Hair ColorCreativity is at the core of what we do. To help you stay inspired, we created a hub with all your haircolor needs. Our blog covers the latest trends, formulas, professional tips and inspiration.
Every stylist knows that creating standout, custom hair color is driven not just by technique, but also in the products and shades you have at your fingertips. For professionals who work with clients who crave versatility, vibrancy, and long-lasting results, having the right palette is essential. Enter Wella Professionals—one of the most trusted names in haircolor. The extensive range of products, from Koleston Perfect and Color Touch to Illumina and Shinefinity, offers a spectrum of shades that cater to every stylist’s needs. Whether you're aiming for a bold transformation or a soft, subtle glow, these products deliver exceptional results every time. In this article, we’ll explore 25 must-have shades from Wella Professionals' Koleston Perfect, Color Touch, Illumina, and Shinefinity. These shades have become "go-tos" for colorists around the world, giving them the flexibility to create looks that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Koleston Perfect: The Classic Choice for Precision
Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect offers a broad color spectrum, allowing for personalized shades with depth, vibrancy, and long-lasting results. Koleston Perfect is known for its precision, intense pigmentation and 100% gray coverage, making it a must-have for any colorist aiming for full saturation and stunning results. - Deep Brunette 4/0 - Pure Naturals – A rich, dark brown that serves as the perfect base for all warm shades.
- Vibrant Red 6/45 - Vibrant Reds – A fiery, intense red that brings life to any hair color.
- Intense Blonde 12/1 - Special Blonde – This ultra-light blonde delivers a cool, ash finish, ideal for those lightening clients who want minimal warmth or a pop of natural dimension, paired with BlondorPlex highlights.
- Golden Brown 5/73 - Deep Browns – Perfect for creating dimensional, quiet luxury looks with a warm golden undertone.
- Natural Blonde 8/0 - Pure Naturals – A versatile, neutral blonde that's ideal for a more subtle look with soft, natural coverage.
Koleston Perfect Formulas
Color Touch: For Glossy, Luminous Results with Vibrancy
Color Touch is renowned for its demi-permanent formula that offers a glossy, reflective finish. We LOVE it's vibrancy and multiple salon opportunities. Color Touch is ideal for refreshing tones, adding shine, or perfecting a gentle color enhancement. It’s a top choice for stylists who love to play with tones and shades that shine with vibrancy but don’t require long-term commitment. Plus, with its newly restaged look, Color Touch offers built in metal purifier technology, saving you time in the salon. - Cool Beige 9/97 – This soft, light beige blonde is perfect for clients who desire a sun-kissed look without being too warm.
- Ash Violet 9/16 – A cool violet blonde that gives an icy, sophisticated finish. The perfect go-to shade for a cool, balanced result.
- Luxury Brunette 7/71 – A deep, brunette that is ideal for rich, warm, luxury tones. Leading with a milk chocolate, yet balanced with a cool ash to deliver exactly what your client is looking for.
- Pearl Blonde 10/6 – A delicate, light blonde with subtle lavender undertones to neutralize unwanted warmth without overpowering. The perfect shade to create a stunning platinum blonde.
- Golden Copper 7/43 – A bright, warm copper tone that’s ideal for clients looking for a touch of fiery personality. Kick it up a notch with a touch of Color Touch 0/34, or tone it down with 7/7, for a rich auburn finish.
Color Touch Formulas
Illumina: Light Reflecting Technology
For stylists who seek luxurious, multi-dimensional color, Wella’s Illumina Color line is a game-changer. Using light-reflecting technology, this range creates glossy, vibrant shades that play with light, offering a high-end, luminous finish. - Ash Blonde 10/1 – A cool, icy blonde that gives a gorgeous, elegant finish perfect for a high-fashion look.
- Natural Gold 9/03 – A sophisticated, soft sandy blonde with a warm undertone ideal for creating an effortless, beachy vibe. The perfect balance of cool and warm with Illumina's built-in violet base and contributing neutral, golden tones.
- Lavender Pearl 8/36 – A muted lavender tone that gives a soft, elegant shine.
- Medium Blonde Mahogany 7/35 – A neutral, soft, chestnut brown that’s perfect for creating natural, rich tones.
- Cool Chocolate 4/ – A deep, neutral, chocolate brown ideal for clients looking for understated elegance and that 'cool espresso' finish.
Illumina Formulas
Shinefinity: The Ultimate Glossing Service
Shinefinity offers stylists the ultimate in color refinement, creating glossy, transparent shades that can be used as a demi-permanent color or simply as a glaze for those who want brilliant shine. These shades are designed to improve the hair’s condition, leaving it soft and radiant with rich, vibrant results. - Golden Blonde 09/03 – The perfect golden blonde with just the right amount of balanced warmth and shine. The "go-to" shade for a stunning, beach blonde finish or just a touch of shine for level 5 and below.
- Crystal Glaze 00/00 – Nothing but SHINE... the best add-on to any service to refine, refresh and polish any natural and previously colored hair.
- Silver Pearl 08/98 – A delicate, silvery tone that enhances cool shades with a soft, shiny finish.
- Caramel Espresso 5/37 – A subtle, rich mocha shade that gives a deep yet smooth, polished color.
- Spicy Ginger 8/34 – A bright, spiced copper with vibrant glossy tones and shine. The perfect "overlay" to refresh any look.
Shinefinity Formulas
Top Shades Every Stylist Needs – The Color Essentials
Some shades stand the test of time and remain key staples in any stylist’s arsenal. These timeless, versatile hues can be mixed and matched to create endless combinations that meet client expectations.
- Chocolate Brown 5/0 - Pure Naturals (Koleston Perfect) – A deep, timeless brown that works as a base for almost any color.
- Rich Copper 7/4 (Color Touch) – A bold and fiery copper that offers a lively and rich color with unmatched vibrancy.
- Honey Blonde 8/37 (Illumina) – A perfect balance between golden and neutral blonde, offering warmth without overpowering brassiness.
- Darkest Brown 2/0 - Pure Naturals (Koleston Perfect) – For those who love deep, intense, and dramatic shades, darkest brown is always in demand.
- Soft Rose 9/23 (Shinefinity) – A pastel rose hue that’s perfect for fashion-forward clients wanting a soft, feminine touch.
Wella Professionals offers a broad spectrum of shades that every stylist should have in their repertoire. From the precision and depth of Koleston Perfect to the glossy, light-reflecting shine of Illumina and the customizable hues of Shinefinity, there’s a shade for every client and every occasion. By stocking the right shades, such as those we’ve highlighted in this article, colorists can create looks that are not only stunning but also personalized to the client’s unique style and hair needs. Having a strong understanding of these top shades, their formulas, and how to use them will help you provide clients with color that shines, lasts, and most importantly, leaves them feeling confident and beautiful. So, embrace the color crush, stock up on these 25 must-have shades, and watch your artistry reach new heights.
Stay Connected
Inspired to learn more? Follow Wellastore.com on Instagram (@wellastoreusa) for education, #ProTips and industry secrets. Learn from top salon professionals around the globe and tag us for a chance to be featured on our page and blog. Be the first to know about exclusive promos, LIVE education, plus take a front seat to everything Wellastore. We can't wait to see what you create. Happy Coloring.