@Paintedhair: 4 Shades EQ Formulas & Toning Tips

Patricia Nikole’s (@paintedhair) approach to toning is all about balance, dimension and long-lasting color—and in this live conversation, the Redken Global Artistic Ambassador breaks down some of her go-to Redken Shades EQ™ formulas, gray blending strategies and ribbon placement techniques.

In this video, you will learn how to:

• Create dimensional brunette ribbon melts
• Correct heavy banding without overcomplicating the service
• Tone on dry hair for better deposit and longevity
• Approach gray blending with softer grow-out in mind
• Use color melting techniques for softer transitions and reflective dimension
• Layer Shades EQ tones without muddying the final result

Watch the full conversation below:

Want softer blends, brighter ribbons and healthier-looking blondes? Explore Patricia’s Redken go-tos here.

4 Shades EQ™ Formulas for Toning, Gray Coverage and Color Correction:

Chocolate Brunette Ribbon Melt

For this brunette transformation, Patricia used Redken Blonde IQ™ 9+ and Shades EQ™ to create dimensional ribbons and a softer color melt that added movement and reflective depth throughout the mids and ends. Click the beaker to see her full formula:

Formula

Formulas

• Formula A (lightener)

  Redken Blonde IQ™ 9+ + developer

• Formula B (roots)

  Redken Shades ALK™ 7GI + developer

• Formula C (toner, mids and ends)

  Redken Shades EQ 06NCH + 05N + Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution

Vanilla Malt Blonde Correction

This seven-hour blonde correction focused on blending years of DIY color, uneven banding and gray coverage before going in with ribbon placement and blonding. Patricia shared how pre-toning the hair first helped create a cleaner, brighter lift while softening harsh lines throughout the canvas. Tap the image to see her formula:

Formula

Formulas

• Formula A (pre-tone, all-over)

  Shades ALK 8N + 8G + Redken Pro-Oxide Developer 10-volume

• Formula B (roots)

  Redken Cover Fusion 8NA + Pro-Oxide Developer 20-volume

• Formula C (lightener)

  Blonde IQ 9+ + Pro-Oxide Developer 20-volume

• Formula D (all-over gloss)

  Redken Shades EQ™ Gloss Demi Permanent Equalizing Conditioning Color Crystal Clear + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Photo courtesy of Patricia Nikole @paintedhair

Metallic Blonde With Gold and Rose Reflection

Patricia also shared how she uses gold and rose reflection to create dimension and richness without making blondes appear darker or muddy. Click below to reveal her formula:

Formula

Formulas

• Formula A (lightener)

  Blonde IQ 9+ + developer

• Formula B (toner, roots)

  Shades EQ 05N + Shades EQ 06NCh + Shades EQ Processing Solution

• Formula C (toner, mids and ends)

  Shades EQ 09N + Shades EQ 10GRo + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Natural Blonde Bridal Correction

Patricia created brighter contrast and softer dimension for this bridal blonde correction by pairing Blonde IQ 9+ ribbon placement with lowlights and natural toning for a seamless, balanced finish. Tap the beaker to see her formula:

Formula

Formulas

• Formula A (lightener)

  Blonde IQ 9+ + Pro-Oxide Developer 20-volume

• Formula B (lowlight)

  Shades EQ 07N + Shades EQ 06N + Shades EQ Processing Solution

• Formula C (toner)

  Shades EQ 010N + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Better toning starts with a better canvas—shop the Redken blonding and glossing lineup Patricia used here.

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