Reading hair color numbers allows you to understand the base color level and the underlying tones or reflects within the shade.
Most professional and retail hair color lines use a numerical system to describe their shades. This system typically consists of a whole number followed by one or more decimal places.
Based on standard systems, which the provided reference illustrates, the structure is generally as follows:
- The first number (before the decimal): Indicates the Base Color Level. This refers to how light or dark the color is, ranging from black (typically 1) to the lightest blonde (typically 10 or higher).
- The first number after the decimal: Indicates the primary Tone or reflect. This is the main underlying pigment that influences the final shade (e.g., ash, gold, copper, red).
- The second number after the decimal: Indicates the secondary Tone or reflect. This is a subordinate pigment that complements the primary tone.
- Subsequent numbers (third decimal, etc.): On occasion, you may also find a third decimal which can indicate additional tones or reflects, or the intensity of the tones.
Example: Breaking Down a Hair Color Number
The provided reference explains this system clearly with an example: "If the first number indicates the base and the first decimal is the tone, the second decimal is the secondary tone. On occasion, you may also find a third decimal. For example, color 6.41 from Revlonissimo Colorsmetique™ is a dark blonde base, with a coppery tone and an ashy hue."
Let's break down the number 6.41 based on this explanation:
| Position | Number | Meaning (Based on Example 6.41) | General Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Decimal | 6 | Dark Blonde Base | Base Color Level |
| First Decimal | .4 | Coppery Tone | Primary Tone / Reflect |
| Second Decimal | .1 | Ashy Hue (Secondary Tone) | Secondary Tone / Reflect |
This example shows how the number 6.41 describes a hair color that is primarily a level 6 (Dark Blonde), with prominent coppery reflects, and a subtle ashy undertone influencing the final look.
Key Takeaways
- The number before the decimal tells you the depth (lightness or darkness) of the color.
- The numbers after the decimal tell you about the hue or reflect of the color. Different brands use different numbers or letters for specific tones (e.g., .1 is often Ash, .3 is Gold, .4 is Copper, .6 is Red), but the structure of Base.Tone.Secondary Tone is common.
- Understanding these numbers helps you predict how a color will look and how it might interact with your existing hair color and underlying pigments.
By reading the numbers on a hair color box or tube, you gain insight into the fundamental characteristics of the shade, allowing for a more informed color selection.
