Professional hair color products often feature a combination of numbers and letters on their packaging. These alphanumeric codes are essential for salon professionals, as they provide precise information about the color's depth and tone, ensuring accurate and predictable results for clients.
Understanding these codes can transform the hair coloring process from a guessing game into a science. Let's delve into what these letters signify and how they guide color selection.
Decoding the Letters: Understanding Hair Color Tones
The letters in hair color codes represent the tone or hue of the color. Here's a breakdown of common letters and their corresponding tones:
- N – Neutral or Natural
- A – Ash (cool tone with blue or green undertones)
- B – Beige (soft, cool tone)
- C – Copper (warm, orange-based tone)
- G – Gold (warm, yellow-based tone)
- M – Mahogany (a mix of red and violet tones)
- R – Red (warm, red-based tone)
- V – Violet (cool, purple-based tone)
- W – Warm (general warm tones)
For example, a color labeled as 6A would be a level 6 (dark blonde) with an ash tone, resulting in a cool, dark blonde shade.
The Role of Numbers in Hair Color
While this article focuses on the letters, it's important to note that the numbers preceding these letters indicate the color's depth or level, typically on a scale from 1 to 10:
- 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
Combining the level number with the tone letter provides a complete picture of the hair color. For instance, 7G would be a medium blonde with a golden tone.
Double Letters: Intensifying the Tone
Sometimes, you'll encounter hair color codes with double letters, such as NN or RR. These indicate a more intense concentration of the tone:
- NN – Intense Neutral, often used for gray coverage
- RR – Intense Red, for a vibrant red result
Understanding these nuances allows professionals to select colors that meet their clients' specific desires, whether it's achieving a natural look or a bold fashion statement.
Practical Application in the Salon
For salon professionals, mastering the alphanumeric color code system is crucial. It enables precise color formulation and helps in achieving consistent results. For example, if a client desires a light ash brown, selecting a 5A ensures the correct level and tone.
Additionally, knowing these codes aids in corrective coloring. If a client's hair has unwanted warm tones, choosing a color with an ash (A) tone can neutralize the warmth, resulting in a cooler shade.
Explore Professional Hair Color Options
At Pure Spa Direct, we offer a wide range of professional hair color products to suit every client's needs. Explore our collections to find the perfect shades for your salon:
- Professional Hair Color
- Professional Hair Salon & Barber Shop Supplies
- Premium Hair Care Products for Salons & Barber Shops
Understanding the letters and numbers in hair color codes empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring your clients leave the salon with the perfect shade every time.
