Despite many years working with pro colorists and testing salon-quality haircare products, I’m notoriously bad at maintaining my hair color. I lighten my dark brown strands into a honey balayage every six months and sometimes go just as long between trims and color-refreshing glosses. The bleach damage, combined with my lack of upkeep, has left my hair brittle, dull, and in an overall rough shape.
When I heard Redken was launching a color-refreshing line, I knew my weathered hair was, ironically, in perfect condition to test its claims. The new Acidic Color Gloss (ACG) collection promises to add softness and intense shine to hair while extending the life of professional color—all of which my hair so desperately needs. Keep scrolling for my review of Redken Acidic Color Gloss, which I received compliments of the brand, to see how it revived my lackluster locks.
What Is Redken Acidic Color Gloss?
Redken Acidic Color Gloss is a salon-inspired haircare range designed to retain and deposit shine in color-treated hair. It consists of four distinct products—a shampoo, conditioner, heat protection spray, and salon-grade glossing treatment—that help keep color-treated hair vibrant and glossy between appointments. All of the formulas are acidic (more on that soon) and contain a special blend of amino acids and conditioners that help seal in shine and softness.
It’s worth noting that despite what its name might suggest, the Acidic Color Gloss line doesn’t actually deposit any pigment onto the hair. Instead, the ultra-conditioning formulas help to enhance your existing hair color, prevent premature fading, and add glass-like shine. This brings us to our next point…
How Does Redken Acidic Color Gloss Work?
The transformative power of Redken Acidic Color Gloss lies in the system’s acidic formulas, which closely align with hair’s naturally acidic pH levels. Keeping hair as close to its natural acidity as possible can help re-seal its cuticle so that it lays smooth and flat—key to locking in color, preventing fading, and enhancing shine. This sealing action can also help hair retain its natural oils, making it softer and less prone to breakage or frizz. Here’s a quick breakdown of the lineup:
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Start your routine by lathering up with the Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo. The acidic pH formula with amino acids and vitamin E helps protect your color against fading caused by water and heat. It’s also sulfate-free, a good option for those whose strands often feel stripped or dry after cleansing.
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner
Next up is the Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner to extend salon-grade color, condition hair, and provide shine. Using it alongside the sulfate-free shampoo can help promote color vibrancy for up to 32 washes.
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment
The true hero of the system is the professional-strength glossing treatment: Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment. Made with citric acid and apricot oil, this acidic formula helps seal the hair's cuticle and lock in molecular-level shine for up to three days.* Paired with the shampoo, hair may appear up to 76% shiner,** a pretty impressive feat.
*Based on consumer test, Acidic Color Gloss Glass Gloss Treatment ****Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo + Glass Gloss Treatment vs. unwashed color-treated hairRedken Acidic Color Gloss Leave-In Heat Protectant Treatment Spray
Lastly, there’s the Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment, which can help keep heat damage from dulling your salon color. This leave-in spray offers heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and provides major shine. Plus, a few spritzes can make hair up to 13 times smoother and six times more hydrated.*
*vs. non-conditioning shampoo
Who Is Redken Acidic Color Gloss Good For?
The Acidic Color Gloss collection is ideal for anyone with professionally color-treated hair (either demi-permanent or permanent) looking to increase shine and prolong the life of their hue. That’s not to say those with virgin hair can’t also benefit, though: The Activated Glass Gloss Treatment, in particular, is great for giving both treated and untreated hair a dazzling sheen.
Good hair day by @litajulia.
How Often Can You Use Acidic Color Gloss?
You can use the shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in as often as you wash your hair. The Activated Glass Gloss Treatment, on the other hand, should be used at most once a week. Its shine-enhancing effects can last up to a few days, so you shouldn’t need to use it more than that.
My Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Review
I already swear by Redken’s All Soft and Acidic Bonding Concentrate systems, so my expectations for the brand’s latest drops were high. I planned my wash day around a fancy engagement party I was attending so that my hair looked as luxe as my outfit.
I washed my hair with the Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo, blotted excess water with a T-shirt, and then got ready to use the Activated Glass Gloss Treatment. I definitely recommend using gloves for the latter product since it’s such a potent, salon-grade formula. I didn’t have plastic gloves on hand, but a pair of rubber dish gloves worked just fine. I applied the gloss to my clean, damp hair from roots to ends and rinsed it out after 10 minutes. Sidenote: I loved how the treatment made my hair smell just like a salon gloss—it reminded me of getting a professional Redken Shades EQ Hair Gloss (if you know, you know). The scent lingered for a few days, too, which really added to that salon service vibe.
For my fine to medium hair type, I didn’t need to apply conditioner afterward. I found that the Activated Glass Gloss Treatment did a great job of making my strands silky-soft on its own. However, if your hair is coarser or you feel it could use extra TLC, you can round out your routine with the Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner.
Finally, I used a few spritzes of the Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment to prep my hair for heat styling. I usually use a blow dryer brush for smoothing, followed by a curling iron for volumizing, so my mane needs as much protection as possible.
Once I finished with my curling wand, my hair’s transformation was evident: The light seemed to reflect off it like a mirror—a far cry from the dull surface I’d seen only hours before. It was also so soft without any of the brittleness I’d become so accustomed to. After a quick mist of Redken’s Dry Texture Spray to hold my style, I was off to dance the night away with the future bride-to-be.
Here’s where things got interesting. It’s one thing for my hair to look fabulous at an indoor event but another to hold up against heat and humidity. Coincidentally, I was hopping on a flight to Florida the day after I used ACG for the first time. I was curious to see how (and if) the weather would affect my newly-glossed strands.
For you to understand just how impressive the results were, let me first set the scene: My dry, naturally wavy hair is usually a goner in balmy climates. I usually need to throw it into a ponytail because of how frizzy it gets. And, nine times out of ten, heat-styling is a moot effort. The above photo was taken after an hour of sitting outside (on the Intracoastal, no less), letting the muggy air envelop me. I snapped this quick selfie and was pleasantly surprised at what it revealed. My hair was still fluffy and voluminous, with a distinct curl pattern that was completely free of frizz. I think it was the first good hair day I ever had in the Sunshine State.
Given my tendency to go way too long between color touch-ups, I plan to make Acidic Color Gloss a consistent staple in my routine. I love that my hair color can appear fresh and shiny even months after my last salon appointment. Now, BRB, while I rush-order a second set for my Florida condo.
Next Up: Redken Acidic Haircare: Bonding Concentrate vs. Gloss
Header photo credits: @lgarofolo22
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