Decoding Wig Colors

Different wig manufacturers have different versions of colors that might be numbered or named similarly. The wig industry has developed a color code to help systematically describe colors based on natural hair color variations. Here is a general idea of what the color code for wigs looks like.

Brunette, Brown and Black Wig Color Chart

Black and brunette wig colors generally range from number 1 to 13, with 1 being the darkest and 13 being the lightest. Brunette colors are often blended with each other or blended with red to create a warm, dimensional and natural look that is more true-to-life.

Brunette color chart with wig colors 1 through 13

Blonde Wig Hair Color Chart

Blonde is one of the most complicated colors to understand when it comes to wigs. Blondes range significantly in color and tone and can be grouped into different color families: there are neutral blondes, warm blondes, and platinum blondes that are all indicated by different numbers. Blondes from different "families" are often blended together to create a beautifully realistic appearance. For example, blondes from the neutral family are often blended with blondes from the warm or platinum family.

Blonde wig hair color chart

Red Wig Color Chart

Natural reds range from color number 27 to 33. Color 27 is the closest to blonde and 33 is the darkest natural red. Reds are often blended with browns, blondes, and other reds to add extra depth. Vibrant reds range from color number 130 to 134.

Red wig color chart

Grey Wig Color Chart

The grey family includes color number 34 through 60, with 60 being a pure white color. With the exception of color 60, grey wig colors are always a varying blend of grey and brown, off-black, or blonde. Cool platinum blonde (color 101) is sometimes also included in the grey family or incorporated into grey-blend wig colors.

Grey wig color chart

Wait! Numbers AND letters?

Yes, that's right. Algebra isn't the only place where numbers and letters coexist. Fortunately, decoding letters in wig colors is a math-free procedure.

Think of numbers as what the colors are, and letters as how those colors are applied. Typically, letters in wig colors indicate one of two things:

The distribution of color. If more than one color is combined in a wig, letters and symbols are used to indicate the level and type of distribution between the colors. Are there highlights? Is there a foiled look? Are the roots darker? Are the tips lighter? Letters can tell you all you need to know.

The type of hair or collection. Sometimes letters indicate a particular wig line or hair type from a designer. If that's the case, the letters are typically designer-specific and most often listed before the numbers.

Designer Variations

The most difficult part of decoding wig colors is the inconsistency from designer to designer. The meanings of the letters will often vary depending on the manufacturer. Letters can also be a combination of both color collection and distribution method, as is the case in Jon Renau's highlighted colors with the letters RH, standing for "Renau Highlighted."

For letters that indicate how color is distributed, wig manufacturers pair their letters with terms that are commonly used in the beauty industry when applying coloring techniques to natural hair. A blended color, for example, refers to the technique used to blend two or more colors or shades throughout the wig. This type of color may feature a "B" for blended in the name, like 24B22 from Jon Renau.

Because each manufacturer has a different set of letters unique to their own color sets, the same letter or letter combinations can mean different things for different wig manufacturers. However, here are a few of the most common letters used and their meanings, along with some of the specific letters used from popular brands. Each brand also publishes its own dedicated chart. You can browse the full Jon Renau color chart, Raquel Welch color chart, and others in our wig color charts hub.

Color Distribution

Like natural hair, wig hair colors are often a blend of two or more different tones. The letters listed here will let you know how the tones in a wig color are combined.

Examples of color distribution in wigs based on letter codes

Darker Roots

A subset of color distribution, wigs with darker roots feature darker hair at the root and lighter hair on the rest of the wig. This type of color distribution is most commonly seen in blonde wigs but is also available in brown, red, and grey shades.

Wigs with and without darker roots

Hair Type or Brand

When letters appear before the number, they usually tell you which collection or hair type the color belongs to rather than how the color is distributed. These are specific to the designer.

How Wig Colors Are Combined

Color combinations made by wig manufacturers are often blended to re-create popular coloring techniques used in top salons. Leading colorists in both natural hair coloring and top wig designers often work together to create custom color combinations. The wig designers then use their unique number and letter combinations to code and name the color. Numbers can be used alone or combined to tell you what colors the wig contains. For example, 12/26 would refer to a combination of light brown (12) and honey blonde (26). 14/22 can mean a mix of two blonde shades (color 14 and color 22).

Some colors are combined more often than others. The most common wig color combos are:

• Dark or medium brown and red
• Blonde and light brown
• Two or more blonde tones
• Blonde and red

Now that we know how to decode wig colors, let's practice!

FS24/102S12

This Jon Renau color is a doozy. Let's break it down.

Cameron Wig by Jon Renau
in FS24/102S12

First of all, we can see there are 3 different colors combined, as indicated by the three different numbers: 24 (warm golden blonde), 102 (cool platinum blonde), and 12 (light brown).

There are also three letters and symbols to let us know how the colors are distributed: FS, which stands for Fashion Syrup and indicates bold highlights. /, which indicates an even distribution of two colors. S, which indicates a darker root. The number following S is the color of the root.

So taking everything together: FS24/102S12 is a golden blonde with an even amount of dramatic cool platinum highlights and a light brown root.

R6/30H

Voltage Wig by Raquel Welch
in R6/30H

Since there are two numbers, we can see that there are two different tones combined: 6 (dark brown) and 30 (medium copper).

There are also three letters and symbols to consider: R, /, and H. In this instance, the R indicates the designer and wig line because it's placed before the number. This color is part of the Raquel Welch Synthetic hair collection. The / indicates an even amount of both colors, and the H shows us that there are highlights.

So decoded: R6/30H is a color in the Raquel Welch Synthetic collection that is dark brown with an even amount of medium copper highlights.

24BT18S8

Kristi Wig by Jon Renau
in 24BT18S8

First, let's look at the numbers: 24 (medium golden blonde), 18 (neutral light/medium blonde), and 8 (medium brown).

Now let's look at the letters: B (blend), T (tipped, i.e. lighter tips/ends), and S (shaded, i.e. darker roots).

So 24BT18S8: a blend of medium golden blonde and neutral light blonde with light blonde tips and medium brown roots.

Even once you've decoded a color, the colors of wigs don't always look identical from style to style. Here's what can change how a code reads on the hair.

The same color, Jon Renau FS6/30/27 Toffee Truffle, shown on different styles