Before any color is chosen, before a formula is mixed, and long before a result is revealed, there’s a step that quietly sets everything in motion. It’s not the product, not the swatch, and not the shade. It’s the visual structure that connects all of them: the chart. Most don’t give it much attention, but for those who know how to read it, the process becomes faster, cleaner, and more controlled.
That’s exactly what the Redken Color Fusion Chart offers for your favorite Redken Color Fusion Hair Color. It brings order to creativity, laying out shades, tones, and levels in a way that’s easy to follow once the pattern is understood.
This guide breaks the chart down step-by-step. From how to read the layout to what the codes mean, you’ll see how the Color Fusion chart supports everything from cool blondes to rich brunettes. Whether working with the swatch book, matching for dark or light hair, or just trying to mix it with developer, it all starts here, with understanding the chart behind the results.

What Is Redken Color Fusion?

Redken Fusion Hair Color is a permanent hair color cream made to deliver bold, long-lasting color. It offers a wide range of shades to lighten, darken, or match your natural hair color, and is especially effective at covering gray hair. The formula provides multi-dimensional results, leaving hair looking healthy and shiny. It also includes conditioning agents to nourish and protect the hair during the coloring process.
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Let’s Understand Redken Color Fusion Chart

This permanent Redken color fusion chart helps hairstylists (or you, if coloring at home) choose the right hair color shade, understand the level and tone, and see how to mix and process it for best results. It shows the entire Redken permanent color system.
Understanding Hair Levels (Left Side Numbers: 1 To 10)
Hair color levels go from darkest (1 = black) to lightest (10 = pale blonde).
Level | Name |
---|---|
1 | Black |
2 | Darkest Brown |
3 | Dark Brown |
4 | Medium Brown |
5 | Light Brown |
6 | Dark Blonde |
7 | Medium Blonde |
8 | Light Blonde |
9 | Very Light Blonde |
10 | Lightest Blonde |
How To Read Color Shades (Middle Grid)
Each color swatch has a name like 6NG or 5RB.
What it means:
- First number = Hair level (light or dark)
- Letters = Tone (what shade it adds)
Common tones:
Letter | Tone | Adds or Cancels Out |
---|---|---|
N | Neutral | Balanced, natural finish |
G | Gold | Warmth, golden tones |
NG | Natural Gold | Balanced with warmth |
A | Ash | Cool tone, cancels orange |
R | Red | Warm, vibrant red |
V | Violet | Cancels yellow/brassiness |
C | Copper | Bright orange-red |
T | Titanium | Cool, silvery tone |
M | Mahogany | Red-violet |
B | Blue | Coolest tone, cancels orange |
Examples Of Color Names:
Example 1: 6NG
- 6 = Dark blonde
- NG = Natural gold
- Result = A natural, warm blonde with golden tones.
Example 2: 5RB
- 5 = Light brown
- RB = Red brown
- Result = A rich reddish-brown, good for warmth and depth.
Example 3: 7AV
- 7 = Medium blonde
- AV = Ash violet
- Result = A cool-toned blonde, great for canceling brass.
Color Families (Top Section)
Colors are grouped by purpose:
1. Natural Balance – For a natural, everyday look.
- E.g. 6N, 5NN, 7NG
2. Natural Fashion – Natural shades with a little fun (gold, copper, etc.).
- E.g. 8GG, 7GC
3. Fashion – Bold colors like red, violet, copper.
- E.g. 4RV, 5RR, 6C
4. Cover Fusion – Made for gray hair coverage.
- E.g. 7NN, 6NGB
5. Hi-Fusion – Intense tones for boosting color or highlighting.
- E.g. Red, Orange, Violet, Clear
What Developer To Use (Bottom-left Box)
Redken Color Fusion mixes with Redken Pro-Oxide Developer.
Developer Volume | What It Does | When to Use |
---|---|---|
10 volume | No lift, just deposit color | Going darker |
20 volume | Lifts 1–2 levels | Standard coloring, gray |
30 volume | Lifts 2–3 levels | Lightening a few levels |
40 volume | Lifts 3–4 levels (Extra Lift) | Blonde on dark hair |
Most colors mix in a 1:1 ratio (equal parts color + developer).
Processing Time
Processing time for Redken Color Fusion is usually 35–45 minutes.
- Hi-Fusion (for adding tone only) can be shorter.
- Extra Lift (high-lift blondes) may need the full 45 minutes.
Color Correction Chart (Bottom-right Box)
This shows the underlying pigment exposed when you lighten hair, and which tone cancels it.
Starting Level | Exposed Tone | Use This Tone to Cancel It |
---|---|---|
10 | Pale Yellow | Violet |
9 | Yellow | Violet |
8 | Yellow/Orange | Blue-Violet |
7 | Orange | Blue |
6 | Red/Orange | Blue-Green |
5 | Red | Green |
4 | Red-Violet | Yellow-Green |
3 | Violet | Yellow |
Example: If you lift Level 5 hair to Level 8, you’ll see orange/yellow, so use a violet toner to cancel brassiness.
Special Categories
- Cover Fusion: Only use with 20-vol developer. Best for gray hair.
- Hi-Fusion: Not for full coverage. Mix into formulas or use for highlights.
- Extra Lift: Can lift up to 5 levels, only works on levels 6 and lighter. Not for gray hair.
- Clear: Adds shine, no color.
Example Use Cases
1. Cover gray hair with a natural brown
- Natural hair: 50% gray, level 6
- Use: 6NN or 6NGB from Cover Fusion
- Developer: 20 vol
- Processing: 35–45 mins
2. Go from dark brown (Level 4) to golden blonde (Level 8)
- Pre-lighten with 30 vol developer
- Use: 8GG or 8NG
- Tone with violet if brass appears
3. Bright red tone on light brown
- Base: Level 5
- Use: 5RR or 6RV
- Developer: 20 vol
- Boost with Hi-Fusion Red if needed
Final Tips
- Always consider the starting level of the hair and the tone underneath.
- Neutralize unwanted tones with the right corrective base.
- Use Cover Fusion for grays, Hi-Fusion for brightness, and Fashion shades for bolder colors.
- Always mix in the correct ratio and process the full time for best results.
Redken Color Fusion Swatch Book
For a physical chart, the Redken Color Fusion Swatch Book is a helpful reference for hair colorists. This book showcases the full range of Redken Color Fusion shades, allowing professionals to see how each color appears on hair. It’s designed to assist in selecting the right shade for clients, ensuring accurate color results. The swatch book is available for purchase through SalonCentric or can be redeemed using points on Level Loyalty.
Redken Color Fusion For Different Hair Colors
Redken Color Fusion Chart for Dark Hair (Level 1–5)
This chart is perfect for people with black to light brown hair who want to add color, lift, or cover gray.
Hair Level | What It Looks Like | Goal | Best Shades to Use | Developer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1–2 | Black to Darkest Brown | Stay natural or go deep red | 2N, 2RV, 3RR, 3N | 10 or 20 | Use red tones to show on dark hair |
3 | Dark Brown | Add warmth or deep copper | 3C, 3G, 3RB, 3NN | 10 or 20 | Use NN for gray coverage |
4 | Medium Brown | Rich tones or burgundy | 4RV, 4M, 4RR, 4G | 20 | Good base for red or purple tones |
5 | Light Brown | Go red, copper, or lift to blonde | 5C, 5RR, 5NG, 5AV | 20–30 | Pre-lighten for brighter blondes |
Covering Gray Hair?
Use Cover Fusion shades like 4NN, 5NN, 5NGB with 20 volume developer.
Want bold color (like red)?
Mix in Hi-Fusion Red or Copper to intensify the shade.
Example For Dark Hair
Hair color: Level 4
Goal: Rich copper brown
Use: 4C (Copper) with 20 vol
Result: A warm, shiny copper-brown
Redken Color Fusion Chart for Blondes (Level 6–10)
For those with dark blonde to lightest blonde hair, this chart helps enhance tone, cancel brass, or go icy blonde.
Hair Level | What It Looks Like | Goal | Best Shades to Use | Developer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | Dark Blonde | Go golden, ash, or copper | 6NG, 6G, 6AV, 6C | 10–20 | Great for warm or cool blonde tones |
7 | Medium Blonde | Neutral or soft warmth | 7N, 7GB, 7V, 7GC | 10–20 | Use V for brass control |
8 | Light Blonde | Brighten or cool down | 8G, 8NG, 8AV, 8GG | 10–20 | Use AV for yellow/orange canceling |
9 | Very Light Blonde | Ice, pearl, platinum | 9V, 9AV, 9GN | 10 | Mix with clear for shine if no tone needed |
10 | Lightest Blonde | Add shine or icy tone | 10AV, 10V, Clear | 10 | Avoid high lift – tone only |
Need more lift?
Use Extra Lift shades (only on natural levels 6 or higher) with 40 volume.
Want cool or icy results?
Use Ash (A), Violet (V), or Titanium (T) tones.
Example for Blondes
- Hair color: Level 8
- Goal: Cool platinum look
- Use: 8AV with 10 vol
- Result: Neutral to cool blonde, less brass
How To Mix And Apply Redken Color Fusion?
How To Apply Redken Color Fusion?
- Preparation: Start by wearing gloves to protect your hands. Section your hair into four parts for easier application.
- Mixing the Color: In a mixing bowl, combine Redken Color Fusion colors with the appropriate developer. Follow the ratio of 1:1 (equal parts of color and developer).
- Application: Begin applying the color starting from the roots, working your way down to the ends. Use a color brush for even application.
- Processing Time: Let the color sit for the recommended processing time, usually 35-45 minutes.
- Rinse and Finish: After the time is up, rinse the color out thoroughly with lukewarm water, then apply a conditioner to lock in moisture.
How To Mix Redken Color Fusion With Developer?
- Redken Color Fusion mixing ratio: Mix Redken Color Fusion color with the developer in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you use 1 oz of color, mix it with 1 oz of developer.
- Developer Strength: Choose the right developer for your desired result (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume developer, depending on the lift and coverage needed).
- Mixing: Combine the color and developer in a non-metallic bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and consistent. Now, it’s ready to apply!
Redken Color Fusion Processing Time
Redken Color Fusion typically needs around 35-45 minutes of processing time. This allows the color to fully develop and give the best results. However, the exact time can vary depending on the desired color and the condition of the hair. Always follow the instructions on the product or consult a professional for the best outcome.
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Redken Color Fusion Reviews
Here are the Redken Color Fusion reviews:
Ciara Ci
This hair color made my hair so soft and vibrant ! The color has lasted for months and it is so beautiful . I used a dark brown!
Jerry
Best color I have ever used and was recommended by my hairdresser.
Knuzz
I find color fusions to be too translucent for my liking. The color is also a bit too hollow and does not have any depth. I don’t get optimal grey coverage. I choose Chromatics over this.
Nini
I love how shiny it leaves your hair. It also feels soft
Tracy
Great grey coverage! Easy application and processing time.
Redken Color Fusion Chart PDF
Here is the Redken Color Fusion color chart PDF:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do you use Redken Color Fusion?
A1. To use Redken Color Fusion, mix it in a 1:1 ratio with Pro-oxide Cream Developer (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume), apply to dry hair in fine ¼-inch diagonal sections, and process for 35–45 minutes at room temperature.
Q2. Can Color Fusion cover gray hair?
A2. Yes, Redken Cover Fusion is specifically designed to provide up to 100% gray hair coverage, especially effective for hair that is over 50% gray.
Q3. What developer to use with Redken Color Fusion?
A3. Use Redken Pro-Oxide Cream Developer (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume) with Color Fusion in a 1:1 ratio, selecting the volume based on desired lift, higher volumes for more lift.
Q4. What type of Redken color is Color Fusion?
A4. Redken Color Fusion is a permanent hair color cream that delivers long-lasting, multi-dimensional color with full gray coverage.
Q5. Does Redken Color Fusion have PPD?
A5. Yes, Redken Color Fusion contains p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient in permanent hair dyes
Q6. How long do you leave Redken Color Fusion on?
A6. Redken Color Fusion should be left on the hair for 35 to 45 minutes at room temperature to achieve optimal results.
Q7. Is Redken Color Fusion permanent?
A7. Yes, Redken Color Fusion is a permanent hair color.
Conclusion
That wraps up the full guide to the Redken Color Fusion Chart, hopefully, it made color decisions a little easier. From understanding shades to applying them, this chart plays a big role in getting good results. Have a go, try a shade, and see how the chart lines up with your outcome. It’s fun to learn, even better when you get the color you actually wanted.
Ever used the chart and still ended up purple? Let’s hear your hair horror stories!
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