A professional resource provided by Redken, this system organizes the brand’s permanent hair color options. It typically displays color swatches, associated levels (indicating lightness or darkness), tones (like warm, cool, or neutral), and product codes for easy reference and selection. An example would be a visual representation of shades ranging from deepest black to lightest blonde, categorized and labeled for precise identification. This system allows stylists to predict and achieve desired color results with greater accuracy.
This structured approach to color selection provides significant advantages for both stylists and clients. It promotes clear communication about color goals, minimizing misinterpretations and ensuring consistent results. The readily available information about level, tone, and underlying pigment enables informed decisions about color formulation and application techniques. Historically, achieving consistent hair color results has been a challenge. This system addresses this historical difficulty by offering a standardized framework for color selection and application.
Understanding this organizational system is fundamental to exploring specific topics related to permanent hair color, including color theory, formulating custom shades, and addressing specific client needs. Further exploration will delve into the nuances of choosing and applying color for various hair types and textures.
1. Color Levels
Color levels represent the degree of lightness or darkness within a hair color system. Understanding these levels is fundamental to using a professional color chart effectively, providing a structured framework for selecting and achieving target shades. They serve as a universal language for discussing and comparing hair color, enabling precise communication and predictable results.
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The Scale
Color levels are typically arranged on a numerical scale, generally ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Each number represents a progressive step in lightness, allowing for systematic identification and comparison of different shades. On a Redken chart, this numerical system ensures consistency and allows for precise shade selection.
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Impact on Formulation
The desired color level significantly influences the formulation process. Lifting darker hair to a lighter level requires specific products and techniques. Understanding the relationship between the natural hair level, the desired level, and the color product’s lifting capabilities is crucial for achieving accurate results. This knowledge is directly applicable when using a Redken chart to determine appropriate products and developer strengths.
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Relationship with Tone
While the level indicates lightness or darkness, the tone refers to the warmth or coolness of the color. Both are essential components within a color system. A level 6 can be a warm golden blonde or a cool ash blonde depending on the tone. A Redken chart displays both level and tone information, allowing for precise selection of the desired shade nuance.
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Practical Application
In practice, assessing the client’s natural hair level is the first step in any color service. This assessment, in conjunction with the desired level and tone, informs product selection and application techniques. The Redken chart facilitates this process, providing a visual guide for determining appropriate color formulations based on the client’s starting point and desired outcome.
Proficient navigation of color levels within a professional color chart, like the one provided by Redken, is a cornerstone of precision hair coloring. Accurate assessment, formulation, and application all hinge on a thorough understanding of this fundamental principle, enabling predictable and consistent results. Mastering the interplay between color levels and other aspects of the chart empowers colorists to create customized looks tailored to individual client needs.
2. Underlying Pigment
Underlying pigment, the natural color molecules present in hair, plays a crucial role in how hair color appears and reacts to processing. Understanding underlying pigment is essential for predicting and controlling color results when using a professional color system like the Redken permanent hair color chart. Accurate assessment of underlying pigment allows for precise color formulation and helps avoid unwanted tones or uneven results. This section explores key facets of underlying pigment and its relationship to color selection.
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Natural Hair Color Levels
Each natural hair level possesses a dominant underlying pigment. Darker levels contain higher concentrations of red and yellow pigments, while lighter levels have less pigment overall. Recognizing the inherent pigment at each level is critical when selecting target shades. For example, lightening dark brown hair (level 3) can reveal underlying red-orange tones. A Redken color chart helps stylists anticipate these underlying tones and choose appropriate corrective measures.
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The Role of Lift and Deposit
Permanent hair color products both lift (remove) and deposit (add) color. The extent of lift required to achieve a target level depends on the underlying pigment. Lifting without considering underlying pigment can lead to unwanted brassy or orange tones. The Redken chart facilitates informed decisions about lift and deposit, guiding product selection and formulation based on both natural and desired color.
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Neutralization and Tone Correction
Neutralizing unwanted tones is a critical aspect of achieving desired color results. Understanding complementary color theory, where opposite colors on the color wheel neutralize each other, is crucial. For example, green tones neutralize red, and violet tones neutralize yellow. The Redken chart provides information about the tonal direction of each shade, aiding in selecting colors that neutralize unwanted underlying pigment revealed during the lifting process.
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Consultation and Client Communication
Effective client communication is essential for successful color services. Discussing underlying pigment and its impact on the final result helps manage client expectations and ensures satisfaction. The Redken chart serves as a visual aid during consultations, allowing stylists to explain the complexities of color theory and the steps needed to achieve the client’s desired look.
Proficient use of a Redken permanent hair color chart requires a thorough understanding of underlying pigment. This knowledge empowers colorists to anticipate and control color results, formulate accurate mixtures, and ultimately achieve predictable and desirable outcomes for their clients. By analyzing natural hair color, considering the interplay of lift and deposit, understanding neutralization principles, and communicating effectively, stylists can leverage the Redken chart as a powerful tool for achieving precise and beautiful color transformations.
3. Tone/Reflect
Tone, also known as reflect, is a critical element within the Redken permanent hair color chart system. It describes the warmth or coolness of a hair color and significantly influences the final result. Understanding tone is essential for selecting the appropriate shade from the chart and achieving the desired aesthetic. This section explores the various facets of tone and its impact on hair color.
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Warm Tones
Warm tones encompass shades like gold, copper, red, and auburn. These tones add vibrancy and richness to the hair. On a Redken chart, warm tones are often indicated with identifiers like G for gold, C for copper, or R for red. Choosing a warm tone can add dimension and create a lively effect, particularly suitable for individuals with warm skin undertones. For example, a level 7G (level 7 with a gold tone) creates a warm blonde, while a 6C delivers a rich auburn.
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Cool Tones
Cool tones include shades like ash, violet, blue, and beige. These tones create a subdued and sophisticated look, often described as icy or smoky. They are frequently used to counteract unwanted warmth or brassiness. On a Redken chart, cool tones are often indicated with identifiers like A for ash, V for violet, or B for beige. For example, a level 10A (level 10 with an ash tone) creates a cool, platinum blonde. A 6V would provide a cool, smoky brown.
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Neutral Tones
Neutral tones balance warm and cool elements, resulting in a natural-looking shade. They are versatile and complement a wide range of skin tones. On a Redken chart, neutral tones are often indicated with an N or sometimes a combination of warm and cool identifiers to achieve balance. A level 8N offers a classic, neutral blonde, suitable for individuals seeking a natural, understated look.
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Impact of Tone on Overall Look
The chosen tone dramatically affects the final result of a hair color service. It can add warmth and vibrancy, create a cool and sophisticated effect, or provide a natural and balanced look. The same level of hair color can appear vastly different depending on the chosen tone. The Redken chart displays these variations clearly, facilitating informed choices and predictable outcomes. For instance, a level 5 with a warm copper tone creates a vibrant, reddish-brown, while a level 5 with a cool ash tone results in a more subdued, matte brown.
Understanding tone is integral to effective use of the Redken permanent hair color chart. By recognizing the nuances of warm, cool, and neutral tones, and how they interact with hair color levels, colorists can achieve precise and customized results, ensuring the final color complements the client’s complexion and desired aesthetic. The chart serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of tone and achieving predictable, beautiful color outcomes.
4. Color Families
Color families represent distinct groupings of shades within the Redken permanent hair color chart, organized by their dominant tonal characteristics. Understanding these families provides a framework for navigating the wide array of available colors and simplifies the process of selecting appropriate shades for specific client needs and desired outcomes. This organizational structure within the chart facilitates efficient and effective color selection.
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Natural Series
The natural series typically encompasses shades that mimic natural hair colors, ranging from black to light blonde. These shades offer a balanced tone, neither overly warm nor cool, providing a classic and versatile option. Within a Redken chart, these are often denoted with an “N” designation. They are ideal for clients seeking a subtle change or for covering gray hair while maintaining a natural appearance.
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Warm Families (e.g., Gold, Copper, Red)
Warm families, including gold, copper, and red, infuse hair with vibrant, reflective tones. These shades add depth and dimension, particularly suitable for clients desiring a noticeable color change. On a Redken chart, these families are often identified by letters like “G” for gold, “C” for copper, or “R” for red. A copper family, for instance, can range from subtle copper-golds to intense, fiery reds, offering a spectrum of warm options.
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Cool Families (e.g., Ash, Violet, Beige)
Cool families, such as ash, violet, and beige, provide muted, smoky tones. They are often used to neutralize unwanted warmth or brassiness in the hair. Within a Redken chart, these families are typically designated with letters like “A” for ash, “V” for violet, or “B” for beige. An ash series, for example, can offer shades from cool, smoky blondes to deep, ash browns, allowing for a wide range of cool-toned options.
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Specialty Families (e.g., High-Lift, Special Blonde)
Specialty families address specific color needs, such as achieving significant lift or creating unique blonde shades. High-lift series are designed to lift natural hair color several levels, while special blonde series offer a curated selection of blonde tones. A Redken chart often designates these specialized families with specific labels or codes. These families provide targeted solutions for achieving dramatic color changes or addressing unique color challenges, like achieving very light blondes on darker hair.
Understanding the organization of color families within the Redken permanent hair color chart is crucial for efficient and effective color selection. This structure allows colorists to quickly identify appropriate shades based on desired tonal direction and specific client needs. The categorization into natural, warm, cool, and specialty families provides a clear roadmap for navigating the diverse range of options available within the Redken system, ultimately contributing to predictable and successful color results.
5. Product Codes
Product codes are essential for accurate product identification within the Redken permanent hair color chart system. These codes represent a specific shade, level, and tone, ensuring precise selection and minimizing the risk of error. Understanding how to interpret these codes is crucial for consistent and predictable color results. Effective use of the chart requires familiarity with this coding system.
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Structure and Deciphering
Redken product codes typically follow a specific alphanumeric structure. This structure often incorporates information about the color family, level, and tone. For example, a code like “6N” might indicate a level 6 natural shade, while “8C” could represent a level 8 copper. Deciphering these codes allows for quick and accurate identification of the desired shade within the expansive color chart.
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Precision and Consistency
Using product codes ensures consistent color results by eliminating ambiguity. Verbal descriptions or visual approximations can be subjective and lead to variations in formulation. Relying on the precise product code eliminates this potential for error, ensuring that the correct product is used every time. This precision is essential for maintaining salon standards and client satisfaction.
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Ordering and Inventory Management
Product codes are essential for efficient ordering and inventory management. Using the correct code when ordering ensures the salon receives the intended products, minimizing delays and potential stock discrepancies. This streamlined process contributes to the smooth operation of a salon environment.
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Integration with the Color Chart
The Redken permanent hair color chart typically displays product codes alongside the corresponding color swatches. This integration allows for seamless cross-referencing. Stylists can visually identify a desired shade on the chart and quickly locate the corresponding product code for ordering or formulation. This integrated approach simplifies the color selection process and promotes efficiency within the salon.
Mastery of Redken product codes is fundamental to effective utilization of the permanent hair color chart. Accurate product identification, consistent results, streamlined ordering processes, and seamless integration with the visual chart all contribute to a professional and efficient color service. By understanding and utilizing the coding system, colorists can leverage the full potential of the Redken chart to deliver precise and predictable color outcomes for their clients.
6. Application Instructions
Application instructions are inextricably linked to the Redken permanent hair color chart. The chart provides the visual guide for color selection, while the corresponding application instructions dictate how to achieve the desired results. This connection is crucial because variations in application techniques can significantly impact the final color outcome, even with precise color selection. Specific instructions relate to factors like developer volume, processing time, and application method (e.g., virgin application, root touch-up, or all-over color). For instance, using a higher volume developer than recommended could lead to over-lifting and unwanted tones, while insufficient processing time might result in uneven color coverage. Therefore, adherence to the prescribed instructions is paramount for achieving the intended color result indicated on the chart.
Understanding the nuances within application instructions is essential for addressing various hair coloring scenarios. For virgin applications, the instructions typically detail how to apply color evenly from root to tip for a consistent result. Root touch-up instructions, on the other hand, focus on precise application to the regrowth area, avoiding overlapping onto previously colored hair to prevent banding. All-over color application requires a different approach, focusing on saturation and even distribution for consistent color throughout the hair shaft. Furthermore, the instructions might include specific guidance for different hair types and textures. Fine hair, for example, might process color more quickly than coarse hair, requiring adjustments to processing time. These tailored instructions are essential for achieving predictable and desirable outcomes across diverse client needs.
Precise application instructions are fundamental to maximizing the effectiveness of the Redken permanent hair color chart. Consistent color results rely on the synergy between accurate color selection and precise application techniques. Challenges like uneven color, unwanted tones, or damage can often be attributed to deviations from prescribed application methods. Therefore, a thorough understanding and meticulous adherence to these instructions are critical for achieving the desired color transformations promised by the chart, ensuring predictable, beautiful, and healthy-looking results.
7. Mixing Ratios
Mixing ratios are fundamental to achieving predictable and desirable results with Redken permanent hair color. The Redken permanent hair color chart provides guidance on target shades, but achieving those shades relies on precise mixing of color products with appropriate developers. Incorrect ratios can lead to undesirable outcomes, including uneven color, unwanted tones, or compromised hair health. Understanding the relationship between mixing ratios and the color chart is essential for successful color formulation.
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Developer Volume and Lift
Developer volume, typically expressed as 10, 20, 30, or 40, directly affects the amount of lift achieved during the coloring process. Lower volumes provide minimal lift and are suitable for depositing color or darkening hair. Higher volumes provide greater lift and are necessary for lightening hair significantly. The Redken chart, in conjunction with product instructions, guides the selection of appropriate developer volume based on the desired level of lift and the starting level of the client’s hair. Choosing the incorrect developer volume can lead to insufficient lift or excessive lift, resulting in a final color that deviates from the intended target shade on the chart.
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Ratio for Target Shade
The ratio of color to developer is crucial for achieving the desired tone and intensity. Redken permanent hair color typically follows a specific mixing ratio with its corresponding developer, often 1:1. However, certain products or techniques may require adjustments to this ratio. Precise adherence to the recommended ratio, as specified in the product instructions and sometimes indicated on the chart, ensures proper color development and prevents issues like diluted color or overly intense results.
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Impact on Color Deposit and Tone
The mixing ratio influences both color deposit and tone. Using too much developer can dilute the color pigment, leading to a weaker color deposit and potential tonal shifts. Conversely, insufficient developer can result in uneven color development and potential difficulty achieving the desired lift or tone indicated on the chart. Maintaining the correct ratio is essential for balancing lift, deposit, and tonal accuracy, ensuring the final color aligns with the intended result on the chart.
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Considerations for Specific Techniques
Certain color techniques, such as gray coverage or highlighting, may require specific mixing ratio adjustments. For example, achieving complete gray coverage often necessitates a higher concentration of color pigment, which might influence the standard mixing ratio. Similarly, highlighting techniques often utilize higher developer volumes for maximum lift. The Redken chart and accompanying product instructions provide specific guidance for adjusting mixing ratios based on the intended technique, ensuring optimal results for diverse color applications.
Accurate mixing ratios are integral to achieving the color results depicted on the Redken permanent hair color chart. The chart serves as the visual guide for color selection, but achieving those target shades relies heavily on precise and appropriate mixing techniques. Developer volume, the ratio of color to developer, and adjustments for specific techniques all influence the final color outcome. Understanding these factors and adhering to recommended mixing ratios ensures predictable, consistent, and desirable color results that align with the intended shades presented on the chart. This precision in mixing, coupled with the information provided on the chart, empowers colorists to create customized and beautiful color transformations.
8. Target Results
Target results represent the desired outcome of a hair coloring process. The Redken permanent hair color chart serves as a crucial tool for defining and achieving these target results. The chart provides a visual representation of achievable shades, allowing for clear communication between stylist and client and facilitating the selection of the appropriate color formulation. Understanding the connection between target results and the Redken chart is essential for predictable and successful color transformations.
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Client Consultation and Communication
Effective communication between the stylist and client is paramount for achieving desired results. The Redken chart facilitates this communication by providing a visual reference point for discussing color options. Clients can point to specific shades on the chart, clearly conveying their desired look. This visual aid minimizes misinterpretations and ensures both parties are aligned on the target result. For example, a client seeking a “cool, ashy blonde” can directly identify a shade with the appropriate level and tone on the chart, ensuring the stylist understands the specific target.
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Shade Selection and Formulation
Once the target result is established, the Redken chart guides the selection of the appropriate color product and developer. The chart displays various shades categorized by level, tone, and reflect, enabling precise selection of the formula that aligns with the desired outcome. For instance, if the target result is a level 7 warm golden blonde, the chart directs the stylist towards the corresponding shade and its associated product code, ensuring accurate product selection for achieving the desired color.
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Technique and Application
Achieving the target result depends not only on selecting the correct color product but also on employing the appropriate application technique. Whether the target is full coverage, highlights, or a balayage effect, the chosen technique influences the final outcome. While the chart itself doesn’t provide detailed instructions, it serves as the foundation for determining the technique needed to achieve the desired result. For instance, a target result of subtle highlights will require a different application technique compared to achieving all-over color, even if both utilize shades selected from the Redken chart.
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Assessment and Adjustments
Evaluating the color result against the initial target is an essential step in the hair coloring process. Minor adjustments might be necessary to perfectly match the desired shade. The Redken chart provides a reference point for these adjustments, allowing the stylist to determine if further toning or refining is required. For example, if the achieved color is slightly warmer than the target shade on the chart, the stylist can use the chart to select a toning product to neutralize the excess warmth and achieve the desired coolness.
The Redken permanent hair color chart serves as a roadmap for achieving target results in hair coloring. From initial client consultation to final color assessment, the chart provides a visual framework for communication, product selection, technique guidance, and adjustments. A thorough understanding of the chart’s organization and its relationship to target results is paramount for predictable and successful color transformations, ensuring the final outcome aligns with the client’s vision and the stylist’s expertise. By effectively utilizing the chart, colorists can navigate the complexities of hair color and deliver consistent, beautiful, and client-satisfying results.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the utilization and interpretation of the Redken permanent hair color chart.
Question 1: How does one determine the appropriate shade level using the chart?
Accurate assessment of natural hair level is crucial. The chart provides visual representations of levels ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Comparing the client’s natural hair color to the swatches on the chart helps determine the starting point for color selection.
Question 2: What is the significance of underlying pigment in relation to the chart?
Underlying pigment influences how hair reacts to color processing. The chart assists in predicting and addressing potential tonal shifts during lightening or coloring. Recognizing underlying pigment allows for informed color choices that neutralize unwanted tones and achieve desired results.
Question 3: How does the chart assist in selecting the correct tone or reflect?
The chart displays various tones, like warm (gold, copper), cool (ash, violet), and neutral. Visual representation of these tones aids in selecting a shade that complements complexion and achieves the desired aesthetic. Understanding these nuances is crucial for achieving predictable color outcomes.
Question 4: How are product codes used in conjunction with the chart?
Product codes, typically located alongside color swatches on the chart, provide precise identification for ordering and formulation. Using these codes ensures the correct product is selected, minimizing errors and ensuring consistency.
Question 5: What role do application instructions play in achieving chart-represented results?
Application instructions, while not directly displayed on the chart, are crucial for achieving the depicted results. Factors such as developer volume, processing time, and application method must be adhered to for predictable outcomes. Deviations from instructions can significantly impact the final color.
Question 6: How does one adjust the color formulation if the achieved result deviates from the chart representation?
Slight variations in color outcome can occur. The chart serves as a reference for making adjustments. By comparing the achieved result with the target shade on the chart, one can determine the necessary corrective measures, such as toning, to achieve a closer match to the desired color.
Accurate interpretation and utilization of the Redken permanent hair color chart require understanding the interplay of levels, tones, underlying pigment, product codes, and application techniques. This comprehensive approach ensures predictable and desirable color results.
Further sections will delve into specific color formulation techniques and advanced applications using the Redken system.
Tips for Using a Professional Permanent Hair Color Chart
Optimizing color selection and application hinges on effectively utilizing a professional hair color chart. The following tips provide guidance for achieving predictable and desirable color results.
Tip 1: Accurate Natural Level Assessment
Precise color formulation begins with accurate assessment of the natural hair level. Compare the client’s hair to the level swatches on the chart under natural lighting to determine the accurate starting point. Misidentifying the natural level can lead to incorrect formulation and undesirable results.
Tip 2: Consider Underlying Pigment
Underlying pigment significantly influences the final color outcome, especially during lightening. Anticipate potential tonal shifts based on the natural level and underlying pigment. The chart, combined with product knowledge, allows for preemptive selection of neutralizing tones to counteract unwanted brassiness or warmth.
Tip 3: Tone Selection for Desired Aesthetic
Carefully consider the desired tone. Warm tones add vibrancy, cool tones offer a subdued look, and neutral tones provide balance. The chart’s visual representation of tones allows for precise selection to complement skin tone and achieve the target aesthetic.
Tip 4: Precise Product Code Usage
Utilize product codes for accurate product selection. These codes, found on the chart, eliminate ambiguity and ensure the correct color and developer are used, crucial for consistent results.
Tip 5: Adherence to Application Instructions
Consult and adhere to the manufacturer’s application instructions. Developer volume, processing time, and application methods influence the final color. Deviations from instructions can compromise the desired outcome.
Tip 6: Strand Tests for Accuracy
Conduct strand tests prior to full application, especially when working with new products or techniques. Strand tests provide a preview of the color result on the specific hair type, allowing for adjustments to formulation or application if needed. This precautionary step minimizes the risk of undesirable outcomes.
Tip 7: Chart as a Communication Tool
Utilize the chart as a communication tool during client consultations. Visual representation of shades and tones clarifies expectations and ensures both stylist and client are aligned on the target result.
Consistent and predictable color results are achieved through accurate assessment, precise product selection, and adherence to recommended guidelines. Effective chart utilization empowers informed decisions and facilitates successful color transformations.
The following conclusion summarizes the key takeaways regarding the importance and application of professional hair color chart systems.
Conclusion
Exploration of the Redken permanent hair color chart reveals its importance as a foundational tool for predictable and successful hair color transformations. Understanding its structure, encompassing color levels, underlying pigment, tones, color families, product codes, application instructions, and mixing ratios, is paramount for achieving desired results. Accurate assessment of natural hair level, combined with careful consideration of underlying pigment and desired tone, empowers informed color selection. Precise product code usage ensures consistent formulation, while adherence to application instructions and recommended mixing ratios guarantees optimal color development. The chart’s visual representation facilitates clear communication between stylist and client, aligning expectations and minimizing misinterpretations. Furthermore, conducting strand tests provides a crucial safeguard against undesirable outcomes.
Mastery of the Redken permanent hair color chart empowers colorists to navigate the complexities of hair color with confidence and precision. This comprehensive understanding, combined with continuous professional development and adherence to best practices, elevates technical skill and unlocks the full potential of Redken’s color system, ultimately delivering exceptional and client-satisfying results.
