Leveling hair refers to determining the shade's darkness or lightness on a numerical scale, crucial in hair coloring processes.
In the context of hair color, "level" describes how light or dark a hair color shade is. This is typically represented by numbers on a scale, often from 1 to 10 (though some systems may vary). These levels are essential for:
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Understanding Hair Color Charts: Hair color charts display shades arranged by level, allowing stylists and individuals to select appropriate colors.
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Predicting Color Outcomes: Knowing the starting level of the hair and the target level helps predict the final color result. For example, lifting hair from a level 3 to a level 8 requires significant lightening.
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Formulating Hair Color: Colorists use levels to formulate hair color mixtures accurately, ensuring they achieve the desired shade and avoid unwanted tones.
The Hair Color Level Scale (Example):
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Differences: Level vs. Tone
It's crucial to distinguish between "level" and "tone" in hair color:
- Level: Indicates the darkness or lightness of the hair color. This is represented by a number (e.g., level 6).
- Tone: Indicates the warmth or coolness of the hair color (e.g., golden, ash, red). These are typically represented by letters.
For instance, a "level 7G" represents a medium blonde (level 7) with a golden tone (G).
In summary, leveling hair is about identifying and understanding the darkness or lightness of the hair shade, which is a foundational aspect of hair coloring and formulation.
