How To Create Custom Brondes With Toning & Glossing

Enhance Depth Without Losing Brightness for a Dimensional, Reflective Finish

Bronde is one of 2025’s biggest hair color trends, and it’s easy to see why. This deep-yet-reflective shade gives clients just enough depth while keeping their options open to go lighter again. But the real magic? It’s all in the toning and placement.

Bronde comes in many tones, from warm and golden to deep and neutral. Swipe through for inspiration.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @jesseniaspallet

Photo Credit: Instagram via @sarabotsfordhair

Photo Credit: Instagram via @redken

Photo Credit: Instagram via @coloredbycaitlin

With the right lift, formulation and finish, you can create custom brondes and dark blondes that feel effortless and expensive. Below, we’re breaking down key toning strategies and must-try Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside formulas and techniques.

Toning for Depth Without Losing Brightness

The difference between a dimensional bronde and a flat, one-note color comes down to toning with intention. Too much pigment can weigh the color down, while too little can leave it washed out. 

Redken Ambassador Philip Foresto (@philipforesto) uses ShadesEQ Bonder Inside to fine-tune tone without overloading the hair with pigment. Here’s how he strikes the perfect balance—rich enough for depth, sheer enough to keep the light moving:

• Try using 010VV with 010G to create a neutral tone that allows you to adjust the warmth or coolness as needed. If you want less yellow, use slightly more 010VV. If you want more warmth, use slightly more 010G.
• The secret to glowing, natural-looking blondes? Add a cap full of 09AA to your formula. This might sound scary, but trust me—the richest, most vibrant blondes have the slightest bit of warmth. Not in a yellow or orangey way, but in a way that looks authentic and luminous.
• I find that Shades EQ Bonder Inside Level 10 adheres beautifully to a clean Level 9—even though it shouldn’t work in theory, I see great results every time. The benefit? You can save your work—retaining brightness by avoiding over-depositing with a Level 9.

View Philip’s original post here:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Philip Foresto III (@philipforesto)

Caitlin Dugan (@coloredbycaitlin) uses the Redken Flash Lift Power 9 Bonder Inside to maintain the hair’s strength, then applies the ShadesEQ Bonder Inside to enhance richness while keeping the color reflective. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Caitlin Dugan (@coloredbycaitlin)

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Adding Depth Without Losing Dimension

Lowlights can be tricky—they can fade too fast, get lost in the mix or end up looking too heavy. The key? Rethinking placement and application to create depth that lasts. For a clearer look at how different levels of dimension impact bronde results, check out this visual breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hair By Karla Leschitz (@kl.hairartist)

Instead of individual lowlights, Philip prefers a Redken Shades EQ™ Hair Gloss color melt over preexisting highlights to enhance depth while keeping the look multi-dimensional. Since Shades EQ is translucent, the original highlights subtly shine through, adding natural contrast rather than flattening the color.

Here’s how Philip achieves the perfect depth:

• I prefer creating a color melt over the pre-existing color using Shades EQ Gloss to create a new canvas.
• Typically, I place a few foils with lighter in key places—like around the face—and begin my color melt around it.
• If the hair is healthy enough, you can lightly wet balayage with a low-volume developer at the end for accent pops. 

Watch below for the finished look:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Philip Foresto III (@philipforesto)

Low-Commitment Bronde for Easy Transitions

Dark blonde keeps future blonding options open—because clients change their minds, and the right approach ensures an easy transition without major correction. Karla Leschitz (kl.hairartist) uses Shades EQ to deepen her client’s blonde while keeping the color low-commitment and easy to transition back.

Here’s why it’s the perfect choice:

• Acidic Formula: It helps bring hair back to a healthy pH level.
• No Lift: No need to worry about banding or harsh regrowth.
• Long-Lasting: Lasts for about 20 shampoos.

Check out the breakdown and the formula she used:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hair By Karla Leschitz (@kl.hairartist)

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