In the fast-moving world of Australian hairdressing, staying ahead of trends while keeping clients’ hair healthy is a constant balancing act. If you’ve worked in a salon over the past few years, you’ve almost certainly come across the iconic little pink bottle of Redken Shades EQ Gloss.
Redken Shades EQ Gloss has transformed the way professional stylists approach hair colour. It is not only a toner, it is a multi-purpose, acidic, demi-permanent tool that doubles up to act as a conditioner but imparts high-impact shine and tonal precision. Whether you're neutralising brassy blondes, refreshing faded brunettes, or adding a glass-like shine to natural hair, Shades EQ offers exceptional versatility for salon professionals.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything Australian salon professionals need to know about using Redken Shades EQ in Australia to make their services more impressive and maintain their customer base.
What Is Redken Shades EQ Gloss? (Professional Guide for Australian Salons)
Redken Shades EQ Gloss is a demi-permanent liquid hair colour that is acidic. The Shades EQ acidic formula gets the hair to a natural pH level, unlike other traditional alkaline hair colours, which open the hair cuticle to deposit pigment.
It’s a zero-lift colour gloss that works like a conditioner while delivering vibrant tonal results. It works by depositing colour with a combination of direct and oxidative dyes, leaving the hair incredibly shiny and soft to the touch.
Key Characteristics:
· Acidic pH Formula: Helps close the hair cuticle for smoother, shinier results.
· Ammonia-Free Formula: Gentle on the hair and scalp with minimal odour.
· Zero Lift: It will not take off the natural pigment of the hair.
· Liquid Consistency: Perfect for fast application, bottle glossing and colour melting techniques.
2. Why Australian Stylists Prefer Redken Shades EQ Toner
Australia’s harsh sun, coastal saltwater, and humidity can quickly fade hair colour. This is where a professional hair gloss treatment like Shades EQ becomes essential for salons.
Why it’s a must-have:
· Colour Without Commitment: It is a gloss, and as a result, it fades gradually in around 4–6 weeks (roughly 20–28 washes) without creating a harsh regrowth line.
· Speed of Service: Most of the formulas will be completed within 20 minutes, and so it is a great addition to the Australian salons that are very busy.
· Unrivalled Shine: It has the wheat amino acids that are used to condition the hair, leaving the hair with a mirror-like shine, also commonly known as the shine bomb service.
· Versatility: It does it all, from toning of blonde hair to grey blending (up to 50% coverage) and colour correction.
3. Understanding the Redken Shades EQ Colour Chart
Use of Redken Shades EQ Gloss requires one to know its numbering and lettering system. The Redken Shades EQ colour chart is organised into levels (01–10) and tonal families.
The Level System
· Level 10 & 09: Ultra-pale and very light blondes. Ideal for doing high-level toning.
· Level 06–08: Light brown and Medium blondes. Best for freshening up worn colours.
· Level 03–05: Medium to dark browns. Excellent in low light and shadow.
· Level 01: Deepest black.
The Tonal Families (Letters)
The shades are marked by letters which reveal their base tone. Common families include:
· P (Pearl): Blue/Violet base. Perfect for creating icy, cool blonde tones.
· V (Violet): Neutralises yellow. Critical to creamy, bright blondes.
· NB (Neutral Brown): Offers a natural and balanced outcome. Great for grey blending.
· G (Gold): Does not provide brassiness, but it adds warmth and radiance.
· T (Titanium): Silver/Blue tones to obtain metallic effects, which are smoky.
Between the Shades: Use the 000 Crystal Clear to dilute any shade in case the tone is needed, but the shade is required to be not so intense or sheer.
4. Blending and Implementation: The Pro Approach.
To ensure consistent and quality performance, it is necessary to adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer. One of the usual errors is to consider Shades EQ as a regular tint.
The Ratio
The mixing ratio is always 1:1.
· 1 part Redken Shades EQ Gloss
· 1 part Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution
Choosing Your Developer
Redken Shades EQ uses two dedicated processing solutions:
1. Processing Solution (Liquid): The most popular one when it comes to bottle applications, glazes, and fast toning at the basin.
2. Processing Solution for Precision Application (Gloss-to-Gel): This is used to convert the liquid into a gel, which is ideal when using the brush and also when performing lowlighting and precision, such as root smudging.
The 20-Minute Rule
Shades EQ should process for the full 20 minutes at room temperature.
· Why? The initial minutes are the working time of the first few dyes. The remaining time enables the development and fixation of the dyes to be long-lasting by the oxidative dyes. Rinsing too early will make the colour fade away much quicker.
· Dry Hair vs. Damp Hair: For maximum colour deposit and longer-lasting results, apply to dry hair. When applied to wet hair, the formula will be diluted and will be left with a lighter finish.
5. Top 5 Benefits of Professional Hair Gloss Treatments
Hair colour gloss treatment could be a great way of boosting the average amount that your salon collects on a ticket, depending on the satisfaction of the clients.
Top Benefits of Redken Shades EQ Gloss for Australian Salons
| Benefit | Client Benefits | How it Helps the Salon |
|---|---|---|
| Cancels Brass | Keeps blonde hair looking fresh and premium. | Encourages frequent toner appointments. |
| Fills Porosity | Smooths lightened hair. | Enhances the quality of colour services. |
| No Lift Formula | No natural hair pigment damage. | Suitable for chemically treated hair. |
| Vibrant Shine | Creates glossy, Instagram-ready results. | Perfect for portfolio photos. |
| pH Balancing | Seals the cuticle after colour services. | Essential after bleaching treatments. |
6. Shades EQ Bonder Inside: The Next Generation Toner
Recently, Redken launched Shades EQ Bonder Inside. It is a toner and all-in-one bonder. It has Citric Acid and Taurine that work to strengthen sensitised bonds of the hair as you tone.
In the case of Australian salons, which do a lot of heavy blonde or balayage, the Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside is a revelation. It does not require an external bonding additive, saves you money and time, and at the same time makes the hair remain strong.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to use the developer of another brand on Redken Shades EQ?
No. Redken Shades EQ toner was created to be used with a special Processing Solution (2% hydrogen peroxide). Any increase in the amount of volume to be used or the developer of another brand will disrupt the pH balance, resulting in hair lifting up or the colour becoming unpredictable.
What is the life span of Redken Shades EQ Gloss?
As a rule, it takes 20 to 28 shampoos. Ageing will be influenced by things such as water quality, exposure to the sun (which is prevalent in Australia!), and using professional sulphate-free shampoos.
Does Shades EQ cover grey hair?
Shades EQ is meant to be applied to blend grey hair (up to 50 percent), not offer 100 percent opaque coverage. It suits best to grey camouflage for clients who desire an easy-looking appearance.
Is Redken Shades EQ Gloss vegan?
Yes, the formula of Shades EQ is vegan (it does not have animal ingredients in it).
8. Recap: Redken Australia: Grow Your Salon.
Redken Shades EQ Gloss is more than just a toner — it’s a complete professional colour system that gives stylists incredible creative flexibility. By understanding its acidic technology and extensive colour chart, Australian salons can deliver customised results that leave hair healthier, shinier, and more vibrant.
From icy blondes using 09V to ultra-glossy finishes with 000 Crystal Clear, Shades EQ remains one of the most trusted salon toners in the industry.
For Australian salon professionals, keeping a full range of Redken Shades EQ toners in your backbar is one of the smartest ways to enhance colour services and keep clients coming back.
If you’re a salon professional looking to buy Redken Shades EQ in Australia, you can explore the full professional collection here.