Earlier this summer, I departed for a month-long vacation in the Mediterranean. While the trip did much to replenish my energy levels (and, let’s be real, stress levels), my hair was unfortunately spared those benefits. It turns out, spending all day in the sun and swimming in salt water can take a serious toll on your hair. Well, that—and being forced to use industrial-grade hotel shampoo and conditioner day in and day out. Lesson learned.
Though my hair certainly wasn’t flawless before I left—my wavy strands are prone to serious frizz—it took on a dryness during my trip that I did not anticipate. With that came damage, split ends, and a surprising loss of volume. So when I had the opportunity to test-drive Redken’s new Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask (gifted by the brand) upon my return, I couldn’t refuse. Having tried other products in the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate collection, I had high hopes—but honestly, this hydrating hair mask blew my expectations out of the water. Ahead, learn about Redken’s insanely-restorative hair mask, how to use it, and how it transformed my neglected mane in just five (!) minutes.
What is Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask?
The latest drop in Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate collection, the 5-Min Liquid Mask is a lightweight hair mask that hydrates, repairs, and helps restore volume to strands in need of a little TLC. It contains citric acid, like the rest of the range, as well as an intensive Conditioning Care Complex to restore hair’s healthy appearance.
Unlike traditional deep conditioners, which tend to be thick and heavy, this hydrating hair mask has a fluid texture and feels (literally) weightless on your tresses. Another characteristic worth noting is that the nourishing mask is suitable for all hair types and textures—a huge bonus for me, since my hair constantly fluctuates between straight, wavy, dry, and oily.
Who should use Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask?
Because this hair mask is suitable for all hair types and textures, anyone can use it. If you’re finding your hair lacks volume, feels dry or damaged, or just seems a bit lackluster, it’s worth adding to your hair care routine. It’s also a great way to get in a little self-care at the end of a long week or to ensure your strands look their best before a big event.
How do you use Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask?
Redken advises using this hydrating hair mask once weekly in lieu of your usual conditioner. After you lather up (ideally with Redken Aciding Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, though you don’t have to use them together), rinse your hair thoroughly, then apply a generous palmful of Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask to your hair from mid-lengths to ends. Leave the hydrating liquid formula in for about five minutes, then rinse with cool water. Once you get out of the shower, squeeze your hair to remove any excess moisture, then dry and style as usual.
For an ultra-voluminous hairstyle, we suggest applying Redken Big Blowout Heat Protecting Blowout Gel to damp strands, then blow drying with a round bristle brush. The frizz-fighting gel offers heat protection up to 450o F and adds shine for smooth, bouncy hair with tons of healthy-looking volume. Another option we love is Redken Quick Blowout Lightweight Blow Dry Primer Spray. It protects against heat damage, smooths, and conditions hair for an effortless blowout. Plus, the scent—sandalwood mixed with vanilla and citrus—is honestly to die for.
My Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask Review
Now, for what you really want to know—does the mask actually do what it promises? The answer: unequivocally, yes. As a beauty editor (and shameless shopping addict), I’ve tried a lot of hair products. It takes a lot to really impress me. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask didn’t just impress me—it blew me away.
To see how well the product worked, I conducted an experiment. First, I washed, conditioned, and air-dried my hair using my usual products so I could get a baseline. I took pictures of my “before” hair, too (for science!). It was frizzy—really frizzy, thanks, New York summers—and felt coarse.
The next day, I washed my hair with Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo. After rinsing, I applied a liberal amount of the 5-Min Liquid Hair Mask to my hair from the nape of my neck down (the brand recommends applying from mid-lengths to ends, but my hair was rough pretty far north of there, so I used my judgment). Then, as per instructed, I waited five minutes and rinsed out the mask.
Because I wanted an honest look at how the product worked, I then followed the same routine as the day prior: namely, I air-dried my hair without the help of any styling aids. Once fully dry, I took “after pictures.” And honestly—those pictures speak for themselves. My hair was far smoother than it had been prior to the mask treatment and practically free of frizz. My waves were also more defined, and my hair appeared shinier and more voluminous than usual. And it felt just as great as it looked. As I said earlier, my hair had been feeling rough and damaged since returning from my trip. But after rinsing out the mask in the shower, I noticed immediately how much silkier my mane felt. The smoothness remained as my hair dried, too—all of the coarseness had gone.
At the risk of being hyperbolic, I’m astounded at how well (and quickly) the lightweight, fluid mask worked. And there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be stocking up on it ASAP. In fact, I’ve already added a few to my cart. If your hair is anything like mine was, I suggest you do the same.
Discover more inspirational expert-backed hair masks that you can use at home on Hair.com.You can also use our salon locator to get professionally styled at a salon near you.