The 4-Step Redken Routine I Swear By for Damaged Hair

If there’s one thing I’ve accepted in my 30s, it’s that I really like spending my money on looking and feeling good.

Meaning, I’ll never skip a nail appointment, my hair will always be blown out and I’ll take a couple of styling tools every time I travel.

My friends and family roll their eyes at my antics, but I like to think of myself as a self-sufficient high-maintenance queen. However, I can admit that colouring and styling my hair as frequently as I have in my 20s and 30s has definitely left me with some (much expected) damage.

From split ends to dull strands, my hair has been through it all and time and time again, I’ve been able to resuscitate it to its luscious glory.

My secret? Redken’s ABC range.

It’s haircare that ACTUALLY works because it’s rooted in science and backed with tried and tested formulations.

I’ve been lucky enough to trial this range for the last two months AND be taken backstage at fashion week to talk to some experts about just how to achieve healthier hair in just 4 steps...

1. Pre-rinse: Redken ABC Intensive Treatment.

What: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment 150ml

Fast facts:

• The Redken treatment repairs broken, damaged hair for a smoother mane with less breakage.

• It reinforces weakened bonds and prepares hair for the full benefits of the Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner.

My Redken treatment review:

I know what you’re thinking… a pre-rinse?

Yes, a pre-rinse. Because this intensive pre-shampoo treatment is the secret sauce to start the repair process.

It’s formulated with Redken’s highest level of citric acid + bonding care complex meaning it goes to work on those broken ends.

Just like SPF, a good prep step never hurt. To get the process started, apply it to wet hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse.

Did I mention the texture is thick and dense meaning your stressed-out strands will soak it RIGHT up!

2. Redken ABC Shampoo.

What: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo 300ml

Fast facts:

• The Redken shampoo is formulated to repair the bonds in damaged hair for stronger, healthier hair.

• It reduces the look and feel of breakage and split ends, and smoothes and softens.

• It balances the hair’s pH levels.

My Redken shampoo review:

After we’re done rinsing, it’s time to get the hair nice and clean with Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo.

From balancing the pH level of your hair to scalp repair, there’s nothing this shampoo can’t do.

Plus, it won’t leave your hair feeling rubbery and dry.

To work this one in, you want to use a decent amount and lather from scalp to mid-lengths.

3. Redken ABC Conditioner.

What: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner 300ml

Fast facts:

• The Redken conditioner is designed to balance the hair’s pH, strengthening weakened bonds and generally helping your hair look its happiest and healthiest.

• It's a rich, intense formula that balances the hair's pH levels to smooth and soften hair.

• It reduces the look and feel of breakage and split ends.

My Redken conditioner review:

Now it’s time to REALLLY crank up the repair and if you’re someone who’s maybe done a few too many bleach sessions, this conditioner is going to change the game.

It’s an intensely rich formula that helps to preserve colour and repair the bonds from the inside out.

Similar to the shampoo, it has a citrus smell which isn’t overpowering.

My top tip? To work the conditioner into your ends to penetrate through the hair follicle and leave it in a faux bun for ten minutes to let it work its maggiiiiic.

Then rinse and remember to always use a microfiber cloth to wring your hair out. Not only does it get excess water out quickly, BUT it helps reduce frizz and breakage.

4: Redken ABC Leave in Lotion.

What: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave in Lotion 150ml

Fast facts:

• The Redken leave in lotion helps repair damage while also offering heat protection up to 232 degrees Celsius for stronger, healthier, smoother and happier hair.

• It's designed to be used on clean, damp hair and doesn't need to be rinsed out afterwards.

• It reduces breakage, adds shine , strengthens hair and balances the hair’s pH in one.

My Redken leave in lotion review:

And now for the final step, it’s time for the Leave in Lotion which is my favourite of the range.

Why? Because it softens, smoothens, and PROTECTS hair from heat up to 232 degrees Celsius!!!

The best way to use this is on damp hair, not wet. And to work it into every section. Then, just go about styling your hair as normal and watch your locks come back to life.

I have to say, I’m usually quite sceptical when it comes to haircare, because a lot of brands overpromise and underdeliver but, after using this range for weeks on end, I am obsessed. It does exactly what it says and more.

I like to do this routine twice a week and add a scalp massage in once a week because scalp stimulation is key to hair growth.

Final Verdict…

Now usually my hair routine takes me anywhere from 1.5-2 hours, which includes washing, drying and styling, but since I’ve been taking my hair through this Redken refresh, it’s cut the time down significantly. Which only happens when my hair is healthy and happy.

So, if you’re a self-sufficient high-maintenance queen like me, who may have a little bit of hair damage, then you need to add the Redken range to your cart ASAP.

With over 60 years in the industry, their R&D team know a thing or two about high-performance haircare.

After more haircare tips and tricks? Check out these Beauty IQs:

• How To Start a Basic Haircare Routine Based on Your Hair Goals

• This Silk Haircare Range Gave Me Instantly Softer, Smoother & Stronger Hair

• Oily Roots & Dry Ends? You Need Aveda Scalp Solutions