Paul Mitchell color is trusted by thousands of professional salons in over 80 countries. It’s a brand that has become a dominant in the beauty industry for its high-quality, reliable hair color products. What makes Paul Mitchell prominent is the simplicity and effectiveness of its color system, which is designed to suit various needs and preferences. Whether it’s the intense, long-lasting results of Color XG, the gentle touch of Demi for a more natural look, or the quick results from the 10-Minute Color, each line has its own place in the salon.
The Paul Mitchell color chart brings all these options into focus, making it easy to see which line works best for each client’s desired look. The chart isn’t just a guide for colorists; it’s an essential instructor that ties the entire brand’s offerings together, ensuring each client gets the results they expect.
Understanding the chart means knowing how each line processes, how long it takes, and how to achieve the perfect tone. This article will break down the chart and explain how each of these color lines works together to create beautiful, predictable results every time.
What Is Paul Mitchell Hair Color?
Paul Mitchell hair color is a professional salon brand known for offering different hair color lines that are easy to use and give good results. It includes demi-permanent options for soft color changes and shine without damage, permanent lines like Color XG for rich, long-lasting color, and a 10-minute express color for quick gray coverage or touch-ups and more. The paul mitchell colour chart for each of these lines will be explained further in the article to help choose the best match.
Understanding The Paul Mitchell Hair Color Chart
Let’s go through all 3 of Paul Mitchell’s color charts in detail.
1. Paul Mitchell Demi Color Chart
Let’s go over the Paul Mitchell The Demi Hair Color Shade Chart step by step. This chart helps hairstylists and beginners choose the right hair color shade based on the current hair level and the tone they want to achieve.
1. Vertical Column (Top Row): Color Families
Each column on the top represents a different color family or tone, such as:
- PA (Pearl Ash) – Smoky violet tones
- A (Ash) – Gray/blue tones
- BV (Blue Violet) – Brown with blue-violet
- N (Natural) – Natural brown tones
- G (Gold) – Brown with yellow/golden tones
- OR (Orange/Red) – Orange-red tones
- R (Red) – True red tones
- VR (Violet Red) – Violet mixed with red
- V (Violet) – Pure violet tones
- MT (Matte) – Green tones
These are the tone choices you can use to create warm, cool, or neutral hair color results.
2. Left Side Column: Hair Level (Lightness or Darkness)
The level section (leftmost column, labeled from 1 to 10) shows how light or dark the hair is:
| Level | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black | Deep black hair |
| 2 | Very dark brown | Espresso |
| 3 | Dark brown | Chocolate |
| 4 | Medium brown | Rich cocoa |
| 5 | Light brown | Chestnut |
| 6 | Dark blonde / Light brown | Bronze brown |
| 7 | Medium blonde | Dark honey blonde |
| 8 | Light blonde | Beige blonde |
| 9 | Very light blonde | Light icy blonde |
| 10 | Lightest blonde | Almost platinum (not shown on chart) |
Each row on the chart matches a Level and shows available tones for that level.
How To Use This Chart?
1. Let’s say someone has level 6 hair (medium brown) and wants a cool tone; they could choose:
- 6A (Ash) – for a gray/blue cool tone
- 6BV (Blue Violet) – for a cooler brown
- 6PA (Pearl Ash) – for a soft, smoky violet tone
2. Or if they want warm tones, they might pick:
- 6G (Gold) – for golden brown
- 6OR (Orange/Red) – for a fiery tone
- 6R (Red) – for a strong red
What Do Ratios Mean (Like 2:1 Or 1:2)?
In the boxes, you’ll sometimes see ratios like 2:1 or 1:1.
These are mixing instructions.
- 2:1 (6A + 3A) means mix 2 parts of color 6A with 1 part of color 3A.
- 1:1 means equal parts of both colors.
This helps customize colors to match the hair goal.
Color Codes (Like 6g/03, 9pa/81)
Each color has a code:
- The first number (6, 9, etc.) = the level (lightness/darkness)
- The letters (G, N, A, etc.) = the tone (gold, natural, ash, etc)
- The second number (after /) = specific tone details
Example:
- 6G/03 = Level 6, Gold, with a tone identifier “03”
- 9PA/81 = Level 9, Pearl Ash, with tone 81 (smoky violet)
Related Posts You May Like:
2. Paul Mitchell Xg Color Chart
This chart helps hairstylists (and learners) pick the right color for hair dyeing. It’s based on two things:
- Level = How dark or light the hair color is (from black to light blonde)
- Tone = The kind of color (natural, gold, red, ash, etc.)
Levels (Rows – Left Side)
These go from Level 1 (darkest black) to Level 10 (lightest blonde):
| Level | Hair Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Black (deepest shade) |
| 2 | Very dark brown |
| 3 | Dark brown |
| 4 | Medium brown |
| 5 | Light brown |
| 6 | Dark blonde |
| 7 | Medium blonde |
| 8 | Light blonde |
| 9 | Very light blonde |
| 10 | Lightest blonde |
| UT | Ultra Toners (for toning after bleaching) |
| HL | Highlight shades (for lifting to very light shades) |
- Lower number = darker hair
- Higher number = lighter hair
Color Families (Columns)
Each column is a type of color tone. Let’s go through each one from left to right:
1. Natural Tones (N, Nn, Nb)
These give a classic, natural hair look.
| Code | Meaning | Tone Description |
|---|---|---|
| N /0 | Natural | Balanced, not too warm or cool |
| NN/00 | Natural Natural | Double pigment, better grey coverage |
| NB/07 | Natural Beige | Soft and neutral beige look |
Level Availability:
- Available in most levels from 1 to 10
- Great for covering grays, neutral coloring, or natural looks
2. Warm Tones (G, Wb, C)
| Code | Meaning | Tone Description |
|---|---|---|
| G/3 | Gold | Warm yellow-golden tones |
| WB/03 | Warm Beige | Mix of gold and beige |
| C/34 | Copper | Bright, orange-red toned shades |
Level Availability:
- Levels 6 to 9
- Best for adding warmth, brightness, and dimension
3. Red & Fashion Tones (Ro, R, Rb, Rv, V)
| Code | Meaning | Tone Description |
|---|---|---|
| RO/43 | Red Orange | Very warm, fire-like tones |
| R/4 | Red | Classic bold red |
| RB/47 | Red Brown | Subtle reddish brown |
| RV/46 | Red Violet | Blend of red and purple |
| V/6 | Violet | Cool purple tones |
Level Availability:
- Mostly from Level 4 to Level 8
- Great for bold and creative styles
4. Cool Tones (P, PN, A)
| Code | Meaning | Tone Description |
|---|---|---|
| P/86 | Platinum | Pale blonde with icy tone |
| PN/80 | Pearl | Soft cool light blonde |
| A/1 | Ash | Cool tone to cancel red/yellow warmth |
Level Availability:
- Higher levels (mostly 8, 9, 10)
- Commonly used for toning blonde or pre-lightened hair
5. Ultra Toners (Top Row)
Used after bleaching to correct or enhance the blonde tone. These are very light shades designed to remove unwanted brassiness.
Examples:
- UT V = Violet Ultra Toner
- UT P = Platinum Ultra Toner
- UT PN = Pearl Ultra Toner
- UT A = Ash Ultra Toner
6. Highlights (Second Row)
These are high-lift blondes. Used to lift (lighten) hair up to 4–5 levels.
Examples:
- HL N = Natural highlight
- HL NB = Natural Beige highlight
- HL G = Gold highlight
How To Read Shade Codes?
Each shade code is written as: Level / Tone Number
Examples:
- 6/0 = Level 6 Natural
- 7/34 = Level 7 Copper
- 10/86 = Level 10 Platinum
- 8/1 = Level 8 Ash
The numbers after the slash (/) show the tone:
- 0 = Natural
- 3 = Gold
- 4 = Red
- 6 = Violet
- 7 = Beige
- 1 = Ash
How to Use This Chart?
Case 1: If someone wants a medium golden brown hair color.
- Start by choosing the level: 5 or 6 for medium brown.
- Then pick the tone: Gold (G).
- That leads you to: 5G / 5/3 or 6G / 6/3.
Case 2: Someone wants cool light blonde with no brassiness:
- Level: 10
- Tone: Ash
- Use: 10A / 10/1
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Use Case | Suggested Tone |
|---|---|
| Natural coverage | N, NN, NB |
| Cover gray completely | NN |
| Warm glow or sunny look | G, WB, C |
| Bold red shades | R, RO, RV |
| Fashion purple/red mix | RV, V |
| Cool blonde | A, PN, P |
| Toning bleached hair | Ultra Toners (UT) |
| Lightening hair with color | HL (Highlights) |
3. Paul Mitchell 10 Minute Color Chart
This is the Paul Mitchell 10 Minute Color Chart, beginning with the Shade Chart and followed by sections on mixing, application, and processing.
Shade Chart (for 40–60% Gray Hair)
This chart shows how the colors will look on hair that has 40–60% gray. The shades are grouped by levels (how light or dark the hair is) and tones (the warmth or coolness of the color):
Color Tones Explained:
- N / .0 (Natural) – No added tone, balanced and neutral.
- Nw / .03 (Natural Warm) – Slightly warm, looks like natural sun-lightened hair.
- Ng / .73 (Natural Gold) – Soft gold tones, gives butterscotch-blonde results.
1. Level 6 Shades (Light Brown / Dark Blonde):
- 7Nw / 7.03 – Lighter version with natural warmth.
- 7Ng / 7.73 – Natural gold, with a warm, golden tone.
- 6N / 6.0 – Natural, balanced with no added warmth.
- 6Nw / 6.03 – Natural warm, gives a soft, sun-kissed look.
These shades are best for people with more gray who want lighter, warm-toned results.
2. Level 4 Shades (Medium to Dark Brown):
- 5N / 5.0 – Natural medium brown, no added warmth.
- 5Nw / 5.03 – Adds a bit of warmth to medium brown.
- 4N / 4.0 – Deep, natural brown.
- 3N / 3.0 – Dark brown, cool and rich.
These are darker shades, ideal for gray blending or full gray coverage with rich tones.
Formulation / Mixing
To make the right color mix, follow these 3 steps:
1. Find the natural level and % of gray hair.
- This color works best for natural levels 3–7 with 40–60% gray.
2. Decide if you’re coloring the same level or going 1 level lighter.
3. Choose the desired shade (level and tone).
Example Formula:
If the natural level is 5 with 50% gray and the target is warm Level 5 →
Use 5Nw + Paul Mitchell 20 Volume Cream Developer in a 1:1.5 ratio.
Mixing Ratios
Basic Ratio: 1 part color + 1.5 parts developer
(For every 10g of color, add 15g of developer)
| Color | Developer | Total Mix |
|---|---|---|
| 15g (½ oz.) | 22.5g (¾ oz.) | 37.5g (1¼ oz.) |
| 30g (1 oz.) | 45g (1½ oz.) | 75g (2½ oz.) |
Application Tips
- Use on clean, dry hair.
- Start in areas with the most gray first (like the front).
- Leave the hairline and fine baby hairs for last.
- Work in thin sections for even application.
Processing Time
- Standard time: 10 minutes
- For better gray coverage: Leave for up to 20 minutes
- Do not use heat – the formula is designed to work quickly without it.
Allergy Test (Important Safety Step)
Do a skin test 48 hours before coloring to check for reactions:
1. Apply a bit of the actual color + developer mix behind the ear.
2. Let it dry and do not wash the area for 48 hours.
3. If there’s no irritation, you’re good to go.
4. Do not use if there’s any redness, itching, or burning.
How to Choose Paul Mitchell Shades?
After understanding paul mitchell the color swatch chart, here’s how to choose the right Paul Mitchell hair color shade from The Demi, Color XG, or 10 Minute lines:
1. Know the Hair Type & Goal
- Want shine, tone, or soft change? → The Demi
- Want full gray coverage or permanent color change? → Color XG
- Need fast gray coverage in 10 mins? → 10 Minute
2. Pick the Right Level (1–10)
- 1 = Black, 10 = Very Light Blonde
- Match the level to your natural hair or target shade.
- To lighten → use Color XG
- To darken or tone → use The Demi
3. Choose the Tone (Letter Code)
| Tone Code | Meaning | Result |
|---|---|---|
| N / NN | Natural / Intense N | Balanced or full gray cover |
| A / PA | Ash / Pearl Ash | Cool, cancels warmth |
| G / WB | Gold / Warm Beige | Warm, soft golden tones |
| C / K | Copper / Copper-Gold | Rich warm red/orange tones |
| R / RV / V | Red/Violet | Bold reds, burgundy, plum |
4. Gray Hair?
- Blend 50% grays? → Use The Demi (N tones)
- Cover 100% grays? → Use Color XG (NN tones) or Color 10 Minute (NN tones)
5. In a Hurry?
- Choose Paul Mitchell Color 10 Minute Color if you need quick, permanent color with gray coverage.
Tip: Always match level + tone based on desired result and current hair condition. For professional results, consultation is best.
Note: For longer-lasting color results, use Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo and Paul Mitchell Color Protect Conditioner after coloring.
Related Posts You May Like:
Quick Chart Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table to help you understand the differences between the three Paul Mitchell hair color charts explained above:
| Feature | Chart 1: The Demi | Chart 2: Color XG | Chart 3: Color 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Type | Demi-Permanent | Permanent | Permanent (10-minute processing) |
| Level Range | Levels 1–9 | Levels 1–10 | Levels 3–7 (shown swatches), suggested for levels 3–7 |
| Tone Categories | Pearl Ash, Ash, Blue Violet, Natural, Gold, Orange, Red, Violet Red, Violet, Matte | Natural, Gold, Copper, Red Orange, Red, Violet, Pearl, Ash | Natural, Natural Warm, Natural Gold |
| Swatch Layout | Grid with level on side and tone across top | Grid with level on side and tone across top | Fewer swatches, organized by level (focus on gray coverage) |
| Gray Hair Representation | Not shown | Not specified | Shown directly on 40–60% gray hair |
| Mixing Ratio | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1.5 |
| Special Sections | Tone combinations for customization | Ultra Toners & Highlight rows | Formulation tips, application tips, processing time, allergy test |
| Tone Mixing Examples | Yes – many swatches show mix ratios (e.g. 2:1, 1:2) | No tone mixing shown | No tone mixing shown |
| Processing Time | 20 minutes (no heat) | 35 minutes (standard) | 10 minutes (standard) |
Paul Mitchell Color Chart PDF
Here we’re including all three Paul Mitchell Color Chart PDF:
1. Paul Mitchell The Demi Color Chart PDF
2. Paul Mitchell Color Chart Xg PDF
Note: If the PDF doesn’t load, please refresh the page and wait here for a few seconds.
3. Paul Mitchell 10-minute Color Chart PDF
Conclusion
Once you understand what the Paul Mitchell color chart is saying, everything else starts to click. From demi to XG to the 10-minute series, each line has its place and purpose. With the help of the guide and comparison table, you can feel more prepared the next time a shade number looks like code. Even mixing starts to feel less like science class. Keep the PDF close, and you’re all set.
Related Posts You May Like:
