The Ultimate Hair Color Chart: Every Shade Explained

Introduction: Why a Hair Color Chart Matters

Have you ever looked at a hair color name and still had no idea what the shade actually looks like? Names like “dark chocolate” or “sunset blonde” can be pretty, but they’re also confusing — everyone imagines a different color in their mind. That’s why professionals don’t rely only on names… they use a hair color chart.

A hair color chart is a numbered system that shows the real depth and tone of a shade. These numbers give you a clear guide to what the color truly looks like, whether it’s a natural brown like 7N or a fashion tone like 613 blonde or 99J wine red. Instead of guessing, you can read the code and know exactly what you’re getting.

In this post, you’ll learn how hair color numbering works, why certain tones are warmer or cooler, and how to choose the right shade for your style and skin tone. You’ll also see a complete breakdown of every shade offered by HLSW Cosmetic, so you can match your ideal color with confidence. HLSW Cosmetic provides professional-grade, salon-standard color accuracy — which means the shade you see is the shade you get.

How Hair Color Codes Work?

Hair color codes look like a mix of numbers and letters, but they actually follow a very simple system. The number tells you how light or dark the shade is, and the letter describes the tone — whether it is warm, cool, or neutral. Once you understand this chart, you can read any shade like a professional stylist.

The Hair Color Number System (1–10 Levels)

The numbers in a hair color code show the level, which means the depth of the color.
Level 1 is the darkest (almost black), while level 10 is the lightest (very pale blonde).

Level	Brightness	Example Shade
1	Black (deepest)	Natural black
2	Very dark brown	Blue-black / 2B
3	Dark brown	3N
4	Medium dark brown	4N
5	Medium brown	Light natural brunette
6	Light brown	Soft chocolate
7	Dark blonde / very light brown	7N
8	Blonde	Warm light blonde
9	Very light blonde	Pale blonde
10	Lightest blonde	Platinum base / similar to 613

The higher the number, the lighter the shade.

Tone Letters and Their Meanings

After the number comes one or more letters that describe the undertone.
This is what makes a color look warmer, cooler, or more neutral.

Letter	Tone Description	Color Family
N	Neutral	Natural brown/black
B	Blue / Cool Ash	Blue-black, ash tones
A	Ash (cool)	Soft smoky cool browns/blondes
G	Golden (warm)	Honey, caramel, warm blondes
R	Red (warm)	Copper and bright reds
C	Copper (warm)	Orange-gold tones
J	Burgundy / wine	Deep purple-red like 99J

Warm tones (G / R / C / J) add richness and brightness.
Cool tones (B / A) reduce warmth and create a smoky or icy finish.

How to Read a Shade Code

Once you know the number and tone, reading a shade code becomes easy:

Code	What It Means	Description
7N	Level 7 + Neutral tone	Natural light brown / dark blonde
2B	Level 2 + Blue tone	Deep cool black with a blue base
99J	Burgundy/wine tone code	Rich plum/wine red fashion shade
613	Light blonde shade number	Pale creamy blonde, used as a highlight or base color

Most salons around the world use similar coding systems, so if you understand the chart here, you can match shades almost anywhere with confidence.

The Complete Hair Color Chart at HLSW Cosmetic

HLSW Cosmetic offers a full professional salon-range shade system, from the darkest natural black to premium blonde and burgundy fashion tones. Below is a breakdown of every color family we offer, along with what each code means and how it is best used for wigs, bundles, frontals, or highlights.

Natural / Neutral Series (N)

These are the most universal “natural-looking” browns and blacks. They don’t lean warm or cool, which makes them perfect for everyday wear.

Shade Code	Description	Undertone	Best Usage
1N	Deep natural black	Neutral	Classic black wigs, natural-look extensions
2N	Very dark brown-black	Neutral	Base shades and sleek natural lines
3N	Dark brown	Neutral	Soft everyday depth
4N	Medium dark brown	Neutral	Most “natural hair” match
5N	Medium brown	Neutral	Neutral brown looks
7N	Light brown / dark blonde	Neutral	Natural soft highlight effect

Cool / Blue-Black Series (B / Ash)

Cool shades cancel warmth and give a sleek, glossy tone.

Shade Code	Description	Undertone	Best Usage
1B	Soft natural black	Slight cool	Classic universal black
2B	Blue-black	Strong cool	High-fashion dramatic cool tone
3A / 4A	Ash brown tones	Cool / grayish	Anti-orange correction or smoky finish

Blonde & Light Levels (6–10 / 613)

These are used for highlight effects, balayage, or bright blonde looks.

Shade Code	Description	Undertone	Best Usage
6N / 6G	Light brown → soft blonde	Neutral / Warm	Mild blonde transitions
8G	Honey blonde	Warm	Face-framing blondes
9G	Very light blonde	Warm	High-lifting blondes
10	Pale blonde	Neutral	Almost platinum
613	Creamy platinum blonde	Neutral-light	Custom dye base / highlight work

Red / Burgundy / Wine Series (99J etc.)

These shades are bold, rich, and stylish — perfect for fashion tones.

Shade Code	Description	Undertone	Best Usage
R Series	Bright red	Warm	Bold red fashion shades
C Series	Copper	Warm/orange	Caramel and autumn looks
99J	Burgundy / wine plum	Mixed cool/warm	Deep burgundy wigs & extensions

Specialty & Highlight Blends

Multi-tone colors built for layered or gradient effects.

Shade Code	Description	Undertone	Best Usage
P4/27	Brown with honey highlight	Warm layered	Sun-kissed natural look
T1B/30	Dark root + caramel blend	Cool + warm	Soft ombré caramel style
T1B/613	Dark root + platinum blonde	Cool root / light blonde	Trendy gradient blonde

Most Popular & Best-Selling Shades

Some shades have become global best-sellers because they are versatile, flattering on many skin tones, and easy to style. Below are the most popular hair color codes that customers and stylists choose most often.

613 — Platinum Blonde (The Most Customizable Shade)

613 is a pale creamy blonde that works as a perfect base shade. It is easy to tone into ash, silver, pastel, or vibrant fashion colors.

Why it’s popular:

• Works as a “blank canvas” for coloring

• Bright, high-impact look

• Ideal for highlights and balayage

Common SEO searches:
“613 hair color wig”, “blonde 613 extensions”, “platinum wig base color”

99J — Burgundy Wine (Rich & Elegant)

99J is a deep burgundy wine tone with a hint of plum. It looks luxurious and gives a fashionable finish without being too bright.

Why it’s popular:

• Very flattering on warm and cool skin tones

• Perfect for fall/winter fashion shades

• Bold but still classy

Common SEO searches:
“99J burgundy hair extensions”, “wine red wig color”, “deep burgundy wig”

7N — Soft Natural Brown (Universal Everyday Shade)

7N is a neutral brown that looks close to natural hair. It’s popular with users who want a realistic and low-maintenance color.

Why it’s popular:

• Natural-looking

• Not too warm or too cool

• Perfect for daily or professional wear

4N / 3N — Deep Natural Brunette Shades

These deeper browns are ideal for customers who prefer a darker, more natural look.

Why they’re popular:

• Realistic depth similar to natural hair

• Easy maintenance

• Works across most skin tones

4N is slightly lighter and more brown, while 3N leans darker and closer to black.

2B — Cool Blue-Black (Glossy & High-Fashion)

2B is a cold-toned black with a blue base that gives a shiny, dramatic effect.

Why it’s popular:

• Sleek, modern finish

• Cooler than 1B natural black

• Popular in Korean and high-fashion looks

Full Hair Color Chart Overview

Choosing the right hair color is much easier when you can compare all shades side-by-side.
This master chart gives you a full overview of every color code used across our wigs and hair extensions — including natural tones, blonde levels, burgundy fashion colors, and layered ombré blends.

Many shoppers search for terms like “hair color codes chart”, “613 vs 60 blonde”, or “which wig color fits my skin tone”, and this table helps answer these questions in one place.

If you are not sure which shade suits your undertone or style, you can scroll down to:

• our best-selling color breakdown → (see Section 4)

• the how to choose for your skin tone guide → (see Section 5)

• the maintenance tips for each shade type → (see Section 7)

This section is especially helpful for customers comparing similar colors
(for example: 1B vs 2B, 27 vs 30, or 613 vs 60).

Below is your complete quick-reference chart of all shades:

Shade Code	Color Description	Undertone	Best Skin Tone	Best Usage
1N	Deep natural black	Neutral	Neutral / Cool	Classic natural black
2N	Very dark brown-black	Neutral	Neutral / Warm	Root or natural shade
3N	Deep brown-black	Neutral	All	Deep brunette look
4N	Dark brown	Neutral	Neutral / Warm	Everyday brown
5N	Medium brown	Neutral	Warm / Neutral	Natural soft brunette
7N	Light brown	Neutral	Fair / Medium	Soft highlight-like look
1B	Natural soft black	Slight cool	Cool / Neutral	Default wig base
2B	Blue-black	Cool	Cool / Olive	Glossy, fashion black
6N / 6G	Dark blonde / light brown	Neutral / Warm	Warm / Neutral	Subtle lift blonding
8G	Honey blonde	Warm	Warm / Medium	Sunkissed blonde
9G	Very light blonde	Warm	Fair	High-blonde brightness
10	Pale blonde	Neutral	Light / Cool	Near-platinum
613	Creamy platinum blonde	Neutral-light	Fair / Cool	Custom dye base
27	Strawberry honey blonde	Warm	Warm / Neutral	Soft blonde highlight
30	Light auburn brown	Warm	Neutral / Warm	Natural warm brunette
33	Dark auburn	Warm-red	Olive / Warm	Rich chestnut look
60	Icy white blonde	Cool	Cool / Fair	Nordic icy look
R Series	Bright red	Warm	Warm	Bold red fashion
C Series	Copper	Orange-warm	Warm / Neutral	Autumn copper
99J	Wine burgundy	Mixed cool/warm	All	Deep burgundy tone
1B/613	Rooted platinum blonde	Cool root + blonde	Medium / Fair	Soft-rooted blonding
27/613	Honey + platinum mix	Warm / Neutral	Warm / Fair	Blended highlight
4/27	Brown + honey blend	Warm	Neutral	Natural multi-tone
P27/30	Caramel mix	Warm	Warm / Neutral	Layered highlight
P4/613	Brown + blonde	Neutral / Warm	Fair / Medium	Balayage look
T1B/27	Dark root + honey blonde	Cool root / warm ends	Most	Ombré
T1B/30	Dark root + caramel	Cool + warm	All	Soft fashion ombré
T1B/99J	Rooted burgundy	Neutral / Cool	Medium / Deep tones	Fashion burgundy blend
T1B/350	Red copper ombré	Warm copper	Warm tones	Trend copper looks

How to Choose the Right Shade

Choosing the right hair color is not only about picking a shade you like — it also depends on your skin tone, your natural hair level, and the style you’re trying to create. The guide below will help you match your shade more confidently.

Choose Based on Skin Tone

Your skin undertone plays a big role in how a color looks on you.
A quick rule of thumb is:

• Cool undertones (pink or blue base skin) → choose ash, blue-black, icy blonde (2B, 9A, 60, 613 cool-toned looks)

• Warm undertones (golden or yellow base skin) → choose golden, honey, copper, burgundy (27, 30, 8G, 99J, C series)

• Neutral undertones → most colors work (7N, 4N, P27/30, 1B/613)

If jewelry helps you check undertone:

• Silver jewelry looks better → cool

• Gold jewelry looks better → warm

• Both look okay → neutral

Choose Based on Your Natural Hair Level

The closer you stay to your natural hair depth, the easier the shade will look blended and realistic.

Natural Level	Best Match
Level 1–3 (dark/black)	1N, 2N, 2B, 3N or rooted ombré like T1B/27
Level 4–6 (medium brown)	4N, 5N, 6G, 27, 30
Level 7+ (light brown/blonde)	7N, 8G, 9G, 10, 613

Blonde shades like 613 or 60 are usually not “natural level matches” — they are fashion shades and often require pre-lightening if starting from dark hair.

Choose Based on Style Preference

Different people choose colors for different reasons — some want a natural everyday look, while others want something bold and fashion-forward.

For a natural / subtle look:

• 3N, 4N, 7N

• 27 / 30 highlights

• P4/27 or P27/30 blends

For a trendy / high-fashion look:

• 613 (platinum base for dyeing)

• 99J (burgundy wine)

• 2B (cool glossy black)

• T1B/613 or T1B/30 ombré blends

Shade Transition Tips (When Changing Levels)

Moving between different brightness levels can affect how the final shade looks.
Here are simple rules before switching tones:

• Going darker → easy and low-maintenance

• Going lighter → may need lifting or bleaching first

• Switching undertones → warm ↔ cool might need toning

Example:
Going from 3N (deep brown) to 613 (platinum blonde) will require pre-lightening because level 3 is a dark base and level 613 is very light. Most stylists lift the hair gradually to avoid brassiness and damage.

Common Hair Color Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even with a color chart, it’s easy to choose the wrong shade if you don’t know what to look for. Here are the most common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Choosing a Warm Tone for a Cool Undertone (or the Opposite)

If your skin undertone is cool, a very golden or copper tone can look orange and unnatural.
If your undertone is warm, an icy ash shade can make the skin look dull or gray.

How to avoid it:
Match undertone first → Cool skin = ash/blue tones | Warm skin = golden/copper tones.

Mistake 2: Mixing Up Similar Shade Codes

Some color codes look close but are completely different in undertone.

Confused Shade	What People Expect	What It Actually Is
1B vs 2B	“Just black”	1B = natural black; 2B = blue-black (cooler & shinier)
99J vs Copper (C Series)	“Both are red”	99J = wine/burgundy; Copper = orange-warm

Quick tip: Burgundy = purple/red mix, Copper = orange/red mix.

Mistake 3: Choosing a Blonde Level Too High for Your Base Shade

Jumping from a dark level straight to a platinum blonde (like 613 or 60) is not realistic without pre-lightening.

Example:
Natural 3N → trying to jump to 613 in one step = brassiness or patchy tone.

Better approach:
Gradual lightening + toning for brightness and even color.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Undertones When Highlighting or Blending

When blending multiple colors (like P47/27, T1B/613, etc.), people often forget to match the root tone with their skin tone. A very cool root with a warm highlight can look mismatched.

How to avoid it:
Match the root to your undertone first → then choose the highlight color.

Quick Fix Guide

• If your shade looks too orange → switch to ash/cool tones (A/B series)

• If it looks too flat or gray → add warmth (G / C / 30 / 33 series)

• If blonde feels brassy → toner or a cooler highlight shade

• If it feels too dark → choose a rooted/soft highlight blend instead

Hair Color Maintenance Tips

Different hair colors need different care to stay vibrant and fresh. Some tones fade faster than others, and the way you wash and store your wig or extensions also affects how the shade looks over time.

Which Tones Fade the Fastest

Fashion colors and warm tones usually fade more quickly than neutrals.

• Fastest fading: red, copper, burgundy (99J / C / R series)

• Moderate fading: golden blondes and caramel tones (27 / 30 / 8G)

• Longest lasting: natural browns and cool blacks (1B / 3N / 2B)

Cool/ash shades (A series) can also lose their “icy” look if not maintained with purple/blue shampoo.

How to Keep 613 Bright

613 is a very light blonde, so it can turn yellow if not cared for properly.

Tips:

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo

• Rinse with cool water instead of hot water

• Avoid heavy oils that can darken the color

• Store away from direct sunlight

A purple-toning wash from time to time helps keep the blonde bright and clean-looking.

How to Keep 99J From Looking Dull

99J is a rich burgundy/plum color — it fades if exposed to too much sun or frequent washing.

Tips:

• Limit UV exposure

• Deep-condition occasionally to keep shine

• Avoid clarifying shampoos that strip color

• If the tone dulls, refresh with a color gloss treatment

UV, Heat, and Wash Frequency Tips

• UV light: sun can lighten blonde shades and fade burgundy/red tones

• Heat tools: too much heat can cause dryness, reducing shine

• Wash less often: frequent washing = faster fading

Most stylists recommend washing wigs/extensions every 10–15 wears unless there’s product buildup.

Product Care Suggestions

• Use sulfate-free shampoo

• Use color-safe conditioner

• Apply heat protectant before styling

• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

• Brush gently to avoid friction damage

These small habits help keep both the color and texture looking close to new.

Why Choose HLSW Cosmetic for Color Accuracy

When choosing a hair color chart, consistency and accuracy matter. A number code should look the same no matter when or where you buy it. HLSW Cosmetic is trusted because our shades are created with salon-level color standards, not random digital filters or overly edited photos.

Professional-Grade Shade Matching

Our color system is based on real swatches used in salons, so each shade reflects the true tone and depth — not a rough “guess” of the color. This helps customers get predictable results every time.

True-to-Life Color, Not Filtered Photos

Many online listings look different in real life because they rely on heavy editing or bright ring lights. HLSW focuses on accurate shade reproduction so what you see is much closer to what you receive.

A Catalog That Covers Every Undertone

Whether your undertone is cool, warm, or neutral, there is a matching tone in our chart — from natural browns to platinum blondes and layered ombré fashion colors. This makes the selection process easier even for first-time buyers.

Suitable for Both Personal Use and Professionals

Customers who wear wigs daily, beauty beginners, salon stylists, and even resellers use our charts for color reference because the numbering system stays consistent across styles and textures.

Browse our full color range here
https://www.hlswcosmetic.com/Hair-Color-Cream-pl44014907.html

FAQ

Q: What is 613 hair color?

A: 613 is a very light platinum blonde with a neutral-to-light undertone. It is often used as a base shade for custom coloring, because it can be toned into silver, pastel, ash blonde, rose gold, or fashion colors without heavy bleaching.

Q: Is 99J burgundy or wine red?

A: 99J is a deep wine burgundy shade — it is richer and darker than bright red, with a purple undertone. If bright red is closer to “cherry,” then 99J is closer to “dark merlot wine.”

Q: What does “N” mean in hair color?

A: “N” stands for Neutral. It means the shade does not lean warm (gold/red) or cool (ash/blue). Neutral shades like 4N or 7N look the most natural and are great for everyday wear.

Q: What level is natural black hair?

A: Most natural black hair falls between level 1 and level 2 on the hair color chart.

• Level 1 = deep true black

• Level 2 = very dark brown-black (appears black to the eye)

Q: What is the difference between 1B and 2B?

A: 1B is a natural soft black with a neutral undertone.
2B is a cool blue-black, which looks glossier and slightly icier. 2B is more fashion-forward, while 1B looks more natural.

Q: Which colors look best on warm skin tones?

A: Warm undertones match best with golden, caramel, copper, and warm brunette shades such as 27, 30, 33, 8G, and copper/red blends.

Q: Which colors look best on cool skin tones?

A: Cool undertones look best with ash, icy blonde, or blue-black tones such as 2B, ash blonde (A series), 60, 9A, or icy versions of 613.

Q: Do lighter blondes always need bleaching?

A: If your natural level is dark (levels 1–3), you usually need pre-lightening to reach very light blondes like 613 or 60. If your hair is already a medium/light brown (levels 6–7), you may not need as much lifting.

Q: Why does blonde sometimes turn yellow/brassy?

A: Brassiness happens when warm undertones show through after lifting or when color fades. Using purple/blue toning products helps cancel out yellow and orange.

Q: Which color lasts the longest?

A: Natural browns and cool blacks (1B, 3N, 2B) last the longest.
Reds and burgundies fade fastest because the pigment molecules are larger and wash out more quickly.

Q: Can I mix two color codes together for a custom look?

A: Yes — that’s how highlight blends like P27/30, T1B/613, and 1B/27 are created. Many stylists blend a natural root with a fashion highlight for a softer transition.

Conclusion

Finding the right hair color becomes much easier when you understand how shade numbers and undertones work. With this complete chart, you now have a quick guide you can return to any time you are choosing a new wig, extension color, or highlight blend.

Feel free to bookmark this page or share it with others who are exploring hair color for the first time — especially anyone comparing shades like 1B vs 2B, or trying to decide between warm blondes (27/30) and cool blondes (60/613).

If you’re still unsure which shade suits your undertone or style, we’re happy to help with personalized color matching. You can reach out with a photo or your preferred tone, and we can recommend the closest shade match from the chart.

Browse our full shade catalog and professional color options on our product page whenever you’re ready to take the next step toward your perfect look.