Ever walked into a beauty supply store and felt like you were staring at a wall of secret codes? You see those little bundles of synthetic hair labeled 1, 1B, 2, 4, 27, 30, and 613. It’s a lot. Honestly, if you aren't a pro, the braided hair color chart looks more like a periodic table of elements than a way to pick a new look. But getting it right is the difference between a style that makes your skin glow and one that makes you look kind of washed out.
Choosing a color for braids isn't just about picking what looks "pretty" in the pack. It’s about how those fibers—usually Kanekalon or Toyokalon—interact with your natural undertones.
Cracking the Code of the Standard Braided Hair Color Chart
The numbering system used for braiding hair is actually pretty consistent across brands like Outre, X-Pression, and Janet Collection. It starts with the darkest blacks and moves into the blonds and vibrant "fantasy" colors.
Color 1 is jet black. It has a blueish, almost ink-like undertone. It’s stark. Very few people actually have hair that is naturally a level 1. Then you have 1B, which stands for "Off-Black." This is basically the holy grail of braiding hair. It’s a soft, natural black that matches the majority of dark hair textures. If you're unsure where to start, 1B is your safest bet.
Moving down the line, 2 is a dark brown, and 4 is a medium chocolate brown. Most people think they have black hair until they hold a pack of #2 next to their face and realize the warmth in the brown actually suits their skin better.
Why the "B" and "T" Labels Matter
Sometimes you'll see letters attached to these numbers. They aren't just there for decoration.
- T stands for "Taper" or "Two-tone" (often used for Ombre).
- F usually indicates a "Face" or "Frost" mix, where colors are blended throughout the strand.
- P stands for piano or "Piano" streaks.
If you see something labeled T1B/27, it means the roots are off-black and the ends are honey blond. It’s a cheat code for a gradient look without having to hand-blend the hair yourself. Hand-blending takes forever. Ask any braider; they’d usually rather buy the pre-mixed ombre than spend an hour "pulling" hair to get a smooth transition.
🔗 Read more: Chuck E. Cheese in Boca Raton: Why This Location Still Wins Over Parents
The Subtle Art of Choosing Browns and Blonds
Once you get past the blacks, the braided hair color chart gets tricky.
Number 27 (Honey Blond) and 30 (Light Auburn/Copper) are the heavy hitters for fall and summer. Number 27 is a warm, golden blond that looks incredible on warm skin tones but can occasionally look a bit "brassy" if you have very cool, pinkish undertones.
Then there is 33, which is a dark auburn. It’s moody. It’s sophisticated. It’s basically the "red" for people who are scared of red.
For the bold ones, we have 613. This is the platinum blond. It is bright. It is loud. Usually, it’s best used as an accent or in a mix. Going full 613 requires a lot of confidence because it creates such a sharp contrast against darker skin.
Mixing Colors Like a Pro
You don't have to stick to one pack. Seriously. Most of the best braided looks you see on Instagram or TikTok are a mix of at least two colors from the braided hair color chart.
A popular "Pinterest-perfect" blend is mixing 1B and 27. Instead of a hard ombre, you take a bit of each and feed them into the braid together. This creates a "highlighted" effect that looks much more expensive than just using one flat color.
💡 You might also like: The Betta Fish in Vase with Plant Setup: Why Your Fish Is Probably Miserable
Think about the "Bronde" trend. To get that, you’d mix a #4 (medium brown) with a #27 (honey blond). It softens the face. It’s subtle. It’s perfect for professional environments where you still want a bit of flair.
The Impact of Lighting
One thing people forget: synthetic hair reflects light differently than human hair. Kanekalon has a specific sheen. Under harsh fluorescent lights—like in an office or a grocery store—a color that looked "muted" in the shop might suddenly look very shiny.
If you want a more natural, matte look, look for "Pre-stretched" or "Spectra" hair. These often have a texture that mimics blown-out natural hair and doesn't have that "plastic" shine that reflects the whole braided hair color chart at once.
Skin Undertones and Your Braids
Understanding your undertone is basically a superpower.
If you have warm undertones (you look great in gold jewelry and your veins look greenish), go for colors with gold or copper bases. Think 27, 30, and even 350 (a bright copper red).
If you have cool undertones (silver jewelry is your friend and your veins look blue/purple), you’ll want to stick to the "ashy" side of the chart. Blue-blacks (1), burgundy (99J), or even some of the ash-blonds like a 24 or 613 with a purple shampoo rinse can work.
📖 Related: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
Neutral undertones? You lucky person. You can basically do whatever you want.
A Note on 99J and Burgundy
The "99J" is a legendary color. It’s a deep, black-cherry wine color. It has stayed popular for decades for a reason: it looks good on almost everyone. It’s dark enough to be low-key but catches the light in a way that shows off your personality. If you're bored of black hair but 613 feels like too much, 99J is your middle ground.
Practical Logistics: How Much Hair to Buy?
Buying hair based on the braided hair color chart is only half the battle. You need to know how much to get.
- Small Knotless Braids: You're looking at 5 to 8 packs of pre-stretched hair.
- Jumbo Box Braids: Usually 4 to 6 packs because the braids are thicker, but there are fewer of them.
- Cornrows: 2 to 3 packs is usually plenty.
Always buy one more pack than you think you need. There is nothing worse than being three braids away from finishing and realizing you're out of hair. Finding an exact match for a specific brand's #27 in a different store mid-appointment is a nightmare you don't want.
How to Maintain the Color
Synthetic hair doesn't fade like dyed natural hair, which is a huge plus. However, it can get dull. Using a light oil sheen or a mousse can keep the colors looking vibrant.
Don't use heavy waxes. They just attract lint. And since synthetic hair is basically plastic, you can't "stain" it back to life. Once it’s frizzy and dull, it’s time to take them out.
Real Expert Insight: The "Transition" Trick
If you are worried about your natural hair color peeking through the braids—especially if you're going from black hair to blond braids—ask your braider about the "tucking" technique. This is where they physically tuck your natural hair behind the synthetic hair as they braid. It hides the contrast. It’s a skill, though, so make sure your stylist knows what they're doing before you commit to a high-contrast color.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Braiding Appointment
- Identify your undertone before you go to the store. Hold a piece of gold and silver jewelry to your face in natural light.
- Check the brand. A #4 in "X-Pression" might look slightly different than a #4 in "Freetress." Stick to one brand for your entire head to ensure the color is uniform.
- Take a photo of the pack label. If you love the color, save that photo. Memory is a liar when it comes to subtle shades of brown.
- Don't be afraid to mix. Buy one pack of a highlight color and mix a few strands into each braid for a custom look that nobody else has.
- Consult your braider. Send them a picture of the hair you bought before the appointment. They can tell you if the texture and color will work for the specific style you want.
The braided hair color chart is a tool, not a rulebook. Use it to experiment. Whether you're going for a subtle 1B/2 mix or a "look at me" 613/Pink combo, the goal is to feel like the best version of yourself when you leave that chair.