In hair color level scales, which level represents the lightest shade?

• A. Level 9
• B. Level 8
• C. Level 10
• D. Level 11

Answer: (C)

Understanding how hair color level scales work: levels describe how light or dark the hair will appear, and higher numbers mean lighter shades. In the standard range used in salons and practice materials, the progression goes from darker at the low end to lighter at the high end. The lightest shade within this typical set is the highest level, which corresponds to Level 10, denoting the most lifted, blonde tone on the usual scale. Levels like Level 9 and Level 8 are very light but still darker than Level 10. Some brands use Level 11 or 12 to indicate even lighter tones, but for the standard scale here, Level 10 is the lightest.