HAIR COLOUR SHADE CHART & NUMBERING SYSTEM

Our hair colour chart shows you all of the shades available from Neäl & Wølf. It helps you to understand how different depths and tones look, whether you're a colourist selecting a shade for a client, or someone who is choosing a new shade to chat through with your colourist.

The first number represents the depth (how light or dark the shade is, from 1 = black to 10 = lightest blonde). Numbers after the decimal point represent the tone, such as gold, ash, copper, or violet. For example, 7.3 is a medium blonde (7) with a golden tone (.3).

Depth is the base level of colour (light, medium, or dark). Tone is the character of the shade (warm, cool, neutral, or a mix). Together they describe the final result, e.g. 6.7 is a dark blonde (6) with a warm brunette tone (.7).

Start by identifying the natural base shade (depth) and whether your undertone is warm, cool, or neutral. From there, decide if you want to enhance the natural tone or adjust it - for example, neutralising unwanted warmth or adding richness.

Warm skin tones usually suit cooler shades such as ash, violet, or matte, while cool skin tones often look best with warmer shades like gold, copper, or red. Neutral skin tones can wear a wide range of shades. Read out blog to find out more: What Hair Colour Suits Me?

Yes - professional shades are designed to be mixed, either to create a custom colour or to balance unwanted tones. For example, adding ash can help neutralise warmth. Always follow mixing ratios carefully for consistent results.

Previous colour can affect the final result. Permanent colour can't lighten more permanent colour, so darker or more vibrant shades may need to be removed or lightened first. For the best outcome, always consult a professional stylist for colour correction advice.

Yes, if you want to go more than a couple of levels lighter than your natural or coloured base. Bleach lifts the hair’s pigment so the new shade can show true. Without it, lighter colours might not appear as intended.

To neutralise unwanted tones, simply use the opposite shade on the colour wheel. For brassy or orange hues, choose an ash or blue-based tone. If hair looks too yellow, a violet tone will help balance it out, while green or matte tones are ideal for softening excess red.

Use colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, avoid harsh sulphates, and wash with lukewarm water to reduce fading. Between salon visits, use toning products like purple shampoo to keep your shade fresh. Regular treatments help maintain shine and condition. Browse our colour-safe products for Coloured Hair

Neäl & Wølf colour is designed for professional use in salons. While shade charts are helpful for inspiration, we recommend seeing a qualified stylist for application to ensure the most accurate and healthy result. Find your salon today: Salon Finder

Neutral shades are balanced, natural-looking colours without strong warm or cool reflects, which you would expect on virgin hair. Warm shades, such as gold, copper, and red, add brightness, depth, and richness to the hair. In contrast, cool shades like ash, violet, or matte are designed to soften or reduce warmth, giving the hair a sleek, icy appearance.

Do a strand test: apply the chosen colour to a small section of hair, following the instructions, to see how the shade develops on your unique base. This avoids surprises and helps fine-tune timing.