Understanding the Redken Hair Color Chart
The Redken hair color chart showcases a wide spectrum of colors ranging from natural hues to bold fashion shades. It serves multiple purposes for both clients and professionals:
- Visual Reference: Helps clients visualize how different shades may appear on their hair, depending on their current color and hair type.
- Color Selection: Assists stylists in choosing the appropriate shade, taking into account the client's skin tone and personal style.
- Color Formulation: Provides insights into mixing and matching colors for custom shades.
The Structure of the Color Chart
The Redken hair color chart is typically organized into categories that include:
1. Natural Shades: These colors mimic the natural tones found in hair, such as deep browns, light blondes, and neutral blacks. They form the foundation for many color services.
2. Fashion Shades: Bold and vibrant colors like blues, reds, purples, and pastels fall into this category. These are ideal for clients looking to make a statement.
3. Special Effects: This includes colors meant for highlights, lowlights, and balayage techniques, allowing for dimension and movement in the hair.
4. Gray Coverage: Specific shades designed to effectively cover gray hair while ensuring a natural finish.
Each category displays a numerical and alphabetical coding system that helps identify the specific shades. The first number represents the level of lightness or darkness, while the letters indicate the tone or hue (for example, R for red, N for neutral, G for gold).
The Science Behind Hair Color
Understanding how hair color works is crucial for achieving the desired results. Hair color is created through a combination of pigments, and the process involves:
- Melanin: The natural pigment found in hair that determines its color. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (yellow/red).
- Oxidation: Hair color products usually contain an oxidizing agent that reacts with the dye molecules, allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft and bond with the natural pigments.
- pH Level: Hair color also depends on the pH level of the product. A lower pH is generally better for hair health, as it helps to close the cuticle and lock in color.
Choosing the Right Shade
Selecting the right shade from the Redken hair color chart involves several factors:
1. Skin Tone: Consider your skin’s undertones—warm, cool, or neutral. For instance:
- Warm Undertones: Look for shades with golden, copper, or warm browns.
- Cool Undertones: Opt for ashy blondes, cool browns, or burgundies.
- Neutral Undertones: Most shades will complement you, so you can experiment with various tones.
2. Eye Color: Your eye color can also influence your choice. For example:
- Blue Eyes: Light blondes or cool browns can enhance blue eyes.
- Brown Eyes: Almost any shade works, but rich chocolates and reds can bring out warmth.
- Green/Hazel Eyes: Reds and coppers often work beautifully.
3. Current Hair Color: Consider your existing hair color. If you're going several shades lighter or darker, it may require multiple sessions or specific products to avoid damage.
4. Lifestyle: If your lifestyle demands low maintenance, you might want to choose a shade that grows out gracefully, such as balayage or ombre.
Application Techniques
Proper application techniques are essential for achieving the best results with the Redken hair color chart. Different methods can create various effects:
- All-Over Color: This technique is ideal for a uniform look and is often used for natural shades.
- Highlights: Lifting strands of hair to a lighter shade helps create dimension and can be done using foils or balayage techniques.
- Lowlights: Adding darker shades to specific sections of hair can add depth and contrast.
- Balayage: A freehand painting technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed effect. It is ideal for clients who desire low maintenance.
- Ombre/Sombre: A gradient effect where the hair is darker at the roots and gradually lightens towards the ends. This technique allows for a beautiful transition and is also low maintenance.
Maintaining Vibrant Color
Once you've selected and applied your new hair color, maintaining its vibrancy is crucial. Follow these tips for long-lasting color:
1. Use Color-Safe Products: Invest in shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Redken offers several options designed to protect color.
2. Limit Washing: Reduce the frequency of washing your hair to prevent color from fading. When you do wash, use lukewarm water as hot water can strip color.
3. Avoid Heat Styling: Limit the use of heat styling tools. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant to minimize damage.
4. Regular Touch-Ups: Schedule regular appointments for touch-ups, especially for root maintenance and gloss treatments.
5. Protect from the Sun: UV rays can fade hair color, so wear hats or use UV protection sprays when spending extended time outdoors.
Conclusion
The Redken hair color chart is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance or change their hair color. By understanding the structure of the chart, the science behind hair color, and the techniques for application and maintenance, clients can confidently select shades that flatter their features and fit their lifestyles. Redken’s commitment to quality and education makes it a trusted choice for both professionals and consumers alike. With the right shade and care, vibrant, beautiful hair can be a reality for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Redken hair color chart?
The Redken hair color chart is a visual guide that displays the various hair color shades and formulations offered by Redken, helping stylists and clients choose the perfect color for their hair.
How do I read the Redken hair color chart?
To read the Redken hair color chart, look for the numbers and letters that represent the base color and tone. The first digit indicates the level of lightness or darkness, while the letters denote specific undertones.
What do the numbers on the Redken hair color chart mean?
The numbers on the Redken hair color chart represent the depth of the color, ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde), with each number corresponding to a specific shade of hair color.
Are there different collections within the Redken hair color chart?
Yes, Redken offers several collections within their hair color line, such as Permanent Color, Shades EQ Gloss, and Color Gels, each with its own unique shades and formulations.
Can I achieve balayage using the Redken hair color chart?
Yes, you can achieve balayage with Redken products by selecting shades from the hair color chart that complement each other for a natural, sun-kissed look, often using the balayage technique with lightening products.
What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent colors in the Redken hair color chart?
Permanent colors in the Redken hair color chart provide long-lasting results and cover grey hair effectively, while semi-permanent colors offer a more temporary solution with less commitment and are great for enhancing natural color.
How can I maintain my hair color after using Redken products?
To maintain your hair color after using Redken products, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, limit heat exposure, and consider regular touch-ups with Redken’s color maintenance products.
Where can I find the latest Redken hair color chart?
You can find the latest Redken hair color chart on the official Redken website or through authorized salons that carry Redken products, often available in print or digital format.
