Hair Colour Guide: How to Read Shade Codes Like 1B, 613 and T8-60

Hair colour codes look like a secret language, with numbers such as 1B, #4, 613 or T8-60. Once you understand the basics, they are very easy to read. Here is a simple guide to help you pick the right shade.

The basic shades (natural colours)

For natural colours, the number tells you how dark or light the shade is. In general, a lower number means a darker shade and a higher number means a lighter shade.

• #1 Jet Black: the deepest, darkest black.
• 1B Natural Black: a soft black with a slightly brown tone, close to most natural black hair.
• Natural Brown: a warm, natural-looking brown.
• #2 to #18: a range from dark brown, through medium and light brown, up to lighter brown and dark blonde shades.

Premium blonde shades

Blonde shades such as 27, 613, 60 and 1003 go from honey and golden blondes to very light, platinum-style blondes. Lighter shades need a lighter base hair, so they are usually made from carefully lightened hair.

How to read the other codes

• A slash, like 2/8 or 18/22: a blend of two shades mixed together.
• A "T" at the start, like T8-60 or T2-2/60: usually an ombre, with a darker root colour that fades into a lighter shade at the ends.

Bright fashion colours

If you like bold colour, we also offer a range of crazy bright shades, from #55 to #82. They are perfect for creative looks, events and fashion styling.

Balayage, highlights and ombre

We can also make balayage, highlight and ombre colours using any of the colours we have available. For wholesale orders, we can also do customised colours and customised packing when a contract is made.

Tips for choosing the right colour

• Match your own hair: pick a shade that is the same as, or very close to, your own hair colour for a natural blend.
• Think about your skin tone: warm shades suit many people with warm skin, while cooler shades go well with cooler tones.
• Go one step at a time: if you are trying a lighter shade for the first time, start with a shade only a little lighter than your own.
• Check real photos: colours can look different on different screens, and shade names can vary a little between suppliers. Always look at the real product photo, and ask us if you need more pictures.

Ready to pick your shade? Browse our hair extensions and choose your colour and length. For custom or wholesale colours, contact us.