Redken vs Paul Mitchell – Our Thoughts
Finding the best products for your daily hair care can be confusing. There are dozens of items on the market to treat various problems. Often, deciding between two top-rated brands can be difficult if you aren’t sure what to look for in an effective product.
In this comprehensive comparison, we take a deeper look into several popular products from Redken and Paul Mitchell for color-treated hair, reducing your frizz, and repairing hair damage.
Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
If you have color-treated hair, you should be using products that will keep your hair healthy and moisturized. The products you use every day should help keep your looking as good as the day you colored it. No one wants their color to fade, so you must use products that help seal in color instead of breaking it down and dulling your hair.
By choosing products like these, you can enjoy your hair every day, rather than just after your coloring appointment. Both of these shampoos from Redken and Paul Mitchell help preserve your color and protect it from fading.
There are a few subtle differences that could sway your decision on which product to purchase for your hair.
Redken Color Extend Shampoo
Pros
- Uses cranberry oil and signature color care complex
- It will help to repel UVA and UVB rays to protect against damage
- Contains Anti-Fade Protection
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo
Pros
- Contains Sunflower extract
- Includes an energetic scent of orange, apple, bergamot, and leafy greens
- Boosts shine while reducing color fade
Cons
- This product does not lather
The Winner
When comparing these two color protection shampoos, they both provide a terrific solution for color-treated hair. If you continuously color your hair, you should be using a product that will help retain the shine and color to keep it looking healthy even between visits to the salon.
The Redken Color Extend Shampoo is not the best solution for blonde hair tones, though. If you have any other color besides blonde, Redken will work well for your hair. If you want to preserve your blond locks, choose the Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo instead. This product will keep your hair healthy and attractive every day.
Hair Protection and Frizz Treatment Products
Protecting your hair from everyday elements like the sun and heated styling appliances is essential. If you have naturally curly hair or are prone to frizz due to a dry climate, these products from Redken and Paul Mitchell can help you minimize your bad hair days.
Using items that protect your strands will help cut down on the visible frizz and leave your hair more manageable. For days when you reach for the hair dryer or straightener, be sure to use a protective product first so you can avoid drying out your locks, which can create more frizz.
Both these products have their advantages, but their functions differ between short-term and long-term, depending on which one you select.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Heat Protective Leave-In Cream
Pros
- Protects hair up to 450°
- Sulfate and Sodium-Chloride free
- Non-sticky formula
Cons
- It can be too heavy on some hair types
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Pros
- Humidity resistant formula to speed up drying time
- Contains a vibrant scent of apple, berries, and floral notes
- It will help control frizz, leaving hair silky smooth
Cons
- It contains parabens and silicone
The Winner
If you need a product that will control your frizz and protect your hair from heat due to styling products, both of these items can do the trick. The main differences between the two are the ingredients and the result.
If it is just the protection and smoothness you need for styling purposes, then Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum will work just fine. But if you want to also add some benefit to your locks, the Redken Frizz Dismiss gives you the softness and protection you want each day.
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.
