Understanding Hair Colour Shade Book Price: A Guide for Professionals and Enthusiasts

Choosing the right hair colour is more than picking a hue you like. Professionals rely on shade books—also called shade cards—to match client expectations, plan formulation, and ensure consistent results. This article explains what a Hair Colour Shade Book Price means, how to read a shade card, and where to find the best value from popular brands such as Löreal, Keune, Garnier, and Bremod.

What Is a Hair Colour Shade Book?

A hair colour shade book is a printed reference that displays the full range of a brand’s permanent, demi‑permanent, and temporary shades. Each shade is illustrated on a calibrated mannequin head or a swatch, often accompanied by a code (e.g., 1.20, 5.30) that indicates the base level, tone, and intensity. The book may also include:

How to Read a Shade Card

Reading a shade card correctly is essential for accurate colour matching. Follow these steps:

  1. Identify the level: The first number (1‑10) represents the darkness, with 1 being the darkest black and 10 the lightest platinum.
  2. Check the tone: The decimal (e.g., .20, .30) indicates the undertone—cool, warm, or neutral.
  3. Look for modifiers: Letters such as “A” (ash), “G” (gold), or “R” (red) refine the shade further.
  4. Match the visual: Compare the swatch to the client’s hair under natural lighting.
  5. Confirm the formulation: Use the brand’s mixing guide to calculate the exact amount of developer needed.

Brands like Löreal Majirel provide a highlights shade card that separates “full colour” from “highlights” to simplify the selection process for stylists.

Key Brands and Their Shade Book Pricing

Below is a snapshot of typical Hair Colour Shade Book Price ranges in 2024. Prices vary by retailer, region, and whether the book includes digital access.