Majirel and INOA are both permanent professional hair colours from L'Oreal Professionnel, and both deliver up to 100% grey coverage — but they work very differently. The short version: Majirel is an ammonia-based cream colour with the richest tonal range and the most economical price, while INOA is ammonia-free and oil-based, making it gentler, odour-free and ideal for sensitive scalps.
Majirel vs INOA at a glance
| L'Oreal Majirel | L'Oreal INOA | |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Contains ammonia | Ammonia-free |
| Base | Cream | Oil Delivery System (ODS2) |
| Mixing ratio | 1:1.5 | 1:1 |
| Developer | L'Oreal Professionnel oxydant | INOA oxydant |
| Grey coverage | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Scalp comfort / odour | Classic colour scent | No ammonia odour, gentle on scalp |
| Shade range | Very wide (incl. Cool Cover, High Lift, Majirouge) | Wide |
| Cost per tube | More economical | Premium |
| Best for | Maximum tonal richness & value | Comfort, sensitivity & odour-free service |
What is the real difference?
The key difference is how the colour is delivered into the hair. Majirel uses ammonia to open the cuticle, which gives strong, reliable lift and intense, long-lasting tone. INOA replaces ammonia with an oil-based system that carries pigment into the hair without the harshness or smell of ammonia — so the service is more comfortable for the client and the colourist, with no fumes.
Choose Majirel if…
- You want the widest possible shade palette, including the Cool Cover, High Lift and Majirouge options.
- You want the richest, most multi-tonal results.
- Cost-per-service matters — Majirel is the more economical choice for high-volume colour work.
Choose INOA if…
- Your client has a sensitive scalp or dislikes the smell of ammonia.
- You want a more comfortable, fume-free colour service.
- You want a glossy, conditioned finish with reliable grey coverage — see the complete INOA guide.
Mixing and developers
The two systems are not interchangeable. Majirel mixes 1:1.5 with L'Oreal Professionnel oxydant; INOA mixes 1:1 with its own dedicated INOA oxydant, and should only be used with INOA developer to work correctly. Full ratios are in our colour mixing guide, and for white-hair work see grey coverage: which colour & developer to use.
Grey coverage and longevity
Both deliver up to 100% grey coverage when used with the right developer and a natural-base mix. Majirel is renowned for dense, dependable coverage on resistant grey; INOA matches it while keeping the scalp comfortable, which is why many salons reserve INOA for clients having frequent root touch-ups.
Which should your salon stock?
Most salons carry both — Majirel as the everyday workhorse for range and value, and INOA for sensitive-scalp and premium, comfort-led services. Stocking both lets you tailor every appointment and price accordingly.
Buy Majirel and INOA at trade prices
Hairco & Beauty supplies the full Majirel and INOA ranges to salons, with fast UK delivery. Browse all permanent colour or open a trade account to see your pricing.
Majirel vs INOA FAQs
Is INOA better than Majirel?
Neither is universally better. INOA is ammonia-free, gentler and odour-free, which makes it ideal for sensitive scalps, while Majirel offers a wider shade range and is more economical. Most salons stock both.
What is the mixing ratio for Majirel and INOA?
Majirel mixes 1:1.5 with L'Oreal Professionnel oxydant; INOA mixes 1:1 with its own dedicated INOA oxydant.
Can you use Majirel developer with INOA?
No. INOA must be used only with INOA oxydant at 1:1 for the oil-based system to work correctly; the two are not interchangeable.
Do Majirel and INOA cover grey?
Both give up to 100% grey coverage when used with the correct developer and a natural-base mix.
Is INOA more expensive than Majirel?
Yes. INOA is premium-priced while Majirel is more economical, which is why many salons use Majirel for everyday work and reserve INOA for sensitive-scalp or premium services.
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.
