If you’re looking for hair colors online, the first thing that probably comes up is the hair color chart. Choosing a new shade may seem intimidating, but we’ve done the research to help you find the best color that suits your hair and style. First things first, set a hair color goal. Ask yourself why you want to color your tresses and how you wish to look! Is there any inspiration, or do you just want to replace the old bland style with something new? It could be any one of these or other reasons:
- Get lighter or darker hair color — It’s good to follow trendy hairstyles and look out for possible hair transformations. However, one must pay attention to details like the complexion, eye color, and personal style.
- Cover gray hair — There are two ways of achieving optimal gray coverage. One is to get a permanent color matching the rest of your strands, and the other is to use temporary hair dyes as highlights or lowlights against your natural hair.
- Enhance the natural color of your hair — This is one of the most common reasons for hair coloring. While you want to stay authentic with your natural hair, giving an occasional boost to combat dullness becomes essential.
- Opt for highlights — This can transform your hair dramatically, adding dimension to your existing color. Also, some highlights may make your hair manageable and voluminous at the same time.
The next essential step is choosing the best color from the hair color chart. The numbers, letters, and decimals on the chart tell everything about the shade and its outcome. Below are the important things you must know to read and comprehend the chart effortlessly.
Depth or base color
The first number on the hair coloring chart tells the base color. This can be understood with the help of the standard numbering system: 1 is the darkest hair color (black), and 10 is the lightest blonde. Some charts go up to 12 for ultra-blonde shades. Simply put, the higher the number, the fainter the color gets.
Primary tones
The first decimal denotes the primary tone of your hair color. It helps determine the shade of hair coloring cream. For instance, 5.1 is a light brown base color with a cool tone of blue ash. But how do you decide the perfect tone for your hair? It’s easy. Understand your skin tone. Warm hair colors look gorgeous with warm skin tones and vice versa.
Secondary tones
The second decimal of the number denotes the secondary hue or undertone. For example, 7.51 gives a medium blonde base with a mahogany tone and an ashy hue. Finding the accompanying undertone is easier if you know your complexion. Usually, lighter hair goes well with cooler undertones and darker hair with warmer undertones.
Note – You may find a hair color chart with a third decimal. Don’t fret; it stands for the shade that may have the least influence on your hair color.
Performance of the color
Last but not least, determine the performance of the coloring cream. You may see certain letters on the hair color chart denoting the color’s performance. For example, in Moehair 7GV Blonde Hair Color, GV means Golden Violet. Thus, one can select the hair coloring cream based on these acronyms.
Choosing the perfect hair color
Once you understand the language of a hair color chart, prioritize the following tips to pick the best hair color.
- Skin tone — Your skin’s undertone is the most crucial factor in choosing the suitable shade for your hair. Try looking for warm, cool, or neutral hues on your skin in a well-lit room. You can also look closely at your wrist for the color of veins. The green hues of your veins mean warm tones, whereas purple or blue hues mean cool tones.
- Personality and style — Gone are the days when the only available color choices were black, brown, and red. The hair color chart is loaded with options to explore and experiment. Pick whatever suits your personality and paint your canvas confidently.
- Temporary or permanent — You can opt for temporary or permanent hair dyes based on your preferences. Invest in a temporary color for a bold and vivid transformation, especially if you’re unsure about it. Otherwise, opt for a permanent color for a new look that lasts longer with occasional touch-ups.
Finally, take it slow and find what works for you. Seek help from a professional or perform a strand test before applying a hair coloring cream.
