Joico LumiShine Permanent Creme Color is organized by level and reflect, using a number + letters system that conveys depth and tone with precision. Level 1 denotes the darkest shade and level 10 the lightest blonde, while the follow-up letters describe the reflect, with Natural (N) serving as the base and additional letters indicating undertones such as Ash, Gold, Copper, or Red.
The Joico numbering and reflect system
Joico uses a two-part naming convention for LumiShine shades: a level number and a reflect code. The level (1-10) indicates color depth from black to the lightest blonde, and the reflect code clarifies the undertone. Double letters reveal a combination reflect, for example NA = Natural + Ash, NG = Natural + Gold, NC = Natural + Copper, NR = Natural + Red. An initial N emphasizes a natural, balanced result compared to pure reflect shades.
Common shade examples include:
- 2N Black LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 3N Dark Brown LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 4N Medium Brown LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 5N Light Brown LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 5NA Light Natural Ash Brown LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 5NC Light Natural Copper Brown LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 5NR Light Natural Red Brown LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 6N Dark Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 6NA Dark Natural Ash Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 6NG Dark Natural Golden Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 6NC Dark Natural Copper Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 6NR Dark Natural Red Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 7N Medium Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 7NA Medium Natural Ash Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 7NG Medium Natural Golden Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 7NC Medium Natural Copper Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 8N Light Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 8NA Light Natural Ash Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 8NG Light Natural Golden Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 9N Very Light Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 9NA Very Light Natural Ash Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
- 10N Lightest Blonde LumiShine Permanent Creme Color
Key features and technology
LumiShine uses Argiplex technology, an arginine-based complex that strengthens hair bonds during coloring. It helps protect against protein loss and contributes to shine and integrity throughout the processing. This permanent color lifts, deposits, and covers gray with notable shine and balanced tonality.
One of the defining characteristics is that most Joico fashion shades combine N with a reflect letter (NA, NG, NC, NR), indicating a natural base with added reflect. This pairing yields balanced results without overly pronounced undertones, making the color appear natural while still offering fashion-forward depth and luminosity.
Color lift, coverage, and developer recommendations
Joico recommends LumiShine Developer usage for optimal results: 6% (20 vol) for 1-2 levels of lift and gray coverage, 9% (30 vol) for 2-3 levels, and 12% (40 vol) for maximum lift. It is advised to use Joico developer exclusively to achieve the best color integrity and predictable results. LumiShine offers 100% gray coverage, and for particularly resistant gray, adding a portion of natural shade (N) to the formula can improve coverage. Shades with a natural base (NA, NG) already include a natural foundation that aids gray coverage.
When considering shade matches across brands, Joico provides a color converter to help find equivalents in Wella, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, and other systems. This is especially useful for clients transitioning between brands or maintaining consistency across salons and services.
Practical guidance for selecting and formulating
The color chart serves as a practical library for service providers: it offers a structured way to select depth and tone quickly, plan gray coverage, and create precise mixes. The system is designed to streamline consultations and enable step-by-step formulas to be saved per client, with a colorimetry library available for ongoing learning and brand-specific formulas. An integrated AI assistant can support salon workflows by suggesting formulations and keeping records for repeat services.
Notes for professionals
Double-letter reflect codes provide clarity on undertone direction, while the N base ensures a natural look. When dealing with gray coverage, consider using a mix that includes natural shade or choosing a shade with NA or NG as the base to improve coverage consistency. For clients seeking lighter results with balanced brightness, higher level shades such as 9N, 9NA, or 10N offer the lightest blondes with natural undertones.
