The world of hair color is vast and often confusing, filled with numbers and letters that seem like a secret code. One of the most frequently encountered codes is “6N.” But what exactly does 6N mean when it comes to hair color? Is it a light brown, a dark blonde, or something in between? Understanding this seemingly simple code can unlock a world of possibilities for achieving your dream hair color, whether you’re a seasoned colorist or a DIY enthusiast. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the meaning of 6N, exploring its nuances, variations, and how it translates into the color you see in the mirror.
Understanding the Hair Color Numbering System
Before we can definitively answer “What color is 6N?”, it’s crucial to understand the general numbering system used in hair color formulations. This system is almost universally employed by hair color brands, although slight variations may exist. This system serves as a roadmap, guiding you toward the shade you desire.
Level: The Foundation of Hair Color
The first number in a hair color code, like the “6” in 6N, represents the level, which indicates the lightness or darkness of the hair color. This ranges from 1 to 10 (sometimes 1 to 12), with 1 being the darkest black and 10 (or 12) being the lightest blonde. Therefore, level 6 represents a medium blonde shade. It’s a crucial foundation for choosing the right color, as it dictates how light or dark your hair will be. Think of it as the canvas upon which the color is painted.
Tone: The Subtle Nuances
The letter or number following the level indicates the tone or undertone of the hair color. This is where the “N” in 6N comes into play. The tone determines the warmth, coolness, or neutrality of the shade. It influences the overall appearance, dictating whether the color leans towards golden, ashy, or balanced.
Decoding the “N” in 6N: Natural and Neutral
In most hair color systems, “N” stands for natural or neutral. This means that 6N is a medium blonde shade with a neutral undertone. It aims to mimic the appearance of naturally occurring blonde hair, without overly warm or cool reflections. It’s designed to provide a balanced and harmonious color result.
Why Choose a Neutral Tone?
Neutral tones are often favored for several reasons:
- Versatility: They tend to complement a wider range of skin tones. They aren’t too warm that they clash with cool complexions, nor are they too cool that they wash out warm complexions.
- Gray Coverage: Neutral shades are excellent for covering gray hair, as they provide a solid and even color base.
- Foundation for Other Colors: 6N can serve as a base for adding other tones, such as warmth or ashiness, to create a more personalized shade.
- Natural Look: As the name suggests, they provide the most natural-looking results, mimicking the multi-dimensional hues of virgin hair.
What 6N is NOT
It is important to understand what 6N is not. 6N is not a fashion color like blue, pink, or green. It is not an ashy blonde (which might be represented by “6A” or “6.1”). It is also not a golden blonde (which might be represented by “6G” or “6.3”). Understanding these distinctions is essential for avoiding undesirable color results.
Visualizing 6N: What Does it Look Like?
Describing a color without seeing it can be challenging. Imagine a sun-kissed blonde, but not overly golden. Envision a medium blonde that isn’t brassy or orange. That’s generally the essence of 6N. Think of untreated hair that’s lightened slightly by the sun: it often exhibits a natural, medium blonde hue without pronounced warm or cool tones.
Factors Influencing the Final Result of 6N
The final appearance of 6N on your hair can be influenced by several factors:
- Starting Hair Color: The darker your starting hair color, the more warmth may be revealed when coloring with 6N.
- Hair Porosity: Porous hair tends to absorb color more quickly, potentially resulting in a darker or more intense result.
- Previous Hair Color: Existing hair color, whether permanent, semi-permanent, or even just lingering pigments from previous dyes, can interact with 6N and alter the final outcome.
- Developer Volume: The volume of developer used (e.g., 10, 20, 30 volume) impacts the lifting power of the color. A higher volume developer will lift more color, potentially revealing more warmth.
- Processing Time: Leaving the color on for longer than the recommended time can also result in a darker or more intense color.
Comparing 6N to Other Hair Color Levels
To better understand 6N, let’s compare it to adjacent levels:
- 5N (Light Brown): 5N is a shade darker than 6N. It is a light brown color, often described as a mousey brown or a soft, understated brown. It lacks the distinct blonde characteristics of 6N.
- 7N (Dark Blonde): 7N is a shade lighter than 6N. It is a dark blonde color, often described as a dirty blonde or a light golden brown. It has more noticeable blonde tones compared to 6N.
Choosing the Right Hair Color: Is 6N Right for You?
Deciding whether 6N is the right hair color for you depends on several factors, including your desired look, your starting hair color, and your skin tone.
Considering Your Skin Tone
While 6N is a versatile shade, it’s important to consider your skin tone to ensure the most flattering result.
- Warm Skin Tones: People with warm skin tones (those with golden, yellow, or peachy undertones) often look great with 6N, as it complements their natural warmth without adding too much brassiness.
- Cool Skin Tones: Individuals with cool skin tones (those with pink, red, or blue undertones) can also wear 6N, but they may want to consider adding a slightly cooler tone to the mix, such as a hint of ash, to prevent the color from looking too warm or clashing with their complexion.
- Neutral Skin Tones: Those with neutral skin tones are lucky, as they can generally wear a wide range of colors, including 6N, without any issues.
Your Starting Hair Color Matters
Your starting hair color plays a crucial role in how 6N will appear.
- Light Hair: If your hair is already light blonde (level 7 or higher), 6N will likely result in a darker blonde shade, perhaps a more golden or honey blonde.
- Medium Brown Hair: If your hair is medium brown (level 4 or 5), 6N will likely lift your hair to a lighter brown or a darker blonde, depending on the developer used and the processing time. You may need to pre-lighten your hair to achieve a true 6N result.
- Dark Hair: If your hair is dark brown or black (level 1-3), 6N will likely not lift your hair to a noticeable blonde shade. Pre-lightening is essential to achieve a lighter base before applying 6N.
Achieving and Maintaining 6N: Tips and Tricks
Achieving and maintaining the perfect 6N shade requires careful planning and attention to detail.
- Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying the color to your entire head. This will allow you to see how the color develops on your hair and make any necessary adjustments to the processing time or developer volume.
- Choose the Right Developer: Select the appropriate developer volume based on your desired level of lift and your hair’s condition. A 10 volume developer provides minimal lift and is ideal for depositing color or covering gray hair. A 20 volume developer provides one to two levels of lift and is suitable for most color applications. A 30 volume developer provides two to three levels of lift and should be used with caution to avoid damage.
- Protect Your Hair: Use a deep conditioner or hair mask after coloring to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair.
- Use Color-Safe Products: Use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair to prevent fading and maintain the vibrancy of your color.
- Minimize Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can damage color-treated hair and cause it to fade. Minimize the use of heat styling tools or use a heat protectant spray before styling.
- Root Touch-Ups: Regularly touch up your roots to maintain an even color and prevent a noticeable line of demarcation.
- Toning: If your 6N color develops unwanted warmth, use a toner to neutralize the brassiness and achieve a more balanced result.
6N in Different Hair Color Brands
It’s important to note that the exact shade of 6N can vary slightly between different hair color brands. One brand’s 6N may appear slightly warmer or cooler than another brand’s. Always consult the color swatches and product descriptions provided by the manufacturer to get a better idea of the expected result.
Furthermore, professional hair color lines may offer more nuanced variations of 6N, with subtle differences in tone and undertone. Consult with a professional colorist for personalized recommendations and customized color formulations.
In conclusion, 6N represents a medium blonde shade with a neutral undertone. It’s a versatile and natural-looking color that can complement a variety of skin tones. However, achieving the perfect 6N result requires careful consideration of your starting hair color, hair condition, and desired level of lift. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can unlock the secrets of 6N and achieve your dream hair color.
What does the ‘6’ in 6N hair color signify?
The ‘6’ in 6N represents the level of lightness or darkness of the hair color. In the universal hair color numbering system, ‘6’ corresponds to a level 6 blonde, often described as a dark blonde or light brown. This level sits between a true blonde (lighter shades like 7, 8, or 9) and a light brown (level 5) or medium brown (level 4). Understanding this level is crucial for achieving your desired color result, as it provides a baseline for determining how much lighter or darker the color will be compared to your natural shade.
Essentially, the number is a key indicator of the depth of the hair color. When choosing a hair dye, comparing your existing hair level to the target level (the ‘6’ in 6N) helps predict the outcome. If your hair is currently lighter than a level 6, the 6N dye will darken it. Conversely, if your hair is darker than a level 6, you may need to lighten it first to achieve the desired 6N color.
What does the ‘N’ in 6N hair color mean?
The ‘N’ in 6N stands for ‘Natural’. It indicates that the hair color formula is designed to deliver a natural-looking blonde shade without prominent or added tones. A natural shade is formulated to reflect the most realistic and balanced version of the base color level. It aims to mimic the hues found in naturally blonde hair, providing a color that blends seamlessly with the individual’s complexion and minimizes unwanted undertones.
Unlike colors with letters like ‘A’ for ash (cool tones) or ‘G’ for gold (warm tones), a ‘Natural’ shade intends to provide a neutral base. This means the color will have a balanced mixture of underlying pigments that won’t overly emphasize warmth or coolness. While some subtle warmth or coolness might still be present depending on the specific brand and formula, the overall goal is to create a color that looks inherently natural and believable.
How does 6N hair color compare to other blonde shades?
6N, being a level 6 blonde, sits in the middle of the blonde spectrum. It’s darker than lighter blonde shades such as level 8 (light blonde) or level 10 (platinum blonde). Compared to these lighter shades, 6N will appear more subdued and less vibrant. It often provides a more grounded and natural look.
On the other hand, 6N is significantly lighter than darker shades like level 4 (medium brown) or level 2 (darkest brown/black). These darker shades will have a much richer, deeper pigment and will not possess the lightness and brightness associated with blonde hair. Therefore, 6N bridges the gap between darker browns and vibrant blondes, offering a versatile shade that suits various skin tones and preferences.
Who is 6N hair color best suited for?
6N, being a neutral dark blonde, is generally flattering on individuals with fair to medium skin tones. Its balanced undertones make it less likely to clash with either cool or warm complexions. It can provide a subtle brightening effect for those with neutral or olive skin tones, adding warmth without overwhelming the face.
Those with naturally light brown or dark blonde hair often find 6N an easy and effective color to achieve or maintain. It can enhance their natural hair color by adding depth and shine, or by covering grays while staying within a believable range. However, individuals with very dark hair (level 1-3) may need to lighten their hair considerably before applying 6N to achieve the desired result, which could require multiple processes and potentially lead to damage if not done carefully.
What are the potential undertones of 6N hair color?
Although 6N is designed to be a neutral shade, it can still exhibit subtle undertones depending on the specific brand and formulation. Generally, you might find a hint of warmth or coolness peeking through, but the goal is for these undertones to be subdued. The underlying pigments are carefully balanced to minimize any dominant color cast.
It’s important to consider your own natural hair’s undertones as well. Your base hair color can influence the final result. For example, if your hair has natural red undertones, these might become slightly more apparent after applying 6N, potentially leading to a warmer, more golden blonde. Conversely, if your hair has cooler undertones, the 6N might lean slightly towards a more ashy blonde.
How can I maintain 6N hair color and prevent fading?
Maintaining 6N hair color requires a consistent haircare routine focused on preventing fading and preserving vibrancy. Using color-safe shampoos and conditioners is crucial. These products are formulated without harsh sulfates that can strip the hair of its color, extending the lifespan of your 6N shade.
Additionally, limiting exposure to sunlight, chlorine, and excessive heat styling can significantly help prevent color fading. UV protection sprays and heat protectants are valuable tools. Incorporating hair masks and deep conditioning treatments into your routine will also help maintain moisture and shine, keeping your 6N color looking fresh and vibrant.
What if 6N hair color doesn’t turn out as expected?
If 6N hair color doesn’t turn out as expected, the first step is to assess the situation. Determine if the color is too warm, too cool, too dark, or too light. This will help you understand what adjustments are needed. Factors like your starting hair color, the specific brand of dye used, and processing time can all influence the final result.
Depending on the issue, there are various corrective actions you can take. If the color is too warm, a toner with cool undertones (e.g., a violet-based toner) can help neutralize the brassiness. If the color is too dark, a clarifying shampoo or a color remover (used with caution) can help lighten it. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with making these adjustments yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional hairstylist to avoid further damage or unwanted results.