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You’ve found the perfect style, the length is right, and then you see the colour options: 1, 1B, 2, 30, T1B/27. If you’ve ever stared at a hair pack wondering what the numbers mean, you’re not alone. The good news is that most brands use the same system, and once you know it, picking your shade takes seconds.
The basic rule: lower numbers are darker
Single numbers describe one solid colour. The lower the number, the darker the shade.
| Code | Shade | Good to know |
| 1 | Jet black | The deepest, inkiest black. Bold and glossy. |
| 1B | Natural (off) black | The most popular shade. Softer than 1, it blends with most natural black hair. |
| 2 | Darkest brown | Looks almost black indoors, warm brown in sunlight. |
| 4 | Dark brown | A rich chocolate brown. |
| 30 | Light auburn | A warm, coppery brown. |
| 33 | Dark auburn | A deep reddish brown. |
| 350 | Copper | A bright, fiery copper-ginger. |
| 613 | Platinum blonde | The lightest blonde. |
| BUG / 99J | Burgundy | Deep wine red. |
Tip: if you’re not sure whether to choose 1 or 1B, choose 1B. It looks more natural on most people.
What the letters mean
Letters before the number tell you how the colours are combined.
- T = two-tone (ombré). The hair starts with the first colour at the root and fades into the second towards the ends. T1B/27 is natural black fading to honey blonde; T1B/30 fades to auburn; T1B/BUR fades to burgundy.
- P = piano (highlights). Two or more colours are mixed through the hair as streaks, rather than fading. P27/33/613 blends honey blonde, auburn and platinum for a sun-kissed look.
- A slash on its own (like 1/30 or 1/900) usually means a blend: mostly black with a second colour mixed through for dimension.
Some brands also use their own codes. For example, SPT016 is a brown with warm highlights in the Classic range. When a code isn’t a standard number, check the product photos and description.
How to choose your shade
- Match your roots. For braids, twists and crochet styles, choose a shade close to your natural root colour so the style blends.
- Go ombré for low-maintenance colour. T-codes give you colour at the ends while the dark roots blend as your hair grows.
- Check in daylight. Screens and indoor light change how colours look. If you can, compare against your own hair near a window.
- Not sure? Ask us. Send us a photo of your hair on WhatsApp and we’ll recommend the closest shade.
Shop by colour
Browse our Passion Twist, Senegal Twist and Italian Curl ranges, all available in classic and ombré shades.
Have a question about a colour? Message us any time, we’re always happy to help.