In short: real copper formulas from colourists using L'Oreal Professionnel INOA, with the shades, developer and technique behind each look. For the fundamentals of copper — the shade spectrum, placement and aftercare — see our copper hair colour guide.
Written for salon professionals. Formulas are shared as inspiration: always adapt to the client's starting level, percentage of grey and hair condition, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and carry out the recommended tests before any colour service.
Mixing INOA for copper
INOA only works with its own developer, L'Oreal INOA Oxydant, mixed 1:1 with the colour. Where a colourist has shared the volume, we've included it; where they haven't, we've left it out rather than guess. Browse the full INOA shade range.
INOA copper formulas
True copper:
- L'Oreal INOA 7.34 + 7.4 with 20 vol INOA Oxydant
Credit: @bellaranze
Soft golden copper:
- Roots: L'Oreal INOA 5.32 + 6.34, equal parts
- Mids and ends: L'Oreal INOA 6.32 + 6.34, equal parts
- Mixed 1:1 with INOA Oxydant (volume not stated); processed for 35 minutes
Credit: @adina_pignatare
Blonde to copper — colour correction:
- Colour correction: balancing the natural root against the pre-lightened blonde
- Pre-pigmentation: putting back the warm pigment that lightening removed, so copper doesn't turn muddy or fade out fast on the blonde
- Final colour: L'Oreal INOA 7.4 + 8.34
Credit: @laisristoff
Cowgirl Copper:
- Formula 1: L'Oreal INOA 30g 6.45 + 30g 6.3 + 15g 6 (6N in the US) with 10 vol INOA Oxydant
- Formula 2: L'Oreal INOA 30g 6.45 + 30g 6.3 + 5g 6 (6N in the US) with 20 vol INOA Oxydant
A US formula — check the UK shade chart before use.
Credit: @melaniemhasson
Natural copper blonde:
- L'Oreal INOA 7.43 + 8.34, mixed 1:1 with INOA Oxydant
Credit: @hairbyjodiesanders
Copper brown:
- Roots: L'Oreal INOA 6 + 7.43 with 10 vol INOA Oxydant
- Ends: L'Oreal Dia Light 8.43 with 9 vol Dia Activateur
Credit: @anjeoshair
Rich copper red:
- L'Oreal INOA ½ 6.46 + ¼ 5.60 + ¼ 7.44 with 20 vol INOA Oxydant
Credit: @jimena_nogueira_
Warm copper — featured shades:
- L'Oreal INOA 6 + 6.45 + 7.43 + 7.1
Credit: @lorealpro
More copper formulas
For Majirel, Dia Color and Dia Light copper formulas, a step-by-step multi-line copper service and our shade spectrum, see the copper hair colour guide. Working with Wella? See our Wella copper formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Which developer do you use with INOA for copper?
INOA must be mixed with INOA Oxydant, at a 1:1 ratio. As a general guide, 10 vol is used for tone-on-tone or deposit-only work and 20 vol for standard lift and grey coverage — always follow L'Oreal's instructions for the result you need.
Can you put INOA copper on pre-lightened blonde hair?
Yes, but lightened hair is missing the warm pigment copper relies on, so it often needs pre-pigmenting first. Without it, copper on blonde can look flat or muddy and fade quickly.
How do you keep INOA copper from fading?
Copper molecules are large and wash out faster than cool tones, so aftercare and a regular gloss refresh matter. See the aftercare section of our copper hair colour guide.
Written by Charlotte Read, Content Writer at Hairco & Beauty. Charlotte has over six years' experience in professional hair and beauty, and our guides are informed by colleagues with 100+ years of combined salon experience and by insight from the trade customers we supply. More about our content.
