Introduction
In the world of professional hair color, few products hold the prestige, popularity, and performance of Redken Shades EQ. Celebrated by celebrity colorists and salon professionals alike, Shades EQ is synonymous with healthy hair glossing, toner perfection, and damage-free shine. However, to unlock the real magic of this product line, stylists and color enthusiasts must become well-acquainted with its most essential tool—the Redken Shades EQ chart.
This comprehensive chart is more than a rainbow of tones. It’s a detailed guide to understanding undertones, levels, correction methods, and color-enhancing possibilities. It supports everyone from beginner stylists to seasoned professionals in achieving flawless hair color outcomes.
In this detailed 1500-word article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Redken Shades EQ chart—what it is, how it works, why it matters, its recent rise in popularity, plus essential benefits, tips, usage examples, and more.
What Is the Redken Shades EQ Chart?
The Redken Shades EQ chart is a color-coded visual map that categorizes and explains every shade available in the Shades EQ demi-permanent hair glossing line. Each shade is organized by:
- Level (1 to 10): This indicates the depth of color, from darkest black (1) to lightest blonde (10).
- Tone (e.g., V, G, N, T, etc.): This refers to the underlying pigment, such as violet, gold, neutral, titanium, etc.
Each shade is written as a level + tone combo (e.g., 9V, 6T, 7NB), and the chart organizes these for quick and effective selection based on the client’s starting tone and desired end result.
Why Is the Redken Shades EQ Chart Important?
Hair color formulation is a science. And without the right reference, the results can go from radiant to regrettable. That’s where the Shades EQ chart becomes essential.
Here’s why it’s so vital:
- Tone Correction
It helps professionals neutralize unwanted undertones like brassiness or yellow using complementary tones. - Precision in Color Formulation
The chart assists in choosing the right mix of tones for cool, warm, or neutral results. - Client Customization
Every client is different. The chart helps stylists create custom blends tailored to individual preferences and skin tones. - Damage-Free Results
With the chart’s help, colorists can deliver glossy, vibrant color without compromising hair integrity. - Consistency Across Applications
Helps replicate results reliably in follow-up visits or for team-based salons.
Why Is the Redken Shades EQ Chart Trending?
While Shades EQ has been a professional favorite for years, recent cultural, digital, and fashion shifts have thrown this product—and its chart—into the spotlight.
Top reasons it’s trending now:
- Social Media Hair Color Trends
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of stylists showcasing “before and after” gloss transformations, always crediting the specific EQ shades they used. - Celebrity Colorist Usage
High-profile stylists like Tracey Cunningham and Cassondra Kaeding regularly use Redken and post formulas online—prompting demand for the same results. - Increased Focus on Hair Health
With growing awareness of hair wellness, more clients are requesting non-damaging toning solutions—leading them to Shades EQ. - DIY Culture and Pro Education Access
Redken has made its educational tools more accessible, giving independent stylists and home colorists a chance to learn directly from the chart. - Expansion of the Shades Line
New shade families like Ash Browns, Warm Naturals, and Gold Iridescents have been added, offering more nuanced choices.
Benefits of the Redken Shades EQ Chart
This color chart does more than guide—you can consider it a strategic tool in delivering salon-grade excellence every time.
Key benefits include:
- ✅ Improved tonal accuracy for desired hair color
- ✅ Balanced results without harsh lines or hot roots
- ✅ Reliable gray blending and glossing
- ✅ Support for corrective color techniques
- ✅ Better communication between stylist and client
- ✅ Higher client satisfaction and retention
- ✅ Increased confidence in both colorists and clients
- ✅ Saves time and product with less trial and error
Main Tone Families in the Redken Shades EQ Chart
Understanding tone families is the first step to mastering the chart. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Code | Name | Tone | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| N | Neutral | Balanced | Natural glossing |
| NB | Neutral Brown/Blonde | Warm brown | Soft brunette tones |
| G | Gold | Warm | Golden blondes |
| VG | Violet Gold | Cool + warm | Beige blondes |
| T | Titanium | Cool (blue) | Orange canceling |
| V | Violet | Cool (purple) | Yellow neutralization |
| P | Pearl | Cool violet-blue | Soft platinum |
| B | Blue | Strong cool | Extreme brassiness |
| GN | Green Natural | Ash | Red neutralization |
| C | Copper | Warm orange | Rich red tones |
| RR | Rubilane Red | Intense red | Bold red color |
Each of these tones is available in multiple levels, allowing you to tone or gloss from deep brunettes to icy blondes.
How to Use the Redken Shades EQ Chart Step-by-Step
1. Identify the Client’s Starting Level
Use a swatch or color wheel to match the current hair level (e.g., Level 8).
2. Determine the Underlying Pigment
Bleached hair has pale yellow undertones, while Level 6 might reveal orange.
3. Choose Desired Tone Outcome
Do they want ash blonde? Caramel warmth? Rose gold? This will define the tone you’ll aim for.
4. Select Shades from the Chart
Use the chart to find the correct tone and level, often mixing multiple tones for the best results.
Example: To cancel yellow from Level 9 hair → Use 9V (Iridescent) or 9P (Pearl).
5. Mix Properly
Shades EQ should be mixed 1:1 with Shades EQ Processing Solution. Apply for 20 minutes, or adjust time for subtle results.
Popular Formulas Using the Redken Shades EQ Chart
Here are tried-and-true formulas stylists love:
- Icy Blonde
- Mix: 9V + 9P (equal parts)
- Neutralizes: Pale yellow
- Result: Bright platinum tone
- Bronde Gloss
- Mix: 7NB + 7G
- Adds: Warmth and shine to medium brunettes
- Result: Sun-kissed bronde
- Root Shadow + Blonde Blend
- Mix: 6T for roots, 9V on ends
- Creates: Dimensional root melt
- Result: Seamless gradient with cool end tone
- Glossy Gray Blend
- Mix: 7N + Clear
- Blends: Gray without full coverage
- Result: Soft, multidimensional finish
Helpful Hints for Using the Chart
To get the best results every time, consider these expert tips:
- Always tone on clean, damp hair for even absorption.
- Mix warm and cool tones for neutral, beige-like finishes.
- Use Clear (Crystal Clear 000) to dilute intense colors.
- Pre-tone overly brassy hair before applying fashion shades.
- Try dual toning—root and end formulations for seamless blends.
- Consider porosity—highly porous hair grabs color more aggressively.
- Practice swatching formulas on hair swatches before full application.
- Write down your formulas for reference and repeat services.
Why Use the Redken Shades EQ Chart Instead of Guesswork?
Although some may attempt to mix toners by eye or intuition, this chart provides:
- Scientific accuracy backed by years of Redken research
- More predictability and control during creative color sessions
- Less corrective work in case of over-toning
- Clear explanations for clients, improving trust
- Educational growth for stylists mastering formulation
Using the chart is like cooking with a trusted recipe—you’ll still add your flavor, but the foundation is reliable.
Conclusion
The Redken Shades EQ chart is more than a guide—it’s a trusted ally in the pursuit of perfect hair color. From beginner stylists to elite celebrity colorists, this chart ensures precise toning, safe color correction, creative customization, and consistent glossing results.
Whether you’re canceling brass, boosting shine, or blending grays, using the Redken Shades EQ chart is the key to unlocking truly professional color at every level. If hair color is your canvas, the EQ chart is your palette—study it, use it, and master the art of gloss.
Also Read: Helen Lasichanh: A Modern Icon of Quiet Influence
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the chart for fashion colors?
Yes, especially when you understand underlying pigment. Add Shades EQ Pastels or Reds for creative mixes.
Is this chart helpful for gray blending?
Absolutely. Pair neutral tones with clear or natural browns to softly blend gray.
Is Shades EQ safe for damaged hair?
Yes. It’s acidic and ammonia-free, making it ideal for compromised hair.
How long does Shades EQ last?
Typically 4–6 weeks, depending on wash frequency and product usage.
Do you need a developer with it?
Yes. Always use Shades EQ Processing Solution in a 1:1 ratio.
Where can I get the full chart?
Most salons have printed versions. Redken also provides digital PDFs and salon education tools.
