Which system is used to measure the lightness or darkness of hair?

The level system is the method used to identify and classify the lightness or darkness of hair color. This system typically ranges from a scale, commonly 1 to 10, where level 1 represents the darkest black and level 10 indicates the lightest blonde. Understanding the level system is essential for hairstylists and colorists as it allows them to communicate effectively with clients about desired hair colors, achieve accurate color formulations, and create consistent results.

In contrast, the shade scale pertains to the specific colors within those levels rather than the measurement of lightness or darkness. The color chart is used for a broader range of color selections and combinations but does not provide the standardized measurement of darkness and lightness that the level system does. The density guide focuses on the thickness and amount of hair rather than its color attributes, making it unrelated to the measurement of lightness or darkness. Therefore, the level system is critical in the realm of hair coloring for determining how light or dark a specific hair color is.