7N Hair Color Vs 8N: Which Is Better for You?

Are you torn between 7N and 8N hair colors? Choosing the right shade can be tricky, but it’s crucial for achieving your desired look. Understanding hair color levels and tones helps in selecting the perfect match for your skin undertone and lifestyle. In this post, you’ll learn about the differences between 7N and 8N, their benefits, challenges, and how to maintain them for vibrant, lasting results.

Decoding 7N Hair Color

What is 7N Hair Color?

7N hair color refers to a medium blonde shade with a natural tone. The "7" denotes the level of lightness, placing it right in the medium blonde range, while the "N" stands for neutral, indicating a balanced blend of warm and cool undertones. This shade is popular among those seeking a versatile, natural-looking blonde without leaning too warm or ashy. Brands like Matrix offer a range of 7N hair dye options, including the well-known Matrix 7N hair color and 7N Matrix SoColor, both of which are permanent hair color formulations. Additionally, there are demi-permanent versions like 7N demi permanent hair color that provide a softer, less damaging alternative.

Benefits of Using 7N Hair Color

One major advantage of 7N blonde hair color is its adaptability. It works well on various hair types and colors, especially for those wanting a natural medium blonde look. The shade's neutrality means it complements many skin tones without clashing. For example, 7N medium blonde can blend beautifully with highlights or be used alone for a subtle, elegant finish. It’s also a great choice for covering gray hair, offering a natural appearance without harsh tones. Furthermore, 7N permanent hair color provides long-lasting results, maintaining vibrancy over time when paired with proper care.

Challenges with 7N Hair Color

Despite its versatility, 7N hair color can present some challenges. Because it’s a neutral tone, it may sometimes appear flat or dull without the right lighting or hair condition. On hair with underlying warm pigments, 7N may not fully neutralize brassiness, leading to slight warmth that some may find undesirable. Additionally, those with very dark hair might need pre-lightening to achieve the true 7N shade, which requires extra care to avoid damage. Maintaining the color’s richness also demands consistent upkeep, especially for 7N hair color with highlights, as highlighted strands can fade faster.

Skin Tones that Complement 7N Hair Color

7N hair dye is particularly flattering on individuals with neutral to warm skin undertones. It harmonizes well with light to medium skin tones, enhancing natural warmth without overpowering the complexion. People with olive or beige skin often find 7N blonde hair color enhances their natural glow. However, those with cooler or very pale skin might prefer adding ash or violet tones to avoid looking washed out. The neutrality of 7N allows for easy customization, making it a favorite among stylists for tailored hair color solutions.

Maintenance Tips for 7N Hair Color

To keep 7N hair color looking fresh and vibrant, follow these maintenance tips:

• Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners designed for blonde or color-treated hair.

• Limit washing frequency to preserve pigment and prevent fading.

• Apply deep conditioning treatments weekly to maintain hair health and shine.

• Protect hair from heat styling and UV exposure by using heat protectants and UV filters.

• Schedule regular touch-ups, especially if you have 7N hair color with highlights, to maintain an even tone.

By following these steps, you can extend the life of your 7N medium blonde shade and keep your hair looking salon-fresh longer.

Tip: When choosing 7N hair color for clients, always assess their natural hair base and skin undertone to customize the formula for the most flattering and long-lasting results.

Exploring 8N Hair Color

What is 8N Hair Color?

8N hair color is classified as a light blonde shade with a neutral tone. The "8" indicates the level of lightness, placing it just a step lighter than 7N, while "N" stands for neutral, meaning it offers a balanced mix of warm and cool undertones. This shade aims to deliver a natural, soft blonde look without leaning too golden or ashy. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a bright yet natural blonde that complements a variety of skin tones. Like the 7N hair dye, 8N is available in permanent and demi-permanent formulas, including options from well-known brands that provide reliable coverage and lasting color.

Advantages of 8N Hair Color

One of the main benefits of 8N hair color is its ability to brighten the overall hair tone while maintaining neutrality. It works well for clients who want a lighter blonde than 7N but still desire a natural finish. The neutral undertones help prevent the hair from appearing too warm or brassy, which is a common concern with lighter blondes. Additionally, 8N hair dye can enhance shine and create a smooth, even color that looks fresh and vibrant. It’s also versatile enough to be used as a base for highlights or lowlights, making it a favorite in professional salons for customized blonde looks.

Common Issues with 8N Hair Color

Despite its appeal, 8N hair color can present some challenges. Sometimes, when applied over darker or previously colored hair, 8N may reveal unwanted warm or brassy tones. This can happen if the underlying pigment isn’t fully neutralized. Uneven color distribution is another issue, especially on hair with varying porosity or damage, resulting in patchiness. Over time, 8N can fade and lose its vibrancy, leading to dullness. Proper application techniques and aftercare are essential to minimize these problems and keep the color looking fresh.

Skin Tones Best Suited for 8N Hair Color

8N hair color is particularly flattering on individuals with cool to neutral skin undertones. It complements fair to medium skin tones by brightening the complexion without overwhelming it. People with pink or rosy undertones often find 8N enhances their natural glow. However, those with very warm or olive skin tones might find 8N too cool and may prefer a shade with warmer undertones. The neutral quality of 8N makes it a versatile choice, but it’s important to consider skin undertone for the most harmonious result.

Keeping 8N Hair Color Vibrant

Maintaining the beauty of 8N hair color requires consistent care. Here are some key tips:

• Use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair to protect pigment.

• Limit washing frequency to prevent premature fading.

• Incorporate weekly deep conditioning treatments to keep hair healthy and shiny.

• Apply heat protectants before styling to avoid damage that dulls color.

• Use UV protection products or wear hats when exposed to strong sunlight.

• Schedule regular salon touch-ups to refresh the color and address any fading or brassiness.

Following these steps helps preserve the crisp, natural look of 8N hair dye and extends the life of the color.

Tip: When applying 8N hair color, consider mixing in a small amount of ash tone to neutralize any unwanted warmth and achieve a perfectly balanced neutral blonde.

Comparing 7N and 8N Hair Colors

Color Depth and Tone Differences

When comparing 7N vs 8N hair color, the primary distinction lies in their depth levels. The 7N hair color is classified as medium blonde, while 8N is a light blonde shade. Both feature a neutral tone, balancing warm and cool undertones for a natural look. However, 7N medium blonde tends to offer a slightly richer, deeper shade compared to the lighter and brighter 8N hair color. This subtle difference affects how the color interacts with light and complements skin tones. For example, 7N blonde hair color provides a warm, natural base ideal for those seeking a medium blonde without appearing too light, whereas 8N hair dye brightens hair with a soft, luminous finish.

Suitability for Different Hair Types

Both 7N hair dye and 8N hair dye work well on various hair types, but their suitability depends on the starting hair color and condition. For darker hair, achieving a true 8N hair color often requires pre-lightening, which can increase the risk of damage. In contrast, 7N hair color ion or Matrix 7N hair color can be more forgiving on hair that is closer to medium blonde naturally, reducing the need for extensive lightening. Additionally, 7N permanent hair color and 7N demi permanent hair color options offer versatility for those wanting longer-lasting or gentler color applications. Hair with highlights can benefit from 7N hair color with highlights, blending seamlessly for a multi-dimensional effect.

Impact on Hair Health

Since 8N hair color usually involves lifting hair to a lighter level, it may cause more damage than 7N shades, especially if pre-lightening is necessary. The higher lift required for 8N can lead to dryness and increased porosity if not managed carefully. On the other hand, 7N hair color, particularly demi-permanent options like 7N demi permanent hair color, tends to be less harsh, preserving hair integrity better. Using quality formulations such as Matrix 7N hair color or 7N Matrix SoColor ensures better conditioning during the coloring process. Proper aftercare, including color-safe shampoos and conditioners, is essential regardless of the shade to maintain hair health and vibrancy.

Long-term Maintenance Considerations

Maintaining 7N medium blonde or 8N hair color requires consistent care to prevent fading and brassiness. The 7N hair color ion and other permanent formulations generally offer longer-lasting color, reducing the frequency of touch-ups. However, 8N hair color comparison often shows that lighter shades may fade faster and reveal underlying warmth if not maintained with toning products. Clients with 7N hair color with highlights might need more frequent salon visits to keep the highlights fresh and balanced. Both shades benefit from UV protection, heat protectants, and limited washing to extend color life. Choosing between 7N and 8N should consider your willingness to commit to maintenance routines and the desired longevity of the color.

Tip: When deciding between 7N and 8N hair color, assess your natural hair level and maintenance preferences to select the shade that delivers the best balance of color vibrancy and hair health.

Choosing the Right Shade for You

Assessing Your Natural Hair Color

Before deciding between 7N hair color and 8N hair color, it’s essential to evaluate your natural hair color level. The 7N medium blonde shade works best if your hair is already in the medium blonde to light brown range. It can enhance your natural tone without drastic changes. On the other hand, 8N hair dye suits those with lighter hair, such as light blonde or dark blonde, who want a subtle lift to brighten their look.

If your natural hair is darker than level 7, achieving the true 7N blonde hair color might require pre-lightening. For level 8 or lighter hair, 8N hair color can be applied directly for a fresh, light blonde finish. Keep in mind, lifting hair beyond two levels often demands professional care to maintain hair health.

Considering Your Skin Undertone

Your skin undertone plays a pivotal role in selecting the perfect shade. 7N hair color ion, with its neutral tone, complements warm to neutral skin undertones beautifully. It brings out natural warmth without overwhelming your complexion. If you have olive or beige skin, 7N blonde hair color can enhance your natural glow.

Conversely, 8N hair color, also neutral, leans slightly lighter and suits those with cool to neutral undertones. It brightens fair to medium skin tones and pairs well with pink or rosy undertones. However, if your skin is very warm or olive, 8N might appear too cool, making 7N a better match.

Understanding your undertone can be as simple as the vein test: greenish veins indicate warm undertones, bluish suggest cool, and if it’s hard to tell, you likely have a neutral undertone.

Lifestyle and Hair Care Routine

Your daily habits and hair care routine influence which shade is better for you. If you prefer low-maintenance hair color, 7N permanent hair color or 7N demi permanent hair color options offer durability and less frequent touch-ups. The medium blonde shade is forgiving with regrowth and fading.

8N hair dye, being lighter, may require more upkeep to prevent brassiness and maintain vibrancy. Regular use of toning shampoos and UV protection is crucial to keep 8N hair color looking fresh. If you enjoy experimenting with highlights or want a brighter blonde with a soft finish, 8N might be your go-to.

Also, consider your styling tools and exposure to heat or sunlight. Both shades benefit from heat protectants and color-safe products, but lighter shades like 8N are more prone to fading from environmental factors.

Tip: When choosing between 7N and 8N hair color, match your natural hair level and skin undertone first, then factor in your lifestyle and maintenance preferences to find the shade that fits your beauty routine effortlessly.

Expert Tips for Application and Maintenance

Professional Application Techniques

Applying 7N hair color or 8N hair color professionally ensures the best results. Start by assessing the natural hair level and porosity to tailor the formula. Section the hair into four or more parts for even coverage. Use a high-quality brush for precise application, especially near roots and hairline. Follow the recommended processing time on the product packaging—over-processing can lead to unwanted tones or damage. For 7N hair color ion and Matrix 7N hair color, mixing with the correct developer volume is crucial to achieve the desired medium blonde depth without lifting too much. When working with 8N hair dye, consider adding a small amount of ash tone to neutralize any underlying warmth. Always perform a strand test to preview the final shade and adjust the formula if necessary.

DIY Application Tips

If you prefer to apply 7N permanent hair color or 8N hair dye at home, preparation is key. Start with clean, dry hair and wear gloves to protect your hands. Section your hair for manageable application, beginning from the roots and moving toward the ends. Use an applicator brush for accuracy. Follow the timing instructions carefully to avoid over-processing. For 7N hair color with highlights, apply the color to the base first, then carefully paint the highlighted strands for a natural blend. Avoid washing hair immediately after coloring; wait 48 hours to allow the color to set fully. Use lukewarm water when rinsing to help seal the cuticle and lock in color.

Recommended Products for Color Longevity

Maintaining vibrancy in 7N medium blonde or 8N hair color requires the right products. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair to prevent fading. Purple shampoos can be beneficial for neutralizing brassiness, especially with 7N blonde hair color or 8N shades prone to warm tones. Deep conditioning treatments weekly help retain moisture and shine, essential for both permanent and demi-permanent 7N hair color options. Heat protectants are a must before styling to shield hair from damage that dulls color. UV protectant sprays or leave-in conditioners can guard against sun exposure, which accelerates fading. Brands like Matrix offer color-protecting lines that complement their 7N matrix socolor products perfectly.

Regular Touch-up and Care

To keep your 7N hair dye or 8N hair dye looking fresh, schedule touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on hair growth and fading. Roots typically show first, so focusing on regrowth maintains a consistent shade. For 7N hair color with highlights, more frequent salon visits might be necessary to refresh highlighted strands. Incorporate toning treatments in your routine to combat brassiness and maintain the neutral tone. Avoid excessive washing and exposure to harsh chemicals or chlorine. Regular trims help prevent split ends, which can make color appear dull. Consistent care ensures your hair stays healthy and your color vibrant longer.

Tip: For salon professionals, always customize the developer strength and formula when applying 7N or 8N hair color to match the client’s hair condition and desired result, ensuring optimal color payoff and hair health.

Conclusion

Choosing between 7N and 8N hair colors involves assessing your natural hair color, skin undertone, and lifestyle preferences. 7N offers a medium blonde shade with a neutral tone, while 8N presents a lighter option. Both shades require specific maintenance to preserve vibrancy and health. Hanli Biotechnology provides high-quality hair color products designed to enhance your appearance with lasting results. Embrace your new hair color and enjoy the transformation it brings to your style and confidence.

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between 7N hair color and 8N hair color?

A: The primary difference between 7N hair color and 8N hair color is their depth. 7N is a medium blonde shade, while 8N is a light blonde shade. Both have neutral tones but 8N is slightly lighter and brighter.

Q: Which skin tones are best suited for 7N hair color?

A: 7N hair color is ideal for individuals with neutral to warm skin undertones. It complements light to medium skin tones, enhancing natural warmth without overpowering the complexion.

Q: Is 7N hair color more versatile than 8N?

A: Yes, 7N hair color is generally more versatile due to its medium blonde shade, making it suitable for a wider range of natural hair colors and requiring less pre-lightening than 8N.

Q: Does 8N hair color require more maintenance than 7N?

A: Yes, 8N hair color often requires more maintenance to prevent brassiness and fading due to its lighter shade. Regular use of toning products and UV protection is recommended.

Q: Can 7N hair color cover gray hair effectively?

A: Yes, 7N hair color is effective at covering gray hair, providing a natural appearance without harsh tones, especially when using permanent formulations like Matrix 7N hair color.