11 min read
Underlying Pigment by Level: Toner Selection Chart
The pigment exposed at every level from 5 to 10, which tone neutralizes it, the developer to use, and a decision tree for diagnosing a toner that failed.
The Kolora team
The Kolora color desk
Formulation reference for colorists
Mixing ratios, gray coverage math, underlying pigment and toner selection — compiled from manufacturer technical data sheets, with every figure sourced and dated.
7 min read
Matrix SoColor Mixing Ratio: 1:1, and the 1:2 Exception
SoColor mixes 1:1 with Matrix Cream Developer. Ultra Blonde mixes 1:2, Sync takes 10 vol only and Cult takes none. Ratios and times from the Matrix manual.
The Kolora team
12 min read
Formulating for Gray Hair by Percentage: The Math
How much natural base to add at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% gray, why the standard rules contradict each other, and three worked formulas with developer and timing.
The Kolora team
7 min read
Alfaparf Mixing Ratios: Evolution 1:1.5, Platinum 1:2
Evolution of the Color mixes 1:1.5 with Oxid'o. Platinum, Harmonizer, Color Wear and the Gloss Toner all mix 1:2. Ratios, oxidants and processing times.
The Kolora team
7 min read
Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Mixing Ratio and Developer
Igora Royal mixes 1:1, with 3% darker, 6% coverage, 9% one to two levels and 12% two to three. The developer ladder, and how percentage converts to volume.
The Kolora team
6 min read
Redken Shades EQ Mixing Ratio and Processing Solution
Shades EQ mixes 1:1 with Shades EQ Processing Solution, not a developer. Why the acidic 2% solution is not interchangeable, and the timing for gray.
The Kolora team
7 min read
L'Oréal Mixing Ratios: Majirel, INOA and Dia Light
Majirel and Dia Light mix 1:1.5, INOA mixes 1:1 with its own oxidant only. Ratios, developer volumes and processing times for three L'Oréal lines.
The Kolora team
7 min read
Goldwell Mixing Ratios: Topchic 1:1 and Colorance 2:1
Topchic mixes 1:1 with Topchic Lotion. Colorance mixes 2:1 lotion to colour — written developer-first. Ratios, lotion percentages and processing times.
The Kolora team
14 min read
Best AI Hair Color Formula Apps for Stylists (2026)
A working colorist's comparison of Kolora, Tintly, Color Coach, Blendsor and SalonScale — what each one actually formulates, what it costs, and where each falls short.
The Kolora team
7 min read
Wella Mixing Ratios: Koleston, Illumina and Color Touch
Koleston Perfect and Illumina mix 1:1, Color Touch mixes 1:2 with its own emulsion. Ratios, developer volumes and processing times for all three Wella lines.
The Kolora team
10 min read
Cherry Cola Hair Color Formula by Starting Level
What cherry cola is in level and tone, the formula from every realistic starting level, the tone family in six professional lines, and why it fades warm.
The Kolora team
11 min read
Hair Color Numbers Explained: Level and Tone by Brand
How to read a shade code in any professional line: what the level digit means, what each tone digit means, and how six major brands each write theirs.
The Kolora team
13 min read
Hair Color Mixing Ratios by Brand: Complete Chart
Mixing ratios, developer volumes and processing times for 15 professional color lines across Wella, L'Oréal, Redken, Matrix, Alfaparf, Schwarzkopf and Goldwell.
The Kolora team