Redken Shades EQ Q&A
What is Redken Shades EQ Gloss?
Shades EQ is the original iconic demi-permanent liquid gloss. Formulated with Wheat Amino Acids, Shades EQ’s acidic formula helps deliver mirror-like glossy shine. It’s ammonia-free and can gloss, refresh, tone and correct with no lift in as little as 20 minutes. Added to that, it’s super easy to mix and apply, offering a sheer result.
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 that 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!
How long does Shades EQ last on hair?
Redken Shades EQ Gloss is a demi-permanent hair colour. You can expect colour results to last from 4 to 6 weeks, fading gradually over time.
Can I use Shades EQ as an add-on to a client’s colour service?
When you use Shades EQ Crystal, 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 a cut or style service.
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 the process. Always leave it to work its magic for 20 minutes and you’ll see the stunning results in no time.
What are the differences between the two developers?
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 Developer are formulated with 2% hydrogen peroxide. The unique formulas 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 toning and glossing, along with a variety of colour balancing, refreshing and blending techniques.
The Shades EQ Gloss to Gel Developer 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...
- Depending on your colour technique, mix your chosen Shades EQ shade in a 1:1 ratio with the Shades EQ Processing Solution or Shades EQ Gloss to Gel Developer.
- Apply onto dry hair using either a bowl and brush, or a bottle.
- Process at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and follow up with Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner.
