When it comes to color, no two brands or colors are exactly the same. This is because each brand's colors are comprised of an entirely different set of codes and sometimes varying color families.
To better understand these color codes, we’ll start with the basics.
COLOR FAMILIES
Becoming familiar with color family ranges is the first step in understanding color.
In general, the color families will work like this:
Black: 1-2
Brown: 4-12
Blonde: 14-26
Natural Red: 27-33
Vibrant Red: 130-134
Grey: 34-60 & 92
Platinum: 101-104, 613
A general rule of thumb with blacks and browns is that lower numbers will be darker, whereas higher numbers will be lighter. For example, if you are looking at the color R4 by Raquel Welch, you will see that it is a dark brown, whereas the R10 is a lighter chestnut brown.
COLOR CODES:
So, what do all those letters mean anyway? Although the letters might seem confusing at first glance, the reasoning behind them is actually quite simple and can totally transform the way you look at color!
/: Evenly blended
Example: R14/25
RL: Tru2Life Heat-Friendly Synthetic Fiber
Example: RL38
R: Raquel Welch Synthetic
Example: R10
HH: Human Hair
Example: R6HH
S and S+: Multidimensional blends that reflect the latest coloring techniques being used by salons. Specially blended in front and crown with highlights and lowlights that complement the basic color
Example: R13S or R29S+
T: (Tipped) – Lighter tipped ends
Example: R12T
F: (Foil) – Base color with two contrasting highlight colors around the face
Example: R13F25
SS: (Shadow Shades) – Rooted colors
Example: SS19/23 aka 19/23SS
G: (Gradient) – Graduates from lighter in the front to darker in the back
Example: R511G
H: Highlighted
Example: R6/30H
