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:
color theory: • hair color theory | 2024
*product links are affiliate links; I may earn a small commission each time a purchase is made using the provided link.

[@wendyd1229]

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

[@melissaharrison622]

I save all of them. 😊

[@raeunderpressure]

Me too!

[@allkindsamusicchick]

Yes, I've saved several!!

[@erinwright30]

Yes!!! I even bought those highlight combs she used.

[@stephanielawrence1]

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

[@SharonDzela]

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

[@MadebyV.O.N]

You make it so easy to understand 🙌

[@maggyhandy8343]

Thank you for teaching us !

[@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!

[@babysquatch]

This was so helpful HOLY SMOKES! Thank you queen

[@alifeintransition9782]

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

[@AdrianaRojas-i6w]

❤❤ amazing info, thank you Brittney

[@tristamyers1910]

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

[@barbaratodd1769]

WOW! Never heard it explained like this. Fantastic!

[@nicolajones5992]

Omg you are amazing thank you !!

[@allkindsamusicchick]

Thank you!! Very Helpful!!

[@JohanaKoreta]

Thank you. You are my favorite teacher 💕

[@mimi_wandering]

This is so clearly explained thank you

[@JessicaC.]

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

[@lellocchiadue]

Thank you ❤

[@julieharris416]

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..

[@user-hp5ye8gq6z]

this is so forking helpful, thank you.

[@MsAlonzo26]

Just when I thought I knew something, I realize I don't know nuthin' 😂😂😂Love this video❤

[@the1_grammy503]

You’re just good. Flat out good.

[@MadebyV.O.N]

Thanks 😊

[@DJTRAGICSWAG]

Where’d you get the hair swatch tone chart?

[@crystalpoole1560]

It's kind of weird seeing Brittnee being serious lol. But the whole thing was very well explained.

[@brittneealexushair]

gotta balance the scales LOL!!!!

[@preetione357]

I like it ❤

[@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?

[@solomonbrown1015]

This lady has saved more lives than our government

[@beforgiveness7720]

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

[@Lizzy_Mor]

Thank you for this series. It’s game changing to the point where I’ve gone into Sally’s to buy products and not RUIN up my hair😂
also helps to save some cash cause LORD ITS EXPENSIVE UP IN THESE STREETS

[@Mrsjam96]

💖

[@costaricap7122]

So, will 8 NB give my grays golden color? Thanks

[@Lakewaveboat]

If i’m not mistaken, pravana chromasilk P = pearl and pearl = pink. 🤦 Could be wrong but i think thats how those are

[@asiferguson9727]

Love yours videos so easy to understand ☺️

[@cheerlovatic1022]

What would you describe a pearl undertone? Is it cool or neutral or a warm tone

[@Matti294]

It’s cool

[@cheerlovatic1022]

@@Matti294 is it suitable to tone with? My hair is a level four and I found a pearl level four color.

[@Matti294]

@@cheerlovatic1022 what are you toning out?

[@cheerlovatic1022]

@@Matti294 red tones in my level 4 hair

[@Matti294]

@@cheerlovatic1022 I’m a stylist. I would say without seeing your hair color and condition to use an ash. We never use pearl in dark hair to cancel out red tones. I don’t anyhow. I use them in my blondes! Hope this helps!

[@legsnhipsnbawdy]

This is exactly what I have been wondering about lately! Especially since a brand of dye I was looking at uses a label like "B175W" for a level 2 red violet, but I didn't know how that translated to other brands.

[@ScoobyDoo67]

❤️🇳🇱❤️

[@starslikedust]

furbies 😊

[@sheamcdonough]

Is there a difference between pearl and ash? They’re both blue but is one more intense than the other?