Maryland Barber State Practice Exam

In terms of hair color, what does "level" refer to?

1. The intensity of the color

2. The lightness or darkness of a color

3. The sheen of the color

4. The type of dye used

The correct answer is: The lightness or darkness of a color

"Level" in hair color terminology refers specifically to the lightness or darkness of a color. Each level is typically represented on a scale where the lowest numbers indicate darker shades (e.g., 1 is black) and the highest numbers represent lighter shades (e.g., 10 is light blonde). This system allows professionals to categorize hair colors and communicate effectively about color options and desired results. This understanding of "level" is crucial in hair coloring as it helps in ensuring the right shade is achieved based on the client's needs and natural hair color. For instance, when a stylist refers to a specific level, they are discussing how light or dark the resulting color will be, rather than the color's unique hue or its vibrancy, which are accounted for by other aspects such as intensity or tone.