Styling curly hair is a bit like playing a game of Russian roulette—you never know what you’re going to get. Even if you use the same products and techniques every time you style your hair, sometimes your mane looks flawless, and other times it looks,well, less so. What if we told you there was a salon service that could help you achieve shiny, defined curls every time you styled your ringlets? You probably wouldn’t believe us—and we don’t blame you—which is why we tapped Redken artist Lindsey Olson to break down everything you need to know about Redken Shades EQ Clear.
Redken’s quick and easy salon service is designed to help give you the best curls of your life, and once you learn more, you’re going to want to book an appointment with your stylist ASAP. Keep scrolling for a complete Redken Shades EQ Clear review.
What is Redken Shades EQ Clear?
Shades EQ Clear is a part of the Redken Shades EQ family. Redken Shades EQ is an in-salon gloss service that can help to boost shine and comes in a variety of colors. If you’re not looking to switch up your hue, however, Shades EQ also comes in a clear formula.
Good hair day by @joiewallacehair.
What does Redken Shades EQ Clear do?
Dealing with dull hair? The sole purpose of Redken Shades EQ Clear is to help you achieve your shiniest hair ever.
“Redken Shades EQ richens up the hair and will give you a noticeable difference that’ll last for weeks or months, depending on how often you wash your hair,” Olson says.
Good hair day by @lindsey.marie.olson.
Why is Redken Shades EQ Clear good for curly hair?
While gloss services come in a wide variety of colors, Shades EQ Clear is a great option for anyone looking to add an extra boost of conditioning and shine to their strands without adding any color. Shades EQ Clear is great for all hair types and textures, but it's particularly useful for people with curly hair. Olson recommends this service for her curly hair clients because, unlike bleach, it doesn’t “lift” the hair—meaning it won’t break or weaken the bonds in your strands. This helps to ensure the integrity of your hair and curl pattern is maintained.
If you think your hair is too coarse for this service—think again. The liquid formula allows for easy application and saturation on any curly texture. Furthermore, the stylist says the service is incredibly conditioning due to the acidic pH, which helps to infuse the hair with moisture to help add shine.
Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A smoothing, shine-boosting shampoo for frizzy hair.
One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
A mult-tasking treatment spray that helps you manage, protect and enhance hair.
Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Hair Treatment
A multi-benefit smoothing cream for controlling frizz.
How do you use Redken Shades EQ clear gloss?
If it sounds like Shades EQ Clear is perfect for you, the first thing you’ll need to do is make an appointment at your nearest Redken salon. Once at the salon, your stylist will begin by sectioning your hair into quadrants before applying the gloss solution to each section one by one. After applying the gloss to your entire mane, they’ll allow the gloss to process for 20 minutes at room temperature.
Then, your stylist will rinse out the gloss, followed by shampoo and conditioner. Olson recommends Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and Conditioner for her curly clients. Then, your stylist will apply a leave-in conditioner and styling cream like Redken One United Multi-Benefit Hair Treatment Spray and Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Hair Treatment before diffusing your hair, leaving you with shiny, defined, bouncy curls.
How To Care For Your Hair After A Redken Shades EQ Service
We love walking out of the salon with flawless hair—but that’s to be expected—if you want salon-worthy hair every day, Olson’s got a few key tips to keep your curls in tip-top shape.
“The way you shampoo, the fabric you use to dry the hair, and the way you apply shampoo, conditioner, and hair care or styling products all impact the finished result,” Olson explains. “Curls respond best when they have as much moisture as possible, so I recommend keeping the hair damp and applying styling gels and creams at the shampoo bowl after conditioning.”
After applying your styling products, Olson recommends diffusing your curls using medium to low air until your mane is completely dry.
Equipped with Olson’s advice, you have everything you need to style flawless curls every time!
Want to try Redken Shades EQ Clear? Use the Redken salon locator to book an appointment near you.
Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A smoothing, shine-boosting shampoo for frizzy hair.
One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
A mult-tasking treatment spray that helps you manage, protect and enhance hair.
Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Hair Treatment
A multi-benefit smoothing cream for controlling frizz.
