Ever stood in the hair dye aisle, staring at rows of boxes, utterly confused by the seemingly random numbers and letters like “6N” or “6NN”? You’re not alone. The world of hair color can seem like a secret language, but understanding these codes is the key to unlocking your perfect shade and achieving professional-looking results at home.
This detailed guide will demystify two common codes: 6N and 6NN hair color. We’ll break down what each signifies, how they differ, and when to choose one over the other, especially when dealing with pesky grays or seeking a specific intensity.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Hair Color Numbering System
Before diving into ‘N’ and ‘NN’, let’s quickly grasp the universal language of hair color. Professional and retail hair dyes typically use a two-part system:
- The First Number (Level): This digit indicates the depth or lightness of the hair color, ranging from 1 (Black) to 10 (Lightest Blonde).
- 1 = Black2 = Darkest Brown3 = Dark Brown4 = Medium Brown5 = Light Brown6 = Dark Blonde (Our focus today!)7 = Medium Blonde8 = Light Blonde9 = Very Light Blonde10 = Lightest Blonde
- The Letters (Tone/Undertone): The letters following the number denote the tone or undertone of the hair color. These determine whether the shade appears warm, cool, or neutral. Common tone letters include:
- N = Natural/Neutral
- A = Ash (blue/violet base, to counteract warmth)
- G = Gold (yellow base, for warm tones)
- C = Copper (orange base)
- R = Red (red base)
- V = Violet (purple base)
- M = Mahogany (red-violet base)
Now, let’s zoom in on the ‘N’ and ‘NN’.
Decoding ‘N’ – The Natural Series
When you see an ‘N’ after the level number, like in 6N, it signifies “Natural” or “Neutral.”
Characteristics of ‘N’ Shades:
- Balanced Tones: ‘N’ shades are designed to be neither overtly warm (like gold or copper) nor overtly cool (like ash). They aim to mimic the most common natural hair colors found in nature.
- Neutral Blend: These shades typically contain a balanced blend of primary colors (red, yellow, blue) to achieve a harmonious, balanced result.
- Gray Coverage: 6N provides good gray coverage for most non-resistant gray hair. It’s a reliable choice for blending grays seamlessly into your natural color, especially if your grays aren’t particularly stubborn.
Specific to 6N (Dark Natural Blonde):
A 6N is a true, balanced dark blonde. It’s ideal if you want a shade that looks like your hair could naturally be that color. It can also be used as a base to neutralize very slight unwanted warmth or simply to provide a beautiful, authentic-looking dark blonde without strong red or golden undertones.
Unpacking ‘NN’ – The Double Neutral/Intense Natural Series
The ‘NN’ in codes like 6NN stands for “Double Natural,” “Intense Natural,” or “Extra Natural.” This seemingly small addition makes a significant difference in how the color performs.
Key Differences from ‘N’:
- Increased Dye Load/Pigment Concentration: This is the most crucial distinction. ‘NN’ shades contain a higher concentration of natural pigments compared to their ‘N’ counterparts. Think of it as a double dose of color.
- Enhanced Gray Coverage: Because of this elevated pigment load, ‘NN’ shades are specifically formulated for stubborn, resistant gray hair. If your grays seem to repel color or always end up looking translucent, 6NN is designed to deliver 100% opaque coverage.
- Intensity: The higher pigment concentration means ‘NN’ colors can appear slightly deeper, richer, and more opaque than a single ‘N’ at the same level. While it’s not necessarily “darker” in terms of level, it’s more saturated.
- Cooler Bias (Brand Dependent): While primarily neutral, some brands formulate their ‘NN’ series with a slightly cooler bias. This is often done to counteract the underlying warm pigments of the hair (which become more apparent when covering gray) and ensure a truly neutral or even slightly cool result, preventing the color from pulling too warm.
Specific to 6NN (Intense Dark Natural Blonde):
6NN delivers maximum gray coverage for dark blonde results. It ensures a richer, more solid, and opaque dark blonde, making it the go-to choice for those with a high percentage of resistant grays or anyone desiring a more saturated and impactful dark blonde.
Side-by-Side Comparison: 6N vs. 6NN
To summarize the distinctions, here’s a direct comparison:
| Feature | 6N (Natural Dark Blonde) | 6NN (Intense Natural Dark Blonde) |
| Meaning | Natural/Neutral Dark Blonde | Double/Intense Natural Dark Blonde |
| Dye Load | Standard pigment concentration | Higher pigment concentration |
| Gray Coverage | Good for non-resistant grays | Excellent for resistant/stubborn grays, 100% coverage focus |
| Color Intensity | Natural, balanced depth; can appear slightly sheerer | More opaque, richer, and saturated |
| Result | True-to-tone dark blonde | Deeper, more solid dark blonde |
| Best For | Achieving a natural dark blonde, slight tone adjustment | Achieving full gray coverage, adding depth and richness |
When to Choose Which: Making Your Decision
Knowing the difference is one thing; deciding which to use is another. Here’s a guide to help you choose between 6N and 6NN:
Choose 6N if:
- You have minimal to no gray hair, or your grays are fine and easily covered.
- You desire a natural-looking dark blonde that isn’t overly deep or opaque.
- You’re aiming for a balanced base before potentially adding other tones like highlights or lowlights later.
- Your hair generally accepts color well and doesn’t struggle with absorption.
Choose 6NN if:
- You have resistant or stubborn gray hair that doesn’t seem to hold color well, leaving a translucent or “sparkly” effect.
- You desire maximum, opaque gray coverage and want your grays to disappear completely.
- You want a richer, more intense, and saturated dark blonde result.
- You’re looking to counteract strong underlying red/orange tones that might unexpectedly pull through with a regular ‘N’ shade, as the higher pigment load can help neutralize them.
Factors Influencing Results (Beyond the Tube)
While the choice between 6N and 6NN is crucial, other factors also play a significant role in your final hair color:
- Developer Volume: The developer (peroxide) determines how much the hair’s natural pigment is lifted and how much color is deposited. For standard deposit and gray coverage, 20 volume developer is typically recommended.
- Hair Porosity: This refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture and color. Highly porous hair (often due to damage) can absorb color faster and appear darker, while low porosity hair can resist color absorption.
- Natural Hair Color: Your starting hair color significantly impacts the final result. Dyeing dark hair lighter requires different processes than dyeing lighter hair darker.
- Previous Color Applications: Existing dyes, especially permanent ones, can affect how new color takes. Color doesn’t lighten color, so layering shades requires careful consideration.
Professional Advice and DIY Considerations
While understanding 6N and 6NN empowers you to make informed decisions, remember these vital tips:
- Always Perform a Patch Test: This is crucial to check for allergic reactions before applying color to your entire head.
- Strand Testing is Key: Before coloring all your hair, apply the mixed color to a small, inconspicuous strand. This will show you exactly how the color will look on your hair.
- Consult a Professional: For complex color changes, significant gray percentages, or if you’re unsure, a professional stylist can provide personalized advice and ensure optimal results, minimizing damage and disappointment.
- Brand Variations: Be aware that while the numbering system is universal, the exact nuances of ‘N’ and ‘NN’ can vary slightly between different hair color brands.
Conclusion
The difference between 6N and 6NN hair color boils down primarily to pigment concentration and, consequently, gray coverage ability. While 6N offers a beautiful, natural dark blonde for general use, 6NN steps up as the powerhouse for those stubborn grays and when a richer, more intense dark blonde is desired.
By understanding these nuances, you’re better equipped to navigate the world of hair color, make confident choices, and achieve the stunning, natural-looking results you desire. Happy coloring!