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How Redken Extreme Rehabbed My Distressed Hair Back to Life

If you’re dealing with weak, damaged hair and split ends, you’ll want to bookmark this review. Read on to discover how the Redken Extreme line transformed one editor’s heat and color-worn hair.

You’d think after years of being a beauty editor and having access to all the best hair experts, products, and treatments, I would be a shining picture of hair health and care. As much as I hate to admit it, that’s not quite the truth. For honesty’s sake, let me paint a picture of the current state of my mane.

My natural hair is a deep chocolate brown color and tends to fluctuate between curly and wavy depending on my hair products. I hardly ever rock my natural texture, favoring the looks my blowout brush and curling iron gives me, even if I have nowhere to be. On top of that, I’ve been getting balayage hair color for the past few years, and I ask to go lighter and lighter every time I sit down in my hairdresser’s chair. Mortifyingly, the last time I had my hair cut and colored was more than seven months ago (I’m terrible at committing to appointments, what can I say?). As you may have guessed, my hair and I are in a bit of trouble.

When I was given a chance to review Redken’s Extreme line, my locks were in the most distressed state they could possibly be in, and I couldn’t wait to hop in the shower and get to work. Read on to see how I added the products into my routine, my honest opinion, and why my mom couldn’t keep her hands off them.

Writer Leann Garofolo gives an honest review of Redken's Extreme line

What is Redken Extreme used for?

The Redken Extreme Line works to strengthen the hair from root to tip, fortifying weakened areas along the hair shaft to prevent future breakage and restore shine.

Writer Leann Garofolo gives an honest review of Redken's Extreme line

Is Redken Extreme good for hair?

Yes! The line is a game-changer for distressed locks. Be sure to pick up this system if you’re dealing with dry, damaged hair and split ends.

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How does Redken Extreme work?

You know that satisfying feeling of slotting those last missing pieces into a difficult jigsaw puzzle? That’s a great metaphor to describe how Redken Extreme’s exclusive RCT Protein Complex helps fill in weakened parts of the hair. The smart, multi-targeted delivery system has three proteins that attract to where the hair needs it most, delivering custom nourishment to the root, the core, and the tip.

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Can Redken Extreme be used every day?

While experts typically advise against washing hair every day, the system is suitable for daily use if you choose to do so.

The Redken Extreme Products to Buy Now


Redken

Extreme Strengthening Shampoo for Damaged Hair

A rich hair-strengthening shampoo for damaged hair and split ends.


Extreme Strengthening Shampoo for Damaged Hair

The first step in the line is the Extreme Strengthening Shampoo for Damaged Hair. Made with Redken’s Strength Complex, this shampoo contains amino acids and arginine to strengthen and fortify the hair. Citric acid helps to condition and smooth hair and balances pH.


Redken

Extreme Strengthening Conditioner for Damaged Hair

A strengthening, detangling conditioner for damaged hair and split ends.


Extreme Strengthening Conditioner for Damaged Hair

Follow it up with the Extreme Strengthening Conditioner for Damaged Hair. This conditioner strengthens damaged hair, making it look more healthy and resilient. When used as a system, hair grows longer and stronger, and you can reduce damage by up to 75%!


Redken

Extreme Strengthening Hair Mask for Damaged Hair

A strengthening protein hair mask and treatment extender for damaged hair.

One size only for Extreme Strengthening Hair Mask for Damaged Hair
8.45 fl oz

Redken Extreme Strengthening Hair Mask For Damaged Hair

Consider adding Redken Extreme Strengthening Hair Mask for Damaged Hair after every third wash or whenever intense conditioning is needed. This hair mask features the new RCT Protein Complex, which nourishes from root to core to tip to provide deep, intense conditioning, strengthen and repair damaged hair, and reduce breakage. The effect is so dramatic, that it lasts up to three washes. It also makes hair 15X stronger when used with Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner.


Redken

Extreme Anti-Snap Split Ends Hair Treatment

A leave-in treatment for damaged hair and split ends.

One size only for Extreme Anti-Snap Split Ends Hair Treatment
8.45 fl oz

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Split Ends Hair Treatment

The Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Split Ends Hair Treatment protects against chemical damage, heat damage from hot hairstyling tools, mechanical tools, surface damage, and hair breakage, so hair is stronger and smoother, and breakage and split-ends happen less often.


Redken

Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection and Damage Repair Hair Treatment

All in one hair protector that protects your hair from heat, fortifies the strength of your hair and reduces heat damage.

One size only for Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection and Damage Repair Hair Treatment
6.7 fl oz

Redken Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection And Damage Repair Hair Treatment

When a day of styling calls for hot tools, apply Redken Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection And Damage Repair Hair Treatment to hair beforehand. This all-in-one hair product protects your hair from heat, fortifies the strength of your hair and reduces heat damage.

Writer Leann Garofolo gives an honest review of Redken's Extreme line

Leann Before Redken Extreme

Writer Leann Garofolo gives an honest review of Redken's Extreme line

Leann After Redken Extreme

How I use Redken Extreme in My Hair Routine:

For my first wash, I used only the shampoo and conditioner to see how they would perform by themselves. Lately, my hair has felt like straw, so I was pleased to immediately notice a difference in my hair’s softness and shine once it dried. It was much easier to brush out my tangles after showering; the bristles glided through my hair instead of harshly tugging through knots with every pass. I’m big on scent, and I loved how the duo was lightly fragranced but not in an overpowering way.

After a day on my friend’s boat, swimming in the saltwater, soaking up the sun, and letting my hair get whipped around by the wind, it seemed like the perfect time for more intense hair rehab. I used the Extreme Strengthening Hair Mask in place of the conditioner and let it sit for about three minutes before rinsing it out. Usually, it’ll take me at least two washes to get my hair looking and feeling back to normal after so much environmental exposure, but my hair truly looked and felt like silk post-mask. My split ends also appeared to fuse together, despite my lack of a haircut. Of course, I know a hair trim is the only real way to eliminate this breakage for good, but Redken Extreme was a close second.

By the time I finished this article, the products had mysteriously disappeared from my shower a few times, courtesy of my mom. She’s picky about what she uses and can never find products that work for her coarse, Italian hair. She raved about how soft it made her hair feel and loved it so much that she bought her own stash. Safe to say, I think we’ll both be fans well into the near future.

Find Redken’s Extreme line and other great options for repairing damaged hair at Hair.com.

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