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Select the right level and tone of hair color to achieve salon worthy results in a shade you crave. Stray too far from your natural hair level and you risk a major color oops that requires a fix from a professional color expert. The wrong tone gives you lackluster results instead of a shade that lights up your face and adds a sparkle to your beautiful eyes. Do your color homework first, then select the perfect shade to do your own hair with sizzilicious results!
1.
Determine your natural hair color level first to figure out the hair shades that look best on you. Take a close look at your hair in a well-lit room or grab a childhood photo of yourself and study the hair color.
2.
Hair color levels range from 1 to 12, with black at level 1 and platinum blonde at 12. Brunette shades are dark brown at 2, medium at 3 and light brown at level 4. Redheads range from level 5 for dark red, 6 for medium and 7 for light red. Natural blondes levels start at 8 for dark blonde, 9 for medium, 10 for light, 11 for very light and platinum blonde at 12. Beauty supply stores stock colorized charts and offer useful advice to help you identify your level.
3.
Select a box of hair color that's no more than two color levels lighter or darker than your natural shade to achieve perfect color results. For example, a level 4 light brown can darken to a level 2 dark brown or lighten to a level 6 medium red. Going all the way down to a level 9 medium blonde requires the assistance of a professional colorist and products to achieve the right color results.
Hair Color Tone
1.
In addition to the color levels, hair color boxes are available in three tones: golden, ash or neutral. Your skin tone determines which of the three is best for you. to discover your tone, look in a mirror and drape a gold scarf across your chest followed by a silver one. You're warm toned if the gold scarf makes your facial features come alive and cool toned if the silver one works the mojo.
2.
Select golden shades if you're a warm-toned beauty. These may also be listed as warm, honey or beige. Avoid any hair colors labeled ash, as these will leave you with drab, dull skin. Definitely not the look you want.
3.
Ash shades are made for you if you're a cool-toned girl. Stick to the icy sounding shades and stay away from any warm or golden hair colors.
4.
Choose a neutral shade if you absolutely can't determine your skin tone. Neutrals also work to color correct dyed hair, but that's a job best left up to a professional colorist.
