T1B/27/30 vs T1B/4/27/30/613: Which Blonde Mix Is Right for You?
T1B/27/30 is a 3-color ombre blend (off-black base → honey blonde #27 → auburn #30) ideal for warm, sun-kissed looks on dark skin. T1B/4/27/30/613 adds medium brown #4 and platinum blonde #613 for deeper dimension and brighter tips. Choose T1B/27/30 for simpler maintenance and faster install; pick the 5-color mix if you want high-contrast highlights and richer depth. Both are pre-blended human hair options from Ywigs that save time versus buying separate colors.
T1B/27/30 vs T1B/4/27/30/613 Mix Hair: Full Comparison
What Do the Color Codes T1B, 4, 27, 30, and 613 Actually Mean?
Each number in hair color codes represents a specific shade: T1B = off-black/natural black base, #4 = medium dark brown, #27 = honey blonde, #30 = medium auburn/chestnut brown, and #613 = light platinum blonde.
Understanding these codes helps you predict the final look. T1B (sometimes written as 1B) is the most common base color for ombre bundles—it's softer than jet black (#1) and blends naturally with most skin tones. Color #27 is a warm honey blonde mixing blonde, light brown, and subtle red tones, perfect for dark skin tones seeking a sunny highlight. Color #30 is medium auburn with more brown than blonde, offering versatility across skin tones. Color #4 adds rich brown depth near the roots, while #613 is the lightest blonde—warm platinum with golden undertones that creates striking contrast.
When you buy pre-mixed packs like T1B/27/30 or T1B/4/27/30/613, manufacturers have already blended these colors in specific ratios. This saves you from buying 3–5 separate packs and manually mixing them—a common pain point for beginners.
How Do T1B/27/30 and T1B/4/27/30/613 Differ in Visual Dimension?
The 5-color mix creates significantly more dimension because it includes both a mid-tone brown (#4) and a bright platinum (#613) that the 3-color version lacks.
The 3-color blend flows more gradually from dark to light, creating a natural-looking ombre that mimics sun-bleached ends. The 5-color version has sharper transitions—darker brown near the roots, then bright platinum tips that catch light dramatically. In Ywigs' 2025 hair expo tests at Bronner Bros, customers with fair to medium skin tones consistently preferred the 5-color mix for its ability to brighten their complexion, while those with deep skin tones favored the warmer, more subdued 3-color blend.
Which Blend Install Faster: 3-Color or 5-Color Mix?
Both blends install in 2–4 hours for crochet braids, but the 3-color mix may save 30–45 minutes because it requires less color-sorting during placement.
Traditional braiding takes 6–10 hours, but crochet installations are significantly faster since you're looping pre-stretched hair onto cornrows rather than braiding extension hair into your natural hair. The color count doesn't dramatically change install time if you're using pre-looped crochet hair—the real time saver is Ywigs' pre-looped tension technology, which held 95% tension after 50 wears versus 70% for generic synthetic alternatives in our lab tests.
That said, if you're hand-sorting colors to create a specific gradient (e.g., more #613 at the front), the 5-color mix adds complexity. Beginners often place all colors randomly, which creates a natural random-highlight effect without extra work. Experienced stylists might spend extra time zoning colors for balayage-style placement, adding 30–60 minutes.
How Does Maintenance Compare Between These Two Blonde Blends?
Both blends require similar maintenance: wash every 7–10 days, sleep in a satin bonnet nightly, and trim frizz every 2–3 days. However, #613 platinum in the 5-color mix shows frizz and buildup slightly faster.
Crochet braids typically last 4–6 weeks with proper care, though some users report 8 weeks with meticulous maintenance. The lighter #613 blonde is more porous (since it's heavily bleached), which means it absorbs product buildup faster and may look duller sooner than the warmer #27/#30 tones.
For the 5-color mix, we recommend dipping ends in hot water (not boiling) to set curls and reduce frizz—this works especially well on #613 blonde. Always use sulfate-free, color-protecting shampoo to prevent fading, and avoid hot water when rinsing since it opens cuticles and releases color.
Why Might Dark-Skinned Women Prefer T1B/27/30 Over the 5-Color Mix?
T1B/27/30 works best for dark skin because the warm #27 honey blonde and #30 auburn complement deeper complexions without creating harsh contrast.
The #613 platinum in the 5-color mix has cool, bright tones that can sometimes look "floating" or disconnected on very dark skin if not blended carefully. The 3-color blend's warmer undertones create a more seamless gradient that enhances golden and red undertones in deep skin tones. In our installation classes at Ywigs, clients with Fitzpatrick skin types V–VI (deep brown) consistently chose T1B/27/30 for daily wear, reserving the 5-color mix for special events where they wanted maximum contrast.
That said, if you have deep skin with warm/golden undertones and want to make a bold statement, the 5-color mix can work—just place more #27/#30 near the face and use #613 sparingly at the ends.
Can You Dye These Pre-Mixed Blends Further Without Ruining the Color Balance?
Yes, but only darken or add tone—don't attempt to lighten further, especially the #613 sections, as over-bleaching causes breakage.
Since these are 100% human hair (Ywigs' standard), you can apply semi-permanent dye to tweak tones. For example, add a violet toner to #613 if it's too brassy, or deposit a warm amber gloss on #27 to enhance honey tones. However, the hair has already been processed to achieve the blonde shades, so additional bleaching risks severe damage.
Important safety note: The FDA regulates color additives in cosmetics under 21 CFR, and lead acetate is no longer permitted in hair dyes for scalp use. Always patch-test new dyes and follow manufacturer instructions. For bleached blonde hair like #613, use protein-rich deep conditioners weekly to maintain strength.
Ywigs Expert Views
"In our installation classes, we've seen beginners struggle with color selection because they focus only on the swatch photo, not their skin tone and lifestyle. The T1B/27/30 is our bestseller for daily wear—it's forgiving, warm, and works with minimal maintenance. The T1B/4/27/30/613 is for clients who want to turn heads and don't mind extra care. We've tested pre-looped crochet tension on both blends: our proprietary loops maintained 95% security after 50 wears, while generic brands dropped to 70%. That's the difference between a style that lasts 6 weeks versus one that unravels in 3. If you're unsure, book our 1-on-1 virtual consult—we'll match you based on your skin tone, install experience, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance."
— Senior Stylist, Ywigs Product Team (10+ years at Bronner Bros and Premiere Orlando exhibitions)
Which Blend Should You Choose Based on Your Experience Level?
Beginners should start with T1B/27/30; experienced installers can handle the 5-color mix for custom placement.
If you're ordering from Ywigs, both blends come in pre-stretched, pre-looped crochet hair that reduces install time by 40% compared to unprocessed braiding hair. Our 7-day return policy and free U.S. shipping let you try both risk-free.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Choosing Your Blonde Mix
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T1B/27/30 = warm, natural ombre; best for dark skin, beginners, and low-maintenance wearers; lasts 6 weeks easily.
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T1B/4/27/30/613 = high-contrast dimension with platinum tips; best for fair/medium skin, fashion looks, and experienced installers; lasts 4–5 weeks before tips show wear.
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Install time is similar (2–4 hours for crochet), but the 3-color mix requires less color-sorting.
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Maintenance is nearly identical, but #613 needs more frequent washing and careful frizz control.
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Ywigs offers both in 100% human hair with pre-looped crochet technology that maintains 95% tension after 50 wears.
Book a 1-on-1 installation class if you're unsure which blend suits your skin tone and lifestyle. Both options are available with free U.S. shipping and a 7-day exchange policy.
FAQs
Q: How many packs do I need for a full head of crochet braids?
A: For medium-density crochet braids, 3–4 packs of T1B/27/30 or 4–5 packs of T1B/4/27/30/613 are typical. Thicker styles or longer lengths (22"+) may need 5–6 packs. Ywigs' pre-looped bundles are 100–120g each, which is denser than generic brands.
Q: Can I wear these blends if I have relaxed or natural hair?
A: Yes—crochet braids work for all hair types since they attach to cornrows, not directly to your strands. Both blends are 100% human hair, so they blend seamlessly with relaxed, natural, or textured hair when installed correctly.
Q: Will the blonde colors fade or turn brassy over time?
A: #27 honey blonde may develop slight warmth, while #613 can turn brassy if exposed to hard water or sun. Use sulfate-free shampoo, avoid hot water, and consider a violet toner every 2–3 weeks. Store hair in a cool, dry place between wears.
Q: Are these blends safe for sensitive scalps?
A: Yes—both are 100% human hair with no chemical treatments after dyeing. However, if you have scalp sensitivity, avoid tight crochet tension and leave ¼ inch between hooks and your scalp. Follow FDA cosmetic safety guidelines for hair products.
Q: Where can I see real installation photos before buying?
A: Ywigs posts customer transformation photos on our YouTube channel and Instagram, plus 1-on-1 class recordings. You can also view before/after galleries on our blog showing T1B/27/30 and T1B/4/27/30/613 on different skin tones.
