Chart of Hair Colors

At the Salon

When a woman normally thinks of a hair color chart, she typically thinks of the large board with swatches of colored hair samples at the salon. Stylists keep these handy boards on hand to help clients with the color selection process. Whether the hair is being completely colored, highlighted, or lowlighted, a chart can be extremely helpful in making the decision process a bit easier.

Color charts feature all of the colors available at the salon. The hair swatches can be easily removed and held against the client's own hair to offer a better idea of how the color will look. Individuals who are coloring their hair for the first time, choosing to alter their look dramatically, or just want something a little bit different from the usual will all benefit from the chart to get an idea about the imminent changes.

Hair Care Brand Charts

Salons aren't the only places that offer color charts. Many brands offer their own swatch charts on their official websites. This is an ideal tool for anyone who knows what brand they want to use. It's also suitable for anyone who is browsing and happens to find a great color in that particular brand's lineup. Once the color has been selected, it's time to find a salon that actually offers the brand. Visit the website’s salon finder or location section for more information.

You can expect the salon to have a color chart for the chosen brand, of course. This is helpful because online color charts do not provide the most accurate picture based on individual computer settings and monitors. You'll also have the opportunity to hold the swatch near your own hair to ascertain whether it's right for you.

The following brands are just a few that offer color charts:

• Wella: The Wella chart system is divided into three separate sections. One focuses on natural shades, the other on highlift blondes and the final on special colors (such as blue and purple).
• Manic Panic: One of the leaders in unexpected, bold hair color, Manic Panic is renowned for its rich cream hair color. This chart offers a relatively true-to-life review of what's available.

Wigs

Color charts aren't just for hair dye! Anyone who's worn a wig can attest to the tricky task of finding a suitable match. Whether you're looking for something similar to your own hair color or something drastically different, you'll have no trouble narrowing it down with the help of a chart of hair colors. Check out these wig charts for further information.

• Revlon: Revlon's wig selection is impressively vast. With so many shades of brunette, red, blonde, and gray to choose from, finding the right one can be an exhaustive process. This chart features the color name and number, a small color swatch and a brief description of the shade.
• Look of Love: Look of Love offers an equally diverse selection of wigs. The site encourages clients to send in a clip of natural hair in order to best match a wig. If you do this, choose a lock of hair that best represents your overall natural hair color. This is usually found on the upper layers and outer ends of the hair (as opposed to, for example, the nape of the neck).

Hair Extensions

If you're thinking of ordering hair extensions, it's best to have at least some idea of the color that will best suit you. This is generally easy enough to do, but it's helpful to have access to a color chart to better determine the most appropriate shade. An extensive chart like Laissez Faire's will help make the process easier.

Online Difficulties for a Chart of Hair Colors

Though there are plenty of online color charts available, it's best not to rely on them completely. Color resolution differs from one computer to the next. What looks perfect on one computer might look disappointingly different on another. An online chart is thus best used as a reference point only. Clearly, online charts are not a guarantee of what the actual shade will look like. Think of it like makeup – you probably wouldn't order a new foundation online without having an idea of what it would look like on your skin!

At-Home Color Rings

The next best thing to a salon chart is an at-home color ring. Many manufacturers offer a miniature ring that features several hair swatches in all or some of the colors available. This is an excellent investment for anyone who colors her hair regularly or frequently uses wigs or extensions. Charts for select brands are available at Laissez Faire Hair and Human Hairpieces.

Using a chart of hair colors can help you find just the right shade without relying on pictures or graphics. By seeing real swatches of hair in the suggested colors and being able to view them next to your own locks under different lights, you can get a better idea of what will be your best hair color.