The Shades EQ Glosses Top Colorists Reach For Most Right Now
Ask 10 colorists for their favorite Redken Shades EQ shade and you’ll likely get 10 different answers. But some bottles earn permanent real estate at the station because they consistently deliver the results clients ask for most. From creamy blondes and reflective brunettes to true coppers and icy finishes, these Redken Shades EQ glosses continue to make their way into the formulas of top colorists again and again.
08GG Gold Dip + Crystal Clear: A Formula That Does It All
Some formulas earn a permanent spot at the color bar because of their adaptability. For Patricia Nikole (@paintedhair), that’s 08GG Gold Dip mixed with Crystal Clear.
“I would be able to soften it for a bright blonde or really refine it for a beautiful reflective brunette.”
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The combination can be customized for different levels and tonal goals, making it a versatile option for everything from bright blondes to glossy brunettes.
Honey Copper Shades: The Solution To Controlled Warmth
Adrienne Dara (@adriennedara) co-created the Honey Copper Collection with Redken, designed to create controlled, balanced warmth. For the first time in the brand’s history, a professional stylist was invited into the labs to help create a new color family. Featuring 09HC Honey Butter, 08HC Honey Hive and 06HC Honey Comb, the collection gives colorists multiple levels of balanced warmth to work with.
“At a 9, an 8 and a 6, you have versatility in what you can use those shades for—everything from blondes to brunettes to true copper.”
Together, these shades deliver balanced, warm results through a combination of gold and copper reflects layered over a brown-to-tan background.
07G Saffron & 09G Vanilla Crème: For The Gold Lovers
Sara Botsford’s (@sarabotsfordhair) favorites include 07G Saffron and 09G Vanilla Crème, along with the broader Gold and Auburn Accent families. These shades create warm, reflective results that feel rich, dimensional and intentionally sun-kissed.
“I’m a golden girly so I love the 7G, 9G, anything in the G or AA family.”
09NB Irish Creme: The Gloss That Does Both (Luxury Blondes & Brunettes)
When asked for her most-used Shades EQ shade, Natalie Ruzgis (@natalieruzgis) didn’t hesitate.
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“I can’t live without her. I even sometimes use her on brunettes because it warms them up too.”
While 09NB Irish Creme is a go-to for soft, creamy blondes, Natalie says its versatility extends beyond blonde clients. The shade adds warmth and richness to brunette formulas, making it a staple for colorists looking for one gloss that can do a little bit of everything.
The GI Family: Rachel Redd’s Forever Favorite
While most colorists named a specific shade, Rachel Redd (@rachel_redd) chose an entire family.
“It will always be GI.”
The Gold Iridescent family combines gold and violet reflects to create balanced, luminous results. The blend of warmth and softness makes it a versatile option for colorists looking to create tones that feel neither too warm nor too cool.
09RB Blush: The Key To “Expensive” Blondes
Matt Swinney (@matt.swinney) reaches for 09RB Blush when he wants to elevate blonde formulas.
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“I do a lot of blondes—that just gives it a little bit of brightness and creates really expensive-looking blondes.”
Sometimes the smallest addition makes the biggest impact. For Matt, this shade adds the extra refinement that transforms a beautiful blonde into one that feels polished, luxe and high-end.
09T Chrome: The Secret To Snow-White Blondes
For Gilad Goldstein (@myguiltycrown), one shade consistently delivers the perfect icy finish.
“I always come back to this and I change the dilution ratio, but it always gets me that perfect snow-white blonde.”
The formula may be adjusted depending on the client, but 09T Chrome remains the constant. It’s a favorite for creating bright, clean blondes with a crisp, polished finish.
Watch the full video of each artist breaking down their favorite Shades from Redken Symposium 2026.
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