Redken Shades EQ is a popular semi-permanent hair color that can last 4-5 weeks before fading, depending on your hair type and how often you wash your hair. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about how long Redken Shades EQ lasts and what factors affect fading.
What is Redken Shades EQ?
Redken Shades EQ is a demi-permanent hair color made by Redken. It deposits color onto the hair that lasts between 4-5 weeks typically. Here are some key features of Redken Shades EQ hair color:
- Contains lower levels of developer than permanent hair dye
- Less damaging to hair than permanent color
- Provides 100% gray coverage
- Ammonia-free formula
- Available in over 60 intermixable shades
- Can be used to enhance or tone existing color
- Provides multi-dimensional color results
Redken Shades EQ is great for people who want long-lasting color without a permanent commitment. It gently infuses the hair strand with color molecules that fade slowly over time.
How long does Redken Shades EQ last?
On average, Redken Shades EQ lasts between 4-5 weeks on most hair types. However, there are several factors that affect fading time:
| Factor | Effect on Fading Time |
|---|---|
| Hair color | Darker hair holds onto color longer than light hair |
| Hair porosity | Porous hair fades faster than hair with tight cuticles |
| Shampooing | Frequent shampooing speeds up fading |
| Hair health | Dry or damaged hair fades faster |
| UV exposure | Sun exposure causes color to fade more quickly |
| Water temperature | Hot water washes color molecules out faster |
As you can see, many different factors affect how long Redken Shades EQ will last before fading. Next, let’s look more closely at how your natural hair color and porosity impact the longevity of Redken Shades EQ.
Impact of Natural Hair Color
Natural hair color makes a big difference in how long Redken Shades EQ lasts. Here’s an overview:
- Dark brown/black hair: Holds onto color the longest. Redken Shades EQ can last 5-6 weeks.
- Medium brown hair: Retains color well but tends to fade after 4-5 weeks.
- Light brown/dark blonde hair: Begins showing fading around weeks 3-4.
- Light blonde/gray hair: More porous so Redken Shades EQ fades fastest, often in 2-3 weeks.
The natural pigment level of your hair impacts how quickly it absorbs and retains color molecules. Darker hair with more natural pigment holds onto artificial color better than light hair with less pigment.
Impact of Hair Porosity
The porosity or tightness of your hair’s cuticle layer also affects Redken Shades EQ’s staying power. Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture and color. Here’s how porosity impacts fading:
- Low porosity hair: Cuticles are tightly sealed and repel color longer. Redken Shades EQ lasts 4-6 weeks.
- Normal porosity hair: Cuticles behave normally and retain color for 3-5 weeks.
- High porosity hair: Cuticles are overly porous and allow color to escape quickly. Fades in 2-4 weeks.
Perform a quick porosity test at home by spraying hair with water and seeing how long it takes to absorb. Low porosity hair resists water while high porosity hair absorbs quickly.
How to Make Redken Shades EQ Last Longer
You can help prevent Redken Shades EQ from fading too quickly by following these simple tips:
- Wash hair less frequently (every 5-7 days)
- Rinse hair with cool water
- Use sulfate-free color-safe shampoo
- Apply weekly conditioning hair masks
- Protect hair from sun exposure
- Avoid heat styling when possible
- Get regular trims to remove faded ends
- Use Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics line
The Color Extend Magnetics shampoo, conditioner, and treatment products are specially designed to lock in hair color and prevent fading. Using these products can help prolong the life of your Redken Shades EQ by a week or more.
What causes Redken Shades EQ to fade?
There are a few key factors that cause Redken Shades EQ and other demi-permanent hair colors to fade over time:
Oxidation
Exposure to oxygen breaks down hair color molecules and lightens their appearance. Things like pollution and UV rays accelerate oxidation of hair pigments.
Shampooing
Frequent shampooing strips color from the hair’s cuticle layer, especially if harsh sulfates are used. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos to prevent washing color away.
Water temperature
Hot water opens the hair’s cuticle layer allowing color to escape more readily when washing. Rinsing with cool water helps seal in color.
Condition of hair
Dry, damaged, or porous hair has a harder time retaining color. Deep condition regularly and avoid over-processing to keep hair healthy.
How to refresh Redken Shades EQ
When your Redken Shades EQ color begins to fade, you have a couple options to refresh it:
Redye roots
Target the regrowth by applying Redken Shades EQ just to the roots every 4-5 weeks. This will help keep roots looking fresh and blend with the rest of your hair.
All-over gloss treatment
Use Redken Shades EQ Gloss to add back vibrant color all over without having to fully recolor your hair. Apply as a weekly or biweekly gloss gloss to boost color intensity.
Full color touch-up
When hair is showing significant fading, you can repeat the full coloring process with Redken Shades EQ. Allow hair to fade 50-70% before completely recoloring for best results.
How to remove Redken Shades EQ
Redken Shades EQ will eventually wash out of hair over the course of 6-8 weeks as it continues to fade. However, you can expedite the removal process if desired using a clarifying shampoo to strip color more aggressively. Here are some tips for removing Redken Shades EQ faster:
- Use a clarifying shampoo daily
- Make a baking soda paste to remove more color
- Try an anti-dandruff shampoo which contains stronger surfactants
- Use vitamin C treatments to oxidize and lift color
- Get a soap cap treatment at the salon
Keep in mind aggressive fading and removal methods will dry your hair. Use deep conditioning masks to counteract and prevent damage when trying to speed up color removal.
Conclusion
With proper maintenance, Redken Shades EQ can provide beautiful color that lasts 4-5 weeks on average. Hair that is darker, less porous, and well-conditioned will hold onto color the longest. Limit washing, rinse with cool water, use sulfate-free shampoo, and protect hair from sun exposure to prevent fading. Refresh color as needed with root touch-ups, all-over gloss treatments, or full recoloring services. Going gradually lighter over time will make removing Redken Shades EQ easier when desired.
