Redken Shades EQ Instructions: A Comprehensive Guide
Redken Shades EQ offers a versatile gloss system, delivering incredible shine and tone with a remarkably fast, easy twenty-minute processing time for stunning results.
This comprehensive guide details everything needed to expertly utilize Shades EQ, from initial consultation to achieving vibrant, long-lasting color.
Whether you’re a professional stylist or a dedicated at-home user, mastering these instructions will unlock the full potential of this exceptional hair gloss.
Understanding Shades EQ Gloss
Shades EQ Gloss is a unique demi-permanent hair color, celebrated for its ability to enhance natural shine and tone without causing significant damage or lift.
Unlike traditional hair color, Shades EQ doesn’t utilize ammonia or peroxide, making it gentler on the hair shaft and ideal for maintaining color between salon visits.
It functions by depositing color onto the hair’s surface, effectively blending grays, correcting unwanted tones, and adding incredible vibrancy.
The formula’s versatility allows for customization, with options for dilution to achieve subtle or more intense color results, catering to diverse hair types and desired looks.
Redken specifically designed Shades EQ to be paired with its dedicated Processing Solution, ensuring optimal color development and longevity, delivering professional-quality results.
Its vegan formula further enhances its appeal, offering a guilt-free coloring experience.
What is Shades EQ and its Benefits?
Redken Shades EQ is a demi-permanent hair gloss that delivers stunning, multi-dimensional color with incredible shine, acting as a color-enhancing and conditioning treatment.
Its primary benefit lies in its gentle formulation, lacking ammonia and minimal peroxide, preserving hair’s integrity while imparting rich, vibrant tones.
Shades EQ excels at toning, blending grays seamlessly, correcting brassiness, and refreshing existing color, extending the life of your salon investment.
The gloss adds noticeable shine and smoothness, leaving hair looking healthier and more radiant, enhancing its overall appearance and manageability.
With a quick twenty-minute processing time, it’s a convenient solution for achieving salon-quality results at home or maintaining color between professional appointments.
Its versatility allows for customized color creation, catering to individual preferences and hair needs.
Shades EQ vs. Traditional Hair Color
Redken Shades EQ fundamentally differs from traditional permanent hair color due to its demi-permanent nature, lacking ammonia and containing minimal peroxide.
Traditional color lifts and deposits, altering the hair’s natural pigment, while Shades EQ primarily deposits color, gently coating the hair shaft for subtle enhancements.
This means Shades EQ won’t dramatically lighten hair but excels at toning, glossing, and blending grays without causing significant damage.
Permanent color offers longer-lasting results, requiring less frequent touch-ups, but can be more damaging over time, leading to dryness and breakage.
Shades EQ fades gradually, minimizing harsh root lines and offering a more natural-looking color transition, ideal for maintaining vibrancy between salon visits.
It’s a superior choice for enhancing existing color, adding shine, and improving hair condition without compromising its health.
Preparation for Application
Successful Shades EQ application begins with a thorough consultation, precise color selection, and a crucial strand test for predictable, beautiful results.
Gathering all necessary tools and materials beforehand ensures a smooth, efficient, and professional coloring experience.
Consultation and Color Selection
A detailed consultation is paramount before applying Shades EQ. Discuss the client’s desired tone and current hair condition, noting any previous color treatments or damage.
Understanding the client’s expectations and hair history allows for accurate color selection, preventing unwanted results. Consider the client’s skin tone and eye color to complement their overall appearance.
Shades EQ offers a vast palette; utilize the shade selector to pinpoint the perfect hue. For gray blending, warmer tones often work best, while cooler tones can neutralize brassiness.
Remember that Shades EQ is an ammonia-free gloss, meaning it deposits color without lift. Therefore, pre-lightening may be necessary to achieve desired brightness on darker hair.
Always document the chosen shades and formulation for future reference and consistent results. Accurate record-keeping is essential for maintaining color integrity.
Performing a Strand Test
A strand test is a crucial step before a full Shades EQ application, especially with new formulas or on previously colored hair. This ensures predictable results and minimizes potential damage.
Select a small, inconspicuous section of hair – ideally from the nape of the neck. Mix a small amount of Shades EQ according to the standard 1:1 ratio with the processing solution.
Apply the mixture to the strand, following the intended application technique (dry or wet hair). Process for the full recommended time of twenty minutes, or as adjusted for porosity.
Rinse, dry, and evaluate the color result. Assess the tone, intensity, and overall condition of the hair. This reveals how the formula interacts with the hair’s texture.
Adjust the formula or processing time if necessary, based on the strand test outcome. This proactive step safeguards against unexpected color changes or adverse effects.
Gathering Necessary Tools & Materials
Successful Shades EQ application requires specific tools and materials for optimal results. Begin with a Shades EQ Gloss shade of your choice and the dedicated Shades EQ Processing Solution, ensuring a 1:1 mixing ratio.
Essential tools include a non-metallic mixing bowl and applicator brush for precise application. Sectioning clips are vital for organized hair division, guaranteeing even coverage.
Gloves are non-negotiable to protect your skin from staining. A timer is crucial for accurate processing time management, typically twenty minutes.
Have a clean towel readily available to protect clothing and surfaces. Consider a plastic cap for accelerated processing with heat, and Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner for aftercare.
Finally, ensure you have a thorough rinsing system, like a shampoo bowl, to completely remove the gloss, leaving hair vibrant and healthy.
Mixing Shades EQ
Shades EQ requires a precise 1:1 mixing ratio of Shades EQ Gloss and Shades EQ Processing Solution for optimal color development and longevity.
Dilution may be necessary for porous or damaged hair to control color intensity and prevent over-toning.
Correct Mixing Ratio (1:1)
Achieving the perfect color with Redken Shades EQ hinges on precise mixing. The cornerstone of successful application is adhering to the strict 1:1 ratio – equal parts Shades EQ Gloss and Shades EQ Processing Solution. This isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a fundamental rule for predictable and consistent results.
For instance, if you’re using 2 ounces of gloss, you must combine it with 2 ounces of the processing solution. Utilizing measuring tools, like graduated beakers, is highly recommended to ensure accuracy, avoiding guesswork that can compromise the final shade.
Incorrect ratios can lead to unpredictable color outcomes, ranging from insufficient color deposit to overly intense tones. Maintaining this balance guarantees the gloss develops as intended, delivering the desired shine and vibrancy. Remember, consistency is key to mastering Shades EQ!
Using Shades EQ Processing Solution
Shades EQ Processing Solution is specifically formulated to activate the Shades EQ Gloss, unlocking its vibrant color and conditioning benefits. It’s crucial to understand this isn’t a one-size-fits-all developer; it’s designed exclusively for use with the Shades EQ system.
The solution’s gentle formula minimizes damage while effectively opening the hair cuticle to allow color penetration. It’s important to note that using alternative developers can drastically alter the results and potentially harm the hair’s integrity.
Always ensure the processing solution is fresh and hasn’t expired, as this can affect its efficacy. When mixed correctly at a 1:1 ratio, it provides the optimal environment for the gloss to develop, delivering predictable and beautiful color every time.
Dilution for Porous or Damaged Hair
When working with porous or damaged hair, dilution of Shades EQ is essential to prevent over-toning and potential unwanted color results. Utilizing Shades EQ 000 Crystal Clear is highly recommended to gently deposit color and minimize intensity.
For significantly porous hair, consider increasing the dilution ratio beyond the standard 1:1, potentially using two parts processing solution to one part gloss. This slows down color development, allowing for better control.
Processing for the full recommended time at room temperature, even with dilution, is crucial for achieving the desired tone. Remember to carefully monitor the hair throughout the processing time, checking for color development. Lighter color deposit is the goal, ensuring a subtle and healthy-looking result.
Application Techniques
Shades EQ can be applied to both dry and wet (wrung-out) hair, with processing times varying accordingly; sectioning ensures even saturation and consistent color development.
Application on Dry vs. Wet Hair
Redken Shades EQ offers flexibility in application, performing beautifully on both dry and wet hair, though the approach and processing times differ significantly. For optimal results and longevity, many professionals recommend applying Shades EQ Gloss to dry hair, allowing the color to fully develop over the standard 20-minute processing period.
However, application to wet, wrung-out hair is also viable, often favored for quicker services, typically around 5-10 minutes at the shampoo bowl. It’s crucial to note that Redken’s official instructions initially specify application on dry hair. When applying to wet hair, careful monitoring is essential to prevent over-processing or insufficient color deposit.
The choice depends on the desired intensity, hair porosity, and stylist preference, but understanding these nuances is key to achieving predictable and stunning results with Shades EQ.
Sectioning Hair for Even Coverage
Achieving uniform color with Redken Shades EQ hinges on meticulous hair sectioning. Proper sectioning ensures every strand receives adequate product saturation, preventing patchy or uneven results. Begin by dividing the hair into four quadrants – from crown to nape and ear to ear – using a comb for clean lines.
Within each quadrant, further subsection into smaller, manageable sections, approximately 1-2 inches wide. This allows for precise application and thorough saturation. For root touch-ups, isolate the new growth area, while a full head application requires consistent sectioning throughout the entire head.
Consistent section sizes and a systematic approach are paramount for predictable and beautiful color outcomes with Shades EQ, guaranteeing even tone and maximum shine.
Root Application vs. Full Head Application
The application strategy for Redken Shades EQ depends on the desired outcome. Root applications target new growth, blending seamlessly with previously colored lengths. Focus solely on the roots, avoiding overlap onto existing color to prevent unwanted darkening or banding. Precise application is key, utilizing a brush for controlled placement.
A full head application, conversely, saturates all hair from root to tip, ideal for overall tone adjustments or refreshing faded color. Ensure complete coverage by working in small, consistent sections.
Consider hair porosity; more porous ends may absorb color faster, potentially requiring less saturation. Always prioritize even distribution for a uniform, glossy finish with Shades EQ.
Processing Time & Methods
Redken Shades EQ typically processes for twenty minutes at room temperature, but heat acceleration—fifteen minutes under a dryer—boosts vibrancy and gray blending effectively.
Standard Processing Time (20 Minutes)
Redken consistently recommends a standard processing time of twenty minutes when utilizing Shades EQ Gloss at room temperature to achieve optimal color development and longevity. This timeframe allows the color pigments to fully deposit and interact with the hair shaft, resulting in a beautiful, noticeable tone.
For the best and most predictable results, it’s crucial to adhere to this recommended duration, especially when performing initial applications or when aiming for a subtle color enhancement. Developing the color for the full twenty minutes ensures the gloss delivers its intended vibrancy and shine.
Diluting the formula, particularly for porous or damaged hair, doesn’t alter the standard processing time; instead, it manages the intensity of color deposit. Remember, consistent timing is key to achieving reliable and repeatable results with Shades EQ.
Accelerated Processing with Heat (15 Minutes with Dryer)
For more vibrant color results, or when blending gray hair, Redken Shades EQ Gloss processing can be accelerated by utilizing gentle heat. Applying a plastic cap over the sectioned hair, followed by fifteen minutes under a pre-heated warm dryer, significantly speeds up color development.
This method allows for a quicker service time without compromising color intensity. After the fifteen minutes under the dryer, it’s essential to remove the cap and allow the hair to cool for five minutes at room temperature before rinsing.
The heat helps to open the hair cuticle, facilitating deeper color penetration. Remember to maintain a consistent, warm (not hot) temperature to avoid any potential damage and ensure even color distribution throughout the hair.
Adjusting Processing Time for Desired Intensity
Redken Shades EQ offers flexibility in achieving your desired color intensity through adjustments to the processing time. For a lighter color deposit, particularly on porous hair, processing for the full recommended time at room temperature is advised. Utilizing Shades EQ Gloss 000 Crystal Clear can also minimize color uptake.
Conversely, when seeking more vibrant results, extending the processing time beyond the standard twenty minutes can deepen the tone. However, careful monitoring is crucial to prevent over-toning.
Diluting the formula can also lessen color deposit. Remember that individual hair porosity and existing color significantly influence the final outcome, so strand tests are vital for precise control and predictable results.
Rinsing & Aftercare
Thoroughly rinse the hair to remove all traces of Shades EQ, then follow with Redken’s Color Extend shampoo and conditioner for optimal longevity.
Thorough Rinsing Procedure
Ensuring a complete rinse is crucial after Shades EQ processing to prevent any residual color from affecting the final result or causing unwanted staining. Begin with lukewarm water, gently emulsifying the gloss as you rinse to lift away any remaining product.
Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear, meticulously checking all sections of the hair, particularly around the hairline and nape of the neck, where product can accumulate.
Avoid using excessively hot water, as this can open the hair cuticle and potentially cause some color to fade. A gentle, thorough rinse is the key to achieving a clean canvas for optimal color vibrancy and longevity. Double-check for any remaining traces, ensuring a pristine finish.
This meticulous step sets the stage for beautiful, healthy-looking hair.
Using Color Extend Shampoo & Conditioner
To maximize the longevity and vibrancy of your Shades EQ gloss, incorporating Redken’s Color Extend line into your aftercare routine is essential. Color Extend Shampoo is specifically formulated to gently cleanse the hair without stripping away color molecules, preserving the richness and tone of your gloss.
Follow with Color Extend Conditioner, which replenishes moisture and strengthens the hair cuticle, enhancing shine and manageability. These products work synergistically to protect your investment and maintain a salon-quality finish.
Use these products consistently with each wash, avoiding harsh sulfates and aggressive cleansing agents. This will ensure your color remains radiant and true-to-tone for an extended period, keeping your hair looking its absolute best.
Maintaining Color Longevity
Preserving the brilliance of your Shades EQ gloss requires a proactive approach to hair care. Minimize washing frequency to prevent premature color fading; aim for 2-3 washes per week. When washing, use cool water, as hot water opens the cuticle and releases color.
Always employ a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, like Redken’s Color Extend line, to protect your investment. Shield your hair from excessive heat styling, utilizing heat protectant sprays before blow-drying or using hot tools.
Regular deep conditioning treatments will help maintain moisture balance and prevent dryness, contributing to color retention. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can also cause fading, and consider using a UV protectant spray when outdoors.
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