An argan oil hair color chart shows every shade in an argan oil hair dye range, usually the One ‘n Only Argan Oil Permanent Color Cream line, so you can pick the right color before you buy. This guide explains how to read the chart’s numbers and letters, how to choose a shade for your natural color and gray coverage, which developer to use, and how to keep argan oil hair color looking rich and shiny.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- The most popular “Argan Oil” hair color is One ‘n Only Argan Oil Permanent Color Cream, sold in 3 oz tubes with 40-plus shades.
- Shades run from level 1 (black) to level 11 (hi-lift blonde), for example 1N Very Black to 11HLA Hi Lift Cool Blonde.
- The number is the level (lightness); the letters are the tone, such as N natural, NN rich natural, A ash, G gold, R red, C copper and CH chocolate.
- Color is mixed 1 part color to 2 parts developer; 10, 20, 30 or 40 volume developer controls how much lift you get.
- Argan oil adds conditioning and shine, but it is still a permanent dye, so patch test every time.
What Is Argan Oil Hair Color?
Argan oil hair color is permanent hair dye infused with argan oil, an oil from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree that is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. The best-known range is One ‘n Only Argan Oil Permanent Color Cream, sold at beauty supply stores such as Sally Beauty. The brand describes it as using advanced micro-pigments with argan oil for rich color, gray coverage and shine.
The argan oil helps hair feel softer and look glossier after coloring. It does not make permanent dye damage-free: the developer still opens the hair cuticle, so good aftercare matters. For a full product review, see our guide to One n Only Argan Oil hair color.
How to Read the Argan Oil Hair Color Chart
Every shade code has two parts. The number is the level, from 1 (darkest) to 11 (lightest). The letters describe the tone. For example, 7NN is a level 7 medium blonde with a rich natural tone, and 5CH is a level 5 light chocolate brown.
| Level | Color family | Example shades |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Black and darkest brown | 1N Very Black, 2N Black |
| 3-4 | Dark to medium brown | 3NN Rich Natural Dark Brown |
| 5-6 | Light brown to dark blonde | 5NN, 5CH Light Chocolate Brown, 5RG, 6S Dark Sand Blonde |
| 7-8 | Medium to light blonde | 7NN Rich Natural Medium Blonde, 7G, 8RG |
| 9-10 | Very light to lightest blonde | Light natural, golden and ash blondes |
| 11 | Hi-lift blondes | 11HLA Hi Lift Cool Blonde |
Shade names and availability change, so always check the current chart on the retailer or brand page before buying. If you are working with a mid-tone shade, our guide to level 6 hair color explains what to expect from dark blonde.
Argan Oil Shade Letters (Tones) Explained
- N (Natural): balanced, neutral shades that look like natural hair.
- NN (Rich Natural): extra pigment for stronger, more even gray coverage.
- A (Ash): cool tones that cancel brassy orange or yellow.
- G (Gold): warm, sunny tones.
- R, C and RG (Red, Copper, Red Gold): vivid warm shades such as 8RG and 5RG.
- CH (Chocolate): warm, rich browns.
- S (Sand): soft beige blondes.
- HLA (Hi-Lift Ash): cool hi-lift blondes that lift several levels without pre-lightening on suitable hair.
Warm tones (G, C, R, CH) usually flatter warm undertones, while ash and natural tones suit cooler undertones. Our guide on how to choose the right hair color for your skin tone goes deeper.
How to Choose the Right Shade
- Find your natural level by matching your roots to the chart in daylight.
- Stay within two to three levels. The American Academy of Dermatology advises dyeing within three shades of your natural color, since lightening further needs stronger peroxide and causes more damage.
- For gray hair, pick an N or NN shade, or mix an N shade with a fashion tone for better coverage.
- To go darker, choose your target level and use a low-volume developer.
- To fix brassiness, choose an ash (A) shade at or near your current level.
- If unsure, go one level lighter; it is easier to go darker later than to lighten dark dye.
Developer Guide for Argan Oil Hair Color
| Developer | Lift | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 volume | Deposit only or up to 1 level | Going darker, toning, gentle color |
| 20 volume | About 2 levels | Standard gray coverage, small lift |
| 30 volume | About 3 levels | Lightening medium hair |
| 40 volume | About 4 levels | Maximum lift; highest risk of damage and irritation |
The usual mixing ratio is 1 part color to 2 parts developer. Never apply higher-volume developers directly onto the scalp without following the instructions, and stop if your scalp burns.
How to Apply Argan Oil Hair Color
- Patch test 48 hours before. The U.S. FDA recommends a patch test every time you dye your hair.
- Strand test a hidden section to preview the final shade.
- Wear gloves and mix color with developer in a non-metal bowl or applicator bottle.
- Section dry hair into four parts and apply to roots first if covering gray, then to the lengths.
- Process for the full time on the instructions, then rinse until the water runs clear.
- Condition with a color-safe conditioner and avoid washing for a day or two.
Argan Oil Hair Color vs Other Hair Dye Types
| Type | Lasts | Gray coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argan Oil permanent color | Until it grows out | Strong | Gray coverage, lasting change |
| Demi-permanent color | About 4 to 6 weeks | Blends gray | Toning, refreshing shine |
| Semi-permanent fashion dye | A few weeks | Little | Bright, temporary shades |
If you want bold, temporary fashion shades instead, see our review of Punky Color hair dye.
How to Keep Argan Oil Hair Color Looking Rich
- Wash with sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and cool water.
- Use a few drops of pure argan oil on damp ends for shine and softness.
- Deep condition once a week, especially after lightening.
- Use heat protectant and limit hot tools.
- Wear a hat in strong sun to slow fading.
- Touch up roots every 4 to 8 weeks, applying fresh color only to new growth.
Safety Tips Before You Color
- Never dye eyebrows or eyelashes with hair dye.
- Do not color if your scalp is broken, sunburned or irritated.
- Wait at least two weeks after bleaching, relaxing or perming before dyeing.
- Seek medical help quickly if you get swelling of the face, lips or eyes, or difficulty breathing after coloring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shades are on the argan oil hair color chart?
The One ‘n Only Argan Oil Permanent Color line includes over 40 shades, from 1N Very Black to 11HLA Hi Lift Cool Blonde.
What does NN mean in Argan Oil hair color?
NN means rich natural. These shades contain extra natural pigment for stronger, more even gray coverage.
What developer should I use with Argan Oil hair color?
Use 10 volume to deposit or go darker, 20 volume for about two levels of lift and standard gray coverage, and 30 or 40 volume only for more lift, following the instructions carefully.
Is argan oil hair color permanent?
Yes. The Argan Oil Permanent Color Cream lasts until the hair grows out or is cut, though tone can fade slightly over time.
Does argan oil hair color damage hair?
Any permanent dye causes some damage because the developer opens the cuticle. The argan oil helps hair feel softer and shinier, and good aftercare limits dryness.
Conclusion
The argan oil hair color chart is easy to use once you know the code: the number tells you how light or dark the shade is, and the letters tell you the tone. Match your natural level, stay within two to three levels, choose the right developer, patch test every time and care for your color with gentle, moisturizing products for rich, glossy results.
This article is for general information only. If you have a sensitive scalp or have reacted to hair dye before, talk to a dermatologist before coloring.
2 thoughts on “Argan Oil Hair Color Chart: Shades, Levels, Tones and How to Choose”