Convert Paul Mitchell The Color to Wella Professionals Illumina Color

Q: How many The Color shades have an exact equivalent in Illumina Color?

Of the 21 The Color shades, 15 have an exact equivalent in Illumina Color, 6 approximate. The level (1-10) is universal; what varies is the reflect.

Find the equivalent for each Paul Mitchell The Color shade in Wella Professionals Illumina Color. Complete chart with levels, reflects, and match confidence.

Remember that equivalences are approximate. Each brand has proprietary pigments and bases that produce slightly different results. We always recommend doing a strand test when switching brands.

The Color	Name	Illumina Color	Name	Match
Level 3
3N	Dark Brown	4/	Medium Brown	Approximate
Level 4
4N	Medium Brown	4/	Medium Brown	Exact
Level 5
5N	Light Brown	5/	Light Brown	Exact
5A	Light Ash Brown	5/02	Light Brown Natural Matte	Exact
5C	Light Copper Brown	5/35	Light Brown Gold Mahogany	Approximate
5RO	Light Red Brown	5/43	Light Brown Red Gold	Exact
Level 6
6N	Dark Blonde	6/	Dark Blonde	Exact
6A	Dark Ash Blonde	6/16	Dark Ash Violet Blonde	Exact
6G	Dark Golden Blonde	6/	Dark Blonde	Approximate
6C	Dark Copper Blonde	6/	Dark Blonde	Approximate
6RO	Dark Red Blonde	6/	Dark Blonde	Approximate
Level 7
7N	Medium Blonde	7/	Medium Blonde	Exact
7A	Medium Ash Blonde	7/81	Medium Blonde Pearl Ash	Exact
7G	Medium Golden Blonde	7/31	Medium Gold Matte Blonde	Exact
7C	Medium Copper Blonde	7/31	Medium Gold Matte Blonde	Approximate
Level 8
8N	Light Blonde	8/	Light Blonde	Exact
8A	Light Ash Blonde	8/1	Light Ash Blonde	Exact
8G	Light Golden Blonde	8/36	Light Gold Violet Blonde	Exact
Level 9
9N	Very Light Blonde	9/	Very Light Blonde	Exact
9A	Very Light Ash Blonde	9/19	Very Light Ash Cendre Blonde	Exact
Level 10
10N	Lightest Blonde	10/	Lightest Blonde	Exact

How to read the match: Exact = same level and same reflect · Close = same level, same reflect family · Approximate = same level in natural, or adjacent level with the same reflect. Hover each badge for that row's reason.

Of the 21 The Color shades, 15 exact and 6 approximate in this chart with Illumina Color. For example, The Color's 6N maps to Illumina Color's 6/. Ash reflects cross over best; copper ones need more adjustment.

The Color writes the reflect with a letter after the level (7N = medium natural blonde); Illumina Color uses a slash (7/81 = pearl blonde). The level (1-10) stays the same; what changes when converting is how the reflect is written.

View reverse: Wella Professionals Illumina Color to Paul Mitchell The Color

We answer your questions

Questions about The Color and Illumina Color

Common questions when converting between these brands

How many The Color shades have an exact equivalent in Illumina Color?

Of the 21 The Color shades, 15 have an exact equivalent in Illumina Color, 6 approximate. The level (1-10) is universal; what varies is the reflect.

Are brand equivalences exact?

No. Equivalences are approximate because each brand uses different pigments, bases, and concentrations. The level (1-10) is universal, but the reflect result may vary. We always recommend doing a strand test when switching brands.

Can I mix hair color from different brands?

It's not recommended. Each brand formulates its products with specific chemistry (pH, alkalizing agent, pigment system). Mixing brands can create unpredictable reactions and unwanted results. Always use color and developer from the same brand.

What if the exact shade doesn't exist in the other brand?

The tool shows you the closest available shade. If you need a very specific result, you can combine two shades from the target brand (for example, mixing a natural with an ash to get a soft ash). Blendsor calculates these mixes automatically.

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Convert Paul Mitchell The Color to Wella Professionals Illumina Color

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Questions about The Color and Illumina Color

Charts give you the equivalent.Blendsor gives you the full formula for that hair: ratio, developer and timing.

Charts give you the equivalent.
Blendsor gives you the full formula for that hair: ratio, developer and timing.