I know that, technically, you’re meant to get your hair cut every 6 – 8 weeks… But who actually has a) the money b) the time and c) the hair growth to actually get that done? Growing my hair has pretty much become an essential part of my identity over the last seven years, and while I have had a few trims in that time, I tend to steer away from getting it cut regularly (unless you count sitting and snipping split ends when I’m particularly bored, which I don’t).
I can’t remember the last time I had it cut, I think around nine months… It’s on my to-do in the next three months list. It’s actually surprisingly healthy at the moment, although a small section is kind of hay like where I burnt it with straightness. I can definitely pin point this health to two products, as my hair started to really perk up since I added them to my routine.
I’ve wanted to try various Redken products for quite literally years but the price tag has always put me off. I decided to finally take the plunge a couple of months back as my hair had started to dull and look a bit ratty.
Redken Extreme Conditioner
When my hair is dry, I tend to use hair masks in place of hair conditioner as it helps to add moisture but I actually prefer the Redken Extreme Conditioner to my Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque even though the formula is much more runny – I normally find the thicker a conditioner, the better but clearly not always the case! This uses 18-MEA which apparently restores the lipids and cuticles of the hair for shine and texture, while proteins and lipids in the formula help to strengthen the hair shaft.
I tend to leave this on my hair for up to five minutes before rinsing out, and I alternate it with my Deep Repair Masque so that I get a good balance of protein and moisturising conditioners. My hair definitely looks and feels smoother since adding this into my routine – I previously switched between Macadamia Natural Oil and Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Conditioner and the difference this conditioner has made is unreal.
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment
This leave in treatment is the mother of all leave in treatments, if you ask my opinion. It uses proteins, lipids and ceramide to help strengthen the hair cuticle and protect the surface from further damage. Overusing protein treatments can actually make your hair feel brittle if you don’t balance it with a moisturising product, so I use this once a week on damp hair and then use a small amount of Moroccan Oil on the top to lock in the treatment and add a little moisturiser.
Every single time I use this, my hair feels unbelievably soft – the kind of soft where you spend an hour stroking it then demand everyone feels it. I genuinely do this every week; I think people in my office are sick of touching my hair but I can’t get over how great it feels. I was put off buying this for ages because of the price tag but I am gutted I waited so long; my hair has improved so much since using this, and I would 100% recommend it for anyone who’s hair is bleach or heat damaged, or generally lacking lustre and TLC.
Redken Extreme Shampoo
I said I can pinpoint my hair health to two products, because I’ve been using the above for a lot longer. I went to New York end of December and was so impressed by the cheap price tag on Redken (around £10) I picked up the shampoo. This is the first non sulphate free shampoo I’ve used in a long time, but I’ve not had a flaky scalp and my hair hasn’t dried out since using it so that’s a win in my eyes. I will admit, I wash my hair at most every 4 – 8 days so I don’t know if this would be too harsh for daily use, but I’ve been fine using it. I never find shampoo that beneficial in making my hair better condition – there are shampoos which definitely strip my hair, or there are shampoos which seem to be neutral. It is great at cleaning, doesn’t dry out my hair and doesn’t leave my hair producing grease to compensate being washed so yeah, it’s alright!
Although I love this range, I’m putting it away for a while to trial some new products I’ve been sent by Paul Mitchell. They’re from a voluminising range, and now my hair is healthy I think it’s a good time to work on the thickness (or appearance of). I’ll keep you all updated obv, I’m sure you can’t wait *side eye emoji*.
What products can’t your hair get enough of?
