If you’ve got color-treated hair, Redken Color Extend Magnetics is your new best friend. This sulfate-free shampoo keeps your vibrant hues—whether fiery red or icy blonde—looking salon-fresh for weeks.
Its RCT Protein Complex nourishes from root to tip, boosting shine without stripping color.
I’ve seen my highlights stay bold, and you’ll love the soft, manageable results. Grab it now to lock in your color and turn heads!
My Experience with Redken Color Extend Magnetics
Last spring, I decided to go bold with caramel highlights on my naturally brunette hair.
The salon glow was unreal, but within weeks, my color was fading, and my strands felt dry from daily styling.
My stylist recommended Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner, swearing it would keep my highlights vibrant.
Skeptical but desperate, I ordered the duo online, and I’m so glad I did.
From the first wash, I was impressed. The shampoo lathered richly with just a dime-sized amount, cleansing my hair without that squeaky, stripped feeling I’d gotten from drugstore brands.
The light, clean scent—think fresh laundry with a hint of citrus—was refreshing but didn’t linger too long.
After rinsing, my hair felt soft, not tangled, and the conditioner sealed the deal, leaving my strands silky and manageable.
By week three, my highlights still popped, and the brassiness I usually battle was nowhere in sight. Even better, my hair stayed shiny and didn’t dry out, despite blow-drying daily.
I’ve been using it for six months now, and a 33.8-ounce bottle lasts me ages, making the $30 price tag feel reasonable. The only hiccup? It can leave my fine hair a tad flat if I use too much conditioner.
I learned to go easy, and now it’s perfect. This duo has become my go-to for keeping my color vibrant and my hair healthy between salon visits.
Maintenance Tips for Redken Color Extend Magnetics
- Use the Right Amount: Less is more, especially for fine hair. I use a dime-sized dollop of shampoo and half that for conditioner to avoid flatness. Adjust based on your hair’s length and thickness.
- Rinse with Cool Water: Cool water seals the cuticle, boosting shine and color retention. I rinse thoroughly with lukewarm-to-cool water to lock in the acidic formula’s benefits, as Redken suggests.
- Wash Sparingly: I wash every 2–3 days to preserve color and natural oils. Overwashing can fade even the best-protected hues, so use dry shampoo between washes for freshness.
- Store Properly: Keep the bottle upright in a cool, dry place. I store mine in a bathroom cabinet, not a steamy shower, to prevent the pump from clogging or the formula from degrading.
- Pair with the System: For best results, use the matching conditioner and Mega Mask weekly. I alternate the mask for extra nourishment, and Redken’s system maximizes color vibrancy and strength.
What Makes Redken Color Extend Magnetics Special?
Redken, founded in 1960 by Paula Kent and Jheri Redding, is a pioneer in science-backed haircare. Color Extend Magnetics, part of their Color Extend line, is a sulfate-free shampoo designed for color-treated hair.
Its RCT Protein Complex—featuring soy protein, arginine, and sepicalm—targets root, core, and tip for customized nourishment.
The acidic formula balances hair’s pH, sealing in color and enhancing shine. Amino-ions form a protective barrier to prevent fading, while the lightweight, non-stripping cleanser strengthens strands.
With over 4,000 five-star reviews, it’s a salon staple for vibrant, healthy color.
Pros and Cons of Redken Color Extend Magnetics
Pros:
- Extends Color Vibrancy: My highlights stayed bold for weeks, and reviews echo this—users say their reds and blondes last longer. The amino-ions and acidic pH lock in color, preventing fade even with frequent washing.
- Gentle, Sulfate-Free Formula: No sulfates means no stripping. My hair feels clean but never dry, and users with fine or bleached hair love how it maintains moisture without irritation. It’s safe for all color-treated types.
- Enhances Shine: The shampoo leaves my hair glossy, like I just left the salon. Its Color Care Complex reflects light for mirror-like radiance, and customers rave about the vibrant, healthy sheen.
- Long-Lasting Bottle: A little goes a long way. My 33.8-ounce bottle lasts over six months, and reviewers note a dime-sized amount creates a rich lather, making it cost-effective despite the premium price.
- Pleasant, Mild Scent: The light, clean fragrance is a hit. I enjoy the subtle citrusy vibe, and users with scent sensitivities appreciate that it’s not overpowering, fading quickly after rinsing.
Cons:
- Can Flatten Fine Hair: My fine hair felt flat when I overused the conditioner. Some users report greasiness or limp strands if they don’t adjust the amount, requiring trial and error.
- Premium Price: At $30 for 10.1 ounces, it’s pricier than drugstore options. Budget-conscious users might hesitate, though the large bottle and longevity soften the sting.
- Limited Frizz Control: My wavy hair still frizzes in humidity. Users with curly or thick hair note it doesn’t tame frizz as well as specialized products, needing extra styling aids.
- Not Ideal for Oily Scalps: If your scalp gets oily fast, it might not cleanse deeply enough. Some reviewers switch to a clarifying shampoo weekly to avoid buildup, as it’s very gentle.
- Packaging Issues: The large bottle’s pump can be finicky, dispensing too much or clogging. I’ve had to unscrew it occasionally, and some users complain about similar quirks.
Also Read: My Thoughts On SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Vs. Other Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Vs. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex No. 4, at $30 for 8.5 ounces, repairs bonds with bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, ideal for bleached hair. I tried it, and it strengthened my highlights but didn’t lock in color like Redken. Olaplex’s sulfate-free formula is thicker, sometimes leaving my fine hair heavy. Redken’s acidic pH and amino-ions better preserve vibrancy, especially for vivid hues. Olaplex excels at damage repair, but Redken’s lightweight cleanse and shine make it my pick for color-treated hair needing daily vibrancy.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Vs. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Briogeo’s shampoo, priced at $29 for 16 ounces, uses argan oil and biotin for hydration and repair. It softened my wavy hair but dulled my highlights faster than Redken. Its clean, sulfate-free formula suits sensitive scalps, but the thicker texture weighed down my fine strands. Redken’s RCT Protein Complex and acidic pH outperform for color retention and shine. Briogeo’s great for dry, natural hair, but Redken’s targeted color protection makes it superior for dyed locks.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Vs. Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
Amika’s shampoo, at $26 for 9.2 ounces, blends hyaluronic acid and squalane for moisture. I found it hydrating but less effective at preventing color fade than Redken. Its subtle scent and sulfate-free formula are gentle, but my curls frizzed more. Redken’s amino-ions and pH balance keep my highlights vibrant longer. Amika’s ideal for dry, straight hair needing hydration, but Redken’s lightweight, color-locking formula wins for dyed hair craving shine and longevity.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Vs. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo
SheaMoisture’s shampoo, around $11 for 13 ounces, is a budget-friendly, sulfate-free option with shea butter and honey. It hydrated my curls but left buildup, fading my color faster. Redken’s RCT Protein Complex and acidic formula preserve vibrancy better, especially for fine hair. SheaMoisture’s thick texture suits coily, thick hair, but Redken’s lightweight cleanse and shine are unmatched for color-treated strands. If cost is key, SheaMoisture’s solid, but Redken’s premium results justify the splurge.
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Vs. Redken All Soft Shampoo
Redken All Soft, at $25 for 10.1 ounces, uses argan oil to soften dry, coarse hair. I tried it, and it tamed frizz but dulled my highlights compared to Color Extend Magnetics. All Soft’s sulfate-free formula is heavier, better for thick hair than my fine strands. Color Extend Magnetics’ acidic pH and amino-ions lock in color vibrancy, making it the go-to for dyed hair. All Soft’s great for hydration, but Magnetics excels at color protection.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Nova Hair Shampoo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wondering if Redken Color Extend Magnetics is right for you? Let’s tackle the questions I hear most.
Color Extend Magnetics is sulfate-free with RCT Protein Complex and amino-ions for enhanced color retention and shine, ideal for all dyed hair. The original Color Extend, now phased out, had sulfates and less advanced color-locking tech. Magnetics is gentler and more effective, per my experience and reviews.
Redken’s science-backed formulas, like Magnetics, are great for color-treated hair, nourishing with proteins and pH balancers. My hair’s shinier and stronger, but overuse can flatten fine hair. Users with sensitive scalps rarely report issues, though clarifying shampoos may be needed for buildup. It’s a solid choice if used right.
Yes, the original Color Extend line was replaced by Color Extend Magnetics, which upgrades to sulfate-free formulas with RCT Protein Complex. My stylist confirmed the switch, and Redken’s site only lists Magnetics. The new version performs better, keeping my highlights vibrant longer.
Redken Extreme Shampoo, with arginine and citric acid, is best for damaged hair, repairing breakage and split ends. I’ve used it post-bleaching, and it strengthened my strands. Color Extend Magnetics focuses on color retention, not repair, so Extreme’s the pick for chemical or heat damage.
Final Thoughts
Redken Color Extend Magnetics saved my highlights from fading into oblivion. Its sulfate-free formula, packed with RCT Protein Complex, keeps my color vibrant, shiny, and soft for weeks.
Despite the price, a little lasts months, and the results—salon-fresh hair—are worth it.
If you want your color to pop and your hair to feel healthy, this is your shampoo. Head to your salon or store and snag it—your locks will thank you!
