hair color letters & numbers (tones) explained | 2024

a breakdown of what the letters & numbers mean on hair color boxes.

*key points:
• On hair color boxes, the first number represents the level (example: 7N = hair color that is a level 7)

• Levels are how light or dark the hair is (not including tone). They are measured 1-10 (sometimes 1-12): 1= black, 10= palest yellow.

• Hair color levels ARE universal between lines- a level 7 in Redken is the same as a level 7 in Wella

• To the right of the level are more numbers or letters; these represent the tone (reds, purples, golds)

• The first letter or number representing the tone is your primary tone. For example, 6BV stands for level 6 blue, violet. Blue is listed first, so it is the primary tone; this color will have more blue. Violet is the secondary color because it is listed second, so less of this color will be added.

• The numbers and letters representing tone are NOT universal- they do not all mean the same thing between color lines. For example, 9P = 9 PURPLE in Paul Mitchell, 9P = 9 OPAL in Redken Shades EQ (opal is more of a mix of violet and blue). They are similar colors but not the same.

•Loose guide of what the letters mean:
N – Natural
A – Ash
V – Violet
R – Red
B – Brown or Beige
G – Gold
C – Copper
M - Mocha or Mahogany
W - Warm

• The N series is natural or neutral—it doesn't have an overpowering warm or cool tone. These are great for covering gray.

• When a hair has a double letter listed for a tone (7NN), it is double pigmented. These often turn out a shade darker. To avoid that, you should use a level lighter on the hair. The NN series also works really well for covering gray.

*my main channel: @BrittneeAlexus

*related videos:

*product links are affiliate links; I may earn a small commission each time a purchase is made using the provided link.

[wendyd]

Am I the only one who saves all of Brittnee’s hair videos for future reference? She explains things so well 🩷

[stephanielawrence]

Thank you so much! This was one of the most helpful hair color videos everrrr! ❤

[Mokikkina]

I paid for a coloring course and the person was not able to explain so well, thank you very much. I

[macarenakhoury]

Thank you much. Thank you for your generosity in sharing with us your knowledge!!!

[teamginger]

Thank you, thank you!! I was in tears after my last visit to the salon. I know what I want, & you are helping me to understand it!

[taggadas]

I appreciate you doing your videos. It does help. I understand it better not completely yet. I'm going to keep looking at your videos lol. I like when you mess up. It's so fun!

[JohanaKoreta]

Thank you. You are my favorite teacher 💕

[alifeintransition]

Thank you! I have a lot more underrstanding of hair color!!

[carmellam.]

Thank you for the education on hair color. Side note: Your tattoo on your shoulder is fire 🔥. 🎉❤🎉❤

[solomonbrown]

This lady has saved more lives than our government

[beforgiveness]

Please help us brown black hair color ladies looking to refresh and or warm, cool, or neutral

[tristamyers]

I love tgese videos! Britnee is so good at explaining everything!!

[babysquatch]

This was so helpful HOLY SMOKES! Thank you queen

[JessicaC.]

Stinking box dye now are doing the pearl for blue for the blonde colors.

[julieharris]

Thank you so much for your videos!!..Helpful when I get color at Sally's...Getting a greenish hue on brown roots 5 NN...Haven't been in a pool..I'm puzzled..

[barbaratodd]

WOW! Never heard it explained like this. Fantastic!

[mimi_wandering]

This is so clearly explained thank you

[sandrasherriff]

Hello Britnee. I love your videos. I currently use lightest blonde ITip hair extensions with the cold fusion method. In one of your videos you mentioned that you prefer to color your extensions prior to installation rather than on the head. Will you please explain to me the easiest way to do a 6 to 7 level brown root shadow on my ITip extensions? Thank you. Sandra S

[Zalyplants]

Thank you for such a clear explanation. Question. If I’m toning orange yellow (need blue or ash) will that turn the dark brown freshly done roots a different color?

[Oonagh]

Thanks for this great information. I need some clarification though. Ion 6VV dark plum blond Ida darker than their 4VV dark plum. Can you explain why this might be? I know light and reflection are an issue, but they are the same letters so I don’t understand. Thanks in advance.