Equivalences across 3 brands

Level 12 Ash (/1)

Q: Are brand equivalences exact?

Level and reflect equivalences are a useful reference, but not identical. Each brand has its own chemical formulation, pigments and technology. Two "equivalent" codes will produce similar but not identical results. Factors like natural base, porosity and color history affect the final outcome.

Q: Can I switch brands and keep the same color?

Generally yes. If you maintain the same level and reflect, the result will be very similar. However, a strand test is recommended when switching brands for the first time, as formulation differences can produce slightly different nuances.

Level 12 Ash — code comparison across 3 professional brands.

Brand / Line

Code

Name

Type

Joico LumiShine Permanent Creme Color

XLA

High Lift Lightest Ash Blonde

Permanent

Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect ME+

12/1

Special Blonde Ash

Permanent

Wella Professionals Color Charm Permanent Liquid

12A

Frosty Ash

Permanent

All codes represent the same level (12) and reflect (ash). Chemical formulation differs between brands — results may vary slightly.

Other reflects at level 12

Level 12 Natural 3 brands

Ash reflect at other levels

Level 1 Black 6 brands Level 2 Black 6 brands Level 3 Dark Brown 4 brands Level 4 Medium Brown 12 brands Level 5 Light Brown 25 brands Level 6 Dark Blonde 28 brands Level 7 Medium Blonde 28 brands Level 8 Light Blonde 32 brands Level 9 Very Light Blonde 31 brands Level 10 Lightest Blonde 21 brands Level 11 High Lift Blonde 4 brands

Professional colorimetry

Level 12 Ash: what it means

Level 12 corresponds to a level 12 on the universal colorimetry scale (1 = black, 10 = lightest blonde). It measures the lightness or darkness of hair, independent of the reflect.

The ash (.1) reflect adds a cool, gray-blue undertone that neutralizes warmth. It is the most requested reflect for counteracting orange or yellow tones. Ideal for those who prefer a cool, sophisticated result without visible warmth.

Each brand codes level and reflect differently. The table above shows how the major professional brands name this same shade: level 12, ash reflect.

Convert between any pair of brands

We answer your questions

Questions about level 12 ash

Brand equivalences

What code is a level 12 ash in each brand?

Each brand uses its own naming system. For example, a level 12 ash is XLA in LumiShine Permanent Creme Color, 12/1 in Koleston Perfect ME+, 12A in Color Charm Permanent Liquid. Although codes differ, they all represent the same level and reflect.

Are brand equivalences exact?

Level and reflect equivalences are a useful reference, but not identical. Each brand has its own chemical formulation, pigments and technology. Two "equivalent" codes will produce similar but not identical results. Factors like natural base, porosity and color history affect the final outcome.

Can I switch brands and keep the same color?

Generally yes. If you maintain the same level and reflect, the result will be very similar. However, a strand test is recommended when switching brands for the first time, as formulation differences can produce slightly different nuances.

Have more questions?

Email us at hello@blendsor.com

These tables show the basic equivalent.
Blendsor converts with dozens of variables.

Porosity, history, natural base, gray percentage and hair type. A real conversion, not just a number.

Level 12 Ash (/1)

Other reflects at level 12

Ash reflect at other levels

Level 12 Ash: what it means

Questions about level 12 ash

These tables show the basic equivalent.Blendsor converts with dozens of variables.

These tables show the basic equivalent.
Blendsor converts with dozens of variables.