving a cooler, less yellow look.

Why These Numbers Matter for Your Hair Color

Knowing how to read these numbers helps you:

• Match your desired shade more accurately

• Avoid unwanted tones like brassiness or too much red

• Understand how the color will interact with your natural hair

• Choose the right developer strength for lifting or depositing color

  
  

If you want a natural look, pick tones close to your natural hair undertones. For a bold change, choose contrasting tones.

Hair color swatches arranged by level and tone

Examples of Popular Hair Color Codes

Here are some examples to help you visualize how the numbers translate into real colors:

• 5.3: Light brown with golden undertones. Great for warm, natural looks.

• 7.1: Medium blonde with ash undertones. Ideal for cool, smoky blondes.

• 4.4: Medium brown with copper tones. Adds warmth and richness.

• 9.0: Very light blonde, neutral tone. Perfect for bright, clean blondes.

• 6.66: Dark blonde with intense red tones. For vibrant, fiery hair.

  
  

If you want to tone down brassiness after bleaching, look for ash tones like 8.1 or 9.1.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hair Color Tube

• Know your natural hair level before picking a color. You can find this by comparing your hair to a level chart online or at the store.

• Consider your skin tone: Warm tones (gold, copper) suit warm skin, while cool tones (ash, violet) suit cool skin.

• Think about maintenance: Some tones fade faster or require special shampoos to keep the color fresh.

• Test a strand before full application to see how the color develops on your hair.

• Use the right developer: Higher volume developers lift more but can damage hair if overused.

  
  

What Happens When You Mix Numbers?

Some tubes have two or three numbers separated by dots or slashes, like 7.34 or 6/43. These indicate mixed tones or dual reflects. The first number after the level is the primary tone, and the second is the secondary tone.

For example:

• 7.34 means medium blonde with copper and gold tones.

• 6/43 means dark blonde with copper and gold reflects.

  
  

This combination creates richer, more complex colors.

Hairdresser mixing hair color tubes with clear number labels

Final Thoughts on Hair Color Numbers