L'ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL . PROFESSIONAL HAIR COLOUR
Not sure which shade suits you? Compare ammonia-free INOA and Majirel hair colour, decode any shade number in seconds, and learn how to colour your hair safely with confidence.
BROWSE L’ORÉAL COLOUR LINES
Compare ammonia-free, permanent, blonde, red and cool tone options, and learn how to colour your hair safely.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HAIR COLOUR SHADE
Your starting level, natural tone, grey hair coverage needs and hair condition all affect the result. Start with the look you want, then check the level, tone and developer that match it.
BUYING GUIDE
Compare INOA, Majirel, blonde, red and cool tones, with practical tips for getting the best results.
Wondering if INOA is right for you? See how this ammonia-free hair colour works, which INOA hair colour shades are available, and when it suits your hair.
In our L’Oréal collection: INOA in shades 1 (Black), 2 (Darkest Brown), 3 (Dark Brown), 4.3 (Golden Brown), 5 (Light Brown) and 5.35 (Light Golden Mahogany Brown).
Traditional permanent colours use ammonia to open the hair cuticle so colour can enter. INOA is a hair colour without ammonia: it uses an oil-based system instead, which many people find gives a milder smell. It is still a permanent colour.
Ammonia-free does not mean chemical-free or risk-free. INOA is still an oxidative colour used with a developer, so hair colour safety steps, including the allergy alert test (patch test), and the manufacturer’s instructions apply every time.
INOA is typically mixed 1:1 with its matching INOA developer, for example 60 g of colour with 60 ml. Measure both parts accurately, because the wrong hair colour mixing ratio changes how the colour develops. Always confirm on the pack.
Shades such as 1 (Black), 2 (Darkest Brown), 3 (Dark Brown) and 5 (Light Brown) suit people who want a rich natural brown hair colour or a natural black hair colour close to their natural depth. Choose the level nearest to the result you want.
4.3 Golden Brown and 5.35 Light Golden Mahogany Brown add warmth and richness. If you love golden brown hair colour or mahogany hair colour, remember that your starting colour affects how warm or deep the final result looks.
Permanent colour can deepen hair easily but lifts it only within limits. If you want a hair colour for dark hair, or you have previous colour or highlights, the outcome can change, so do a strand test if you are unsure.
Majirel has one of the widest shade ranges. Learn how to read a shade number and choose the right level and tone.
In the L’Oréal collection: Majirel in 50 g tubes — 1 Black, 3 Dark Brown, 4.3 Golden Brown, 5.3 Golden Light Brown, 6.3 Golden Dark Blonde, 7.11 Ash Blonde, 900S Ultra Light Blonde and many more. View full range →
The first number is the level, or depth, from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). The digits after the dot are the reflects, or tones. For example, 7.3 is a level 7 blonde with a golden reflect.
Reflect digits usually mean: .1 ash, .2 iridescent, .3 golden, .4 copper, .5 mahogany, .6 red and .8 mocha. A shade with two digits, such as 6.45, combines two tones: copper and mahogany.
Permanent colour deepens hair easily but lifts it only a limited amount. Choose a level close to your natural level, or a little lighter or darker. Big jumps in lightness may need pre-lightening.
Ash shades such as 7.11 Ash Blonde help neutralise unwanted warmth, while golden and copper shades such as 7.3 and 7.4 add warmth. Pick the tone that suits your skin and your goal.
Majirel is typically mixed 1:1.5 with developer, for example 50 g of colour with 75 ml. The developer strength changes the result, so follow the instructions for your shade.
Do the allergy alert test 48 hours before every use, and a strand test on a hidden section to preview the shade and processing time.
High-lift colours are built to lighten natural hair by several levels. Know where they work best and what to expect.
In the L’Oréal collection: Majirel Lift 12.3 (Golden Very Light Brown) and 12.5 (Mahogany Very Light Brown), Majirel Majilift 11.06 (Soft Red Light Brown), 12.1 (Ash Very Light Brown), 12.7 (Matte Very Light Brown) and 13 (Lightest Brown). The range also includes Majirel 900S (Ultra Light Blonde).
High-lift shades are designed to lighten natural hair by several levels in one step, using the developer strength stated on the pack, without a separate bleaching stage.
High-lift colours work best on natural, uncoloured hair. On previously coloured hair the result depends on the old colour, and uneven lightness or banding is possible.
The digit after the dot sets the tone: 12.1 is ash for a cooler look, 12.3 is golden, 12.5 is mahogany and 12.7 is matte, which helps counter red or orange warmth.
How light you can go depends on your starting level, hair condition and previous treatments. Very dark hair may need more than one step to reach a very light result.
High-lift colours use a stronger developer, so gloves, ventilation and exact timing matter. Never exceed the processing time on the pack, and never leave the mixture on longer than directed.
Lightening is a chemical process that can leave hair drier. Use a conditioning mask afterwards, limit heat styling, and consider a professional for large changes.
Cool and red shades are the most tone-sensitive. Learn how to choose them and keep them looking true.
In the L’Oréal collection: Majirel Cool Cover 9.11 (Very Light Blond Deep Ash), Majirel Rouge Majicontrast (Red) and Majicontrast (Magenta Red), plus red and mahogany Majirel shades 4.26, 5.6, 6.45 and 6.62.
Majirel Cool Cover is designed for cooler, ash-leaning results. Shade 9.11 (Very Light Blond Deep Ash) is a very light blonde with strong ash tones. Check the pack for how it is meant to be used.
Ash reflects help cool yellow or golden undertones, while matte reflects help counter red or orange. Choose by the unwanted warmth you can see in your hair.
Reds, mahogany and iridescent reds such as 5.6, 6.62 and 4.26 give rich colour but tend to fade fastest. Plan for colour-safe aftercare and cooler water.
Majicontrast Red and Magenta Red are intense colour boosters used to strengthen red tones or to be blended by professionals. Follow the pack, and ask a stylist about custom mixes.
Hair lightens through red, orange and yellow stages. Knowing your starting level helps you predict whether a blonde will turn out ashy, warm or brassy.
Strong reds can stain skin and fabric. Use barrier cream around the hairline, wear gloves, protect clothing and rinse thoroughly.
Safe preparation and good aftercare make colour look better and last longer.
In the L’Oréal collection: These guidelines apply to every L’Oréal Professionnel colour in the collection. Always follow the instructions that come with your product.
Do the allergy alert (patch) test 48 hours before every colouring, even if you have coloured before, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not colour if you react or if your scalp is irritated or damaged.
Developer strength is shown as volume or percentage: 10 vol (3%), 20 vol (6%), 30 vol (9%) and 40 vol (12%). Higher strengths lift more but are harsher, so use the strength recommended for your shade.
Wear gloves, work in a ventilated space, use a non-metallic bowl and brush, and never exceed the processing time on the pack.
Hair colour must never be used on eyebrows or eyelashes, and eye contact must be avoided. If colour gets in your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek advice.
Many stylists suggest waiting 24–48 hours before the first shampoo, then using a gentle, colour-safe shampoo, lukewarm water and a weekly conditioning mask.
Big colour changes, previously bleached or damaged hair and colour correction are best handled by a professional.
Helpful answers
Quick answers to common questions shoppers ask before choosing and using a professional hair colour.
No permanent colour is risk-free. Do the allergy alert test 48 hours before every colouring, follow the pack instructions, and don’t colour if your scalp is irritated or you have reacted to colour before. If you do react, rinse it off and see a doctor.
Permanent colour opens the hair cuticle, so it can leave hair drier, especially if you colour often or go many levels lighter. Ammonia-free colours such as INOA are still oxidative colours, so they need care too. Follow the timing on the pack and use colour-safe aftercare.
L’Oréal Professionnel Paris INOA is an ammonia-free permanent hair colour. It uses an oil-based system instead of ammonia, and it is still a permanent colour used with a developer. For other lines, check the product page or pack.
Permanent colour, including ammonia-free INOA, doesn’t wash out. It stays until the hair grows out, so many people retouch roots every 4 to 6 weeks. The shade itself can fade with frequent washing, sun and heat.
Do the allergy alert test 48 hours before and a strand test to check shade and processing time. Mix colour and developer in the exact ratio on the pack, using gloves and a non-metallic bowl. Apply, time it exactly and rinse until the water runs clear.
PPD (para-phenylenediamine) is a dye ingredient found in many permanent hair colours. It can cause allergic reactions in some people. Check the ingredient list on your pack, do the allergy alert test, and stop and seek medical advice if you react.
Permanent colour is commonly used to cover grey hair. How well a shade covers depends on your grey percentage, your starting level and the shade you choose, so check the shade guidance on the pack and do a strand test first.
Wait 24 to 48 hours after colouring, then use a gentle colour-safe shampoo and aftercare. Avoid very hot water and use a heat protectant before heat styling.
Shades close to your natural depth, such as INOA 1 (Black), 2 (Darkest Brown) or 3 (Dark Brown), give a rich result. Permanent colour lifts hair only within limits, so a much lighter shade may not show clearly. Do a strand test if you are unsure.
Wipe the stain off straight away with a damp cloth, then wash with soap or a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh solvents, and stop if your skin becomes irritated. Next time, put a barrier cream along your hairline before colouring.
The essentials
Choosing a hair colour starts with understanding your starting shade, your goal and your hair condition. L’Oréal Professionnel offers the ammonia-free INOA range, the classic Majirel range, high-lift Majilift shades, and specialty cool and red tones. Check the shade number, tube size and developer requirements on each product page before you buy.
INOA is an ammonia-free permanent colour, while Majirel is the classic permanent cream colour with a very wide shade range. Both are permanent and both need a developer, an allergy alert test and careful timing. Choose by the shade you want and the experience you prefer.
The number before the dot is the level, from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). The digits after the dot are the reflects, or tones, such as ash, golden, copper, mahogany, red and mocha. Reading both parts tells you how dark and how warm or cool a shade will be.
Always do an allergy alert test 48 hours before every colouring, wear gloves, work in a ventilated area and follow the mixing ratio and processing time on the pack. Never use hair colour on eyebrows or eyelashes. For large changes or damaged hair, ask a professional stylist.
Use a gentle, colour-safe shampoo, wash with lukewarm water, and condition regularly. Warm and red tones fade faster, so limit heat and sun exposure and wash only as often as your scalp needs.
