>
Haircolor Techniques

How to Achieve Glass Red Shine with the Mosaic Hair Painting Technique

Reviewed by Head of Global Education - Professional Hair Stylist Nivea Ferreira Updated On 09/09/2026
Redken 2026 How to Achieve Glass Red Hair
    Key Takeaways:
  • Glass Reds powerhouse trio combining Shades EQ, Shades ALK, and Color Fusion to create ultra-reflective, multidimensional red hair color with up to 3.5x more shine.
  • Mosaic Hair Painting is the strategic technique behind Glass Reds — a customizable, staggered sectioning technique that mimics mosaic glass art, letting stylists dial results up to bold jewel tones or down to subtle tonal shifts.
  • Precise formulation and layering create the effect: Shades EQ provides sheer shine at the base level, Shades ALK adds a vibrancy boost, and Color Fusion delivers the boldest, highest-impact pop of color — melted together for seamless dimension.

What is Glass Reds Hair Color?

Redken 2026 NA Glass Reds ATF Hero Benefits 

Introducing Glass Reds, our latest technique that fuses multidimensionality with next-level glass shine. Featuring new Mosaic Hair Painting technique, a precision application of red rich tones, Redken is providing stylists with the tools to create custom, prismatic red masterpieces. 

 

Achieve ultra-reflective red vibrancy with Glass Reds powerhouse trio. This trio includes: 

  • Shades EQ: Acidic pH icon, delivering up to 3.5x more shine* for a luminous, glass-level shine
  • Shades ALK: Delivers 1 level of lift while enhancing natural depth and saturation
  • Color Fusion: Provides 3 levels of lift for high-impact, high-performance vibrancy

What is Mosaic Hair Painting?

Redken 2026 Glass Reds ATF Pro Testimonial 2000x2000

"Our Mosaic Hair Painting technique strategically places color to mimic the variations of mosaic glass art. It’s perfect for elevating a standard global color service into a dimensional color transformation. The staggered placement is completely customizable. Whether the client wants a bold statement color or a subtle tonal shift, the sectioning of the Mosaic Hair Painting is the perfect guide to either amp it up or keep it more natural. I personally love high-contrast, monochromatic jewel-toned reds! They’re sophisticated, but also a little rebellious, creating that shiny, dramatic dimension.

My must haves for creating the ultimate Glass Reds are Color Fusion, Shades ALK, and Shades EQ. I love being able to create reds with permanent and demi-permanent colors. They give me predictable control so I can avoid over-lightening the hair. The results are vibrant, true-to-tone colors with the ultimate reflection."



Redken Recipe: Glass Reds

Redken 2026 NA Glass Reds ATF BA 700x1000
See More Redken Recipes

Shades ALK Formula:


1 oz (30ml) Shades ALK 4RV Cabernet

Shades EQ Formula:


1.5 oz (45ml) Shades EQ Gloss 04RV Cabernet


0.5 oz (15ml) Shades EQ Gloss Red Kicker


Color Fusion Formula:


1 oz (30ml) Color Fusion Hi-Fusion Red


1 oz (30ml) Color Fusion 6RV

Master the Mosaic Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide

REDKEN_2026 GLASS REDS Application Image 

Sectioning

  1. Separate the front and back with a vertical parting from the high point of the head to the ear on both sides. 
  2. Section from the recession point along the parietal to meet the above parting on both sides. Split this section in two, with a middle part.
  3. Separate the back of the head with a horizontal across the top of the nape. 

 

Pro Tip

The Shades EQ Formula should be your desired base level. Place it where you want to see sheer enhancement of tone and added shine. The Shades ALK Formula should be the same level and placed where you want to see a slight boost in vibrancy

 

The Color Fusion Formula is meant to be the boldest pop of color with the most vibrancy. Lifting multiple levels and depositing the brightest of the 3 formulas. 

 

Application

  1. Separate the nape into 3 alternating triangle sections with diagonal forward partings starting at the top center.
  2. Apply the Shades ALK Formula in Zone 1. Gently melt the Shades ALK Formula into the Shades EQ formula and then tip out the ends by painting the Color Fusion Formula. Vary the length of formulas in each section for more dimension.
  3. Repeat applying the Shades ALK Formula in Zone 1. Based on visual placement, continue melting the Formulas in each triangle moving the Color Fusion Formula higher working towards the front sections.
  4. Process at room temperature for 35 minutes. Shampoo and condition with Acidic Color Gloss. 

 

Glass Reds proves that red hair color doesn't have to be one-dimensional. By pairing the Mosaic Hair Painting technique with the precision of Shades EQ, Shades ALK, and Color Fusion, stylists can build reds that shift from sheer shine to bold, jewel-toned depth — all in a single service.


About Nivea Ferreira

Nívea Ferreira leads Global Brand Education for REDKEN, bringing nearly two decades of experience across professional beauty, innovation, and education. As a hairstylist, she has built her career at the intersection of artistry, science, and strategy, working with global brands to advance product innovation and professional expertise.



Achieve Glass Red

Featured Articles