Redken All Soft Shampoo Review: Salon-Soft Hair in a Single Wash

Yes. In our testing, hair felt immediately softer and smoother after the first wash, especially on dry, brittle, or color-treated strands. Over a week of regular use, we saw easier detangling, less roughness at the ends, and an overall silkier feel.

It performs strongly on genuinely dry, brittle hair. The Moisture Complex with argan oil adds hydration and slip, helping rough, snag-prone lengths feel more elastic and pliable. Severely compromised hair may still need masks or protein treatments, but as a daily cleanse, it’s impressively comforting.

It primarily focuses on moisture and softness, which indirectly helps with frizz by smoothing the cuticle. Many of our testers saw softer, less frizzy hair, particularly curls. However, in very humid conditions or on extremely frizz-prone hair, you’ll still want a dedicated anti-frizz serum or cream.

Yes, it’s formulated to be color-safe. In our experience, it cleansed without stripping or dulling color, and the added moisture helped colored lengths look healthier and more reflective. We didn’t observe accelerated fading when used as directed.

It does. The sulfate-based lather gives a thorough cleanse, but the formula is buffered with emollients, silicones, and oils so hair doesn’t feel squeaky or raw afterward. Hair emerged clean at the roots yet still cushioned and flexible through the lengths.

It is not sulfate-free. The formula uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a common salon-grade cleansing agent that creates rich lather. It’s balanced with conditioning ingredients to reduce harshness, but those avoiding sulfates entirely should look elsewhere.

Yes, it contains silicones like Dimethicone, which contribute to slip, shine, and reduced friction. On many hair types they’re beneficial, but over time some people notice buildup or heaviness. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo periodically can help keep hair feeling fresh.

The formula includes fragrance components such as Linalool, Limonene, Coumarin, and Benzyl Alcohol, all of which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you’re prone to fragrance allergies or scalp irritation, patch test first and discontinue if you notice itching or redness.

The shampoo is labeled paraben-free and the ingredient list reflects that. The parent company has publicly committed to ending animal testing and relies on alternative methods where regulations allow, though historical practices and regional laws can complicate a simple cruelty-free label.

It contains salicylic acid, which can gently assist with mild scalp buildup. However, it’s not formulated as a dedicated dandruff or medicated scalp shampoo. For persistent flaking or dermatitis, you’ll still need targeted treatments alongside a moisturizing cleanser like this.

Start with thoroughly soaked hair, then emulsify a small amount in your palms and focus on the scalp. Massage gently, letting the lather glide down the lengths. Rinse well and always follow with conditioner, concentrating on mid-lengths and ends for that ultra-soft finish.

A little goes a surprisingly long way. For short to medium hair, a dime-sized amount was often enough; for long or very thick hair, a modest puddle in the palm sufficed. If you’re needing large handfuls to lather, your hair may not be wet enough before application.

You can, especially if your hair is dry, coarse, or heavily processed. The formula is designed for regular use without leaving hair feeling stripped. If your scalp is oily or your hair is very fine, you may prefer using it a few times a week and alternating with a lighter formula.

For normal-to-dry hair, one wash is usually sufficient. When we’d gone several days between shampoos or used heavy styling products, a quick first cleanse followed by a second, more indulgent lather gave that true salon-clean feel without over-drying the lengths.

You can pair it with your own conditioner, but we found the softness and detangling benefits most pronounced when used with the coordinating All Soft conditioner or mask. The system is designed to layer moisture and slip, particularly helpful for curls and very dry ends.

It depends on how fine and how oily your hair is. Some fine-haired testers loved the silky feel, but others found roots went greasy quickly or hair looked limp. If your hair is very fine and gets oily fast, you may want a lighter, volumizing shampoo for daily use and keep this as an occasional treat.

On dry, coarse curls and waves, it generally performed beautifully—enhancing softness, elasticity, and detangling without collapsing the pattern. If your curls are very fine or low-porosity, use a small amount and rinse thoroughly to avoid any coated feel.

Yes, this is one of the scenarios where it shines. Bleached and highlighted hair in our tests felt less brittle, with smoother cuticles and improved manageability. For severely compromised hair, we still recommend pairing it with reparative masks or protein treatments, but as a daily cleanse, it’s very comforting.

It cleanses effectively, but the rich, moisturizing profile can feel too heavy for very oily scalps, especially if used daily. Some with scalp conditions layered it after a medicated shampoo for softness on the lengths, rather than relying on it as their sole scalp cleanser.

It’s not formulated as a hair-growth or anti-shedding product. A few testers noticed reduced breakage because their hair was less dry and tangled, but others reported increased shedding or thinning, likely due to individual sensitivities. If hair loss is a concern, consult a professional and monitor any new product closely.

The same oils and silicones that make dry hair feel luxuriously soft can overwhelm finer or easily-oily hair, especially if too much product is used or rinsing is rushed. Try using less, focusing on the scalp, rinsing thoroughly, and alternating with a lighter or clarifying shampoo.

Over time, silicones and conditioning agents can accumulate, especially if you use a lot of stylers. If hair starts to feel coated or dull, introduce a clarifying shampoo every week or two to reset the hair, then follow with All Soft and a nourishing conditioner to restore slip.

If you notice itching, flaking, or unusual shedding, discontinue use and switch back to a previously well-tolerated shampoo to see if things normalize. The fragrance and certain actives can be irritating for some. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist or trichologist for tailored guidance.

For hair that is genuinely dry, brittle, or heavily processed, many will find the elevated softness, detangling ease, and salon-like feel worth the investment—especially since a small amount goes far. If your hair is already healthy and low-maintenance, the difference may not feel dramatic enough to justify the cost.

It depends on hair length and frequency of washing, but because the formula is concentrated, we found we used less per wash than with many drugstore shampoos. Even smaller bottles can stretch surprisingly far when hair is fully saturated and you resist the urge to over-pour.

The scent is noticeable in the shower—clean, slightly sweet, and salon-like to some, more chemical to others—but it doesn’t project strongly once hair is dry. By the end of the day, it sits very close to the hair, which suits those who prefer a more discreet fragrance.

The bottle appears to be standard recyclable plastic in many areas, though specific recycling codes aren’t heavily emphasized. In use, the slim bottle looks chic but can be slippery when wet, and thicker product can be hard to dispense from larger sizes without a pump or decanting.

It’s labeled for all ages, but the professional-strength formula, sulfates, and fragrance allergens mean we generally reserve it for adults or older teens. For young children, gentler, tear-free formulas specifically designed for them are usually a better fit.

The shampoo itself doesn’t list dedicated UV filters or heat-protective actives. It focuses on moisture and softness. If you’re frequently in the sun or using hot tools, pair it with a leave-in or styling product that explicitly offers UV and heat protection.

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. A standard bathroom shelf is fine as long as it’s not right under a steaming showerhead or on a hot windowsill. Close the cap firmly after each use to prevent thickening or accidental leaks.