What term describes the level of lightness or darkness in hair color?

The term that describes the level of lightness or darkness in hair color is known as the hair color level. This concept is fundamental in hair coloring as it allows stylists to assess where a particular shade falls on the scale of light to dark. The hair color level system typically ranges from 1, which is the darkest (black), to 10, which is the lightest (light blonde). Understanding the level of hair color is crucial for achieving desired results, whether a stylist is performing color corrections, highlights, or selecting hair dyes.

While hue refers to the actual color itself (like red, blue, or blonde), shade is often used interchangeably with color depth but can refer more specifically to variations within the levels of lightness and darkness. Intensity refers to the brightness or vividness of the color, not necessarily its level of darkness or lightness. Thus, hair color level provides the most accurate and relevant descriptor for identifying the degree of light or dark in a hair color.