Adrienne Dara x Shades EQ Hero Service: Honey Melt Technique
In this article:
Key Takeaways:
- The Honey Melt Technique: Introducing the new signature melting technique created by Adrienne Dara, using power placement that blends foils & open-air application for soft dimension accented by pockets of depth
- New Shades EQ Honey Copper Family: 3 new balanced, warm shades in levels 6, 8, and 9 created, tested and validated by Adrienne in the Redken Labs
- The Haircolor that Visibly Reverses Damage: Eliminate your clients’ fears with Shades EQ, the #1 demi hair color in the world* that visibly reverses signs of damage in just one use**
* Kline 2024 Professional Hair Color Global Market ** Reverses appearance of damage from roughness, frizz, dryness, and dullness
Adrienne Dara X Shades EQ Hair Gloss: Honey Melt Technique for Warm, Shiny Hair
"I'm excited to have partnered with Redken to bring you a universal foiling technique that is sure to keep the dimension feeling soft yet accentuating a soft shimmer of color. And of course, a zone toning application pattern that ensures even saturation and the perfect melted end result.
For this look, I wanted to give soft warmth with the subtle accents of gold and copper. The honey tone of blended golds and coppers helps to ground the formula and allows for the perfect balanced reflection.
The Honey Copper family is so versatile for all levels and techniques. You can use it within a formula to create both natural looks as well as bolder and more vibrant tones. Honey Copper on its own is equally as beautiful, delivering soft natural gold and copper nuances to the hair."
-Adrienne Dara, Redken Global Artistic Ambassador and Professional Hair Stylist
What Is the New Shades EQ Honey Copper Gloss Family?
Co-created, tested, and validated in the Redken Labs by Adrienne Dara, the 3 new Honey Copper (HC) shades give balanced, warm results with gold and copper reflects over a brown-to-tan background. The result: balanced, warm tones that are universally flattering for all clients.
Say hello to your new favorite Shades EQ gloss family:
Shades EQ 09HC Honey Butter
Shades EQ 08HC Honey Bee
Shades EQ 06HC HoneycombPowered by Pure-Red2 Technology, these high-tenacity red shades stay vibrant and fade true-to-tone for up to 28 washes — so your gloss treatment keeps its shine and reflect between salon visits. Honey Coppers are suitable for natural light blonde hair, previously color-treated hair, and pre-lightened hair, and can be mixed with most other Shades EQ shades for endless customization.
"It's incredibly exciting to introduce something so innovative to Shades EQ users. The name Honey Copper came about because I wanted to create a shade that not only stands beautifully on its own, but also pairs seamlessly with other families in the line. I envisioned a color that's truly versatile. Something stylists can use for everything from filling, to global glossing, to adding a touch of reflection in blonde formulations. It's truly a shade for all canvases."
The Formulas
Lightening Formula:
Shades EQ Formula 1:
0.5 oz Shades EQ Gloss 06HC Honeycomb
0.5 oz Shades EQ 07NB Chesnut
Shades EQ Formula 2:
0.5 oz Shades EQ Gloss 08HC Honey Bee
0.5 oz Shades EQ 09HC Honey Butter
How to Do the Honey Melt Hair Gloss Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sectioning
Separate the front from the back with a vertical parting from the high point of the head to the ear on each side. Create a soft V-shape section in the crown from the parietal ridge on each side. From the same starting point, take a diagonal back section toward the center nape to create a larger V section. In the front, slightly off the center part, take a slight diagonal to meet the parietal ridge, continuing horizontally across the parietal until it meets the vertical parting. Repeat on the other side.
Lightening Application
In the back, take a diagonal back section approximately 1" deep. Split in half with a horizontal slice and tease the hair. On a foil, apply the Lightening Formula in Zones 2 and 3, blending upward into the tease. Leave out any previously lightened hair. Place a foil on top and secure.
Take a ½" diagonal back slice at the top of the remaining hair and tease. Holding the hair at a 45-degree angle, hand-paint the Lightening Formula in a V formation into the tease and through Zones 2 and 3. Repeat on the opposite side.
In the middle back V section, continue the same technique with horizontal slices, alternating between foil placement and open-air hand-painting. Complete the back and crown sections. On the sides, take a strong diagonal back slice across the hairline, continuing the same technique with each following section pivoting to become less diagonal, with the last section horizontal to the top. In the front hairline, complete two back-to-back slices — on top, separate at the center part line and tip out each side in Zones 2 and 3.
Process until desired level of lift is achieved, up to 50 minutes. Shampoo with Acidic Bonding Concentrate.
Shades EQ Gloss Application
On dry hair, separate the front from the back with a vertical parting from the high point of the head to the ear on each side. Part the front down the center to create 2 sections.
In the back, starting at the top, take horizontal partings, applying Shades EQ Formula 1 in Zone 1 into Zone 2. Over-direct each section forward and complete the back. Use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to melt the color downward. Repeat in the front 2 sections using diagonal back partings.
After Zone 1 is complete, apply Shades EQ Formula 2 in Zones 2 and 3 in all sections. Lightly blur the two formulas together where they meet with your fingers or a brush.
Process for 20 minutes at room temperature. Shampoo and condition with the Acidic Color Gloss system.
This hair gloss service is more than a technique — it's a moment. From the precision of the sectioning to the seamless melt, the new Shades EQ Honey Copper family's warm gold and copper tones deliver honey dimension and glass-hair shine that moves, catches light, and feels entirely lived-in.
About Nívea Ferreira
Nívea Ferreira leads Global Brand Education for Redken, bringing nearly two decades of experience across professional beauty, innovation, and education. As a hairstylist, she has built her career at the intersection of artistry, science, and strategy, working with global brands to advance product innovation and professional expertise.