L’Oréal INOA Hair Colour Shades Chart – A Complete Guide
If you are looking for a professional‑grade, ammonia‑free colour system, the L’Oréal INOA line is worth a closer look. The shades chart is the first step toward choosing the perfect hue, whether you are a salon stylist or a DIY enthusiast. Below we break down the chart, explain how the colours are organised, and give practical tips for mixing and application.
Understanding the INOA Colour Family
L’Oréal INOA categorises its permanent shades into three main families: golden, neutral and cool. Each family contains a range of numbers that indicate the depth, from the lightest 1 (extra‑light) to the darkest 10 (deep brown). The chart also includes specialty tones such as ash, copper, and violet, which are identified by a letter suffix (e.g., 5A for ash‑medium brown).
- Family 1 – Golden: Ideal for warm‑toned skin, these shades contain subtle yellow‑or‑red undertones.
- Family 2 – Neutral: Balanced hues that work for most clients, providing a natural look without excessive warmth or coolness.
- Family 3 – Cool: Perfect for creating ash, platinum, or deep black finishes with a silvery or violet base.
How to Read the Shades Chart
The INOA shade chart is laid out in a grid. The horizontal axis displays the depth (1‑10), while the vertical axis lists the family (golden, neutral, cool). Each cell shows a swatch of the colour and its code. For quick reference, follow these steps:
- Identify the client’s desired depth – start with the number that matches the current hair colour or the target shade.
- Choose the undertone family that best suits the skin tone – golden for warm, neutral for balanced, cool for ash or violet effects.
- Check the specialty suffix if a specific effect is needed (e.g., “V” for violet, “C” for copper).
For example, a client who wants a medium ash brown would look for 5A in the cool family, while a bright copper highlight could be 3C in the golden family.
Mixing INOA Colour – What You Need to Know
In this video, you will see how to mix the INOA powder with the proprietary INOA‑Colour developer. The ratio is 1:1 by weight, and the mixture should be prepared in a non
