Hair color numbers refer to the depth and tone of hair color shades. The numbering system typically ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lightest blonde and 10 being the darkest black. As the numbers increase, the hair color gets progressively darker. So when comparing two hair color numbers, the higher number indicates a darker shade.
Hair Color Level System
Hair color is categorized into levels from 1 to 10 based on the amount of natural underlying pigment:
| Level | Tone |
|---|---|
| 10 | Darkest brown/black |
| 9 | Very dark brown |
| 8 | Dark brown |
| 7 | Medium brown |
| 6 | Light brown |
| 5 | Medium blonde |
| 4 | Light blonde |
| 3 | Very light blonde |
| 2 | Lightest blonde |
| 1 | Pale yellow |
As the level number decreases, the hair color lightens from the darkest black to pale blonde. Most natural hair colors fall between levels 4 and 7.
Comparing Level 5 and 7 Hair Colors
Based on the numbering system, a level 7 hair color is darker than a level 5 hair color. Here is a more detailed comparison:
Level 5 Hair Color
Level 5 hair is a medium blonde shade. It has a pale yellow undertone and may appear golden at times. This hair color is a few shades darker than platinum or icy blonde but lighter than light brown.
On a natural hair color scale, level 5 is considered light blonde. However, on dyed hair it is classified as a medium blonde. Level 5 dyed blonde hair retains enough warmth to not look unnatural.
Level 7 Hair Color
Level 7 hair is a medium brown shade. It often has subtle red or gold undertones. This hair color is darker than dirty blonde but lighter than true dark brown.
On natural hair, a level 7 is considered medium brown. On color-treated hair, it is classified as a neutral to slightly warm medium brown. Level 7 is a popular shade for brunettes who want to go a bit lighter while maintaining a natural look.
Comparing Depth and Tone
When viewed side-by-side, a level 7 brown shade looks distinctly darker than a level 5 blonde shade. Here’s a more detailed comparison of their depth and tone:
- Depth: Level 7 hair has more depth of color than level 5. The higher level number indicates more underlying pigment, creating a richer, darker shade.
- Tone: Level 5 hair has a warm, golden undertone. Level 7 hair has a slightly cooler undertone with hints of ash or red.
- Lightness: Level 5 reflects more light, appearing lighter overall. Level 7 absorbs more light, creating a darker effect.
Visual Examples
Here are some visual examples comparing level 5 medium blonde and level 7 medium brown hair:
Level 5 Medium Blonde
Level 7 Medium Brown
As you can see, the level 7 brown shade appears distinctly darker than the level 5 blonde shade when viewed side-by-side. The level 7 hair reflects less light and has more pigment depth.
Conclusion
Based on the numbering system used for hair color levels, a level 7 hair color is darker than a level 5 hair color. Level 7 is a medium brown shade with deeper, richer pigment than the medium blonde tone of a level 5. When comparing the two side-by-side, level 7 appears darker and level 5 appears lighter. So if asked to choose between a 5 and 7 for achieving the darkest effect, level 7 is the clear choice. Considering depth, tone, and lightness reflectivity, level 7 medium brown is a darker shade than level 5 medium blonde.