Have you ever come across hair color levels and wondered what they meant? Do you know how to determine your hair level? Understanding hair levels can be confusing, especially if you’re not a professional stylist. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about determining your hair level, from understanding what hair levels are to tips for maintaining healthy hair.
What Are Hair Levels?
Hair levels refer to the degree of lightness or darkness in hair color. It’s determined by measuring the darkness or lightness of the hair pigment on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the darkest (black) and 10 being the lightest (platinum blonde). The hair color level system is used by professional stylists to help identify and achieve desired hair colors.
How to Determine Your Hair Level
Determining your hair level is simple. You will need a natural light source, such as sunlight or a halogen lamp, a white piece of paper, and a mirror. Follow these steps:
- Hold the white paper under your hair, close to the roots.
- Compare the color of your hair to the shades on the hair color level scale.
- Identify the closest match on the color scale to determine your hair level.
It’s essential to understand that this method works best for natural hair without any dyes or chemical treatments. If you have colored or chemically treated hair, it may alter the result.
Pros and Cons of Changing Your Hair Level
Changing your hair level can be exciting, but it comes with its pros and cons. Here are some things to consider before making the change:
Pros:
- Experimenting with new hair levels can give you a fresh look and boost your confidence.
- There are plenty of hair coloring options available for every hair level, making it easier to find the perfect shade.
- Changing your hair level can allow you to achieve a specific look or match your skin tone.
Cons:
- Lightening or darkening your hair requires chemicals that can damage your hair, leading to breakage, dryness, and split ends.
- Hair coloring can be expensive, especially if you opt for a professional stylist.
- Once you change your hair level, it may take months or years to get back to your natural color.
Alternatives to Changing Your Hair Level
If you’re not ready to commit to changing your hair level, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Highlights or lowlights can add dimension and depth to your current hair color without changing your level.
- Temporary hair color, such as hair chalk or spray, allows you to experiment with different colors without permanently altering your hair.
- Wigs or clip-in extensions can give you a new look without the commitment of permanent hair color.
Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining Healthy Hair
Maintaining healthy hair is vital regardless of your hair level. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your hair healthy:
- Start by choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
- Avoid using hot tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, too often, as they can damage your hair.
- Protect your hair from environmental factors, such as the sun and wind, by wearing a hat or scarf.
- Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and breakage.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.
Comparing Professional and At-Home Hair Coloring
Whether you decide to change your hair level at home or with a professional stylist, there are pros and cons to both options.
Professional Hair Coloring:
Pros:
- A professional stylist has the necessary training and experience to achieve the desired hair level without causing damage.
- Professional hair coloring often uses high-quality products that can improve the health of your hair.
Cons:
- Professional hair coloring can be expensive.
- You may need to book an appointment weeks in advance, making it challenging to get the look you want quickly.
At-Home Hair Coloring:
Pros:
- At-home hair coloring is typically less expensive than visiting a salon.
- Many at-home hair coloring kits come with detailed instructions, making them easy to use.
Cons:
- At-home hair coloring can be tricky, and mistakes can cause damage to your hair.
- The color may not turn out as expected if you’re not familiar with the process.
Tips for Maintaining Color-Treated Hair
If you decide to change your hair level, here are some tips for maintaining color-treated hair:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent fading.
- Avoid washing your hair too often, as this can strip away the color.
- Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy.
- Protect your hair from chlorinewhen swimming, as it can cause discoloration.
- Use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools to prevent further damage.
The Best Hair Level for Your Skin Tone
When choosing a hair level, it’s essential to consider your skin tone. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- If you have warm undertones, opt for hair levels 7 to 10 in shades like golden blonde and light brown.
- If you have cool undertones, opt for hair levels 4 to 6 in shades like ash brown and dark blonde.
- If you have neutral undertones, you can pull off any hair level and shade.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and there are exceptions based on personal preference and style.
Conclusion
Determining your hair level is an essential first step when it comes to achieving your desired hair color. Whether you decide to change your hair level or stick with your natural color, maintaining healthy hair is crucial. Consider the pros and cons of changing your hair level, alternatives to permanent coloring, and tips for maintaining colored hair. Lastly, remember to pick a hair level that complements your skin tone to achieve the best look possible.
FAQs After The Conclusion
- What is the difference between hair level and hair toner?
- Hair level refers to the degree of lightness or darkness of the hair pigment, while hair toner is used to adjust the tone of hair color.
- Can I determine my hair level if I have dyed hair?
- It’s possible to determine your hair level if you have colored hair, but the result may not be accurate due to the presence of dye.
- How often should I get my hair colored by a professional stylist?
- It depends on your hair growth rate and the desired look, but most professionals recommend every 6-8 weeks.
- Are there any natural ways to lighten or darken my hair level?
- Lemon juice and chamomile tea are natural ways to lighten hair, while black tea and coffee can darken hair.
- Can I change my hair level without using chemicals?
- No, changing your hair level requires the use of chemicals, which can cause damage to your hair.
I am Thomas Taw, the CEO of CITIZENSNIPS. I have experience in hair product development and chemical research, as well as sustainable resource engineering. In 2009, I co-created Sunsilk, one of the world's leading haircare brands. More recently, I was the CEO of SMOKINGPANDA LTD. I am a professional with a strong track record in delivering tangible results.
