Few things are as frustrating as trying to soften hair that feels coarse and lifeless. Redken All Soft, a shampoo and conditioner line built around argan oil, promises exactly that softness. But with so many Redken ranges available, it can be hard to tell if All Soft is the right pick for your hair type, or whether you need something stronger. This guide compares All Soft to its siblings and competitors, with data from brand sources and ingredient analysis.
Formulation: Argan oil enriched ·
Target: Dry and damaged hair ·
Range: Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask, Leave-in ·
Key Benefit: Softness and moisture
Quick snapshot
- Contains argan oil (Redken All Soft page)
- Targets dry, brittle hair (Redken All Soft page)
- Available in 300ml and 1000ml (Redken All Soft page)
- Exact percentage of argan oil (SkinSort ingredient analysis)
- Whether it contains sulfates (SkinSort ingredient analysis)
- Long-term effects on hair strength (SkinSort ingredient analysis)
- Suitability for fine hair (Catwalk caution on buildup)
- Designed for immediate softness; continued use maintains moisture (Redken All Soft page)
- For repair needs, consider Redken Extreme or Acidic Bonding Concentrate (Redken damaged hair guide)
Five key facts define the All Soft line:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Redken |
| Product Line | All Soft |
| Key Ingredient | Argan Oil (Redken) |
| Hair Type | Dry, Damaged, Brittle (Redken) |
| Product Forms | Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask, Leave-in (Redken) |
The implication: All Soft focuses purely on moisture — no protein repair, no bond-building. Users with structural damage will need to look elsewhere.
What kind of shampoo is Redken All Soft?
Product overview and key ingredients
- All Soft is a moisturizing shampoo formulated with argan oil for dry, brittle hair (Redken).
- Redken describes it as “a scientifically advanced collection formulated specifically for dry hair” (Redken).
- Argan oil is the star ingredient, known for fatty acids and vitamin E (Gorgeous Shop, UK beauty retailer).
Target hair types and concerns
- Primarily for normal to dry hair; the All Soft Mega sub‑line targets severely dry, damaged hair (Redken).
- Also suitable for color‑treated hair (no harsh sulfates that strip color, per SkinSort).
- May be too heavy for fine hair – added oils can cause buildup and weighed‑down strands (Catwalk, Australian salon retailer).
Full product line overview
- Shampoo (300ml, 1000ml), Conditioner (300ml, 1000ml), Hair Mask (200ml), Leave‑in Treatment (150ml) (Redken).
- Also available as All Soft Mega for extra‑dry, thick hair (Redken).
The pattern: Redken offers All Soft as a moisture‑first line, but the real differentiator is hair thickness — fine hair should approach with caution.
Is Redken All Soft good for your hair?
All Soft’s argan oil is a proven moisturizer, but for chemically damaged or brittle hair, moisture alone may not rebuild strength. Users with protein‑deficient strands may need a repair line like Extreme.
Benefits for dry and damaged hair
- Enriched with argan oil to replenish moisture and detangle (Redken).
- Recommended for dullness, brittleness, and straw‑like texture (Gorgeous Shop).
- Positive reviews highlight softness and shine (YouTube product reviewer).
Potential drawbacks and considerations
- Both conditioner and shampoo contain harsh alcohols and silicones, which may cause buildup (SkinSort ingredient analysis).
- Not a repair formula – does not contain bond‑building or protein fortifiers (Redken damaged hair guide).
- Exact percentage of argan oil is not disclosed, making it hard to compare potency.
User reviews summary
- Frequent praise: “softens without stripping” and “smells great” (YouTube reviewer).
- Complaints: some find the conditioner not moisturizing enough for very dry hair; others report greasiness on fine hair (Catwalk).
What this means: All Soft delivers softness, but if your hair is structurally damaged, you’ll need a companion repair product.
How often should you use Redken All Soft?
Recommended usage frequency
- Redken does not specify a fixed schedule, but dry‑hair users typically benefit from daily use (Catwalk).
- For normal to oily hair, 2–3 times per week prevents over‑moisturizing.
Daily use vs. occasional use
- Severely dry hair: daily use helps maintain moisture levels.
- Fine or low‑porosity hair: overuse can lead to buildup – alternate with a clarifying shampoo.
Signs you may need to adjust frequency
- Hair feels limp or greasy → reduce frequency.
- Hair still feels dry after washing → increase use or switch to All Soft Mega.
The trade‑off: More moisture means more weight – fine hair needs to find its own rhythm.
Is Redken Extreme or All Soft better?
Three differences define the choice between these two lines:
| Feature | All Soft | Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Primary benefit | Moisture and softness (Redken) | Strength and damage repair (Redken) |
| Key ingredient | Argan oil | Protein (to reinforce structure) (Catwalk) |
| Best for | Dry, brittle hair with no breakage | Weak, damaged, breaking hair (Redken) |
| Texture effect | Adds softness, may weigh down fine hair | Adds strength, less emphasis on softness |
| Common ingredients | Both contain AHA, no parabens, but have harsh alcohols, fragrances, silicones (SkinSort) | |
The catch: Redken’s own guide recommends Acidic Bonding Concentrate for all types of damage – so if your hair is both dry and breaking, bond‑building may outperform both All Soft and Extreme (Redken Hair 101 guide).
What shampoo is linked to hair loss?
Shampoos with potentially harmful ingredients
- Some shampoos containing DMDM hydantoin or formaldehyde‑releasing preservatives have been linked to scalp irritation and hair loss (SkinSort classifies them as irritants).
- Harsh sulfates can strip the scalp’s natural barrier, potentially exacerbating shedding.
Is Redken All Soft safe?
- Redken All Soft does not contain DMDM hydantoin or parabens (SkinSort).
- It uses milder cleansing agents – no known link to hair loss in reviews or official data.
How to choose a shampoo to minimize hair loss
- Avoid preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and strong sulfates.
- Look for pH‑balanced formulas; Redken’s Acidic Bonding range targets this (Redken).
Why this matters: All Soft is considered safe, but those with sensitive scalps may want to patch‑test first.
What is the most damaging thing to your hair?
Common hair damage causes
- Heat styling (flat irons, blow dryers) – mechanical damage to the cuticle.
- Chemical treatments (color, bleach, perms) – break protein bonds.
- Overwashing and harsh surfactants – strip natural oils.
- Environmental factors (UV, pollution) – oxidative stress.
How Redken All Soft helps repair
- Argan oil replenishes moisture, temporarily smoothing the cuticle (Redken).
- Moisture is essential for preventing further breakage from dryness – All Soft provides that base.
Preventive measures
- Use a heat protectant before styling.
- Limit chemical treatments to every 6–8 weeks.
- Incorporate a weekly moisture mask like All Soft Mask.
The pattern: Most damage is cumulative – All Soft can protect against dryness‑related breakage, but it cannot undo protein loss.
The lack of transparency about argan oil percentage means consumers cannot compare the potency of All Soft against other argan‑oil shampoos. Brand marketing may overstate moisturizing power.
Upsides
- Deeply moisturizing for dry hair (Redken)
- Contains argan oil – a proven emollient
- Color‑safe formula (SkinSort)
- Widely available at salon retailers and online
Downsides
- May be too heavy for fine hair (Catwalk)
- Contains silicones and harsh alcohols (SkinSort)
- Not a repair formula – lacks protein or bond‑builders
- Exact argan oil percentage not disclosed
“Redken describes All Soft as a scientifically advanced collection formulated specifically for dry hair.”
Redken (official brand website)
“Catwalk says All Soft is popular for dry hair, but added oils can cause build-up and quicker heaviness for some users.”
Catwalk (Australian salon retailer)
For the Irish market, the choice is clear: All Soft is a solid daily moisturizer for dry hair, but if your priority is repair rather than softness, the Extreme or Acidic Bonding Concentrate lines will better address breakage and long‑term strength. Invest in the right line for your hair’s primary need, or risk wasted money and continued frustration.
For readers seeking a detailed Nordic perspective on its performance, svenska recensioner av Redken All Soft offer practical insights on moisture and shine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Redken All Soft on color‑treated hair?
Yes, All Soft is safe for color‑treated hair. It contains no harsh sulfates that strip color, and the argan oil helps maintain moisture, which is often lost during coloring (Redken).
What sizes are available for Redken All Soft shampoo?
The shampoo comes in 300ml and 1000ml sizes. Conditioner, mask, and leave‑in are also available in similar sizes (Redken).
Where can I buy Redken All Soft in Ireland?
You can buy it from Boots Ireland, Peter Mark, and online retailers like Lookfantastic. Prices vary; a 300ml shampoo typically costs around €20–25.
Does Redken All Soft work for curly hair?
Yes, the moisturizing formula can help define curls and reduce frizz. However, if your curls are fine, start with a small amount to avoid weighing them down.
How does Redken All Soft compare to Olaplex bonding treatment?
Olaplex is a bond‑building treatment that repairs broken disulfide bonds, while All Soft is a moisturizing line. They serve different needs – Olaplex for structural repair, All Soft for moisture. Many users combine them.
What is the price range of Redken All Soft products?
Depending on the retailer and size, prices range from €15–30 for shampoo/conditioner (300ml) to €40–60 for the 1000ml professional size.
Noah Foster is Senior Reporter at Australia Watch, covering breaking stories and explainers.