Matrix Sociocool Hair Color Chart helps you decode tone, depth, and developer choice for salon predictable results. This visual guide supports more confident shade planning and better communication between stylist and client.
Use the chart to compare warm, neutral, and cool families while matching base pigment and desired shine level. The structured layout below highlights key characteristics at a glance.
| Family | Base Pigment | Recommended Developer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash | Blue + Green | 6% or 7% | Neutralizing brass |
| Neutral | Blue + Green + Red | 6% or 9% | Balanced, natural results |
| Golden | Yellow + Red | 9% or 12% | Warm tones, gentle lift |
| Cool | Blue + Red | 6% | Maximizing cool shine |
Understanding Base Tone and Depth
Depth refers to how light or dark the hair appears on the 1 to 10 scale, while base tone indicates warmth or coolness. Matrix Sociocool Hair Color Chart aligns each shade with a depth number and a tone code to simplify shade selection.
Shallow depths such as 81 or 92 read very light, while depths like 33 or 45 sit much darker. Matching depth to the target result reduces guesswork and helps avoid patchy regrowth.
Shade Families and Undertones
Matrix Sociocool Hair Color Chart organizes shades into families like Ash, Neutral, Golden, and Cool. Each family leans toward a specific undertone, which affects how the color interacts with your natural pigment.
Choosing the correct family ensures that mixed pigments work together instead of fighting each other during the formulation and processing stages.
Developer Strength and Lift Capacity
Developer strength influences how much natural pigment is lifted and how the artificial pigment deposits. The chart typically pairs each shade with suggested developer percentages to match the desired lift level.
Using a stronger developer on pale hair can increase exposure time, while lower percentages suit darker bases that need minimal adjustment.
Application Techniques for Consistent Results
Technique directly affects how the Matrix Sociocool Hair Color Chart translates to real hair. Sectioning, timing, and overlapping influence tone uniformity and coverage quality.
Balayage, ombré, and full head application each interact differently with the chart families, so selecting the right method matters for the final look.
Key Takeaways for Reliable Color Planning
- Match depth and tone using the Matrix Sociocool Hair Color Chart as a primary reference.
- Select the developer strength that aligns with your target lift and base pigment.
- Consider undertone families to control brass and maintain desired shine.
- Test technique and timing on a small section before committing to a full head.
- Track regrowth and adjust intervals to keep color consistent over time.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I read the depth and tone numbers on the Matrix Sociocool Hair Color Chart?
The first digit indicates depth from dark to light, while the last two digits signal the tone family, such as ash, neutral, or golden. Matching both parts helps predict the final hair color accurately.
Can I use a different developer than the one recommended on the chart?
Deviating from the suggested developer can change lift, tone, and damage risk. If you do adjust, monitor processing time closely and perform a strand test first.
Why does my color look different under natural light versus indoor lighting?
Light temperature shifts the perceived undertone, making ash colors cooler indoors and golden shades warmer outdoors. Checking the chart in similar lighting to your final environment reduces surprises.
How often should I reapply touch-ups to stay consistent with the charted shades?
Growth rate, porosity, and previous treatments affect regrowth speed. Follow a personalized schedule based on your root visibility and the fade level you aim to maintain.