On the standard 1–10 hair color scale, Level 5 sits at medium to light brown, bridging dark brunette shades and the blonde spectrum.
Finding your place on the Level 5 Hair Color Chart means understanding where medium brown lives in the universal depth system used by professional colorists. The 1-to-10 scale measures how light or dark hair is — not its warmth or coolness — and Level 5 lands in the middle of the brunette range. Some brands call it medium brown; others say light brown, and both describe the same depth.
What Level 5 Hair Color Looks Like
Level 5 is a solid brown with no visible blonde tones. It is darker than a Level 6 (light brown or dark blonde, depending on the brand) and noticeably lighter than a Level 4 (dark brown). In direct sunlight it reads as a true brown; in low light it can appear almost black, which is why checking your level in natural daylight matters.
Level is separate from tone. A Level 5 base can carry warm, neutral, or cool pigments depending on the formulation, but the depth number stays the same. A Level 5 with red-violet undertones is still a Level 5 depth.
What Level Is Your Hair?
Finding your natural level takes about a minute with good light. Colorists use this method:
- Use natural daylight. Stand near a window in the middle of the day. Indoor lighting — especially warm bulbs — makes brown hair look darker or more golden than it really is.
- Take a small section from the crown or nape. The roots and new growth closest to the scalp show your true natural level. Ends may be lighter from sun exposure or older color.
- Fan the strands out. Compressed hair reads darker. Hold a section so light passes through it — this reveals the actual depth rather than surface shine.
- Compare to a level chart. Match the strand to the closest depth on a 1–10 chart. If your hair is dyed or highlighted, compare only the regrowth near the scalp.
Once you know your Level 5 base depth, exploring specific formulations becomes easier. If you are shopping for a shade at this level, our roundup of the best 5vr hair color options breaks down what works at this depth and what results to expect.
| Level | Common Descriptions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Black |
| 2–3 | Very dark brown / dark brown |
| 4 | Dark brown / medium brown |
| 5 | Medium brown / light brown |
| 6 | Light brown / dark blonde |
| 7 | Dark blonde / medium blonde |
| 8 | Medium blonde / light blonde |
| 9 | Light blonde / very light blonde |
| 10 | Very light blonde / lightest blonde |
Brand charts vary slightly at the boundaries — Level 4 may be dark brown by one label and medium brown by another. The numbering system itself is consistent; only the labels shift.
Common Mistakes When Reading Hair Levels
Three errors trip up most people checking their depth for the first time:
- Confusing level with tone. Level measures light to dark. Tone measures warmth (gold, red) or coolness (ash, violet). A Level 5 can be warm, neutral, or cool — the level number does not change.
- Reading hair indoors. Fluorescent or warm indoor light changes how brown hair reads. Always check in natural daylight near a window.
- Comparing the wrong section. Dyed ends or sun-lightened midsections will not show your natural level. Look at the roots or hair closest to the scalp, where natural pigment is undisturbed.
Compressed hair also reads darker than fanned-out hair. Pinching strands together blocks light transmission, so always separate and fan the hair before comparing it to a chart. Because hair color products can trigger allergic reactions, a patch test 48 hours before any full application is the standard safety advice from every major brand. A strand test on a small hidden section also confirms timing and final color before committing to the whole head.
FAQs
Can I jump from Level 5 to blonde in one session?
Moving more than two levels lighter in a single at-home permanent color session produces unpredictable results. Level 5 to a Level 8 or 9 blonde typically requires bleaching, which lifts the natural pigment before depositing the blonde tone. A professional consultation is recommended for jumps of more than two levels.
Does Level 5 work with cool or ash tones?
Yes. Level 5 is a depth, not a tone. Ash, neutral, and warm formulations are all available at this level. Cool tones work well on Level 5 hair because the brown base provides enough depth to keep the result from looking flat or muddy.
Why do some brands call Level 5 medium brown and others light brown?
References & Sources
- John Frieda. “Hair Color Levels: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Hair Color Level System.” Explains the 1–10 depth system and lists Level 5 as medium brown.
- L’Oréal Professionnel UK. “What Do the Numbers in Hair Colour Mean?” Describes the professional level system and labels Level 5 as light brown.
- Zotos Professional. “What Is My Hair Color Level?” Covers how to determine your natural level, including the crown-and-nape method and common mistakes.