Shorter days and cosy layers shouldn’t mean dimmer hair. Bright, glossy blondes cut through grey skies, lift the complexion, and photograph beautifully against winter textures and tones. The secret is switching up your shade for the season, not completely abandoning brightness. Think subtle shifts in tone, thoughtful placement, and adding high-shine finishes to keep your blonde looking luminous.

The Blonde Everyone’s Talking About: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Record-Breaking Blonde”

 

Celebrity Stylist Laurie Heaps (@_hairbylaurie) is the pro behind Sabrina’s signature blonde. She’s created a look that showcases a balanced, light-reflective finish and is powered by Shades EQ.

Foundational color:

  • Lift: Redken Flash Lift with Bonder Inside (Laurie loves this for it’s ability to lift clean and keep hair happy.)
  • Zone 1 (roots): Shades EQ 0.25 oz 010N + 0.25 oz 010GI + 0.25 oz 000
  • Zones 2 & 3: Shades EQ 000 for a glossy finish
  • Original Shades EQ gloss cocktail: 1 oz 09N Café au Lait + 1 oz 010GI Tahitian Sand + 0.5 oz 09G Crème Brûlée

Shades EQ is essential to every color, especially blondes. The color that thinks it’s a conditioner, it is the super power behind getting just the right color and keeping it.

Two new seasonal spins from Laurie using Shades EQ:

  1. Platinum Perfection (cool, pristine): 010VV Lavender Ice + 09V Platinum Ice + Clear
  2. Golden Radiance (rich, sun-kissed warmth): 010G Lemon Icing + 08GI St. Barths + 010GI Tahitian Sand + 8WG Golden Apricot

This is idea for fall/winter because both formulas keep brightness while tailoring tone whether cooler for a frosty finish or golden for a cozy glow.

Transitioning Your Blonde for Fall & Winter:

  1. Fine-tune the tone: Ask your stylist to nudge warmth or coolness with a Shades EQ gloss so your blonde harmonizes with winter lighting and wardrobes.
  2. Add dimension thoughtfully: A few lowlights or warmer face-frame pieces keep bright blondes dynamic in lower light.
  3. Prioritize gloss for shine + condition: A quick Shades EQ gloss refresh maintains luminosity, dimension and tonal clarity between big color appointments.
  4. Mind the pH after lightening: Shades EQ helps rebalance pH post-lightening for a smoother, shinier finish.
  5. Schedule regular upkeep: Because demi-permanent color fades softly, plan regular glosses rather than drastic overhauls.

The Salon Essential: Redken Shades EQ Gloss

What it is: A professional, demi-permanent gloss your stylist applies to correct, add, or perfect tone while delivering shine and condition. Traditionally used on pre-lightened hair, it’s also an easy way to “try on” a new color without as much commitment.

Why it’s different:

  • Ammonia-free and acidic pH formula delivers results that are gentle and glossy.
  • Demi-permanent: deposits tone (no harsh grow-out line) and gradually washes out.
  • Versatility: 100+ intermixable shades for fully customized results.
  • Clear option for shine-only refreshes.
  • Up to 28 shampoos of wear.
  • Neutralizes brass, deepens/warms as desired, and can soften the appearance of grays.
  • Bonder Inside option tones and strengthens in one step.
  • Quick: gloss appointments can be applied in about 20 minutes.
  • pH rebalance after lightening to help seal the cuticle and leave hair softer and shinier.

Pre-toning (when to consider it): Use clear or a no-background gloss first to create a neutral base, then layer the final gloss for even, predictable results.

 

Beyond the Chair: Care That Protects Brightness

Acidic Bonding Concentrate 

Acidic Bonding Concentrate - The Complete Set

To maintain vibrancy, strength, and softness between appointments, build a routine around Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate. A system with Citric Acid, it helps strengthen weakened bonds from chemical services, heat, and environmental stressors, supporting the integrity of lightened hair.

 

Acidic Color Gloss

Acidic Color Gloss - The Complete Set

Acidic Color Gloss is a salon-grade, at-home glossing range to extend colour vibrancy, seal the cuticle, and deliver glass-like shine. In addition to a Shampoo & Conditioner, Heat Protectant, and Naked Gloss Oil, this system also includes the new Gloss-In-Mask— A 1-minute mask that delivers the high shine and color vibrancy of a gloss with the deep hydration of a mask.

 

 

Quick Blonde FAQs

Will a Shades EQ gloss cover greys?
Demi-permanent glosses won’t cover 100% gray. They’re best for softening/blending. Choose permanent colour for full coverage.

How long does a Shades EQ gloss last?
Up to 28 shampoos (with a soft grow-out and no harsh line of demarcation).

Can I refresh shine without changing my colour?
Yes—ask for Shades EQ Clear to boost gloss only.

What’s the benefit of Shades EQ Bonder Inside?
It tones and strengthens in one step, helping care for sensitised hair while perfecting tone.

Should I pre-tone?
Pre-toning with clear or a no-background gloss helps create an even canvas before applying the final shade.