Ever wondered why some haircolor product names instantly catch your eye while others fade into the background? Choosing the right name is more than just a creative exercise—it’s a crucial step that can shape a brand’s identity and influence customer choice.
Whether you’re launching a new line or curious about the strategy behind those catchy shades, understanding how manufacturers name haircolor products is essential. This article breaks down the reasons, best practices, and expert insights behind the art of naming haircolor products.
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How Do Manufacturers Name Hair Color Products?
When you browse the hair color aisle or look through a salon brochure, you’ll see a wide range of product names like “Intense Copper,” “Chocolate Brown,” or codes such as “6N” or “10A.” These names and codes aren’t chosen at random. Manufacturers follow systematic approaches, combining science, marketing, and industry norms to help you choose the right shade. Let’s explore how hair color products get their names and what those names mean for you.
The Fundamentals of Hair Color Naming
Manufacturers use a combination of numbering systems, descriptive keywords, and standardized industry terms when naming hair color products. These approaches have specific purposes:
- Help you (and stylists) understand the shade, tone, and level of the color.
- Ensure consistency between brands and products for easier comparison.
- Assist professionals in mixing or recommending colors for specific results.
Most hair color product names boil down to these core elements:
- Level: Indicates how light or dark the color is.
- Tone: Describes the underlying hue (warm, cool, neutral, etc.).
- Descriptor or Color Family Name: Often creative names that guide your imagination but also hint at the color result.
Let’s break these down in more detail.
1. The Numbering System: What Do the Levels Mean?
Every hair color sits somewhere on the “level” scale. This scale typically runs from 1 (black) up to 10 or 12 (pale blonde).
Common Hair Color Levels
- 1: Black
- 2: Very Dark Brown
- 3: Dark Brown
- 4: Medium Brown
- 5: Light Brown
- 6: Dark Blonde
- 7: Medium Blonde
- 8: Light Blonde
- 9: Very Light Blonde
- 10: Lightest Blonde
Why it Matters:
The “level” lets you – or your colorist – know how dark or light a shade will appear on the hair.
2. Tone: The Hues Behind the Color
After choosing the level, manufacturers assign a “tone” to communicate the color’s underlying hue. Tones usually fall into three categories:
- Warm: Gold, red, copper, mahogany
- Cool: Ash, pearl, violet, blue, green
- Neutral: Balanced, neither notably warm nor cool
Many brands use letters or additional numbers to represent tones:
- N = Neutral
- A = Ash (cool)
- G = Gold (warm)
- R = Red (warm)
- V = Violet (cool)
Example:
“6G” would be a dark blonde with gold (warm) undertones.
“5A” would be a light brown with ash (cool) undertones.
3. Descriptive Names and Color Families
Beyond levels and tones, manufacturers use creative language to make colors more appealing and memorable.
- Chocolate Brown
- Espresso
- Honey Blonde
- Platinum
- Ruby Red
These names paint a mental picture, but they’re often tied to the professional level-tone system to prevent confusion.
How Do Manufacturers Decide on Hair Color Names?
The process isn’t just a creative brainstorming session. Naming hair color products is a collaboration among:
- Color Chemists: Define the shade based on scientific and industry standards.
- Product Managers: Ensure names are accurate and distinct from competitors.
- Marketing Teams: Make names appealing, reflecting trends and consumer desires.
- Legal Teams: Verify names aren’t copyrighted or misleading.
Steps in Naming a Hair Color Product
- Create or Match the Formula: The shade is developed and measured for its specific level and tone.
- Assign Level and Tone Code: Following standardized industry codes (e.g., 8A for Light Blonde Ash).
- Develop Descriptive Name: Marketing may suggest names like “Sun-Kissed Beige” or “Mocha Brown.”
- Test for Market Appeal: Names are reviewed for clarity, attractiveness, and international compatibility.
- Finalize and Approve: After legal checks and translation reviews, the name is launched.
Why Are Some Names So Creative?
Catchy names like “Buttercream Blonde” or “Crimson Velvet” catch your eye and encourage curiosity. Creative names:
- Help brands stand out on crowded shelves.
- Appeal to your emotions, helping you picture a new look or express your personality.
- Make products easy to remember for repeat purchases.
Brands balance creativity with accuracy. For example, “Platinum Ice” is usually a cool-toned, nearly white blonde, while “Warm Toffee” hints at a golden-brown shade.
Decoding Hair Color Codes: What They Mean for You
The code on a hair color box acts as a universal guide. Here’s how to read one:
- 6N: Level 6 (dark blonde), Neutral tone.
- 7A: Level 7 (medium blonde), Ash/cool tone.
- 5RR: Level 5 (light brown), Double Red (red-intense).
Key Benefits of Codes:
- Consistency: No matter what the brand’s creative name, the code tells the true shade.
- Guidance: Helps match your natural color or desired result.
- Simplicity: Colorists and clients avoid misunderstandings.
Key Benefits of Systematic Naming for Consumers and Professionals
For You (the Consumer):
- Confidence: Understand what shade you’re buying.
- Clarity: Avoid buying a color that’s too dark, light, or reflects the wrong undertone.
- Consistency: Repurchase or find similar shades across different brands.
For Professionals:
- Accuracy: Mix/customize formulas precisely.
- Efficiency: Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
- Education: Train new professionals using standardized language.
Challenges Manufacturers Face in Naming Hair Colors
Naming hair colors sounds easy, but there are hidden pitfalls.
1. Avoiding Confusion
Some customers may be confused by numbers and codes, especially if they don’t match across brands. Translation in different languages or cultures can also muddle meanings.
2. Staying Trendy, But Clear
Trendy names attract attention but can mislead you if the description doesn’t match the actual shade.
3. Legal Considerations
Names must be unique, not infringe trademarks, and shouldn’t make false promises (e.g., a brown shade called “Ruby Red”).
Practical Tips: Choosing the Right Hair Color Based on Naming
- Read the Numbers First: Ignore the creative name at first. Look at the level and tone code to get a true sense of color.
- Know Your Starting Point: Your hair’s current color and condition affect the end result.
- Consider Undertones: For a natural match, choose a tone (neutral, cool, or warm) based on your skin’s undertones.
- Consult a Chart: Most brands offer a visual color chart that matches codes to finished swatches.
- Ask a Pro: When in doubt, a stylist can translate names and codes to the shade you want.
Best Practices for Manufacturers Naming Hair Color Products
Manufacturers adhere to several best practices:
- Standardization: Maintain consistency across all products and regions.
- Transparency: Make color codes and descriptions easy to find.
- Appealing Language: Use engaging but clear language.
- Education: Provide guides for both professionals and consumers.
- Regular Updates: Adjust names to keep up with trends but retain underlying codes for accuracy.
Color Naming in the Context of Hair Types & Chemistry
Although the focus is on shade and tone, the process also considers:
- Hair porosity and texture: Some colors process differently on coarse versus fine hair.
- Underlying pigments: For example, coloring dark hair blonde often reveals natural red or orange tones, so manufacturers include this in the tone naming.
- Allergens and ingredient highlights: “Ammonia-Free Blonde” or “Plant-Based Brown” now appear as descriptive elements.
Conclusion
When naming hair color products, manufacturers combine technical accuracy with appealing language. Codes denote the level and tone, ensuring you and stylists can predict the result, while creative names inspire confidence and imagination. By understanding the system behind naming, you can make better choices—whether you’re dyeing your hair at home or sitting in a salon chair. Next time you see a shade called “7G Golden Sunrise Blonde,” you’ll know it’s not just a pretty name—it’s science and artistry working together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do the numbers and letters on hair color products mean?
The numbers indicate the level, or how dark/light the color is. The letters denote the tone (such as N for neutral, A for ash, G for gold). Together, they provide a precise description of the final hair color.
2. How can I tell which hair color will suit me best based on the name?
Look beyond creative names. Focus on the level and tone in the code, and consider your natural hair color and skin undertone. When unsure, consult a stylist or use brand-provided color charts.
3. Why do some hair color products have similar names but look different?
Creative names often overlap between brands, but the underlying code (level and tone) may differ slightly. Always check the code in addition to the name for the most accurate match.
4. Do these naming conventions apply to all hair color brands?
Most professional brands follow a similar system, but minor differences exist. For instance, some European brands may use a dot or comma instead of a dash, and the scale might go up to level 12 instead of 10. Always refer to the brand’s guide.
5. Can I mix two hair colors of the same level but different tones?
Yes! Mixing is common to achieve a custom tone. Professionals do this frequently. Just make sure you remain within the same brand and product line for best results, and always perform a strand test first.
With this knowledge, you’re equipped to navigate the world of hair color with confidence—both in understanding what manufacturers’ names mean and in choosing the best shade for you.
