Hair color is a fantastic way to express your individuality, enhance your features, and show off your personal style. Whether you're a seasoned hair color enthusiast or just starting out on your hair dye journey, knowing the level of your hair is key to achieving the perfect shade you're aiming for. So you're probably wondering, "What level is my hair color?" Or maybe you're using a hair color level chart for the first time and feeling a little overwhelmed. Don't worry – we're here to break it down and answer all of your hair color level questions!

Understanding the different hair color levels is crucial when it comes to choosing a new shade, maintaining your current color, or correcting a dye job gone wrong. Hair professionals identify the color of your hair based on a standard scale that ranges from level 1, which is the darkest shade, to level 10, the lightest shade. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about the right hair color products and treatments to use, and ensure that you achieve the vibrant, beautiful results you desire.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of hair color levels and hair level charts, helping you identify your hair's current level and determine the best path to your ideal color. We'll also offer tips for finding the best hair color salon near you, so you can turn your hair vision into a reality with the help of an expert stylist.

From natural brunettes eyeing a stunning chocolate brown to platinum blondes hoping to maintain a vibrant hue, our guide to hair color levels is here to assist you every step. So whether you're gearing up for a trendy transformation or just refreshing your existing color, read on to unlock the secrets of hair levels and confidently achieve your hair goals.

Understanding Hair Color Levels and the Hair Level Chart

The hair level chart is a crucial tool for determining your hair's current shade and locating your desired target color. This standardized scale, used by hair professionals around the globe, consists of 10 levels – with level 1 representing the darkest hair color (inky black) and level 10 the lightest (pale, icy blonde). Each level is accompanied by an image and a corresponding number, ensuring that stylists and colorists can communicate efficiently and effectively about hair color.

To find your hair color level, you'll want to examine your hair in natural daylight, which offers the truest representation of your hue. Once you've identified your hair color on the hair level chart, you can then begin your journey toward your desired level. Keep in mind that the degree of lift or deposit achievable in a single salon visit will depend on your current level.

Red, Gold, and Ash – Navigating Hair Tone and Undertone

While understanding hair levels is essential, it's important to remember that hair color is about more than just darkness or lightness – tone also plays a pivotal role. Tone refers to the warmth or coolness of a color, while undertone refers to the natural underlying pigments in the hair. There are three primary hair undertones: red, gold, and ash.

Red undertones are warm and vibrant, with colors ranging from copper to burgundy. Gold undertones lean more toward yellow and orange shades, with colors such as honey blonde, caramel, and golden brown. Ash undertones are cool and muted, lending a silvery or gray cast to colors like platinum blonde, ashy brown, and slate gray. When formulating a hair color plan, it's essential to consider both the level and the undertone of the desired result.

Choosing the Best Hair Color Salon Near You

Now that you understand hair levels and undertones, it's time to find the perfect hair color salon to turn your hair dreams into a reality. A quick online search using the keywords "hair color salon near me" or "best hair color salon near me" will yield many results, but how do you choose the right salon for you? Here are a few tips to help you make your decision:

1. Read online reviews: Online reviews can provide a wealth of information about a salon's quality, customer service, and results. Look for salons with consistently high ratings and plenty of positive feedback, such as Timeless Salon in Burford.

2. Check out their social media: Many hair salons showcase their work on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Browse their pages to gauge the skill and expertise of their stylists, as well as to see if their services align with the look you're aiming for.

3. Schedule a consultation: Before committing to a salon, schedule a consultation to discuss your hair goals and get a feel for the salon's atmosphere. This will also give you an opportunity to get a personalized quote for your hair color service, ensuring there are no surprises when it comes to cost.

Caring for Your Hair Color at Home

Once you've found the perfect salon, achieved your desired hair level, and are in love with your new color, it's essential to adopt a proper hair care routine to keep your color looking vibrant and healthy. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your hair color at home:

1. Use color-safe products: Avoid shampoos and conditioners containing sulfates, as they can strip color from your hair. Instead, opt for color-safe, sulfate-free products formulated specifically for colored hair.

2. Protect your hair from heat: Overusing heat styling tools can cause color to fade more quickly, so try to limit your use of hot tools and always apply a heat protectant before styling.

3. Minimize sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can also contribute to color fading. Protect your hair by wearing hats or using a UV hair spray when spending extended periods in the sun.

4. Deep condition regularly: Colored hair can be more prone to dryness and damage. Nourish and protect your hair's health by incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your routine at least once a week.

Your Path to Expert-Level Hair Color Knowledge


Understanding hair color levels, the hair level chart, and the role of undertones makes creating or maintaining your perfect color a breeze. With the help of a skilled stylist at a high-quality salon, you can achieve stunning results tailored specifically to your hair goals. 

And, by following a careful at-home color care routine, you can maintain that vibrant, beautiful color for weeks, or even months, after your salon visit. It's time to embrace your hair color aspirations with confidence! Visit the website of Timeless Salon for more information.