Equivalences across 3 brands

Level 12 Natural

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 — code comparison across 3 professional brands.

Brand / Line

Code

Name

Type

Joico LumiShine Permanent Creme Color

XLN

High Lift Lightest Natural Blonde

Permanent

Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect ME+

12/0

Special Blonde

Permanent

Wella Professionals Color Charm Permanent Liquid

12N

High Lift Blonde

Permanent

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

Other reflects at level 12

Level 12 Ash 3 brands

Natural reflect at other levels

Level 1 Black 20 brands Level 2 Black 12 brands Level 3 Dark Brown 29 brands Level 4 Medium Brown 31 brands Level 5 Light Brown 31 brands Level 6 Dark Blonde 32 brands Level 7 Medium Blonde 32 brands Level 8 Light Blonde 33 brands Level 9 Very Light Blonde 31 brands Level 10 Lightest Blonde 27 brands Level 11 High Lift Blonde 4 brands

Professional colorimetry

Level 12 : 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 natural (.0) reflect indicates no added undertone. It is the pure base without ash, golden, copper or any other reflect. Used as a mixing base, for natural-tone gray coverage, or when a result without visible reflects is desired.

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

Convert between any pair of brands

We answer your questions

Questions about level 12 natural

Brand equivalences

What code is a level 12 natural in each brand?

Each brand uses its own naming system. For example, a level 12 natural is XLN in LumiShine Permanent Creme Color, 12/0 in Koleston Perfect ME+, 12N 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 Natural

Other reflects at level 12

Natural reflect at other levels

Level 12 : what it means

Questions about level 12 natural

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

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