L'Oréal Majirel has been the go-to professional hair colour in Indian salons for years, and it is still the colour most of our customers choose for covering greys. But the Majirel shade card, a long row of numbers like 3, 4.15, 5.3 or 6.35, puzzles almost everyone. Here is the plain-language version: what the numbers mean, the shades that work best on Indian hair, and how to get even grey coverage that lasts.
What is Majirel?
Majirel is L'Oréal Professionnel's classic permanent hair colour. It is known for strong, even grey coverage, a wide range of shades and reliable results. Unlike INOA, it contains ammonia, which helps it lift and deposit colour efficiently. It is used only in salons, mixed by the colourist with a developer chosen for your hair.
Reading the Majirel shade card
Every shade has a number with up to three parts. Majirel uses the same system as all L'Oréal Professionnel colours.
Before the dot: the level (how dark or light)
- 1 black
- 2 very dark brown
- 3 dark brown
- 4 brown
- 5 light brown
- 6 dark blonde
- 7 to 10 blonde to lightest blonde
After the dot: the tone
- .0 or no number: natural
- .1 ash
- .2 iridescent (violet)
- .3 gold
- .4 copper
- .5 mahogany
- .6 red
- .8 mocha
The first digit after the dot is the main tone; a second digit adds a lighter, secondary tone. So:
| Shade | What it means |
|---|---|
| 4 | Natural brown |
| 5 | Natural light brown |
| 4.5 | Brown with a mahogany tone |
| 5.3 | Light brown with a golden tone |
| 6.3 | Dark blonde with a golden tone |
| 6.4 | Dark blonde with a copper tone |
| 5.35 | Light brown, golden with a hint of mahogany |
The bigger the first number, the lighter the shade. The digits after the dot only change the tone, not how light it is.
Popular Majirel shades on Indian hair
For natural-looking grey coverage
Levels 3, 4 and 5 in natural tones are the most-used shades in our salons. They blend with dark Indian hair and cover greys evenly. If you have a lot of grey, a natural base is usually mixed in so the colour covers fully.
For warmth and shine
Mahogany (.5) and golden (.3) browns at levels 4 to 5 give a rich, glossy finish that flatters most Indian skin tones.
For a noticeable change
Copper (.4) and red (.6) tones show up beautifully in sunlight. On naturally black hair, expect a deep, subtle result; for brighter shades, highlights or a lighter base are needed first.
Majirel for grey coverage: what to expect
- Roots every four to six weeks. Grey regrowth shows first at the parting and temples. A root touch-up keeps it invisible.
- Global colour once in a while. Every few months, a global colour refreshes faded lengths so the whole head matches.
- Stubborn greys. Greys at the temples can be resistant. Your colourist adjusts the mix and timing for them.
At Coolcut: Majirel global colour ₹1,000 for women, ₹400 for men. Majirel root touch-up ₹700 / ₹300. Majirel beard colour ₹600. See all hair colour prices.
Prices at Rohini Sector 13, Rohini Sector 9, Vikaspuri and Munirka; Paschim Vihar prices may differ.
Majirel or INOA?
| Majirel | INOA | |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Yes | No (ammonia free) |
| Grey coverage | Excellent | Very good |
| Feel on the scalp | Standard | Gentler for most people |
| Price at Coolcut (women, global) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
If your scalp is sensitive or you colour very often, INOA is worth the extra. If you want dependable grey coverage at a lower price, Majirel is hard to beat.
Before you colour
- Patch test 48 hours before, every time. Even if you have used the same colour for years, allergies can develop.
- Tell your colourist about mehndi. Henna on the hair can react unpredictably with chemical colour. Read our guide on colour over mehndi.
- Smoothening first, colour later. If you are planning both, smoothen first and colour at least two weeks after.
Frequently asked questions
Which Majirel shade is best for grey hair?
For most Indian customers, a natural shade at level 3, 4 or 5 gives the most natural grey coverage. The right one depends on your natural colour and how much grey you have.
What does 4.15 or 5.35 mean?
The first number is the level (4 = brown, 5 = light brown). The digits after the dot are the main tone and a secondary tone: .15 is ash with a touch of mahogany, .35 is gold with a touch of mahogany.
Can I use Majirel at home?
Majirel is a professional colour made for salons. Choosing the developer, the mix for your grey percentage and the timing is where most home colour goes wrong.
Is Majirel good for men's beards?
Yes. Majirel beard colour covers greys and looks natural; it is ₹600 at Coolcut.
Walk in to your nearest Coolcut branch and our L'Oréal-trained colourists will help you choose the right number.
