Introduction
The world of hair coloring is vast and ever-evolving, with countless options for expressing one’s personality and style. Wigs, in particular, offer the ultimate flexibility to explore a rainbow of colors without committing to a permanent change. To navigate the myriad of wig hair colors available, it’s essential to understand the numerical system used to categorize them.
The Numbering System
The wig hair color numbering system is a standardized method of classifying shades based on their lightness or darkness and underlying tones. Each number represents a specific color group, with variations within the group indicated by decimal points.
Level System
The primary level system ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the darkest (black) and 10 being the lightest (blonde). The higher the number, the lighter the shade.
Tone System
In addition to the level, the wig hair color system also incorporates a tone system to describe the underlying hues or shades. The following are the primary tones:
- Neutral (N): No underlying tone
- Ash (A): Cool, blueish tone
- Gold (G): Warm, yellow-orange tone
- Red (R): Reddish tone
- Violet (V): Purple tone
Decimal System
The decimal system allows for even more precise color specification. The number after the decimal point indicates the percentage of the secondary tone. For instance, 7.3 would represent a medium blonde shade with 30% gold undertones.
Wig Hair Colors by Number
To help you visualize the vast array of wig hair colors available, here’s a breakdown by number:
Level 1-4: Dark Colors
- 1: Black
- 1.5: Black with blue undertones
- 2: Very dark brown
- 2.5: Dark brown with gold undertones
- 3: Medium brown
- 3.5: Medium brown with gold undertones
- 4: Light brown
Level 5-7: Medium Colors
- 5: Light brown
- 5.5: Light brown with gold undertones
- 6: Dark blonde
- 6.5: Dark blonde with gold undertones
- 7: Medium blonde
Level 8-10: Light Colors
- 8: Light blonde
- 8.5: Light blonde with gold undertones
- 9: Very light blonde
- 10: Platinum blonde
Choosing the Right Wig Hair Color
Selecting the perfect wig hair color depends on your personal preferences, skin tone, and desired style. Here are some tips to help you choose:
- Skin Tone: Warm skin tones suit warmer shades like golden blonde and caramel. Cool skin tones look best with cooler shades such as ash blonde and platinum.
- Personal Style: Bold personalities can opt for vibrant colors like red or purple. For a more natural look, stick to shades close to your natural hair color.
- Occasion: Consider the occasion when selecting a wig. For special events, you may want a more dramatic color, while for everyday wear, a more subdued shade is appropriate.
Table of Wig Hair Colors
To provide a comprehensive overview of wig hair colors, here’s a table that lists the color, level, and corresponding number:
| Color | Level | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 1 | 1 |
| Black with blue undertones | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Very dark brown | 2 | 2 |
| Dark brown with gold undertones | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Medium brown | 3 | 3 |
| Medium brown with gold undertones | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Light brown | 4 | 4 |
| Light brown with gold undertones | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Dark blonde | 6 | 6 |
| Dark blonde with gold undertones | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Medium blonde | 7 | 7 |
| Light blonde | 8 | 8 |
| Light blonde with gold undertones | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Very light blonde | 9 | 9 |
| Platinum blonde | 10 | 10 |
Table of Wig Hair Colors with Red Undertones
For those who prefer hair colors with red undertones, here’s a separate table:
| Color | Level | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Dark red | 3 | 3R |
| Medium red | 4 | 4R |
| Light red | 5 | 5R |
| Strawberry red | 6 | 6R |
| Copper | 7 | 7R |
| Auburn | 8 | 8R |
Table of Ash Blonde Wig Hair Colors
For those who are drawn to cool, ash blonde shades, here’s a dedicated table:
| Color | Level | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Dark ash blonde | 6 | 6A |
| Medium ash blonde | 7 | 7A |
| Light ash blonde | 8 | 8A |
| Very light ash blonde | 9 | 9A |
| Platinum ash blonde | 10 | 10A |
Table of Balayage Wig Hair Colors
Balayage is a freehand technique that creates a natural-looking gradient of colors. Here’s a table of popular balayage wig hair color combinations:
| Color Combination | Level | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Black to dark brown ombré | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Dark brown to medium brown ombré | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Medium brown to dark blonde ombré | 3-6 | 3-6 |
| Dark blonde to light blonde ombré | 6-8 | 6-8 |
Creative Wig Hair Color Ideas
While the traditional wig hair color system provides a solid foundation, it doesn’t limit your color options. Consider these innovative ideas for creating unique and eye-catching hair looks:
- Color Melting: Blend multiple colors together seamlessly for a gradient effect.
- Shadow Root: Create a natural-looking illusion of hair regrowth by keeping the roots darker than the rest of the hair.
- Hidden Color: Add a pop of color to the underneath or hidden sections of the wig for a subtle surprise.
- Fantasy Colors: Dare to go bold with vibrant hues like purple, blue, or green.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a wig color chart to visualize the different shades before making a decision.
- Consider your skin tone and personal style when selecting a color.
- Invest in high-quality wigs made from natural-looking synthetic fibers or human hair.
- Take care of your wig by washing it regularly and using heat protectant when styling it.
- Experiment with different styles and colors to find your perfect look.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of wig hair colors by number empowers you to create endless possibilities for self-expression. Whether you prefer classic shades or daring colors, the numbering system provides a clear framework to navigate the vast array of options. By following these tips and seeking inspiration from creative ideas, you can unlock a whole new realm of hair transformations.