How To Use Redken Shades EQ: Your Guide To Gorgeous Hair Color Today

Anais Jerde 17 Aug 2025

Are you looking for a way to refresh your hair color, maybe tone down some brassiness, or perhaps just add a lovely shine? So, many people are turning to Redken Shades EQ, and for some really good reasons. It's almost like a secret weapon for hair color that salon professionals have used for ages, but it's also something you can learn to use at home with a bit of guidance. This demi-permanent hair gloss is a favorite because it treats your hair gently while delivering beautiful, natural-looking results, which is pretty amazing.

This particular product, Redken Shades EQ, is not a permanent dye; it's more of a toner or a gloss. What that means is it deposits color without lifting your hair's natural shade, making it a very kind choice for your strands. It's often used to correct unwanted tones, like those pesky yellow or orange hues, or just to add a layer of beautiful, reflective shine. You know, it's that kind of product that can make your hair look incredibly healthy and vibrant.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to use Redken Shades EQ. We'll talk about getting your supplies ready, understanding the different parts of the product, and then actually applying it to your hair. We'll also cover some common questions and tips for keeping your color looking good for a while. You'll find that with a little bit of preparation, you can achieve salon-like results right where you are, which is honestly quite empowering.

What is Redken Shades EQ?
Why Choose Redken Shades EQ?
Gathering Your Supplies
Understanding Redken Shades EQ Products
Choosing Your Shade
Mixing Redken Shades EQ
Application Techniques
Aftercare for Your Shades EQ Color
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Making Your Color Last
When to See a Professional

What is Redken Shades EQ?

Redken Shades EQ is a very popular demi-permanent hair color. It’s often called a "gloss" because it adds a lot of shine and conditions the hair while it colors. This product works by depositing color onto the hair's surface, so it doesn't really change your natural pigment. It's quite gentle, and that's a big part of its appeal, honestly.

Unlike permanent hair dyes, Shades EQ does not contain ammonia, and it uses an acidic formula. This acidic nature helps to close the hair cuticle, which makes your hair look super shiny and feel incredibly smooth. It’s pretty much like a treatment for your hair that also adds color. So, it’s a win-win situation.

Why Choose Redken Shades EQ?

There are several good reasons why people pick Redken Shades EQ for their hair coloring needs. One big reason is its ability to tone. If your blonde hair has turned a bit yellow or orange, this product can really help to neutralize those unwanted tones, giving you a much cooler or more natural blonde. It’s quite effective for that, you know.

Another benefit is the incredible shine it gives. It’s like a topcoat for your hair, making it look incredibly healthy and vibrant. Plus, since it’s demi-permanent, it fades gradually over time, so you don't get a harsh regrowth line. This makes it a really low-commitment option, which is nice if you're not ready for a big change. It's just a little commitment, in a way.

It’s also very versatile. You can use it to refresh faded permanent color, blend gray hairs subtly, or just add a new tone to your existing hair. This flexibility is a major plus for many people. You can really experiment a bit with it, too.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start, getting everything ready is a really good idea. Having all your tools nearby makes the process much smoother and less messy. You don't want to be scrambling for something in the middle of applying color, which could be a bit stressful, right?

Here’s a list of what you'll typically need:

Redken Shades EQ Gloss or Cream: Your chosen color shade.
Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution: This is the specific developer for Shades EQ. You really need this one.
Mixing Bowl: A non-metallic bowl for combining your color and developer.
Applicator Brush or Bottle: For applying the mixture to your hair. A bottle is often easier for all-over application, while a brush is good for precise work.
Gloves: To protect your hands from staining. Disposable ones are usually best.
Old Towels or Clothes: To protect your clothes and surfaces from any spills. Hair color can stain, so be prepared, basically.
Timer: To keep track of your processing time accurately.
Clips: To section your hair for easier application.
Comb: For detangling and sectioning.
Shampoo and Conditioner: Specifically for color-treated hair, to use after rinsing.

Understanding Redken Shades EQ Products
Redken Shades EQ comes in a few different forms, and knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your hair goals. They all work with the same processing solution, but they offer slightly different results and application experiences. It's like having options, you know?

Shades EQ Gloss

This is probably the most well-known version. Shades EQ Gloss is a liquid demi-permanent hair color that’s famous for its incredible shine and conditioning benefits. It's fantastic for toning, refreshing faded color, or adding a sheer wash of color. It's often used to create that "expensive" looking hair finish. It just gives a really nice glow, apparently.

Shades EQ Cream

Shades EQ Cream offers a thicker, creamier consistency, which some people find easier to work with, especially for more precise applications or when you want less drip. It provides similar toning and conditioning benefits to the Gloss but with a different feel. It’s really good for root touch-ups or specific sections, in a way.

Shades EQ Bonder Inside

This is a newer addition to the Shades EQ family. Shades EQ Bonder Inside has a bonding agent built right into the formula. This means it helps to strengthen and protect the hair during the coloring process, which is especially good for hair that's been lightened or is a bit fragile. It’s like extra care for your hair while you color, which is pretty thoughtful, you know?

Choosing Your Shade

Picking the right shade is probably the most important step for getting the results you want. Redken Shades EQ colors are labeled with numbers and letters that tell you about their depth and tone. For example, a "9V" would be a very light blonde with violet tones, great for canceling yellow. You really need to understand these labels, that's for sure.

If you're looking to neutralize brassiness, you'll want a shade with a cool tone. Blue (B) helps with orange, and Violet (V) helps with yellow. If you just want to add shine or deepen your natural color slightly, you might choose a clear gloss or a shade very close to your current hair color. It's about what you're trying to achieve, obviously.

A good tip is to look at a color chart or even consult with a hair professional if you're unsure. You can also search for "Redken Shades EQ swatches" online to see how different shades look on various hair colors. Doing a strand test on a small, hidden piece of hair is also a very smart move before applying it all over. It’s a bit of extra effort, but totally worth it.

Mixing Redken Shades EQ

Mixing Redken Shades EQ is fairly simple, but getting the ratio right is absolutely key. The standard mixing ratio for Shades EQ Gloss, Cream, and Bonder Inside is 1:1. This means one part Shades EQ color to one part Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution. So, if you use 2 ounces of color, you need 2 ounces of developer, too.

Always use the specific Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution. Using a different developer, like a regular permanent color developer, will not give you the right results and could even damage your hair. It’s really important to stick to the recommended product for this, as a matter of fact.

Pour the Shades EQ color into your non-metallic mixing bowl first, then add the processing solution. Stir them together really well with your applicator brush until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. You want a consistent color throughout, just like you would want your yoga wear to be perfectly smooth and comfortable, as my text implies for the best alo leggings. That's a good way to think about it, anyway.

Application Techniques

Applying the Shades EQ mixture properly helps ensure even color and the best possible outcome. Taking your time here will really pay off. It’s not a race, you know?

Hair Preparation

It's generally recommended to apply Redken Shades EQ to clean, towel-dried hair. Some professionals prefer to apply it to completely dry hair for more intense results, especially for toning. If your hair is very wet, the water can dilute the color, making it less effective. So, aim for damp, not dripping, hair. This is usually the best way, more or less.

Before you start, make sure your hair is detangled. Section your hair into four main parts using clips: one down the middle from front to back, and then one across from ear to ear. This makes it much easier to apply the product evenly and not miss any spots. It's a pretty standard approach, actually.

Applying the Color

Put on your gloves before you begin applying. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. Apply the mixture section by section, making sure every strand is saturated. You can use your applicator brush to paint it on, or if you're using an applicator bottle, squeeze it directly onto the hair. Make sure you get good coverage, pretty much everywhere.

For toning, focus on the areas that need the most correction, like brassy sections. If you're doing an all-over refresh, be thorough but work quickly, as the processing time starts as soon as the product touches your hair. You want to get it on there fairly fast, you know?

Processing Time

The typical processing time for Redken Shades EQ is between 5 and 20 minutes. For toning, it might be as short as 5-10 minutes, especially if your hair is very porous or you're just looking to subtly adjust a tone. For a deeper color deposit or more shine, you might leave it on for the full 20 minutes. This is a very important step, obviously.

Always keep a close eye on your hair during processing. The color can develop quickly, and you don't want to over-tone or get an unwanted result. You can gently wipe a small strand with a damp towel to check the color development. When you're happy with the color, it's time to rinse. It’s all about watching it, really.

Aftercare for Your Shades EQ Color

Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water until the water runs clear. This is important to remove all the product from your hair. You don't want any lingering color on your scalp or strands. It's just a good practice, in a way.

After rinsing, shampoo your hair with a color-safe shampoo. This helps to further remove any residue and close the cuticle. Follow up with a good color-safe conditioner to add moisture and keep your hair feeling soft and healthy. Your hair will really appreciate this step, to be honest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people ask about using Redken Shades EQ:

How long do you leave Redken Shades EQ on?

You typically leave Redken Shades EQ on for about 5 to 20 minutes. The exact time depends on the desired result and your hair's porosity. For a quick tone or shine boost, 5-10 minutes might be enough. For a deeper color or more intense toning, you might go up to 20 minutes. It's really about watching your hair develop, you know?

Do you use Shades EQ on wet or dry hair?

Most often, Redken Shades EQ is applied to clean, towel-dried hair. This means your hair should be damp, not soaking wet, so the product doesn't get diluted. Some people prefer applying it to completely dry hair for a stronger color deposit, especially for toning very brassy areas. So, it depends a little on what you're aiming for, too.

What developer do you use with Redken Shades EQ?

You must use Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution with Redken Shades EQ. This is a 10 volume developer specifically formulated for this product's acidic properties. Using any other developer will not give you the intended results and could even harm your hair. It’s pretty specific, you see.

Making Your Color Last

To keep your Redken Shades EQ color looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, there are a few things you can do. These tips help protect your hair and the color molecules within it. It’s all about being kind to your hair, really.

Use Color-Safe Products: Always use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentle and help prevent premature fading.
Wash Less Often: Washing your hair less frequently can help preserve your color. On days you don't wash, consider using a dry shampoo.
Cooler Water: When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can open the hair cuticle, causing color to escape more quickly.
Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat from styling tools can fade color. Use heat protectants and try to air dry your hair when you can.
Protect from Sun: UV rays can also fade hair color. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, consider using hair products with UV filters or wearing a hat.
Regular Touch-Ups: Since Shades EQ is demi-permanent, it will fade. Plan for regular touch-ups every 4-6 weeks to keep your color looking its best. This just helps maintain it, you know?

When to See a Professional

While using Redken Shades EQ at home can be very rewarding, there are times when seeing a professional stylist is the best choice. If you're attempting a drastic color change, like going from very dark to very light, a professional can ensure your hair stays healthy and the results are even. They have the experience and tools, which is pretty helpful, actually.

If you've had a bad experience with home coloring in the past, or if your hair is severely damaged, a stylist can assess your hair's condition and recommend the safest approach. They can also mix custom shades that might be difficult to achieve on your own. Sometimes, it’s just better to let an expert handle it, you know? You can learn more about hair care on our site for general tips.

For complex color corrections, like fixing uneven tones or removing stubborn brassiness that just won't budge, a professional has the expertise to formulate a precise solution. They can also apply the product more accurately, especially for intricate techniques. If you're looking for more hair toning tips, you can link to this page for more hair toning tips.

Using Redken Shades EQ can really transform your hair, giving it a beautiful shine and a refreshed color. By following these steps and understanding the product, you're well on your way to achieving gorgeous results right at home. It's a pretty straightforward process once you get the hang of it, and it can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels. For more detailed product information, you might visit Redken's official website. It's a great resource, really.

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