When comparing hair color between number 2 and number 4 on the hair color scale, there are a few key factors to consider. The numbering system refers to the level or depth of darkness for hair dye, with higher numbers indicating darker shades. While both 2 and 4 represent dark brown tones, number 4 hair dye typically results in a richer, darker brunette shade while number 2 produces a lighter or medium brown. However, the exact outcome depends on your natural hair color and porosity as well as the brand and formula of dye used.
The Hair Color Numbering System
Hair dye brands use a numbering system that designates the depth of color from lightest to darkest. The numbers typically range from 1 to 10, with the higher numbers indicating darker shades. Here is an overview of what the numbers generally correspond to:
- 1-2: Lightest blonde tones
- 3-4: Light and medium blonde shades
- 5-6: Dark blonde to light brown colors
- 7-8: Medium to dark brown shades
- 9-10: Very dark brown to black
As the numbers increase, the hair color gets progressively darker and richer. While brands may vary slightly in their numbering, number 2 generally represents a light or medium brown while number 4 produces a darker brunette result.
Number 2 Hair Color
A number 2 hair dye typically contains low levels of pigment and results in a soft, natural-looking light brown shade. On hair that is pre-lightened, number 2 dye can produce hues ranging from dark blonde to light brown. On natural hair, it tends to look more like a medium brown with subtle warmth. Number 2 is a great choice for anyone looking to gradually lighten their dark hair or add subtle, low-maintenance color.
When comparing number 2 on different bases, it tends to look:
- Dark blonde on pale or light blonde hair
- Light brown on medium blonde hair
- Medium brown on dark blonde or light brown hair
- Chestnut brown over darker brown hair
The coloring molecules in a level 2 hair dye penetrate the hair shaft less deeply than higher levels. This results in a translucent, natural-looking color that lasts about 4-6 weeks on average. Number 2 hair dye is ideal for blending gray hairs seamlessly or gradually enhancing your natural shade over time.
Number 4 Hair Color
Number 4 hair dye contains more pigment than lighter levels like 2, resulting in a richer, darker shade. It creates a deep brown tone that looks striking yet natural against most complexions. On pre-lightened hair, number 4 dye ranges from medium brown to dark chestnut brown.
When comparing the look of number 4 hair dye on different natural bases, it typically appears:
- Medium brown on lightest blonde shades
- Dark brown with subtle warmth on light-medium blonde
- Dark neutral brown on darker blonde hair
- Rich chestnut brown over light brown
- Dark espresso brown on medium to dark brown hair
The higher pigment level in a number 4 hair dye allows it to last longer than lighter shades like 2, typically 5-8 weeks between touch-ups. It also grays more evenly and blends seamlessly even with up to 50% gray hair. This makes it an ideal shade for covering grays while still looking natural.
Comparing Level 2 and Level 4
When comparing number 2 and number 4 hair dyes, the main difference lies in the depth of color and longevity.
| Color Level | Shade Result | Lasting Power |
|---|---|---|
| Number 2 | Light to medium brown | 4-6 weeks |
| Number 4 | Dark brown | 5-8 weeks |
While number 2 produces soft, natural-looking light to medium brunette colors, number 4 results in noticeably darker, richer brown shades. Number 4 also has better gray coverage and lasts longer between color touch-ups.
However, keep in mind that the specific outcome of any hair dye depends on your starting hair color and texture. Very dark hair may not lighten as much with a number 2, while overly porous hair may grab too much of the pigment from a number 4 and turn out darker than expected.
Choosing Between Number 2 and 4
When deciding between number 2 and number 4 hair color, consider the following factors:
- Your natural hair shade and tone
- The percentage of gray hair needing coverage
- How long you want the color to last
- If you want to go darker, lighter, or enhance your natural color
- How quickly your hair fades and oxidizes
You’ll get the most natural, subtle results from number 2 dyes if you have light to medium brown hair and want a soft sun-kissed effect. Number 4 is better for anyone with darker hair wanting to enhance their color while covering grays and maintaining richness.
It’s best to get a professional analysis and strand test when changing your hair color drastically. However, number 2 and 4 dyes allow you to gradually alter your shade while minimizing damage. Avoid going more than 2 shades lighter or darker at once for the healthiest transition.
Using Toners and Glosses
For customized tones and shine between full color treatments, toners and glosses can help refresh your shade.
- Toners: These deposit translucent pigment to cancel unwanted brassy or orange tones and enhance color depth. Green toners counter brassiness in brunette hair while purple adds cool tones to blonde.
- Glosses: Clear collagen-enriched glosses boost shine and protect color-treated hair between dye jobs. They help lock in moisture and prevent fading.
Using the right toner or gloss in between number 2 or 4 dye jobs allows you to maintain the desired shade while keeping hair healthy. Avoid over-toning as this can lead to dark uneven bands.
Caring for Dyed Hair
To help your number 2 or 4 hair color last longer with fewer fading issues, be sure to:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and cold water washes
- Apply a weekly nourishing hair mask
- Limit use of hot styling tools like curling irons or blow dryers
- Protect hair from sun exposure with hats or protective sprays
- Get regular trims to keep ends healthy
Deep brunette shades like level 4 can be prone to more fading and warmer undertones emerging over time. Using blue or purple shampoo once a week can help neutralize brassiness between salon visits.
Consulting a Colorist
While number 2 and 4 box dyes can allow you to safely shift your shade at home, getting a professional consultation is best for dramatic color changes or correcting color issues.
An experienced colorist can customize the formula and technique based on your hair’s needs. Salon dye also contains conditioning agents to minimize damage to the hair strands during lightening or coloring services.
Talk to your colorist about your desired maintenance level, lifestyle, and how dark you want to go. They can advise you on whether number 2 or 4 dye would work best for your hair and result in your ideal brunette shade.
Conclusion
When comparing number 2 versus number 4 hair dye, the main difference comes down to depth of color. Number 2 produces soft, natural-looking light to medium brown hues while number 4 creates darker, richer brunette shades with more gray coverage and staying power.
However, the specific result you get also depends on your underlying natural pigment and hair porosity. Always do a strand test when changing shades significantly. With proper prep and aftercare, both number 2 and 4 dyes allow you to enhance your color while maintaining healthy hair.
For customized recommendations and blending for your unique hair, meet with a professional colorist. They can help you achieve and maintain your perfect shade of rich, luminous brunette hair.
