Why You Need To Try L’Oréal Professionnel’s iNOA Non-Ammonia Hair Colouring Service

Colouring hair often involves the pungent smell of harsh chemicals, or that tingly sensation on a sensitive scalp. We’ve come to think that these not-so-pleasant experiences are just part of process of achieving desirable hair, but what if we told you that these don’t have to be the norm?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ5ies_v2HQ&ts

L’Oreal Professionnel Paris is out to change that, with an advanced iNOA hair colour system that uses zero ammonia during the salon dyeing process — this means, no odour and the most optimal scalp comfort sans the stinging sensation.

It was revolutionary during its debut just over a decade ago, and is still relevant now, especially when we’re able to achieve colour that’s shiny and vibrant. In fact, the iNOA was just  awarded the most professional hair colour in Japan in 2021.

THE BENEFITS

The salon experience using iNOA is one-of-a-kind, with the promise of no unpleasant smells or a stinging scalp, the hours spent at the salon is also made more luxurious.

Here are the key benefits at a glance:

• High shine
• High impact colour
• Optimal scalp comfort
• No odour
• 100% grey coverage
• Visibly improved hair quality

Instead of the usual discomfort on the scalp caused by ammonia-based dyes, which tend to irritate the scalp, iNOA uses a breakthrough 60% oil-based formula, of a significantly high concentration, to achieve proper results. A patented Oil Delivery System (ODS) technology propels pigments into the hair for lasting colour, giving true-to-tone, natural-range colour with high shine, perfect whether you’re achieving your warm copper browns or cool ashes.

While the professionals are able to mix shades to achieve your own tailor-made colour, some of the most popular shades include the 7.35 Warm Brown (seen on the model above), a sophisticated, office-friendly shade, and easy-to-wear while still flattering on most complexions. Read on for our review of this particular iNOA shade, to see how the range and its accompanying after-salon routine can help maintain healthy, shiny hair.

WE GAVE IT A TRY

Review of the L’Oreal Professionnel Paris iNOA hair service at Apgujeong Hair Studio by Adele Chan, Editor-In-Chief of NYLON Singapore.

I visited Apgujeong Hair Studio, a full hair and makeup-service Korean salon. There are several locations and I went to the one at Novena Square 2, which is one of the locations helmed by Kyle Shin, the salon’s award-winning International Director Stylist. He’s known for being well-versed in the latest Korean hair trends, and is the stylist to look for when it comes to colouring hair. He’s particularly adept at working with all hair types, and what’s great is that he can create natural to extreme hair colour styles.

My hair colour is very dark, but it’s also very dry and I have hundreds (or thousands?!) of white hair. I told Kyle to suggest something; all I really wanted was to cover all my white hair, and to make my hair shinier if possible. He suggested lightening it with the popular iNOA shade, 7.35 Warm Brown. He used it as an overall highlight to create some dimension to my chin-length style, and he successfully turned my base colour from black to brown. Here’s the process and results:

Above: Before the hair colour service, you can see that the shade of my hair is a very dark brown, almost black.

During the process, Kyle applied the iNOA colour to my hair. It was an extremely comfortable process; with no ammonia or bleaching, and so no burning of the scalp or damaging of the hair. Also, there’s no unpleasant smell that’s common with other hair colour products.

Above: Here’s the final look after a blow dry. My hair feels softer and looks warmer. Also, it covered 100% of my white hair (thanks kyle!).

Above: the Before (left) and after (right). My hair doesn’t look flat or dull anymore.

Since I went with a fairly “safe” and natural colour, I got NYLON’s Associate Publisher, Kenath, to try something more drastic. Under Kyle’s instructions, Kenath’s hair has gone from a natural black to an ash grey with a subtle gradient. Kenath had to lighten his hair twice before achieving this colour, but he says it was worth it, because he feels like he now looks more “interesting”.

Above: the Before (left) and after (right). inoa’s oil-based formula made a big difference to the texture and shine of kenath’s hair. It now actually looks and feels healthier than before.

Above: the side view of his ash grey colour.

To complete the iNOA regime, there’s the Metal DX and hair mask to maintain salon-perfect hair and colour at home. I love the Metal DX range because it claims to strengthen hair, and I do feel like my hair has improved in quality since I started using it; the strands are less dry and frizzy, and easier to style.

True to the iNOA philosophy, colouring hair doesn’t have to come at the expense of weakened hair fibres. Metal DX is also available as an in-salon treatment for 100% reliable colour* and 87% less breakage**. It is recommended to pair any colour service with the Metal DX treatment for stronger hair and more shiny, vibrant hair colour long after you leave the salon.

Above: L’Oreal Professionnel Metal DX and Vitamino Color shampoo and hair mask.

As Kyle Shin informed me, iNOA is a premium product and colour service, so it will cost a bit more than choosing a regular hair dye; but considering there’s no ammonia in the product (so no pain, smell or damage to hair), and that it’s oil-based (it improves hair while colouring it!) — it’s worth it!

WHERE IT’S AVAILABLE

While you can enjoy the iNOA hair colour experience at various L’Oreal Professionnel Paris salons islandwide, here are some of our recommended ones:

• Apgujeong Hair Studio — book by e-appointment
• Kimage Salon — book by e-appointment
• NK Hairworks — find an outlet here to call for appointment
• Lena L Aoyama @ Loyang Point – call salon at 6581 5985
• TRUST Salon Hair Professional @ Ang Mo Kio – call salon at 9336 9663

*No impact on lift, and optimized color uptake. ** Instrumental test: Metal DX pre treatment + + shampoo + mask.