Who this guide is for
This guide is for anyone trying to understand the difference between Odeon lightener levels before choosing a product or talking to a stylist. It explains the levels in general terms. It does not promise a particular result for a particular hair type, because the result depends on your starting colour, hair condition, previous colour, processing time, and the product directions for the specific product you use.
If you are not trained in chemical colour work, seek a professional for lightening, especially for full blonding or for hair that has been coloured, bleached, or chemically treated before.
What a level of lift means
In general salon terms, one level of lift means hair becomes roughly one shade lighter. A higher number means the product is intended for more lift, not automatically for a lighter or more even result on every head of hair.
Odeon powder lighteners are available in 7, 9, and 9++ levels, and in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes. Some sets include a mixing bowl and brush. Check the product page for the exact set contents for the size you are looking at, and follow the directions for that product.
In broad terms:
- 7 levels: often used for highlights, balayage, and lighter blonding goals where a moderate amount of lift is needed.
- 9 levels: often used where more lift is needed than 7 levels provides, for example for fuller blonding work.
- 9++ levels: the highest level range in this line, used where the most lift is needed for a goal.
These are general ranges, not a rule for your hair. A stylist will also consider your starting level, whether your hair is natural or previously coloured, how fine or coarse it is, and how much lift your hair can handle in one session.
Highlights, balayage, full blonding, and creative colour prep
- Highlights and balayage: these usually need lift only in selected sections, so the level range depends on how light those sections need to be compared with the rest of your hair.
- Full blonding: this usually needs lift across the whole head, so it is the kind of work where a higher level range is more often discussed, and where professional advice matters most.
- Creative colour prep: bright or pastel colour usually needs a light, even base first, so the lightening step is planned around the colour that will go on after it. The lightener on its own does not create the final fashion colour.
Do not choose a level range only because it is higher. More lift also means more processing, and hair that is fine, damaged, or previously lightened may not be suitable for the highest range in one session.
Before you lighten: patch test and strand test
Always follow the product's own directions for patch testing and strand testing, and allow the time those directions state.
- Patch test: this checks for a reaction before a full application. If the directions say to patch test, do not skip it.
- Strand test: this shows how a small section of your hair responds, including how much lift it reaches and how it feels after processing. It is the most useful check before committing to a full application.
If either test shows a reaction, unexpected breakage, or a result very different from what was planned, stop and seek professional advice.
Mixing and applying
Dust-free status: 7 levels is Dust-Free; 9 levels is Dust-Free with Mixing Bowl & Brush; for 9++, do not judge by the title alone — the 9++ titles are mixed (only the trial pack title says Dust-Free), but all seven 9++ product descriptions describe a dust-free formula. Check the specific product page for the product you are buying before you mix or apply it, and follow that product's directions.
Mix and apply exactly as the product directions state for the product and size you have, including the mixing ratio and application method given on that product.
General points that apply to most powder lightener work:
- Work on hair in sections so the application is even.
- Apply as the directions state, keeping product off the scalp unless the directions for that product allow on-scalp use.
- Keep track of timing from the start of application, not from when you finish applying.
- Check processing regularly, as the directions state, rather than leaving it unchecked until the end of the stated time.
Do not add extra product, heat, or time beyond the directions in order to force more lift. If the strand test shows the hair is not reaching the planned level, that is information to discuss with a professional, not a reason to extend processing on your own.
Check the specific product before you buy
Before you order, check the specific product page — not just the level range — for these two details, because they vary across this line:
- Dust-free status: 7 levels is Dust-Free. 9 levels is Dust-Free with Mixing Bowl & Brush. For 9++, the titles are mixed but the descriptions are unanimous: only the trial pack title says Dust-Free, yet all seven 9++ product descriptions describe a dust-free formula. Do not judge a 9++ listing by its title alone — check its product page.
- Bowl and brush inclusion: some sets include a mixing bowl and brush and some do not. The 4 oz 7-level title does not include bowl/brush, while 9 levels includes Mixing Bowl & Brush. Check the size and set contents on the product page for the exact product you are buying before ordering.
If the product page does not state the dust-free status or set contents clearly, do not assume them — ask a professional or check with the seller before buying.
Process-checking, rinsing, and toning
Check the hair during processing at the intervals the directions give. Look at both the level reached and the condition of the hair.
When processing is complete, rinse as the directions state. Toning after rinsing is commonly part of a blonding routine: toner is used after lightening to adjust the tone of the lifted hair. Whether toner is needed, which toner, and how long it stays on depend on the lifted result and the product directions, so follow those directions or a professional's advice for that step.
After lightening, follow the aftercare directions for the products you use, and allow time between chemical services if a professional advises it.
Common mistakes and limits
- Choosing by the highest number alone. A higher level range does not suit every head of hair or every goal.
- Skipping the patch test or strand test. These tests are there to catch reactions and unexpected results before a full application.
- Leaving product on longer than directed to get more lift. This increases the risk of damage without a predictable result.
- Expecting the same result as someone else's photo. Starting colour, previous colour, hair condition, and processing all change the outcome.
- Lightening already damaged or previously treated hair without professional advice. This is where a professional assessment matters most.
- Confusing sizes and sets. The same level range comes in different sizes, and some sets include a bowl and brush while others do not. Check the size and set contents on the product page before ordering.
- Assuming dust-free status or bowl/brush inclusion from the level range alone. Dust-free status and set contents vary by specific product in this line — check the product page first, especially for 9++.
Where to look next
- Odeon collection: https://ubbrands.com/collections/odeon
- Odeon 7-level lightener, 8 oz: https://ubbrands.com/products/odeon-professional-ultra-lifting-powder-lightener-8oz-226g
If you are unsure which level range fits your starting hair and your goal, take the strand test result and the product directions to a professional and ask before a full application.