Tips on How to Cover Your Client’s Gray Hair
- • Redken has two products for gray hair: Shades EQ for light gray blending and Shades ALK for strong gray coverage.
- • Shades ALK covers up to 75% gray and keeps hair healthy; Shades EQ blends gray gently without lifting color.
- • There are various bond repair options including professional salon treatments, strengthening shampoo, and leave-in products to protect and maintain healthy hair.
Gray coverage is a common challenge for hair colorists, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can achieve beautiful, vibrant results that both you and your clients will enjoy. In this article, we'll provide you with essential tips on how to cover your client's gray hair effectively using Redken's innovative demi-permanent products—Shades EQ and Shades ALK. Both products are designed with unique formulations to address different needs, ensuring the coverage you’re looking for and long-lasting color.
UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF SHADES EQ AND SHADES ALK FOR GRAY COVERAGE
When it comes to gray hair coverage, it’s important to understand the distinction and capabilities of Redken’s Shades EQ and Shades ALK
Shades EQ is a demi-permanent hair color renowned for its conditioning properties and true-to-tone, customizable results. It's great for toning, refreshing color, and blending lighter gray areas without the commitment of permanent color.
Shades ALK is Redken’s latest alkaline demi-permanent liquid-cream color that offers up to 75% gray coverage with up to 8 weeks of vibrant results.
Shades ALK's proprietary 14% Hydro-Magnetic Complex, formulated with tripeptide, delivers high-impact color and visibly healthier hair in 1 service. Free from ammonia, silicones, parabens, and more, Shades ALK’s formula binds to the hair fiber instantly to replenish hydration, vibrancy, shine, and vitality—key factors in keeping hair looking and feeling healthy. For clients with gray hair needing up to 75% gray coverage and up to 1 level of lift, Shades ALK is the ideal choice. For gray clients looking for subtle gray blending and no lift, the Shades EQ NB series is your go-to.
Using these complementary color lines in a strategic way will allow you to customize color services for every client's unique gray hair needs.
TIPS FOR ACHIEVING OPTIMAL GRAY COVERAGE
- Analyze the Client's Gray Hair: Before choosing your product, assess the density and texture of gray hair. Fine gray hairs that require blending may respond well to the Shades EQ NB series. For more consistent or heavy graying, Shades ALK provides up to 75% coverage.
- Perform an Allergy Test and Strand Test: Always follow safety protocols by performing allergy tests 48 hours before application and strand tests to determine the final color outcome and processing time. This helps ensure client safety and satisfaction.
- Mixing and Application: Both Shades EQ Gloss and Shades ALK can be used in either a bowl + brush or bottle applicator. Shades EQ Gloss has a 1:1 ratio, and Shades ALK has a 1:1.5 ratio. Shades ALK can only be mixed with 10 volume Pro-Oxide Cream Developer while Shades EQ can only be mixed with Shades EQ Processing Solution or Gloss To Gel Processing Solution for a thicker texture.
- Processing Time and Rinsing: Both Shades ALK and Shades EQ processes in 20 minutes. Apply on dry hair and rinse with lukewarm water and use Redken Acidic Color Gloss shampoo and conditioner to preserve vibrancy.
- Aftercare and Advice: Educate your clients on maintaining their color-treated gray hair by using sulfate-free, color-protecting products like the Redken Acidic Color Gloss Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner or Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner. Also recommend your clients to avoid excessive heat styling and to use a Redken styling product containing heat protectant technology such as Redken Thermal Spray.
Covering gray hair does not have to be intimidating. With the tips shared and the powerful capabilities of Shades EQ and Shades ALK, you can confidently transform your client's gray hair into vibrant, beautiful color that lasts. Stay inspired, keep innovating, and bring the science of Redken into your salon for exceptional gray coverage results.