Back

Understanding the Wig Color Numbering System: A Comprehensive Guide to Base Colors and Tones

When choosing wigs, understanding the color numbering system can help you find the perfect shade. The wig color system uses numbers and letters to categorize...
Understanding the Wig Color Numbering System: A Comprehensive Guide to Base Colors and Tones

When choosing wigs, understanding the color numbering system can help you find the perfect shade. The wig color system uses numbers and letters to categorize colors based on depth, undertones, and highlights. Here's everything you need to know to navigate the world of wig colors.

Base Color Numbers (Depth of Color)

The first part of the wig color number represents the base color or depth, which indicates how light or dark the hair color is. This is usually a number from 1 to 10, with 1 being the darkest and 10 being the lightest blonde.

  • 1: Jet Black – The darkest black color.
  • 1B: Off Black – Slightly softer than jet black.
  • 2: Dark Brown – A deep, rich brown.
  • 4: Medium Brown – A balanced brown shade.
  • 6: Dark Blonde – A deep blonde with hints of brown.
  • 8: Medium Blonde – A classic blonde color.
  • 10: Light Blonde – A pale, light blonde.

Additional Numbers for Lighter Shades

For very light blondes or platinum shades, you may see numbers greater than 10, such as:

  • 12: Light Golden Blonde – A blonde with warm, golden tones.
  • 14: Medium Golden Blonde – A rich, medium blonde with golden undertones.
  • 16: Light Ash Blonde – A cool, light blonde with minimal warmth.

Tone Letters (Undertones)

In addition to the base color number, many wig colors are further defined by letters that indicate the tone or undertone of the hair. These letters describe the warm, cool, or neutral elements in the color.

  • A: Ash – A cool tone that neutralizes warmth, resulting in a grayish or ashy look. This is great for those who want to avoid red or yellow undertones.
  • G: Golden – A warm, sunny tone that adds richness and depth to the color.
  • C: Copper – A reddish-orange undertone that gives a vibrant, fiery look.
  • P: Plum – A cool red or purple undertone for a more dramatic, deep color.
  • T: Tricolor – A mix of three different colors, often used for highlights or dimensional coloring.

Examples of Wig Color Codes

To help visualize the system, here are a few common examples of wig colors:

  • 6A: Dark Blonde with Ash – A dark blonde shade with cool, ashy undertones that create a muted, neutral look.
  • 4G: Medium Brown with Golden – A medium brown color with warm, golden undertones for a rich and sunny appearance.
  • 12T: Light Golden Blonde with Tricolor Highlights – A light golden blonde base with multiple color highlights for added depth and dimension.
  • 10P: Light Blonde with Plum – A light blonde color with subtle plum undertones for a unique, cool-toned twist.

Understanding the Wig Color 613: The Platinum Blonde Shade

A 613 wig color is a very light blonde shade, often referred to as platinum blonde or bleach blonde. The number 6 refers to the base color, which is a dark blonde, while the 13 indicates a very light, almost platinum shade of blonde.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • 6: Dark Blonde (a deeper blonde shade, but still light in comparison to brown)
  • 13: Very Light Blonde, almost platinum.

This color is commonly used to achieve a pale, bleach blonde look and is very popular for wigs designed to be dyed or styled in different ways, especially for a sleek, high-fashion look.

Wigs labeled 613 often have a cool, neutral tone and are usually lighter than typical blonde shades, almost approaching white or platinum. Many people use this base to customize their color, as it's the perfect canvas for other hues or highlights.

Understanding the Importance of Color Matching

When selecting a wig, it's crucial to match the color that complements your natural skin tone and desired look. The combination of the base color and undertones will help create a more natural or dramatic effect, depending on your preferences.

For example:

  • If you prefer a cooler look, opt for ash tones like 6A or 8A.
  • If you like warmer shades, go for golden tones like 4G or 10G.

Conclusion

Understanding the wig color numbering system allows you to make more informed decisions when shopping for wigs. Whether you're after a natural look or something more bold and vibrant, this system helps you choose the right wig color based on its depth and undertones.

Now that you have a better understanding of how wig colors are numbered, you can confidently explore different styles and shades to find the perfect match for your look!