How is Shades EQ different to other glosses?

Shades EQ is so much more than your normal hair gloss. Instead, it’s a hair colour thinks it’s a conditioner! Shades EQ is an acidic demi-permanent colour made up of a mix of both oxidative and direct dyes. This means it offers a gentle process that provides outstanding condition and shine benefits your clients will love.

How do I read the Shades EQ label?

The Shades EQ labelling system comprises of two parts: number then letter. The numbers indicate the colour deposit levels of the Shades EQ glosses, which all start with the number zero as they won’t lift the hair’s natural pigment. The letters identify the tonal family the shade belongs to, for example V for ‘Violet’ and NB for ‘Neutral Blonde/Brown.’

Is Shades EQ just a toner?

Perfect for creating stunning Insta-ready blondes and brunettes, Shades EQ offers so much more than your regular toner. Besides using it as a bespoke toner or clear gloss, its versatile formula can be used to refresh any colour, correct unwanted tones and add natural dimension with no lift and a lasting mirror-like shine!

Can I use Shades EQ as an add-on to a client’s colour service?

When you use Shades EQ Crystal Clear, you can give both colour-treated and natural hair the ultimate shine boost. This makes it a great add-on service for clients who are booked in for cutting and styling services.

A Crystal Clear gloss will give your clients the condition and the shine of using Shades EQ, without the commitment of colour.

Can I use Shades EQ to blend greys?

Shades EQ is the perfect choice for clients who aren’t ready to embrace their first sign of greys yet don’t want the high commitment that comes with permanent dye. Its formula is capable of blending up to 50% of greys, with our top choice being the NB family for the best results.

Why does Shades EQ look so dark during development?

The reason why Shades EQ can appear dark is due to its innovative formula containing a combination of direct and oxidative dyes. If you or your clients ever get worried about the formula’s darker appearance, the one thing we have to say is trust in the process. Always leave it to works its magic for 20 minutes and you’ll see the stunning results in no time.

What are the differences between the two developers?

The Shades EQ offers two dedicated developers specially created to help you perform your desired colour technique. Both Shades EQ Processing Solution & Shades EQ Gloss to Gel Processing Solution are formulated with 2% hydrogen peroxide. The unique formulas will help to maintain an acidic pH and stabilise viscosity.

The Shades EQ Processing Solution is a liquid format developer. This developer is the perfect choice to perform your toning and glossing along with a variety of colour balancing, refreshing and blending techniques.

The Shades EQ Gloss to Gel Processing Solution is a unique developer that transforms Redken’s iconic liquid gloss into a thick gel perfect for performing high precision techniques such as lowlights, contouring and defining.

How do I mix Shades EQ?

It’s easy to use...

1. Depending on your colour technique, mix your chosen Shades EQ shade in a 1:1 ratio with the Shades EQ Processing Solution or Gloss to Gel Developer.
2. Shades EQ Gloss can either be applied with a bowl and brush or bottle onto dry hair.
3. Process at room temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse and follow up with Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner.

1. Trust the Process

Shades EQ can appear dark when developing because Shades EQ’s formula is made up from a combination of direct and oxidative dyes. This means you can often see pigmented colour straight away. This is the direct element working so even if the colour looks too dark, trust in the process and leave Shades EQ to develop for the full 20 minutes. You can always add some Crystal Clear into the formula to soften the tone and deposit.

2. Apply on dry hair

Shades EQ should always be applied to dry hair. If there is any form of moisture in the hair, you may weaken the strength of the developer. This will result in you getting a weaker colour result or means the colour won’t last as long. Check out the video below to see why applying Shades EQ on dry hair will help you achieve the best colour results.

3. Apply for 20 minutes

To get the best results with Shades EQ, you need to develop the colour for the full 20 minutes. This will allow the oxidative dyes to work and to ensure the colour lasts longer.