Licensed colourists and salons that already work with Shades EQ Gloss and want a gel consistency for placement-driven techniques. Redken positions it for lowlights, contouring and defining, shadowed roots, special effects and ombre finishes.

It is also a practical choice on coarse or wiry hair, which Redken says the gel adheres to better. The label reads "For professional use only": it is not intended for at-home colouring.

Shades EQ Gloss is a liquid, made for fast application. This processing solution changes the consistency without changing the colour: mix it with the same Gloss shade and it becomes a gel, giving the control needed for lowlights, a shadowed root or a contoured placement while keeping the shine the gloss is known for. Because the mixing ratio and timing match the regular Shades EQ Processing Solution, a colourist can choose liquid or gel from the same gloss shades, depending on the technique.

For professional use only. Mixing and processing are the same as with the standard Shades EQ Gloss Processing Solution.

• Mix Shades EQ Processing Solution for Precision Application with Shades EQ Gloss in a 1:1 ratio
• Apply with a tint bowl and brush
• Process for 20 minutes; up to 40 minutes on grey hair
• Keep the bottle upright

Pros:

• The gloss becomes a gel for greater control, which suits lowlights, root shadows and contouring
• Works with any Shades EQ Gloss shade, so the gloss palette becomes available in gel form
• Same 1:1 mix and the same 20-minute processing as the standard processing solution, so there are no new timings to learn
• Adheres better on coarse or wiry hair, according to Redken

Cons:

• Salon use only; it is not a hair colour on its own and does nothing without Shades EQ Gloss
• For fast all-over glossing, the standard liquid Shades EQ Gloss Processing Solution is the better fit
• Grey hair needs the longer processing time (up to 40 minutes)