CONSIDERING "LEVEL"

As you see, Pantone's "Shade of the Year" for 2025 is MOCHA BROWN... defined as

a light brown infused with soft warm tones. If you look at the images Pantone is showing,

this may inspire you to create this delicious, soft shade as a great base color for your

clients.........

Now, try to forget what we are seeing on color charts today: Look at how

deep manufacturers are defining as levels 4, 5, 6 and 7. In my opinion these all look

DARKER than we may see is "lightest brown", "dark blonde" and "medium blonde".

DO YOU AGREE WITH ME? If so, please comment below!

My thoughts: Manufacturers respond to colorists' demands: GRAY COVERAGE remains

the biggest request for color. Colorists regularly complain about poor gray coverage.

Frankly, I have observed that most issues with gray coverage are NOT the fault of the color,

but of improper formulating, application that does not touch every hair on the head, and

washing the hair after only 25 or 30 minutes processing time. Additionally, permanent hair

color should NEVER be in contact with the scalp when heat is applied. Heat speeds up

"lift".. and not color deposit! AND... as the skin is an organ of exchange, heat used here

is never directed, can cause allergic reaction, burning or swelling of the skin!

When you view Pantone's Mocha Brown, what level do you believe this to be? Some of you will say:

"level 6" others might say "This is a level 7 blonde. And, a few might feel that this

shade looks like a level 5, lightest brown. None of you are incorrect! It is how you

perceive "level" and about the instruction you have received.

Personally, I see this shade as what I remember to be a level 6,

balanced DEEP TAN BLONDE. And, depending on the level of the

natural hair, the percentage of gray and the texture of the hair, there

are numerous ways to create the shade. Let's share this note and get involved

here. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Let's jump on this before the new year begins!

Keep Dreaming in Color,

Beth