Nutrisse color chart serves as a practical guide for predicting and selecting the best hair color result. This visual tool helps you compare shades, undertones, and application outcomes before you commit to a box color.
By using the chart alongside your skin tone and current hair condition, you can reduce guesswork and choose a shade that enhances your natural features.
| Shade Family | Key Examples | Best For | Typical Undertones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Brown | 5/30, 5/34 | Neutralizing warm brassy tones | Cool, neutral |
| Golden Blonde | 8/24, 9/01 | Adding soft warmth and brightness | Warm, golden |
| Rich Auburn | 5/44, 6/48 | Enhancing natural red and copper tones | Warm, reddish |
| Deep Mahogany | 4/64, 4/67 | Creating depth and richness for dark hair | Cool with red or violet hints |
| Neutral Platinum | 10/01, 10/02 | Bright, icy results on prelightened hair | Cool, silvery |
Understanding Shade Families and Undertones
How Shade Families Work
Nutrisse color chart groups shades into families such as Ash, Golden, Auburn, and Mahogany to make selection easier. Each family reflects a core pigment direction that influences the overall look.
Choosing the right family ensures your new color aligns with your style goals and avoids unexpected tones.
Identifying Undertones
Undertones are the subtle colors beneath the main shade, such as warm golden, cool ash, or rich violet. Matching undertones to your skin tone creates a harmonious result.
The chart typically lists undertones or includes them in numerical codes, helping you anticipate whether a color will appear cooler or warmer once applied.
Choosing the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
Matching Warm Skin Tones
If your skin has golden, peachy, or yellow undertones, shades with warm, golden, or red bases usually look more flattering. Nutrisse shades like Golden Blonde and Rich Auburn can enhance your natural glow.
Matching Cool Skin Tones
For skin with pink, red, or blue undertones, cooler shades such as Ash Brown and Neutral Platinum often create a balanced, sophisticated look. These shades help neutralize excess warmth.
How Current Hair Condition Affects Color Results
Assessing Porosity and Previous Treatments
Hair that is highly porous may absorb color more quickly and appear darker than expected, while resistant hair may need a stronger developer. Previously chemically treated hair can show different patchiness or fading patterns on the Nutrisse chart.
Checking your hair’s current condition helps you select a shade number that will develop into the intended color without unwanted brassiness or fading.
Getting Reliable and Long-Lasting Color
- Start by identifying your skin’s undertone and current hair color level.
- Compare swatches on the chart to your natural hair and skin for the closest match.
- Perform a strand test to evaluate how the shade develops on your hair.
- Consider porosity, previous treatments, and your lifestyle when choosing a shade family.
- Follow package instructions for developer, processing time, and aftercare.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and color-protecting conditioners to extend vibrancy.
- Schedule touch-ups based on your growth and fade patterns.
Refining Your Color Choices Over Time
As you gain experience with Nutrisse shades, you can refine your selections based on how different tones interact with your hair and lifestyle.
Tracking your results and preferences helps you build a go-to palette that suits your complexion and maintains a polished, confident look season after season.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I read the numbers on the Nutrisse color chart?
The first digit represents the depth from light to dark, while the second digits indicate the tone and sometimes the mix of underlying pigments. Higher numbers are lighter, and letters or third digits can denote specific undertones.
Can I use the Nutrisse chart if I have highlighted or balayage hair?
Yes, you can still use the chart to select a complementary root or refresh color, but keep in mind that existing highlights can affect how the new shade blends.
What if my hair is already dyed a different color?
Covering previous dye typically requires a shade that is lighter or warmer, and a strand test is essential to confirm how the new color interacts with the existing dye.
Will my hair look exactly like the color swatches on the chart?
Results vary due to natural hair tone, porosity, and application method, so the swatch serves as a guide rather than an exact match.