I was consulting with a new colour client when she asked me to “Mix Level 3”. I was confused so I asked what she was referring to by Level 3. She said she always has three. I realized that she was talking about the level of depth she likes her hair. You see, Professional Hair colourists use a level system to determine how dark or light a client’s hair is prior to formulizing a recipe as well as to determine how dark or light the client would like the result to be. In this case, the client is very happy that I did not do as she requested. The reason why is because I figured out that she was saying Level 3 and meaning Level 7. It is my many years experience as a Professional Hair colourist, coupled with having good consulting skills that led to me figuring this out. This blog is in no way to teach how to colour your hair, I simply want to share some insight with you, so you do not make the same mistake my client almost did by not having the tools to assist in asking for what you want out of your colour. It is a simple concept but can be the difference between having dark brown or black hair, or light brown or dark blonde hair. Here it goes:
Hair colour is seen by Professional Hair colourists on a level scale from 1-10. Level one is black, ten is the lightest blonde (that said, some colour companies may have a “level 11”). Colours also have a light, medium and dark aspect. When you are wanting a brown hair colour, think: “Do I want light brown, medium brown or dark brown?” Think of the darkest brown being close to the lightest black. Level 1 is dark black, Level 2 is medium black, Level 3 is light black. Level 4 is the darkest brown, Level 5 is medium brown, and Level 6 is light brown. Level 7 is dark blonde, Level 8 is medium blonde, Level 9 is light blonde and Level 10 is the lightest blonde. Yes, blonde has always been high maintenance, deserving of the “extra” Level! Knowing this, when considering being blonde, you now know that there are many levels of blonde from dark to light. Photo reference is always helpful for your Professional Hair colourist, but also having an idea of how we see the levels of depth to light is valuable as well. Look in the mirror at your hair colour and ask yourself what level you are. If you ever have questions about your hair colour or other beauty questions, just ask and it is my pleasure to educate you!