Key ingredients: ceramides, proteins, lactic acid| Who it’s for: damaged hair
Best Shine Spray: Redken One United All-in-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
Why it’s worth it: Made with hair-strengthening lactic acid, Redken One United All-in-One Multi-Benefit Treatment is unmatched in its ability to multitask, according to Davenport. “It does it all, from boosting shine and softness to detangling and protecting against heat,” she says, noting that her clients always pack it. “It’s a lightweight treatment, versatile for all hair types, and delivers multiple key benefits in one bottle.” Rose also gives the treatment a massive thumbs up. “This is literally gold in a bottle,” she says. “I use this after every color service to ensure we’re treating the hair and hydrating it after the treatment.”
Key ingredients: lactic acid, coconut oil, sodium hydroxide | Who it’s for: dry, damaged hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hairstylists recommend Redken products?
In short: yes. “Stylists do recommend Redken because it is a classic, reliable brand,” says Cavalcante. He’s not alone. “I am and will always be a huge fan of Redken products,” says Rose. “Working with a brand that understands what happens when you use color and how to protect and repair the hair when that time comes is always a priority to me.”
What is Redken best known for?
Established in 1960 as a collaboration between actress Paula Kent and her hairdresser Jheri Redding—hence its name—Redken’s claim to fame is being the first-ever haircare brand to formulate products with a mixture of proteins, moisture, and acidic pH. According to Cavalcante, the brand is best known nowadays for its pH-balanced shampoos and acidic conditioners. New York-based hairstylist Tatiana Ramos says Redken is also known for its EQ hair color system, which uses amino acids to give the hair a glossy shine, and its Acidic Bonding range. In the end, Ramos says: “I believe Redken caters to all clients making it a great recommendation. It’ll benefit anyone who’s got color-treated hair, curly hair, damaged hair and more.”
What hair type is Redken Extreme for?
Have a standing color appointment? Got a chemical treatment? Redken Extreme is for you. “Redken Extreme is a line that has been created specifically for damaged or over-processed hair,” says Ramos. Made with an exclusive protein complex that treats breakage, “the line will help to strengthen and get the hair healthy again,” she says.
Meet the Experts
- Cheryl Bergamy, a celebrity hairstylist in New York, NY
- Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York, NY
- Paige Davenport, a celebrity hairstylist and men’s groomer in Los Angeles, CA
- Tatiana Ramos, a hairstylist in New York, NY
- Sophie Rose, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA
- Gui Schoedler, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?