Level 8 hair refers to the lightest shade of medium blonde. This color depth can often be found artificially dyed onto natural locks but less often found naturally. Unfortunately, level 8 is susceptible to developing unwanted brassy yellow tones, which are easily corrected with toners and neutralizing color-depositing products. Violet and ash toner shades are ideal for this level.
Level 4.5
Level 4.5 is an increasingly popular natural hair color but less frequently found on drugstore shelves. This hue can be particularly suitable for anyone whose natural shade falls between Levels 6 to 10, including blondes looking to lighten without going platinum blonde. Although sometimes susceptible to coppery or yellow tones, this depth can quickly be neutralized with corrective blue/purple techniques or neutralizing color-depositing products. At lighter levels, toning may often be necessary to achieve your desired result. For instance, if your client has already been lightened to level 9 and wants white ash blonde locks, you should use Brilliant Blondexx with Bond Protect in a 1 1 ratio with a 10-20 Vol developer for optimal results.
Level 10
Level 10 , 11, or 12 is known as platinum blonde, ultra-light blonde, or white gold and is rarely found naturally. As this level is extraordinarily light and can easily be damaged, clients on this level typically require bleaching their hair before toning with platinum toner at maximum strength to achieve this look. Pastel or vibrant dark colors may not appear at their fullest potential at this level.
Level 5.5
Level 5.5 is a medium-light brown hue found naturally and with box dyes. It’s an ideal option for those wanting lighter locks without fully transitioning into blonde shades, and can flatter any skin tone between Level 2 and 6.5. Notable Notes: Level 5.5 may result in unwanted copper or yellow tones, which can be neutralized using corrective toners and color-depositing products. Likewise, Level 10 could reach brassy tones that require bleaching steps followed by using an appropriate toner to correct.
Level 6
This shade can be found naturally, though more often needed. This level can refer to light red hues such as strawberry blonde. Additionally, copper/yellow tones may appear that can be neutralized using a corrective blue/purple technique or neutralizing color depositing product. When coloring at this level, it is essential to remember that coarse hair will appear darker due to higher melanin concentration levels than finer textures. Therefore, when working with rough hair types, it is wise to formulate 1 level lighter than your desired result for best results. Toning at Level 8 can be challenging if the client has previously been lightened, which makes utilizing violet-based toners over blue-based ones even more essential to maintaining natural-looking results. Yellow-based toners tend to cause brassiness, while blue-violet ones only tone out yellow tones with an unnatural bluish overtone, leaving unintended brassy ends. Therefore consultation should take place before applying any toner to their hair.
