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Are you thinking about colouring your hair but feel lost with all the numbers and codes printed on the box? I totally get it. Between tones, reflections and brand variations, things can quickly become confusing.
Let me help you decode it all. This guide will show you how to read hair dye colour codes and choose the best shade based on your natural colour, skin tone and eye colour.
👇 Let me show you how to decode hair dye numbers and find the perfect match for your tone.
How to read hair dye colour codes
Hair dye boxes often display three digits like 7.43 or 5.3. These numbers are the key to knowing what shade you are buying.
The first digit: base colour (tone level)
This number indicates how dark or light the colour is. The lower the number, the darker the shade. It follows a universal scale created by Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oréal.
Base shades and tone scale
- 1 = Black
- 2 = Darkest brown
- 3 = Dark brown
- 4 = Medium brown
- 5 = Light brown
- 6 = Dark blonde
- 7 = Blonde
- 8 = Light blonde
- 9 = Very light blonde
- 10 = Platinum blonde
My tip
We tend to see our hair as darker than it actually is. The best way to check your true tone is to look at your eyebrows in natural light. And if you’re unsure, talk to a hair colour professional.
The second digit: main reflection
This tells you the dominant undertone of the colour.
- 0 = No reflection
- 1 = Ash (cool, grey-based)
- 2 = Iridescent (cool, pink or violet)
- 3 = Golden (warm, sunny tone)
- 4 = Copper (warm, orange tone)
- 5 = Mahogany (cool, deep red)
- 6 = Red (warm)
- 7 = Violet (cool, plum tone)
The third digit: secondary reflection
This adds depth or contrast to the main reflection. It’s a smaller nuance, but it helps personalise the result.
Example
A colour labelled 7.43 breaks down like this:
- 7 = base tone: medium blonde
- 4 = copper as the main reflection
- 3 = golden as the secondary reflection
So you get a warm, golden copper blonde.
Reflections vary by brand
Not all brands use exactly the same numbering system. Some may use letters (like A for ash or G for gold) or switch the reflection order. Always check the brand’s shade chart.
My tip
Do not rely only on the box image. It can look very different depending on your natural colour and hair texture.
How to choose the right shade
Now that you can read the colour codes, let me help you choose your ideal colour.
I recommend:
- Choosing a shade that is one or two levels above or below your natural colour
- Picking reflections that match your skin tone and eye colour
- Asking a colourist for advice if you’re making a big change, like going from brunette to blonde
Your natural hair colour is important, but it’s not the only thing. To truly enhance your features, think about your overall look: skin undertone, eye colour and personal style.
Hair colour tips for women: how to choose the right shade
Want a fresh new look? A new haircut paired with a great hair colour is a fantastic way to boost your confidence. But with so many shades available, how do you choose the one that really suits you?
Here are my 3 must-know tips to help you decide.
1. Start with your natural hair colour
Choosing a colour that is one or two tones above or below your natural colour often gives the best and most natural-looking result. It’s a safer bet if you want to enhance your look without any unwanted surprises.
For example, switching from dark brown to light blonde in one step might look unflattering and dull your complexion.
👉 See the best colours based on your natural hair
2. Consider your skin tone
Your skin tone plays a big role. Whether you have fair, golden, olive or dark skin, there are shades that will enhance your complexion and others that may clash.
Avoid shades that are too close to your skin tone or those that create a harsh contrast, like platinum blonde on very dark skin or golden blonde on porcelain complexions.
👉 Discover the ideal colours for your skin tone
3. Think about your eye colour
Your eye colour can be a great guide when choosing a hair shade. Certain tones bring out the vibrancy of your eyes, while others may make you look washed out.
For instance, copper tones are amazing for green eyes, while ash shades can dull them. Warm chocolate tones bring depth to dark eyes, and golden hues can make blue eyes pop.
👉 Find your match based on your eye colour
My tip
Try highlights or balayage first if you’re unsure about a full transformation. It’s a great way to experiment with colour while keeping it subtle and low-risk.
