Redken Shades EQ 5G Caramel 2oz

I use this once a month to blend grays. The caramel shade looks very auburn on application but just tints grays without changing the color of my dark brown hair, creating a highlight effect (I hope lol). Gentle formula that leaves hair shiny. Washes out gradually so no obvious roots. I used to mix light and dark blonde shades of the Clairol Radiance but the color selection is much better with the Redken so I can use one shade. Also costs a few dollars more but still much cheaper than the salon. I only use half a bottle each time on roots 1:1 with the matching developer so it's about $5 a month. I did try the Sally Beauty Ion Demi before this but it dried out my hair and the developer stung my scalp.

Easy to use. I followed the directions, but the color did not color my gray as expected. Only seemed to stain it. Perhaps someone can give me some suggestions on how to get better coverage on the gray roots.

It seems to have worked, although I'm still not a huge fan of the color... seems to not neutralize brassiness in brunettes

This color is a level 5 and if you put it on over highlights, it will be too dark. I am a hairstylist and I would recommend using Shades EQ which is a translucent semipermanent color : 2 oz. 7G, 1oz 7n and 1 oz. clear shades with 4 oz shades Eq developer on blonde highlights. If your hair is damaged it will grab color,get darker so if your ends are dry add more clear. 7G will turn my hair brown. This color slowly washes out. I absolutely love Shades Eq it is a color gloss. You could use 1/2 5g with 1/2 clear. If you have gray regrowth use permanent color on the roots. If you have a hard time covering gray add a cap full of gold hair color or use developer 1st to presoften gray hair. This 5g is a beautiful color of brown. G means gold. N means neutral A means ash. Ash is harder to cover gray, I’d add a cap of G shade. You can uses Shades Eq over permant color to freshen up faded hair and add shine because it is see through like hose and will reflect light, whereas permant color is like tights