Choosing the right Redken shampoo and conditioner is the first and most crucial step toward achieving your hair goals, whether you’re battling dryness, damage, frizz, or color fade. As a professional haircare brand with a legacy of innovation, Redken has spent decades perfecting science-backed formulas that deliver salon-quality results at home.
What is Redken, and Why Is It So Trusted?
Founded in 1960 by a Hollywood actress and her hairdresser, Redken was a pioneer in the professional haircare industry. The brand was built on a scientific approach to hair, discovering a core principle that remains a cornerstone of its success: the ideal balance of Protein, Moisture, and an Acidic pH for healthy hair.
This foundation of science and a commitment to professional-grade ingredients is what sets Redken apart from many drugstore brands. While mass-market products may use fillers and diluted formulas, Redken’s concentrated solutions are designed to address specific hair concerns from the inside out. The brand is now trusted by millions of hair professionals in the U.S. alone and is a staple in salons worldwide.
The Science Behind the Success
Redken’s expertise is rooted in its understanding of hair structure. A healthy hair fiber has a slightly acidic pH (between 4.5 and 5.5). Chemical processes like coloring, bleaching, and even heat styling can disrupt this balance, causing the hair cuticle to lift, leading to damage, frizz, and color loss. Redken’s product systems, particularly the renowned Acidic Bonding Concentrate line, are formulated with an optimal pH to seal the cuticle, lock in moisture, and restore the hair’s natural integrity.
Finding Your Perfect Redken Match: An Overview of Key Lines
With a diverse range of products, Redken offers a targeted solution for virtually every hair type and concern. To choose the best Redken shampoo and conditioner for you, it’s essential to first understand your hair’s unique needs.
For Damaged and Over-Processed Hair: Acidic Bonding Concentrate
The Problem: Your hair feels dry, brittle, and is prone to breakage from chemical services (bleaching, coloring) or excessive heat styling. You might have split ends and a general lack of shine.
The Solution: The Acidic Bonding Concentrate system is Redken’s most powerful solution for total hair repair. This line is formulated with Citric Acid and a Bonding Care Complex to reinforce weakened bonds in the hair structure.
Shampoo & Conditioner: These products work to rebalance the hair’s pH, smooth the cuticle, and provide intense conditioning. They are also sulfate-free, making them an excellent choice for color-treated hair.
Real-Life Example: A user who has gone from brunette to platinum blonde finds that the Acidic Bonding Concentrate shampoo and conditioner visibly reduce breakage and restore softness, making their hair feel significantly stronger and healthier after just a few washes.
For Dry and Brittle Hair: All Soft & All Soft Mega
The Problem: Your hair is rough to the touch, lacks shine, and feels like straw. It’s difficult to detangle and style due to a lack of moisture.
The Solution: The All Soft line is a hydration hero. Its key ingredient is Argan Oil, which penetrates the hair fiber to provide intense softness and a silky finish. For severely dry or coarse hair, the All Soft Mega line, enriched with a superfood blend of Sacha Inchi Extract, Aloe Vera, and Cactus Extract, provides an even deeper level of nourishment.
Shampoo & Conditioner: The All Soft duo cleanses gently while replenishing moisture, leaving hair feeling supple and looking shiny. The Mega version is a thicker, richer formula designed to tackle extreme dryness.
Real-Life Example: A person with thick, curly hair that tends to be very dry and prone to frizz in humid climates uses the All Soft Mega system to keep their curls defined, soft, and manageable all day.
For Color-Treated Hair: Color Extend Magnetics
The Problem: You’ve invested in a professional hair color service and want to protect it from fading while maintaining its vibrancy and shine.
The Solution: The Color Extend Magnetics system is an acidic, sulfate-free formula designed to balance the pH of the hair and lock in color.
Shampoo & Conditioner: The shampoo gently cleanses without stripping color, while the conditioner detangles and seals the hair cuticle, ensuring your color stays vibrant for longer. This system is a must-have for anyone who wants to extend the life of their salon color.
Real-Life Example: After getting a vibrant red hair color, a user switches to the Color Extend Magnetics line and notices a significant difference. The color holds its intensity and doesn’t bleed as much in the shower compared to using a generic shampoo.
For Fine or Flat Hair: Volume Injection
The Problem: Your hair is thin, lacks body, and tends to fall flat. You need a product that provides lift and volume without weighing it down.
The Solution: The Volume Injection line is formulated with Filloxane, a key ingredient that plumps up each hair strand from the inside out, creating a full and voluminous look.
Shampoo & Conditioner: This duo is lightweight and builds a foundation for volume at the root, giving hair more body and movement without any sticky residue.
Real-Life Example: Someone with naturally fine hair uses the Volume Injection system to achieve a fuller, bouncier blowout. They find it gives their hair the much-needed lift it lacks, making it easier to style and hold a shape.
For Frizzy Hair: Frizz Dismiss
The Problem: Your hair is unruly, frizzy, and difficult to manage, especially in humid conditions. You need a solution that smooths the hair fiber and controls flyaways.
The Solution: The Frizz Dismiss system features a Humidty-Resist Complex with Babassu Oil to moisturize and tame frizz.
Shampoo & Conditioner: These products work together to provide a smooth, sleek finish and protect against humidity, leaving hair shiny and more manageable.
Real-Life Example: A person living in a tropical climate uses the Frizz Dismiss line to prevent their hair from puffing up and becoming frizzy. They find that it keeps their hair smooth and under control, even on the most humid days.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a Professional Redken Wash Day
Getting the most out of your Redken shampoo and conditioner is more than just a quick wash. Follow these steps for a salon-quality experience at home.
Preparation is Key: Before you get in the shower, use a paddle brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair. This helps prevent breakage and ensures the products can be evenly distributed.
Saturate Your Hair Completely: Under lukewarm water, ensure your hair is fully saturated for at least a minute. This opens the hair cuticle, allowing the shampoo to cleanse more effectively.
The Double-Cleanse Method: Apply a small, teaspoon-sized amount of Redken shampoo to your palm. Emulsify it with a little water and apply it directly to your scalp. Massage your scalp gently with your fingertips to stimulate blood flow and remove product buildup, oil, and dirt.
First Lather: The first wash removes the bulk of the surface-level grime. You may not get a rich lather on this first cleanse.
Second Lather: Rinse and then apply a second, smaller amount of shampoo. This time, you’ll notice a much richer lather as the shampoo can now work directly on the scalp. This deep-cleanses your hair and scalp, preparing it for the conditioner.
Condition from the Mid-lengths to Ends: This is a crucial step often done incorrectly. Apply your Redken conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where moisture is most needed. Avoid applying it to your scalp, as this can lead to buildup and weigh down your hair. Use a comb or your fingers to distribute the product evenly.
Let it Work its Magic: Leave the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes. This allows the nourishing ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft and provide optimal hydration and repair.
Rinse Thoroughly with Cool Water: Rinse your hair with cool water to seal the hair cuticle. This helps lock in the moisture from the conditioner, enhances shine, and reduces frizz.
Squeeze, Don’t Rub: Gently squeeze excess water from your hair with your hands. Follow up by wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt. Avoid rubbing your hair aggressively with a terrycloth towel, as this can cause frizz and damage the cuticle.
The Broader Landscape of Professional Haircare Trends (2025)
The professional haircare market is currently valued at over $96.7 billion globally and is projected to continue its growth, driven by key consumer trends. As of 2025, the industry is witnessing a significant shift toward three core principles: Clean Beauty, Personalization, and Technology.
Clean Beauty & Ingredient Awareness: Consumers are increasingly ingredient-aware, opting for products that are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. According to a recent market analysis by GM Insights, the demand for natural and organic products is a major growth driver. Redken has responded to this trend by formulating many of its new and existing lines, such as the Acidic Bonding Concentrate and Color Extend Magnetics, as sulfate-free and vegan, with a commitment to sustainable packaging.
Hyper-Personalization: The “one-size-fits-all” model is outdated. The trend is moving toward bespoke hair routines tailored to individual hair and scalp needs. Salons are using advanced diagnostic tools to recommend specific systems, and brands like Redken are expanding their lines to address niche concerns, from extreme dryness to specific curl types.
Technology in Haircare: The fusion of technology and beauty is a dominant trend. While this often includes smart styling tools, it also extends to formulations. Science-backed systems that use specific complexes (like Redken’s RCT Protein Complex or Bonding Care Complex) to target hair damage are gaining immense popularity. This trend aligns perfectly with Redken’s long-standing philosophy of a scientific approach to hair health.
FAQs
Can I mix and match different Redken shampoo and conditioner lines?
While Redken product lines are designed as comprehensive systems to deliver optimal results, you can mix and match based on your hair’s specific needs. For example, if you have color-treated hair that is also very dry, you could use the sulfate-free Color Extend Magnetics shampoo to protect your color and follow up with the All Soft conditioner for an extra boost of moisture.
How often should I use Redken shampoo and conditioner?
The frequency of your wash day depends on your hair type, scalp oil production, and lifestyle. Most Redken shampoos can be used daily or every other day. However, pigmented shampoos like the Color Extend Blondage should only be used 1-2 times per week to avoid over-toning or drying out the hair. Pay attention to how your hair and scalp feel and adjust accordingly.
Are Redken products cruelty-free?
Redken is part of the L’Oréal group, which has a company policy against animal testing. L’Oréal does not test any of its products or ingredients on animals, nor does it ask others to do so on its behalf, with the exception of rare instances where regulatory authorities require it for market access.
What is the difference between All Soft and All Soft Mega?
Both lines are designed for dry hair, but they cater to different levels of dryness. The All Soft line, with Argan Oil, is perfect for those with dry, brittle hair that needs hydration and softness. The All Soft Mega line is specifically formulated for severely dry, coarse, or very textured hair that requires a deeper, more intense level of moisture and nourishment.
Why do professional products like Redken sometimes feel more expensive?
Professional products often have a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to drugstore brands. This means you typically need to use less product per wash, making the bottle last longer. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term value and superior results can make it a more cost-effective choice for achieving your hair health goals.
Final Thoughts
Redken’s legacy is built on a simple yet powerful premise: healthy hair is the foundation for beautiful hair. By prioritizing an optimal pH balance and using concentrated, scientifically-backed ingredients, Redken shampoos and conditioners go beyond simple cleansing and conditioning. They are targeted treatments designed to address and solve your most pressing hair concerns.
From the intense repair of the Acidic Bonding Concentrate to the deep hydration of All Soft, there is a Redken system for every hair type. By following the proper application techniques and choosing the right products for your needs, you can easily achieve and maintain the salon-level results that have made Redken a leader in the professional haircare world for over six decades.
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