Redken vs Matrix – Products Compared
When you’re striving for luxurious hair, you can spend hours trying to pick the perfect products to use. The list of options can be daunting, but you’ve narrowed it down to a select few, including Redken and Matrix. Let’s take a look at what these two haircare brands can do for your lovely locks.
Redken is a common brand in households and salons alike, which gives it a hefty dose of credibility. One of the main focuses of Redken’s products is strengthening each strand. Redken’s formulas are diverse and able to cater to a wide range of hair types and textures.
Matrix products are also well known, and they are very established as a brand. Biolage is one of the most prevalent lines from Matrix and can commonly be found on salon shelves. With a focus on providing superior results to hairdressers and clients alike.
Leave-In Conditioners
You may require a leave-in conditioner if you struggle with damage, frizz, or dryness throughout the day. These treatments can protect your hair from breakage, and some even offer heat protectants.
When applying for a leave-in conditioner, it’s important to follow the instructions and consider your hair texture and type. Apply a small amount of the product to damp hair and allow it to dry.
Redken One United All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner
The Redken One United All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner is sulfate and paraben-free for a healthy, deeply moisturizing treatment. This conditioner can also function as a rinse-out treatment for those. The versatility allows a wide array of hair types to benefit from this leave-in.
Pros:
- Detangling
- Heat protection
- Moisturizing
- Frizz control
- Pre-styling
- Color safe
- Adds shine
Cons:
- Small bottle
MATRIX Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Treatment
This strengthening leave-in treatment ticks all the boxes you may need. With a lightweight moisturizing formula that detangles the toughest locks, MATRIX Total Results Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Treatment is suitable for all hair types.
Pros:
- Large bottle
- Prevents heat damage
- Prime for styling
- Easy detangling
- Added manageability
- Lightweight Moisturizer
- Strengthening
Cons:
- It cannot be used as a rinse-out treatment
Similarities and Differences
These leave-in conditioners offer excellent detangling, a pleasant scent, and great frizz control. If your hair needs a lightweight option or a bit of strengthening, the Total Results Miracle Creator by MATRIX may be the best choice. For color-treated hair, the best option would be the One United All-In-One by Redken.
Color Safe Products
Standard hair products can be harsh on color-treated hair, causing early fading or discoloration. Color-safe shampoos and conditioners use gentle ingredients to keep your hair vibrant and true to color.
As with most shampoos and conditioners, you’ll want to begin by applying shampoo to wet hair. Then lather and massage into your hair and scalp before rinsing thoroughly. Follow it up with the matching conditioner and a final rinse.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics
Redken offers a few different color-safe lines depending on your specific needs. The Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner offer a gentle cleanse that leaves hair soft and moisturized. These products are climate-friendly and can be a great option for anyone who values an environmentally focused brand.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Balanced formula with pH of 3.5 – 4.5
- Helps with detangling
- Deep moisturization
- Sulfate-free
Cons:
- Strong scent
- Conditioner can be heavy on fine hair
MATRIX Total Results Keep Me Vivid
The Total Results line by MATRIX has several formulas for different purposes. MATRIX Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner offers a gentle clean, and lightweight moisturizer perfect for fine-colored hair. The conditioner is also marked as climate-friendly, which is a nice addition when making any purchase.
Pros:
- Helps fast-fading colors last to your next appointment
- Tropical floral scent
- Lightweight moisturizing
- Sulfate-free
Cons:
- Not suited for dry hair
Similarities and Differences
Both of these color-safe product combinations are sulfate-free to guarantee they are gentle on your hair. Redken Color Extend Magnetics strengthens damaged hair and restores much-needed moisture. MATRIX Total Results Keep Me Vivid promises superior color protection for high maintenance colors.
Curl Enhancing Products
Anyone with curls knows they can sometimes be unruly and difficult to tame. A curl enhancer or curl definer helps to moisturize and calm down frizz. These products also act as a leave-in treatment and often have heat protection or styling properties as well. Application is simple; just work through damp curly hair all the way to the ends before styling.
Redken Curvaceous Curl Refiner Cream
For defined curls without crunch or frizz, Redken Curvaceous Curl Refiner Cream is a fantastic choice. This curl cream helps add moisture and definition to curly hair for a long-lasting style. The formula uses sugar crystals and moringa oil to keep your curls in order.
Pros:
- Moringa Oil
- Moisturizing
- UV Filter for environmental protection
Cons:
- Heavier product may not be suited for very fine hair
MATRIX Total Results Curl Please Curl Contouring Lotion
To help define waves or curls that need extra body and shine, MATRIX Total Results Curl Please Curl Contouring Lotion is one of the best. You can enjoy hydrated, soft curls that last all day. The lightweight moisturizing formula helps fight frizz while keeping your hair’s bounce and body.
Pros:
- Lightweight hydration
- Boosts shine
- Body and Bounce
- Anti-Frizz
Cons:
- It can make hair crunchy if you use too much
Similarities and Differences
Redken and MATRIX both have amazing curl-enhancing options, and you can safely choose either, depending on your hair texture. Either one will give you an all-day curl definition and frizz protection. If your hair is on the thinner or finer side, you may benefit more from MATRIX’s lightweight formula. However, for those curly girls with dry ringlets, you may be better served by Redken’s ultra-moisturizing option.
Final Thoughts
Both Redken and MATRIX offer amazing lines of high-quality products. These well-known brands have a vast selection of products that cater to different hair types.
On average, Redken products are slightly heavier formulas that offer deep moisturization and added strength. If you have curly, dry, or damaged hair, Redken products may offer the best formulas for you.
MATRIX products often have lightweight formulas that excel at moisturizing without making hair lifeless or greasy. If your hair is thin, fine, or oily, you may want to explore the products that MATRIX offers.
