Why Redken’s Color Extend Brownlights System Is A Must-Try For Brassy Brown Hair

However, as the outside temperature gradually gets warmer, so does my color—and my brown hair with blonde highlights have inevitably faded brassy. That’s why finding a color toning shampoo and conditioning system has been critical for helping me prolong those cool toned, bright strands. Luckily, I discovered the Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo and Conditioner, which has become my go-to for banishing brass at home. 

Keep scrolling for my full Redken Color Extend Brownlights review. 

Redken

Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo

An essential color-depositing blue shampoo to tone and neutralize brassy orange tones in highlighted, balayaged, or natural brown hair.

Select a Size for Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo 10.1 fl oz 33.8 fl oz

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Redken

Color Extend Brownlights Conditioner

An essential color-depositing blue conditioner to help tone and get rid of brassiness in highlighted, balayaged, and natural brown hair.

Select a Size for Color Extend Brownlights Conditioner 10.1 fl oz 33.8 fl oz

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What Is Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo and Conditioner

The Redken Extend Brownlights Shampoo and Conditioner is a color-depositing system that neutralizes brassy, warm, and orange undertones in a brunette’s highlighted or natural hair. The sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner contains blue pigments that color-correct brown hair to ultimately prevent and correct brassiness. Made with citric acid and vegetable protein, the shampoo’s formula has also been crafted to gently cleanse the hair without stripping the color. Using the shampoo and conditioner as one system immediately after it has been colored, or as needed for natural brunettes, will prolong those cool, salon-fresh tones. The system is also great for anyone who covers their grays.

Allie before using the Redken Color Extend Brownlights system

How I Use Redken Color Extend Brownlights In My Hair Routine

I’m always pretty indecisive about what color I want my hair to be. One week I feel inspired to take a leap of faith and have a blonde moment, and the next I'm looking at dark brown hair inspiration on social media. Since the warmer months almost always inspire me to brighten my mane, however, I knew it was time to finally revive my icy blonde highlights. 

Since they haven’t been touched up in over one year, my highlights became hidden under hints of brass and orange, with almost no trace of the cool and ashy tones that I originally left the salon with so long ago. Finding an alternative to refreshing my highlights every four to six weeks in a salon has been critical for supporting my busy schedule and the health and hydration of my color-treated, heat styled strands. In need of at-home hair products that would instantly banish my brass, I chose to experiment with the Redken Color Extend Brownlights system.

During my experimentation week, I deposited about a one-and-a-half quarter-sized dollop of the Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo into my hands. (It’s important to note that the amount of shampoo to use may vary based on the length and texture of your hair.) When lathering my hair with the shampoo, I focused on my scalp, gently working downward toward the midsection. After leaving the shampoo on for about five minutes, I rinsed thoroughly. 

Next, I applied one quarter-sized amount of the Redken Color Extend Brownlights Conditioner, focusing on massaging it into my mid-lengths to ends. I left it on for between five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Then, it was finally time to style my hair and uncover the results. Although I’ve used purple toning systems before, I never tried a blue formula, so I was eager to see how my hair turned out. 

Allie after using the Redken Color Extend Brownlights system

After just one use of the Redken Color Extend Brownlights system, I was excited to see that my brassy brown hair was instantly refreshed. I immediately noticed that the individually painted highlights that I got over one year ago popped again, appearing brighter and more bold. Before using the system, my warm hair color was dull and flat with subtle orange and gold hues that were fading into my natural brunette hair color. Because of this, there was little dimension and contrast between the darker and lighter shades in my hair. 

Thanks to this system, the gorgeous dimension that was hidden under those strands of brass became more visible. Sporting this lighter look enhanced my face by brightening it, especially around my money piece highlights. The day after I used the system, the results were even noticeable to my family, who asked if I had my hair colored since I last saw them. My look felt fresh again, like how it would right after a salon visit.

In terms of the clean-up, I was happy to see how easily the dark blue pigments faded into a lighter blue when rinsing my hair out. This made it easier to quickly clean my shower of any blue pigmentation that stuck to it. Although I did not have suitable gloves at home to use, consider wearing them to minimize the clean-up. (Having used more intense purple toning systems in the past, be warned that some do not fade, complicating the clean-up process.) 

I am super excited to mark my experiment using the Redken Color Extend Brownlights system as a success. The results have definitely persuaded me to make these products a permanent addition to my hair care routine. Following the previously mentioned steps, I use the system once a week to tone the brass and regain that gorgeous brightness. Although I am looking forward to getting my roots touched up during my next (very overdue) salon visit, I am excited to have finally found a product that will instantly revive my highlights and help enhance my glow in the meantime—and just in time for summer! 

Interested in adding highlights to your hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.