Thinking about coloring your hair at home but don't know where to start? Finding the right hair dye can feel daunting. You've likely searched online for the best hair color trends and might even have some ideas, but aren't sure how to achieve your desired results. Understanding color theory, the hair color wheel, and hair color levels can help you achieve gorgeous DIY results.
What is Color Theory?
Color theory is the study of how colors interact – how they combine, contrast, and influence one another. It explains what happens when you mix colors or layer them, which is essential for understanding how hair color works.
You can use a hair color wheel as a visual guide to understand these interactions. The wheel demonstrates how warm tones sit opposite cool tones, illustrating how these colors or tones can neutralize each other.
To neutralize gold tones, you'd use violet or burgundy—hence why some blondes use purple or violet shampoo. Ash counteracts copper or brassy tones, while green neutralizes auburn. These neutralizing relationships are visually represented by their opposing positions on the hair color wheel.
Understanding the hair color wheel is a great starting point, but don't worry, you don't need to be a color theory expert like Picasso to achieve great results with at-home box color.
If you have some hair color ideas, you've likely already browsed the box color options at your local drugstore or supermarket. Our Garnier Nutrissecolors offer a wide range, from black and red to light blonde. Choosing your next hair color can be fun—and with a bit of knowledge, it can be easy too.
What Do the Numbers on Hair Color Boxes Mean?
Have you ever noticed those numbers alongside the color name on a box of hair dye?
For example, consider Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Crème permanent hair color in 434 Deep Chestnut Brown. The color label has two key components: levels and tones. The level indicates the lightness or darkness of the color—it's the base value. Choosing the right level helps you pinpoint your position on the light-to-dark spectrum. Understanding levels helps you identify your natural color level and determine the target level for your desired hair color.
What Level Is My Hair Color?
To determine your hair color level, isolate a section of hair from the crown of your head. Hold it away from the rest of your hair in good lighting. Then, compare it to a hair color level chart.
Hair color levels are categorized on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the darkest and 10 the lightest.
Keep in mind that the greater the difference between your natural level and the chosen dye level, the sooner your roots will show. A dye closer to your natural color results in a more subtle change and a less noticeable grow-out period.
How Do I Figure Out What Tone I Want?
The shade number on your hair color box often contains multiple digits, indicating the presence of one or more tones. With a wide variety of choices, you're sure to find a tone you love.
Understanding color theory principles, by consulting a hair color wheel and resources like our "Hair Color Decoded Chart," can help you achieve your desired permanent hair color. This knowledge allows you to identify how to neutralize unwanted undertones or intensify desired ones.
Let's break down an example: Medium Golden Brown.
• Level: It's a medium brown (level 5).
• Tone: It has a golden tone (3).
• Result: This combination creates Medium Golden Brown (5.3)
New to Coloring Your Hair? Here Are Some Helpful Guidelines:
If you're unsure about choosing a warm or cool shade, start with a neutral tone until you see how it looks.
Once you've colored your hair with a neutral shade and seen the results, you can experiment with warmer tones like golds, coppers, reds, and auburns for your next coloring.
If you want to avoid warmth, stick with cool or ash shades, which help control and neutralize warm tones.
Check Out Our Virtual Try-On Tool!
Now that you understand more about color theory, tones, and levels, are you still wondering, "What hair color looks best on me?" Garnier's Virtual Try-On Toolcan help! Trying a new hair shade is easier than ever. Upload a selfie or virtually try on the Nutrisse shades you're interested in.
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