How to Read the Alfaparf Color Numbering System

Once you know how the Alfaparf Milano color numbering system works, you can formulate faster, correct more accurately, and stop second-guessing mid-service. The numbers are not random. They describe exactly what is in the tube. Here is the system broken down for working stylists.

The Three-Part Number

Every Alfaparf shade is written as a three-digit code separated by a period. It reads like this:

• First number: Level (depth of the base)
• First decimal: Primary tone
• Second decimal: Secondary tone

Example: 7.32

• 7 = Level 7 (medium blonde)
• .3 = Gold primary tone
• .2 = Violet secondary tone

So 7.32 is a medium blonde with gold dominance and a violet undertone. Beige blonde, essentially.

The Level Scale (1 to 10+)

The first number is always the depth. In the Alfaparf system:

• 1: Black
• 2: Darkest brown
• 3: Dark brown
• 4: Medium brown
• 5: Light brown
• 6: Dark blonde
• 7: Medium blonde
• 8: Light blonde
• 9: Very light blonde
• 10: Platinum blonde
• 11+: Super Lightening (SSS series)

The Primary Tone (First Decimal)

The first decimal is the dominant tone family. This is the color your eye will read first in the result.

• .0: Natural
• .01: Natural ash
• .1: Ash (blue base)
• .2: Violet
• .3: Gold
• .4: Copper
• .5: Mahogany
• .6: Red
• .7: Brown tobacco
• .8: Moka
• .9: Sand

The Secondary Tone (Second Decimal)

The second decimal modifies the primary tone. It is the shade's supporting note. For example, in 7.32, the .3 gold is dominant, and the .2 violet softens it into a beige direction.

Reading a two-tone number:

• 7.32: Gold with a hint of violet (beige blonde)
• 7.13: Ash with a hint of gold (soft neutral)
• 8.44: Intense copper (double .4 for stronger warmth)
• 6.66: Intense red (double .6 for deep red saturation)

The N Versus NB Versus NI Designation

Alfaparf uses letter codes in certain lines to indicate natural family subtypes.

• N or .0: Natural base, neutral tone
• NB: Natural Brown, for gray coverage with natural brown dimension
• NI: Natural Intense, more concentrated pigment for resistant white hair
• SSS: Super Lightening series

Super Lightening Series

The SSS range is the ultra-lift family, starting at level 11 and offering up to 5 levels of lift. Shades like 11.0, 11.1, 11.3, 11.31 let you formulate high-lift blondes without reaching for bleach on healthy virgin hair.

• 11.0: SSS Natural, neutral high-lift blonde
• 11.1: SSS Ash, cool high-lift blonde
• 11.3: SSS Gold, warm high-lift blonde
• 11.31: SSS Gold Ash, balanced beige high-lift

Using the Numbering System in Real Formulating

Gray Coverage Rule

For clients with over 30 percent white hair, anchor your formula with at least 50 percent of a Natural (.0, NB, or NI) shade at the target level. Add tonal shades to the other 50 percent for your finish color.

Neutralizing Unwanted Tone

The secondary tone can do color theory work for you. If your client's hair pulls orange at level 7, reach for a 7.1 or 7.11. If they pull yellow at level 9, reach for a 9.2.

Building a Custom Tone

To add warmth to a neutral formula, mix a Natural (.0) with a tonal shade at the same level. Example: 50 percent 7.0 plus 50 percent 7.4 builds a warm medium blonde with natural body.

Quick Reference for Common Calls

• Beige blonde: 8.13 or 8.32
• Neutral brunette: 5.0 or 5NB
• Rich copper: 7.44 or 8.44
• Ash blonde: 9.1 or 9.11
• Deep red: 6.66 or 5.62
• Platinum: 10.01 or 10.1
• Warm caramel brunette: 6.3 or 6.35
• Chocolate brown: 4.8 or 5.85
• Rose gold base: 8.4 or 9.4

Shop Alfaparf Milano at Hair Color USA

Hair Color USA stocks the full Evolution of the Color shade library, Color Wear, and Color Wear Gloss Toner, so you can formulate from any family the moment a client sits in the chair. Wholesale pricing, fast shipping from Jackson, Michigan. Shop all Alfaparf Milano products today.

Formulate with confidence. Order Alfaparf Milano from Hair Color USA and put the full shade library in your hands. Once the numbering system clicks, every service in your chair gets faster, cleaner, and more predictable. Your team will formulate from the same playbook, your clients will get consistent results every visit, and your rebook rate will climb. Hair Color USA ships fast from Jackson, Michigan and offers real wholesale pricing for licensed pros.