Redken Shades Eq Color Chart Explained

Decoding hair color charts can feel like reading a different language. When it comes to Redken Shades EQ, the mix of letters, numbers, and shades can leave anyone unsure of what to choose. But once the chart is explained clearly, picking the right tone becomes surprisingly easy.

Redken Shades EQ is one of the most popular choices for toning, glossing, and refreshing hair color without damage. But even though it’s trusted by professionals, many people find the chart confusing at first. Codes like 07NB or 09V look like formulas, and unless you know what each part means, it’s hard to imagine how the color will turn out.

This article will guide you through it all: what Redken Shades EQ is, how the color chart works, and how to read it confidently. It also includes a chart for brown hair, tips for choosing the right shade, and even a downloadable PDF for easy reference. If the chart has ever left you second-guessing your choice, this simple breakdown will help you make better color decisions every time.

What Is Redken Shades EQ?

Redken Shades EQ is a professional demi-permanent hair color used mainly for toning, glossing, refreshing faded color, or adding shine. It’s ammonia-free and doesn’t lighten hair, which makes it gentle and safe for all hair types. Stylists use it often after bleaching or highlighting to balance tones or enhance hair color. Since it fades gradually, it’s suitable for people who want to try a new color without long-term commitment.

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How To Read The Shades EQ Color Chart

Let’s break this Redken Shades EQ hair color chart down. This chart helps hairstylists and colorists pick the perfect Redken Shades EQ Gloss and Bonder Inside hair color based on the desired tone and the hair’s starting level.

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What This Chart Shows:

This chart is a guide to all available Redken Shades EQ demi-permanent hair colors, arranged by:

• Tone (like ash, gold, copper, etc.)
• Level of Deposit (how dark or light the color is)
• Background Color (how the shade behaves on different natural hair levels)

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Left Side – Level of Deposit (How Dark the Color Is):

These numbers (1 to 10) show how dark or light each shade is:

• 1 = Black
• 2–3 = Very Dark/Dark Brown
• 4–5 = Medium/Light Brown
• 6–7 = Dark/Medium Blonde
• 8–10 = Light Blonde to Ultra Pale Blonde

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Top Row – Tone (The Color Family):

These are the color tones, showing how warm or cool the shade is. Some examples:

• Blue/Green, Ash = Cool tones (neutralize orange or red)
• Gold, Yellow, Orange = Warm tones (add brightness)
• Red, Red/Orange, Copper = Very warm, vibrant tones
• Violet, Violet/Blue = Cool tones to cancel out yellow

Each tone helps balance or enhance different undertones in the hair.

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Background Color (Across the Top):

• Black to Gray Background Color = Used to tone down warm hair (cooler tones)
• Brown to Tan Background Color = Balanced tones, blend with natural warm hair
• No Background Color = Pure tones, very vibrant or fashion shades

This helps pick colors based on how much warmth or coolness needs to be added or canceled.

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Boxes Inside Each Square:

Each color swatch has a label, like 09N or 06GI:

• The first number tells the level (lightness).
• The letters tell the tone:
  • N = Natural
  • A = Ash
  • G = Gold
  • P = Pearl
  • T = Titanium
  • C = Copper
  • R = Red
  • V = Violet

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Box Outlines and Labels:

• Pink outline = Available in Shades EQ Gloss and Bonder Inside
• Silver outline = Only available in Bonder Inside
• Solid no outline = Regular Shades EQ Gloss

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Pastels and Kickers (Bottom):

These are intense or creative shades that can be mixed:

• Kickers = Very strong pure pigments (like Yellow, Red, Orange, Violet) for bold looks or custom mixes.
• Pastels = Soft colors like Pastel Peach, Pink, Aqua, used for subtle tones or fashion looks.

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Red Dot = RS Dye:

Shades marked with a red dot contain Redken’s RS (Rubilane + Shinelock) red dye technology, which gives intense, long-lasting red tones.

Redken Shades EQ Color Chart for Brown Hair

If you’re looking for the best Redken Shades EQ options for brown hair, here’s a simplified guide using the above chart.

What do We Mean by “Brown Hair”?

Brown hair typically falls into these levels:

• Level 2 – Darkest Brown

• Level 3 – Dark Brown

• Level 4 – Medium Brown

• Level 5 – Light Brown

• Level 6 – Dark Blonde (but often looks brown, especially if it’s rich or cool-toned)

Let’s break down great shade options for brown hair by tone and level.

Best Shades For Brown Hair

Neutral And Natural-Looking Browns:

These add richness without too much warmth or coolness:

• 06N Moroccan Sand – Natural medium brown

• 05N Walnut – Slightly deeper brown with a soft tone

• 04N Maple – Great medium-dark brown

• 03N Espresso – Classic dark brown

• 03NB Mocha Java – Extra pigmented brown

• 03NW Cocoa Bean – Rich and deep with a touch of violet

Cool Toned Browns (Ash/Neutralize Red or Orange):

These cancel out unwanted warmth in brown hair:

• 06NA Granite – Natural ash to tone down brass

• 05NA Smoke – Soft coolness for medium browns

• 04NA Storm Cloud – Perfect for removing reddish tones

• 04ABn Dark Roast – Ash brown with a smoky finish

• 02M Midnight Ash – Deep, cool brown for very dark bases

Warm Browns (Add Golden or Red Tones):

These add shine, vibrancy, and warm glow:

• 06GB Toffee – Soft golden beige

• 05G Caramel – Classic warm brown with soft gold

• 05C Chili – Coppery brown with warmth

• 06CR Sunset – Copper-red for vibrancy

• 06R Rocket Fire – Reddish brown

• 04CB Clove – Rich copper brown

• 03R Roxy Red – Dark red-brown

Chocolate/Mocha Inspired Tones:

Deep, rich browns perfect for medium to dark bases:

• 07NCH Fondue – Chocolatey neutral

• 06NCH Ganache – Deeper mocha

• 04NCH Dark Chocolate – Intense neutral chocolate

Bonder Inside Options (Strengthens + Tones)

From the chart, the following are available with Bonder Inside (pink or silver outline):

• 06NCH Ganache
• 04ABn Dark Roast
• 03N Espresso
• 03NW Cocoa Bean
• 05G Caramel
• 05C Chili

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Tips for Choosing the Right EQ Shade

Here are some simple and helpful tips for choosing the right Redken Shades EQ shade:

1. Know Your Hair Level First

Shades EQ is all about deposit-only color, so:

• Use it on pre-lightened or natural hair within levels 1–10.

• Use the chart’s left side to match your level (1 = black, 10 = lightest blonde).

2. Pick the Right Tone for Your Goal

Use tone to correct or enhance your color:

• Want to cancel brass (orange/red)? → Go for ash (A/NA/ABn) or blue/green/violet-based tones.

• Want rich and shiny brunette? → Choose neutral (N/NN) or warm (NB/GB/GG) tones.

• Want golden warmth or red tones? → Choose G, GC, R, CR or C shades.

3. Use Tones to Correct or Enhance

• Hair looks too orange Use Ash (A), Natural Ash (NA)

• Hair looks too red Use Green or Matte (M)

• Hair looks dull or flat Use Warm (NB, G, GG)

• Want soft shine & depth Use Neutral (N, NN)

• Want rich mocha or chocolate tone Use NCH (Natural Chocolate)

4. Consider “Bonder Inside” Shades

If your hair is damaged or processed, use Shades EQ Bonder Inside (marked with pink or silver outline on the chart). These shades:

• Strengthen hair while coloring.

• Are ideal for toning after lightening.

5. Always Do A Strand Test

Before applying the full formula:

• Test on a small piece of hair.

• See how it tones and fades on your actual hair base.

6. Use Clear for Softening or Gloss

Mix Clear (000) with other shades if:

• You want a glossy finish without much tone.

• You want to dilute a shade to make it more translucent.

Redken Shades EQ Color Chart PDF

Here is the Shades EQ Color Chart PDF:

Note: If the PDF doesn’t load, please refresh the page and wait here for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a color expert to understand the Redken Shades EQ Color chart. Just knowing what those numbers and tones mean gives you a great start. After all, it’s about picking what fits your hair best. And with brown hair getting its own spotlight in this article, you’ve got a solid base to work from. Throw in some quick tips and the chart PDF, and you’ve got everything you need right at your fingertips.

Just remember: your hair color should match your vibe, not your coffee order (unless that’s intentional).

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