Redken to Schwarzkopf: Shades EQ to Igora Vibrance Conversion Guide

Are you considering switching from Redken Shades EQ to Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance? You’re not alone. Since 2025, the “Switch with Tracey” campaign and countless TikTok tutorials have sparked a mass migration of professional colorists from Redken to Schwarzkopf’s demi-permanent systems.

Shades EQ to Igora Vibrance conversion requires understanding both shade equivalences and fundamental technical differences. While most natural and beige tones have direct matches (07N = 7-0, 08NB = 8-5), critical differences exist: Schwarzkopf uses non-standard numbering where -5 represents gold (not mahogany) and -7 indicates copper (not matte). Red-brown tones (RB series) have no direct Vibrance equivalent. Processing times and developer ratios also differ between systems.

But here’s the reality: making the switch isn’t as simple as replacing tube for tube. Schwarzkopf uses a completely different numbering system, and some of your go-to Shades EQ formulas don’t have exact Igora Vibrance equivalents.

In this guide, you’ll get the complete conversion chart, understand the critical technical differences that affect your results, and learn exactly when you can switch directly and when you need to reformulate. This is based on our colorimetry fundamentals guide and real salon testing.

Why Colorists Are Switching to Schwarzkopf

The trend accelerated in late 2025 for three main reasons:

Product availability issues with Redken’s distribution network made it difficult for many salons to maintain consistent stock. When your client is in the chair and you’re out of 09V, that’s a problem.

Reformulation concerns circulated through professional communities, with some colorists reporting slight shifts in processing times and color results with newer batches.

Cost efficiency became a factor as Schwarzkopf’s professional programs offered competitive pricing, particularly for high-volume salons.

But the biggest driver? Social proof. When respected educators like Tracey Cunningham publicly advocate for a brand switch, thousands of colorists pay attention.

Critical Technical Differences Between Systems

Before you start converting formulas, understand that these are fundamentally different products with different chemical approaches.

pH and Development Chemistry

Shades EQ operates at an acidic pH (around 6.5), making it a true deposit-only gloss. It doesn’t lift, doesn’t open the cuticle aggressively, and relies on an oil-based delivery system for shine.

Igora Vibrance works at a slightly alkaline pH (around 7.5-8), which means minimal cuticle opening and very slight lifting potential (up to half a level on porous hair). It’s technically still demi-permanent, but behaves differently on previously lightened hair.

This pH difference affects processing time, fade rate, and how the color interacts with damaged hair.

The Numbering System Trap

Here’s where most conversion mistakes happen. Schwarzkopf uses non-standard numbering for reflects, which contradicts traditional colorimetry principles you learned in training.

Important: In Schwarzkopf Igora systems, -5 represents gold (not mahogany as in international numbering), and -7 represents copper (not matte). This is opposite to what most professional color lines use. Always verify the reflect before mixing.

This means when you see “6-5” on an Igora Vibrance tube, you’re looking at a level 6 gold, not a level 6 mahogany. Miss this detail, and your blonde will turn brassy when you expected warm brown.

Nomenclature Comparison

Aspect	Redken Shades EQ	Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance
Format	2-digit level + letter (07N)	1-digit level + hyphen + digit (7-0)
Natural	N	0
Ash	T (Titanium)	1
Violet	V	2
Beige	NB	5 (gold in Schwarzkopf)
Gold	G	5
Copper	C	7
Red-Brown	RB	Not available in Vibrance
Iridescent	P	1 (closest match)

Notice the RB series is completely absent from Vibrance. If vivid reds are your specialty, you’ll need to explore Schwarzkopf’s permanent Igora Royal line or maintain Shades EQ stock for those services.

Complete Shades EQ to Igora Vibrance Conversion Chart

This chart covers the 20 most commonly used Shades EQ shades in professional salons, based on distributor sales data and salon inventory surveys.

Shades EQ	Level	Reflect	Igora Vibrance	Confidence	Notes
03N	3	Natural	3-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
04N	4	Natural	4-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
05N	5	Natural	5-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
06N	6	Natural	6-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
07N	7	Natural	7-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
08N	8	Natural	8-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
09N	9	Natural	9-0	Exact	Identical depth and tone
09T	9	Ash/Titanium	9-1	Exact	Same ash intensity
09V	9	Violet	9-2	Close	Vibrance 9-2 slightly cooler
09G	9	Gold	9-5	Exact	Remember: -5 = gold in Schwarzkopf
06NB	6	Beige	6-5	Close	Vibrance slightly warmer
07NB	7	Beige	7-5	Close	Vibrance slightly warmer
08NB	8	Beige	8-5	Close	Vibrance slightly warmer
09NB	9	Beige	9-5	Close	Vibrance slightly warmer
05C	5	Copper	5-7	Exact	Same copper intensity
06C	6	Copper	6-7	Exact	Same copper intensity
07C	7	Copper	6-7 + 7-0	Approximate	Mix to achieve level 7 copper
05RB	5	Red-Brown	None	No match	Consider Igora Royal 5-88
06RB	6	Red-Brown	None	No match	Consider Igora Royal 6-88
09P	9	Iridescent	9-1	Approximate	Different pearlescent effect

Confidence levels explained:

• Exact: Results will be visually identical on the same hair type
• Close: Minimal color shift, adjustable with processing time
• Approximate: Noticeable difference, may require mixing adjustment
• No match: No direct equivalent exists in the Vibrance line

Using the Interactive Conversion Tools

For real-time conversions and reverse lookups (Schwarzkopf to Redken), use our interactive tools:

• Shades EQ to Igora Vibrance Converter
• Igora Vibrance to Shades EQ Converter
• Complete Igora Vibrance Chart
• All Brand Conversions

These tools include formulation calculators that account for mixing ratios and developer volumes based on your starting hair level.

Real Converted Formulas: Shades EQ to Igora Vibrance

Let’s convert three actual salon formulas to demonstrate the process.

Formula 1: Luminous Natural Blonde

Original Shades EQ formula:

• 60g Shades EQ 08NB
• 60ml Processing Solution

Converted Igora Vibrance formula:

• 60g Igora Vibrance 8-5
• 90ml Igora Vibrance 1.9% Gel Developer (6 volume)
• 1:1.5 ratio

Technical notes:

• Shades EQ uses 1:1 ratio, Vibrance uses 1:1.5
• Processing time increases from 20 to 25 minutes
• Vibrance develops slightly warmer due to the -5 gold reflect
• On pre-lightened level 9 hair, expect identical glossy finish with slightly more golden undertone

Formula 2: Soft Gray Coverage at Level 6

Original Shades EQ formula:

• 30g Shades EQ 06N
• 30g Shades EQ 06NB
• 60ml Processing Solution

Converted Igora Vibrance formula:

• 30g Igora Vibrance 6-0
• 30g Igora Vibrance 6-5
• 90ml Igora Vibrance 1.9% Gel Developer

Technical notes:

• Mix maintains the same natural-beige balance
• Gray coverage approximately 50-70% (same as original)
• Vibrance version may last 1-2 weeks longer due to slightly alkaline pH
• On 50% gray at level 6, expect soft dimensional brown with warm undertones

Formula 3: Post-Bleach Ash Toner

Original Shades EQ formula:

• 60g Shades EQ 09T
• 60ml Processing Solution
• 15 minutes

Converted Igora Vibrance formula:

• 60g Igora Vibrance 9-1
• 90ml Igora Vibrance 1.9% Gel Developer
• 20 minutes

Technical notes:

• Vibrance requires 5 extra minutes to achieve same ash intensity
• On freshly bleached level 10 hair, both neutralize yellow effectively
• Vibrance version may grab slightly more on porous ends, watch timing
• Consider adding 5g of 9-0 to Vibrance formula if 9-1 pulls too ashy

When NOT to Switch Directly

Understanding the limitations of conversion is as important as knowing the matches.

Red and Violet Tones

The entire Shades EQ RB series (05RB, 06RB, 07RB) has no Vibrance equivalent. If these are core formulas in your business:

• Keep Shades EQ stock for red services
• Explore Schwarzkopf Igora Royal permanent line for vivid reds
• Test Vibrance mixtures of copper (-7) and natural (0) as approximations, but expect less intensity

High-Lift Situations

If you’re using Shades EQ on virgin level 7-8 hair expecting zero lift, Vibrance’s slightly alkaline pH may surprise you with half a level of lightening. This matters when:

• Matching previously colored hair exactly
• Working on clients who absolutely cannot go lighter
• Maintaining dimensional color where lift would create banding

In these cases, consider Schwarzkopf Igora Color Gloss (different product line, acidic pH like Shades EQ).

Processing Time Sensitive Services

Shades EQ typically processes in 15-20 minutes. Igora Vibrance averages 20-25 minutes. If you run a high-volume salon with tightly scheduled gloss services, this extra 5 minutes multiplied across daily services affects chair turnover and revenue.

Calculate the operational impact before switching your entire menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Redken’s developer with Igora Vibrance?

No. Shades EQ Processing Solution is oil-based and formulated specifically for acidic pH. Igora Vibrance requires gel developers (1.9% or 2.8%) designed for its alkaline system. Mixing brands will result in uneven development, poor color deposit, and unpredictable results.

Always use Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance Developer Gel with Vibrance color.

Do Shades EQ red tones have Igora Vibrance equivalents?

No. The RB series (05RB, 06RB, 07RB) has no direct Vibrance match. Schwarzkopf’s demi-permanent line focuses on natural, ash, and warm tones rather than vivid reds.

For red services, explore Schwarzkopf Igora Royal permanent color (which includes intense red shades like 6-88 and 7-88), or maintain Shades EQ stock specifically for red formulas.

How does Igora Vibrance processing time compare to Shades EQ?

Igora Vibrance typically requires 20-25 minutes versus Shades EQ’s 15-20 minutes. This is due to the different pH systems and developer chemistry.

On porous or pre-lightened hair, you may achieve desired results in 15 minutes with Vibrance, but on virgin or resistant hair, full 25-minute processing ensures complete color deposit and even results.

Will the result be exactly the same when switching brands?

Not always. While natural tones (N to 0) convert almost identically, subtle differences exist:

• Beige tones (NB to -5) may develop slightly warmer with Vibrance
• Ash intensity varies by 5-10% between 09T and 9-1
• Shine and gloss levels are comparable but not identical
• Fade patterns differ due to pH chemistry

Always strand test when converting formulas for established clients. What works beautifully on new clients may show noticeable differences on someone who’s been getting the same Shades EQ formula for two years.

Summary: Making the Switch Successfully

Switching from Redken Shades EQ to Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance is absolutely viable for most salon color services, but it requires understanding these critical points:

• Natural tones convert exactly: 06N = 6-0, 08N = 8-0, with virtually identical results
• Beige requires attention: NB shades map to -5 (gold), expect slightly warmer results
• Red tones don’t exist: No Vibrance equivalent for RB series, plan accordingly
• Numbering is non-standard: -5 = gold, -7 = copper in Schwarzkopf (opposite of international system)
• Processing time increases: Budget 20-25 minutes instead of 15-20
• Developer ratios differ: 1:1.5 for Vibrance vs 1:1 for Shades EQ
• Strand testing is mandatory: Especially for established client formulas

The mass migration to Schwarzkopf isn’t hype. Many colorists report equal or better results with Vibrance, particularly on pre-lightened hair where the gel developer provides superior shine and conditioning.

Ready to make the switch? Start with your most common natural tone services (07N, 08N, 09N), validate the conversions, then gradually expand to beige and copper formulas. Keep Shades EQ stocked for red services until you’ve fully tested Igora Royal alternatives.

For more guidance on switching professional color brands without disrupting your existing client base, read our complete guide on switching professional hair color brands.

What’s been your experience switching from Redken to Schwarzkopf? Have you found formulas that convert perfectly, or shades that require significant adjustment?