When it comes to, well, everything, the goal is balance. Work/life balance, a balanced diet, the balancing acts between what you want to do and what you must do. And right now, the matter of balance is top of mind when it comes to hair color as well. Color pros and clients are seeking that perfect blend of blondes and brunettes that aren’t too warm and aren’t too cool.  Sound impossible? It’s not—because with the new Shades EQ Bonder Inside Ash Gold family, Redken got it just right.

The Greige Balancing Act

Do a search for “greige blonde” on social media and you’ll see close to a bajillion results. It’s the hottest trending shade—a multi-dimensional blonde comprised of cool and creamy tones for a smoky beige result that doesn’t sacrifice shine or reflect. With the new Shades Bonder Inside Ash Gold shades in three levels--07AG Smokey Beige, 09AG Glossy Greige, and 010AG Misty Beige—you get two reflects. There’s ash, specially calibrated for each level, to tone down brass, and gold to add a more natural result and enhance shine. Another need to know: the formula base is grounded with a brown to tan background to add balance for the most natural-looking blondes and highlights.

Redken Brand Ambassador Philip Foresto believes he’s found the greige Holy Grail. “Getting the perfect greige for my clients has always been the ultimate challenge,” he says, “but this new Shades EQ Ash Gold family is revolutionizing the blonding game, making it easier than ever to achieve this unique hair color and help it come alive with a new vibrancy.”

But wait, there’s more! Shades EQ Bonder Inside combines toner and bonder in one formula for fast formulation and uncompromised color results. Plus every formula contains a unique blend of citric acid and taurine to help strengthen hair in one step. Bottom line: your greige blondes will be strong, shiny and sassy!

Greige IRL

Since Redken launched its Ash Gold toners, salon stylists have been busy working with these shades to achieve the greige blondes and highlights that are delighting their clients. Here’s a look at some recent results:

Balanced Blonde by Rachel Redd, @rachel_redd

Highlights: 3 oz. Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside + 3 oz. 20-volume

Base: 2 oz. Redken Color Gel Lacquers 07NA + 3 oz. 10-volume

Gloss: 3 oz Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside 010AG + 3 oz. Gloss to Gel Processing Solution

“Most clients request ash blonde because they fear brassy hair,” says Redd. “But ash is not complimentary to every skin tone and ash can appear darker than the bright blonde the client has in mind. How often have you applied an ash tone, and the client says, ‘It looks darker.’” Gold is reflective—it brings the sunshine! So you really need the balance of ash and gold!”

Greige Babylights by Philip Foresto, @philipforesto

Highlights: Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside + 20-volume

Toner: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside 010AG + Processing Solution

“It’s a new world with this AG series from Redken,” says Foresto. “They’re my new favorite toners for blondes and highlights.”

Greige Balayage by Philip Foresto, @philipforesto

Highlights: Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside + 20-volume

Toner: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside 010AG + Processing Solution

“If you’re looking for the perfect blend of warm and cool for your blondes,” says Foresto, “the Ash Golds are fire!”

Smoky Balayage by Daniel Moro, @danielmbeauty

Balayage highlights: Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside + 20-volume

Base: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside 06N + Processing Solution

Toner: Redken Shades EQ 09AG + Processing Solution

“This blonde tone is almost indescribable,” says Moro. “It’s smoky, but also creamy and golden. It’s like an angel’s kiss!”

Creamy Blonde by Leysa Carillo, @leysahairandmakeup

Highlights: Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside + 20 volume for 36 minutes and

Base: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside 07AG + Processing Solution

Midlengths and ends: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside 010AG + Processing Solution

“The new Shades EQ Ash Gold series give me the perfect way to create the reflect I love,” says Carillo. “And the tones at every level are calibrated perfectly!”

Smoky Caramel by Adrienne Dara, @adriennedara

Base: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside ¼ oz. 06WG + ¼ oz. 04WG + ¼ oz. 06N + ¼ oz. 06NB + Processing Solution (ck—is this Shades or permanent color?)

Midlengths and ends: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside ¼ oz. 07AG + ½ oz 06GI + 1/8 oz. 09AA + ½ oz 000 + Processing Solution

“The AG series provides the perfect balance of cool ash and warm gold for the most absolutely perfect greige outcome,” says Dara. Think smokey hues! My absolute favorite has been using this series to create smokey caramel and latte tones.”

Smoky Pecan Balayage by Johnny Ramirez, @johnnyramirez

Toner: Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside ½ oz. 010AG + 2 oz. Clear + Processing Solution

“I’m loving these new ash gold formulas,” says Ramirez. “They really add a new, smoky dimension to my lived-in color designs.”

Excited to get your hands on the new Redken Shades EQ Bonder Inside Ash Gold collection? Get ready to get the greige blonde results of your dreams!