Hair color experts often say that Redken Chromatics helps them get rich, shiny color while keeping the hair feeling healthy. But it’s not just the color formula that matters, it’s also how they use the Redken Chromatics Color Chart. This chart helps colorists choose and mix the right shades to get the exact look they want.
Instead of guessing or trying random combinations, the chart gives a clear guide. It shows all the shades available in the Redken Chromatics range and helps match them to the person’s hair goals. Whether someone wants to cover gray, go lighter, or just refresh their current color, the chart plays a big role in the process.
In this article, you’ll learn what the Redken Chromatics Color Chart is, how it works, and how professionals use it step by step. If you’ve ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes in a salon when using Chromatics, this guide will explain it all.
What Is Redken Chromatics?
Redken Chromatics is a permanent hair color product that is ammonia-free, making it gentler on your hair while coloring. It uses a special Oil Delivery System (ODS²) to make sure the color penetrates deeply into the hair, leaving it stronger and shinier.
Key points about Redken Chromatics:
- No Ammonia: It has no strong chemicals like ammonia, which makes the coloring process more pleasant.
- Gray Coverage: It can cover up to 100% of gray hair.
- Strengthens Hair: The color actually helps make your hair stronger and more resilient.
- Multi-Dimensional Color: It provides rich, shiny, and layered color.
- Different Formulas: It comes in various types for different looks, including vibrant colors and rich tones.
It’s available in different shades, and you can use different developers (10, 20, or 30 volume) to get the desired lift or color effect. The color lasts well and leaves hair looking shiny and healthy.
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Redken Chromatics Colour Chart Explained
The Chromatics shade chart is like a map for hair color. It shows you all the shades Redken Chromatics offers, and what results to expect. It’s not just about choosing a pretty color, you need to understand depth, tone, undertones, and gray coverage.
Each Chromatics color has a number and letters (example: 6NW or 4RV).
What the Number Means (Depth/Level)
This is the first digit before the letter(s) in the shade name. It tells how light or dark the color is. Redken uses a Level System from 1 to 10:
- Level 1: Deep black (cool, very dark)
- Level 2: Black (soft black, still very dark but less cool)
- Level 3: Darkest brown
- Level 4: Dark brown with red undertones
- Level 5: Medium brown, warm red-orange undertones
- Level 6: Light brown, underlying orange tone
- Level 7: Dark blonde, underlying yellow-orange
- Level 8: Medium blonde, underlying yellow
- Level 9: Light blonde, soft yellow
- Level 10: Very light blonde, pale yellow
Why it matters: When you lighten hair, you expose underlying warmth at each level. So if you lighten from level 4 to 7, you’ll likely see orange, and need to neutralize it with tone.
What the Letters Mean (Tone)
Letters show the tone or reflection, the actual color you’ll see when light hits the hair. This is layered on top of the depth. Here are some common tones in Chromatics:
| Letter | Meaning | Tone Description |
|---|---|---|
| N | Natural | Balanced, neutral, not warm or cool |
| NW | Natural Warm | Slightly golden or soft warm tone |
| W | Warm | More golden, soft copper tones |
| GB | Gold Beige | Golden with a soft beige finish |
| G | Gold | Strong yellow/gold |
| BR | Brown Red | Brown base with a red hint |
| RR | Red Red | Slightly golden or soft, warm tone |
| RV | Red Violet | Mix of red and violet tones |
| V | Violet | Soft purple tones |
| VR | Violet Red | Mix of violet with a reddish finish |
| BV | Blue Violet | Cool tones, good for toning warmth |
| A | Ash (Blue-Green) | Very cool, helps cancel orange tones |
| NA | Natural Ash | Neutral with a hint of coolness |
Why it matters: If someone has orange/brassy hair and wants a cooler look, a BV (blue violet) or A (ash) tone would balance it out.
Underlying Pigment (The Secret Behind Levels)
Every hair level has a natural pigment underneath. When hair is lightened, these undertones show up.
| Level | Underlying Pigment |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dark blue-black |
| 2 | Black-blue |
| 3 | Dark red-brown |
| 4 | Red |
| 5 | Red-orange |
| 6 | Orange |
| 7 | Yellow-orange |
| 8 | Yellow |
| 9 | Pale yellow |
| 10 | Very pale yellow |
Color Theory Wheel (Middle Right Side)
This shows how to correct or neutralize unwanted tones. It’s a color wheel that helps fix color problems (like brassiness). Colors opposite each other cancel out:
- Orange → cancel with blue
- Yellow → cancel with violet
- Red → cancel with green
This helps in formulating toners or corrective colors.
Shade Families On The Chart
This chart has several shade groups, placed from darkest (left) to lightest (right).
1. Chromatics Core Shades
- Main collection, wide range of naturals, cools, and warm tones.
- Used for gray coverage, tone changes, or full color.
2. Chromatics Beyond Cover
- Designed for gray or aging hair.
- Enriched with extra oils and coverage boosters.
3. Chromatics Remixed
- Pure pigment concentrates (Red, Blue, Violet, etc.).
- Not used alone. Add to formulas to boost or correct tone.
Gray Coverage Explained
Redken makes it easy:
| Gray % | What to Use |
|---|---|
| 0–50% | Any shade in the chart |
| 50–100% | Use N or NW series for best results |
| Resistant gray hair | Use Chromatics Beyond Cover + 20 vol |
Tip: Use a 20-volume developer for gray hair. Leave for a full 35 mins.
How To Choose The Right Chromatics Shade?
1. Know Your Natural Hair Level
Use the shade chart to match your current hair color level (1–10). This tells how dark or light your hair is. (Chart explained above). Decide If You Want to Go Lighter, Darker, or Same Level
- To go darker: pick a lower-level shade.
- To go lighter: pick a higher-level shade (you’ll need 20 or 30 vol developer).
- To stay the same: pick the same level with a new tone.
2. Check How Much Gray You Have
- 0–50% gray: use any shade.
- 50–100% gray: choose N or NW shades for full coverage. (More on this in the gray coverage section above)
3. Pick the Right Tone Based on Skin and Desired Result
- Warm tones (W, NW, GB): make skin look brighter.
- Cool tones (A, V, BV): cancel brassiness or give an ash look.
- Red/Violet (RR, RV, VR): for bold, rich color. (Tone letters explained above)
4. Consider the Underlying Pigment When Lightning
- To avoid brassiness, choose a tone that neutralizes the warm pigment. (Use the color wheel and pigment guide above)
How To Mix Redken Chromatic Hair Color?
After learning about the Redken Chromatics hair color chart, let’s understand how to mix Redken Chromatics color.
1. Use the Right Developer
Only use Redken Chromatics Oil-in-Cream Developer; no other developer works with Chromatics. Choose the developer strength based on your goal:
- 10 Volume – for darkening or subtle tone changes
- 20 Volume – for covering gray or going the same level
- 30 Volume – for lightening up to 3 levels
2. Mix Ratio
- Always mix 1 part Chromatics color + 1 part Chromatics developer
- Example: 2 oz of color + 2 oz of developer
3. Mix in a Bowl or Bottle
- You can mix in a color bowl with a brush or in an applicator bottle. Stir or shake well until smooth.
4. Apply on Dry, Unwashed Hair
- Chromatics is applied directly to dry, unwashed hair. No need to shampoo first.
5. Process for 35 Minutes
- Let it sit for a full 35 minutes, no heat needed.
6. Rinse and Condition
After time is up:
- Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair.
Important: Do not use heat or mix with other Redken lines (like Color Gels or Shades EQ).
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A Hair Colorist’s Workflow Using Redken Chromatics
1. Consultation: Discuss the client’s hair history, desired outcome, and assess the hair condition.
2. Color Selection: Choose an appropriate level and tone based on the client’s preferences and natural hair.
3. Preparation: Mix color and developer in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Application: Section hair and apply color evenly from roots to ends.
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5. Processing: Allow color to process for 35 minutes at room temperature.
6. Rinse and Condition: Rinse thoroughly and apply post-color treatment to seal and protect.
Redken Chromatics vs Other Redken Lines
| Feature | Chromatics | Shades EQ Gloss | Color Fusion | Color Gels Lacquers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia-Free | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Permanent Color | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Gray Coverage | Up to 100% | Blends | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Oil Delivery System | Yes | No | No | No |
| Processing Time | 35 minutes | 20 minutes | 35-45 minutes | 20-30 minutes |
| Ideal For | All hair types | Toning and refreshing | Traditional coloring | Quick gray coverage |
Redken Chromatics Color Chart PDF
Here is the Redken Chromatics color chart PDF:
Note: If the PDF doesn’t load, please refresh the page and wait here for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Redken Chromatics cover gray?
A1. Yes, Redken Chromatics covers gray hair up to 100% when used with the right formula and proper developer.
Q2. Can I use a regular developer with Redken chromatics?
A2. No, you cannot use regular developer with Redken Chromatics; it must be used with Chromatics Oil-in-Cream Developer for proper results and ammonia-free performance.
Q3. How long do you leave Redken Chromatics on?
A3. Redken Chromatics hair color should be left on the hair for 35 minutes.
Conclusion
So that wraps up our look at the Redken Chromatics Color Chart, hopefully, it’s a little less intimidating now! From understanding the shades to mixing them like a pro, it all comes down to reading the chart with fresh eyes. If you’ve used it before or have your own shade-mixing secrets, don’t hold out, share them! Hair color is more fun when everyone’s comparing notes (and maybe a few fails). So what’s your favorite Redken Chromatics shade combo? And no shame if your first try came out purple.
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