Color charts are more than just a collection of swatches, they hold the key to getting the perfect shade. With the Redken Color Gels Chart, you can find the right balance of warmth, depth, and tone, so your hair color turns out just how you want it. But many still find using these charts a bit confusing. What do the numbers and labels really mean? How do undertones influence the final color? And how can one formula create soft, natural results, while another is more bold?
This guide takes you through the Redken Gels Color Chart step by step, helping you mix shades, balance undertones, and choose the right color level with trust, all before even opening a tube. It is just like your personal color assistant, simplifying the process and ensuring consistent results every time.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the Redken Color Gels better and have the guide to make creative and precise color choices, whether you’re working with blondes, browns, or any shade in between. Let’s start.
What Are Redken Color Gels?
Redken Color Gels are like the go-to jeans of hair color, always a solid choice when roots need help or grays start showing up like surprise visitors. They’re liquid hair dyes that last long, cover grays really well, and leave hair feeling smooth, not rough. From deep browns to bold reds, these gels work well for touch-ups, full color, or just when you want a change without damaging your hair.
How Redken Color Gels Differ From Other Redken Hair Colors?
Redken Color Gels Lacquers is a liquid permanent hair color that gives deep, shiny color and full gray coverage, best for bold color changes or touch-ups. Color Gels Oils is also permanent but has no ammonia and includes apricot oil, making it gentler and more conditioning. Color Gels Lacquers 10 Minute is for fast results, covering grays in just 10 minutes without overprocessing. Each type fits different needs, strong and bold color, gentle and nourishing, or quick gray coverage.
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Redken Color Gels Chart
The Redken Color Gels Color Chart helps choose the right Redken Color Gels shade based on:
- Hair color level (from black to ultra-light blonde)
- Tones (like warm, cool, or neutral)
- Background color (like gray, brown, or gold tones)
Levels (Left Side Numbers: 1–10)
These are the depths or darkness/lightness of hair colors:
- 1 = Black (darkest)
- 10 = Ultra Light Blonde (lightest)
The higher the number, the lighter the color.
| 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 |
Color Families (Top Row with Colored Boxes)
These describe the tone or shade direction of each color:
- Green Natural (GN) – yellow/green tone
- Natural Ash (NA) – cool/grayish tone
- Natural (N) – neutral tone
- Gold Beige (GB) – soft gold tone
- Natural Warm (NW) – neutral with a bit of warmth
- Natural Gold (NG) – golden tone
- Warm Gold (WG) – warm golden-orange tone
- Copper Brown (CB) – orangey brown
- Ruby Brown (RB) – red-violet brown
- Red/Orange (RO) – intense red-orange
- Red (R) – pure red
- Red/Violet (RV) – deep red with purple hint
Background Colors (Middle Section Behind Hair Swatches)
- Black to gray: Cool shades that neutralize warmth.
- Brown to tan: Balanced natural background.
- No background color: Bold, fashion-focused colors.
Hair Swatches (Middle of Chart)
These show actual hair color results with a shade code like:
- 6N (Brandy): Level 6, Natural tone – a medium brown.
- 5GB (Truffle): Level 5, Gold Beige – medium golden beige brown.
- 4RB (Manzanilla): Level 4, Ruby Brown – deep red-brown.
Each swatch tells you:
- Level (darkness/lightness)
- Tone family (like N, NA, GB, etc.)
- Color name (e.g., “Suede”, “Truffle”, “Maple”)
Fashion Gels (Top Yellow Box)
- These colors are bold and don’t have background color, so they work best on pre-lightened hair. They’re used for fun or trendy looks.
Gray Coverage
- Shades marked with an asterisk (*) provide superior gray coverage.
Clear
Clear options (far right) are used to:
- Add shine
- Dilute or soften the color
- Mix with other shades
Mixing & Processing (Bottom Left)
Color Gels (Regular + Gray Coverage):
| Developer | Levels Lifted | Usage | Time | Mix Ratio | Heat? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Vol | 1 level | Minimal lift | 20 min | 1:1 | No heat |
| 20 Vol | 2 levels | Standard lift/gray coverage | 30 min | 1:1 | No heat |
| 30 Vol | 3 levels | Additional lift | 40 min | 1:1 | No heat |
| 40 Vol | 3+ levels | Maximum lift | 45 min | 1:1 | No heat |
Tips:
- Used for covering gray or lightening.
- Mix color and developer in equal parts (1:1).
- No heat is needed.
Fashion Gels:
| Developer | Levels Lifted | Usage | Time | Mix Ratio | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Vol | Up to 4 | High lift for light levels | 45 min | 1:2 | No heat |
Tips:
- Mix 1 part color with 2 parts 40 vol developer.
- Used for bright fashion colors (not gray coverage).
- Only mix with other Fashion Gels, not regular Color Gels.
Redken Color Gels Color Chart For Blondes & Browns
Here is the Redken color gels shade chart for blondes & browns:
Redken Color Gels Chart For Brown Hair
| Shade Name | Level | Tone | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6NA Aspen | 6 | Natural Ash | Light Brown with Cool Ash |
| 6N Butternut | 6 | Natural | Natural Light Brown |
| 6G Tigress | 6 | Gold | Light Brown with Golden Touch |
| 6CB Brandy | 6 | Copper Brown | Warm Brown with Copper |
| 6NW Pecan | 6 | Natural Warm | Balanced Warm Brown |
| 6GN Moss | 6 | Green Natural | Cool Neutral Light Brown |
| 5NA Walnut | 5 | Natural Ash | Medium Brown with Ash |
| 5N Cocoa Bean | 5 | Natural | Classic Medium Brown |
| 5CB Truffle | 5 | Copper Brown | Warm Medium Brown |
| 5NW Maple | 5 | Natural Warm | Balanced Warm Medium Brown |
| 4NA Chicory | 4 | Natural Ash | Deep Brown with Ash |
| 4N Hazelnut | 4 | Natural | Deep Neutral Brown |
| 4GB Clove | 4 | Gold Beige | Deep Brown with Golden-Beige |
| 4G Sun Tea | 4 | Gold | Rich Golden Brown |
| 3N Espresso | 3 | Natural | Very Dark Brown |
| 2N Coffee Bean | 2 | Natural | Almost Black Brown |
Redken Color Gels Chart Blondes
| Shade Name | Level | Tone | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10NA Silk | 10 | Natural Ash | Pale Blonde with Ash |
| 10GB Crème Latte | 10 | Gold Beige | Pale Blonde with Gold & Beige |
| 10GV Honey | 10 | Gold Violet | Pale Blonde with Honey Tones |
| 9NA Mist | 9 | Natural Ash | Very Light Blonde with Ash |
| 9NB Iris | 9 | Neutral Brown/Beige | Natural Light Blonde |
| 9G Champagne | 9 | Gold | Light Blonde with Warm Gold |
| 9GB Sunflower | 9 | Gold Beige | Blonde with Soft Gold & Beige |
| 9N Café au Lait | 9 | Natural | Neutral Light Blonde |
| 9NW Cappuccino | 9 | Natural Warm | Blonde with Balanced Warmth |
| 8NA Mojave | 8 | Natural Ash | Light Blonde with Cool Ash |
| 8NB Mocha | 8 | Neutral Brown/Beige | Warm Light Blonde |
| 8G Apricot | 8 | Gold | Golden Blonde |
| 8N Sesame | 8 | Natural | Classic Light Blonde |
| 8NW Crème Brûlée | 8 | Natural Warm | Creamy Blonde |
| 7NA Mirage | 7 | Natural Ash | Medium Blonde with Ash |
| 7N Almond | 7 | Natural | Soft Natural Blonde |
| 7GB Butter Cream | 7 | Gold Beige | Blonde with Gold & Beige |
| 7NW Sun Dried | 7 | Natural Warm | Sunny Blonde |
| 7G Saffron | 7 | Gold | Rich Golden Blonde |
Mixing Ratio, Developer Guide & Processing Time
After understanding the Redken Color Gels Chart, here’s a general guide on mixing ratios, developer options, and processing times:
Redken Color Gels Ratio:
- Color Gel Developer 10, 20, 30, or 40 Volume: Redken Color Gel typically uses a 1:1 ratio for mixing with the developer. This means for every 1 ounce of color, you should use 1 ounce of developer.
Developer Guide:
- 10 Volume Developer: Suitable for demi-permanent color or to tone and darken the hair. It processes at a low level, making it good for deposit-only color.
- 20 Volume Developer: Works well for covering gray hair and creating subtle lifts (1-2 levels). It’s commonly used for standard permanent color applications.
- 30 Volume Developer: Provides a stronger lift, up to 3 levels, and is typically used for lighter shades or when a stronger lift is needed.
- 40 Volume Developer: Used for maximum lift, up to 4 levels, and is generally reserved for very light blonde shades or lifting darker hair.
Redken Color Gels Processing Time:
- Standard Processing Time: Generally, Redken Color Gel processes for 35-40 minutes at room temperature. This can vary based on hair texture, color intensity, and developer strength.
- For Gray Coverage: When covering gray hair, it’s recommended to leave the color on for the full 40 minutes to ensure maximum coverage.
- Important Tip: Always follow the instructions on the specific Redken Color Gel product you’re using, as some formulations may have slightly different processing requirements.
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Creative Color Formulation Tips
Here are Creative Color Formulation Tips using the Redken Color Gels chart:
- Add Clear to soften any shade or boost shine without changing the tone.
- Mix GB + NA for a beige blonde with a cool edge.
- Use NW + G to create a natural golden blonde with warmth.
- Blend CB + RB for a rich, warm red-brown.
- Add a dash of GN to cancel out red in brunettes.
- Mix NA + N for balanced gray coverage with a cooler finish.
- Combine RO + RR for a fiery, dimensional red.
- Use GB + NW for soft sun-kissed blondes.
- Add RV to any N for a soft violet reflection.
- Use NA alone for strong ash correction and cool-down.
- Layer NW + GB for a creamy honey blonde.
- Mix CB + G for a warm, cinnamon brunette.
- Use GV + GB to balance warmth with a soft violet glow.
- Drop in RO to copper shades for extra brightness.
- Use RV + CB for a spicy mahogany blend.
- Mix RR + RB for bold cherry red tones.
- Combine G + N to enhance gold while keeping it natural.
- Use GN + N for extra neutralization in deep brunettes.
- Add NA to GB to reduce unwanted yellow tones.
- Use Clear with any Red shade to soften intensity but keep the punch.
Redken Color Gels Chart PDF
Here is the Redken Color Gels Chart PDF:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the mixing ratio for Redken color gels?
A1. The mixing ratio for Redken Color Gels is 1:1 with Redken Pro-oxide Cream Developer. This allows even coverage and accurate toning.
Q2. Do Redken color gels cover grey?
A2. Yes, they offer gray coverage, especially shades with “NN” or “N” tones, which are designed for full gray blending.
Q3. What is the difference between Redken N and NN?
A3. “N” is neutral and offers standard gray coverage. “NN” shades are more pigmented for extra gray coverage and longer-lasting results.
Conclusion
With a clear idea of how to use the Redken Color Gels chart, it’s easier to feel sure about color choices. You’ve got shades, tones, levels, and a few creative tricks in your pocket now. No need to feel unsure or second-guess every mix; this guide has your back. Using the chart is a practical way to get the color right without confusion. And remember, even if the first formula doesn’t go as planned, that’s what roots are for. In the worst case, you can blame it on the lighting!
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