When it comes to achieving vibrant, glossy, and salon-quality hair color, Shades EQ stands out as the gold standard. Designed for professionals and adored by clients around the world, this hair gloss collection offers stunning results, precise tonal correction, and an unparalleled shine that enhances your hair’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to refresh faded color, tone brassiness, or simply add a healthy sheen, Shades EQ has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Shades EQ a game-changer in the world of hair care, how it works, who it’s for, and why it’s a must-have for anyone serious about hair color. Let’s dive into the magic behind this revolutionary product line.
What is Shades EQ?
Shades EQ is a demi-permanent hair color by Redken, renowned for its conditioning formula and wide spectrum of shades. Unlike permanent color, which penetrates the hair shaft and causes chemical changes, demi-permanent color gently coats the outside of the hair, offering a less damaging and more flexible coloring experience. The ammonia-free formula ensures that your hair remains healthy, soft, and shiny—while still delivering impactful results.
Shades EQ is best described as a professional hair gloss that refreshes color, tones unwanted undertones, enhances natural hues, and boosts overall shine. It’s particularly favored for its ease of use, quick processing time, and versatile application methods, making it suitable for both salon professionals and beauty enthusiasts.
Over 50 Shades in 17 Tonal Families
One of the most impressive features of Shades EQ is its wide range of over 50 shades, carefully categorized into 17 tonal families. These tonal families include cool, warm, neutral, and fashion-forward tones, offering endless customization for every hair type and color need.
Some of the most popular tonal families include:
-
N (Natural): Perfect for subtle enhancement or gray blending.
-
P (Pearl): Ideal for neutralizing yellow tones in blondes.
-
V (Violet): Great for canceling out brassiness in lighter shades.
-
G (Gold): Delivers warm, radiant, sun-kissed tones.
-
RB (Ruby Brown): Rich, bold tones for deep brunettes and redheads.
The variety of choices empowers colorists to personalize each color formula to their client’s specific hair goals. Whether you’re going for a soft beige blonde, a deep espresso brunette, or a rich copper red, there’s a Shades EQ tone that can help you achieve it.
Benefits of Shades EQ
1. Ammonia-Free Formula
The gentle, ammonia-free formula is one of the biggest advantages of Shades EQ. This means less damage to the hair and a smoother, shinier result. It’s ideal for clients who want color enhancement without compromising hair integrity.
2. High Gloss Finish
Shades EQ is essentially a color gloss treatment—it doesn’t just color, it enhances shine and reflects light to give hair that healthy, vibrant look often seen in magazines.
3. Toning and Color Correction
It’s especially useful for toning blonde hair after bleaching, neutralizing brassiness, and enhancing the desired undertone. It’s also a savior for correcting unwanted color in both light and dark hair.
4. Versatile Usage
Shades EQ can be used for various purposes, including color refreshing, toning, lowlighting, gray blending, and even clear glossing. The Crystal Clear (EQ Gloss 000) version adds shine without altering the color, perfect for virgin hair or in-between coloring appointments.
5. Quick Processing Time
With a processing time of just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those on the go or for professionals looking to boost efficiency in the salon.
Who Can Use Shades EQ?
Shades EQ is suitable for all hair types and textures, from fine to coarse, straight to curly, virgin to color-treated. It’s especially recommended for:
-
Individuals who want a temporary or semi-long-term color change.
-
People looking to refresh faded hair color without causing more damage.
-
Blondes who need regular toning after highlights or bleach.
-
Clients who want to experiment with fashion tones without the commitment of permanent color.
-
Anyone interested in enhancing natural shine and improving overall hair condition.
While Shades EQ is a professional-grade product, many people use it at home under the guidance of a stylist or with detailed instructions, especially for root touch-ups or glossing treatments.
How to Apply Shades EQ
Although it’s always best to have a licensed professional apply hair color, here’s a general overview of how Shades EQ is used:
-
Mixing Ratio – Mix one part Shades EQ color with one part Shades EQ Processing Solution. This ensures proper consistency and maximum results.
-
Application – Apply to dry or towel-dried hair using an applicator bottle or brush.
-
Processing Time – Leave on for 20 minutes at room temperature. For more intense toning, leave on a bit longer as advised by your stylist.
-
Rinse and Condition – Rinse thoroughly and follow with a color-safe conditioner or mask.
Tip: Always do a strand test first to see how your hair reacts to the shade and timing.
Popular Shades EQ Combinations
Here are a few tried-and-tested tone formulas:
-
Blonde Brightening: 09V (Platinum Ice) + 09T (Chrome) for a cool, icy blonde.
-
Warm Glow: 08GG (Gold Dip) + 09G (Butter Cream) for a golden, sunkissed effect.
-
Brunette Boost: 06N (Mojave) + 06T (Iron) for a smoky chocolate result.
-
Copper Shine: 08C (Cayenne) + 07CC (Sunstone) for bold, spicy redheads.
These mixes help showcase the flexibility of the Shades EQ range for achieving stunning, on-trend looks.
Conclusion: The Shine You Deserve with Shades EQ
Whether you’re a seasoned hair colorist or someone who simply wants to boost your hair’s brilliance, Shades EQ offers a powerful, gentle, and effective solution. With its rich palette of tones, nourishing formula, and multi-functional uses, this demi-permanent gloss redefines what it means to color and care for your hair at the same time.
If you’re looking to unlock brilliant hair color and unleash your hair’s natural shine, explore the professional-grade world of Shades EQ. Join the millions who trust this iconic glossing solution to tone, enhance, correct, and bring out the best in every strand.