Redken All Soft Shampoo Review: Worth Your Money?

Dry hair feels like a daily battle. You wash it, you condition it, and still it feels rough by lunch. Many people with brittle strands have heard about Redken All Soft Shampoo, the salon favorite that promises softer hair from the very first wash.

But does this argan oil based shampoo really live up to the hype? This honest review breaks down the formula, the results, the price, and the pros and cons. By the end, you will know if this bottle belongs in your shower.

Key Takeaways

Here is a quick snapshot before we dive into the full review. These bullet points cover the most important facts about Redken All Soft Shampoo.

• Best for dry, brittle hair: The formula targets coarse, rough, and moisture starved strands that need softening.
• Argan oil is the hero ingredient: This plant oil softens hair and adds shine while gently cleansing the scalp.
• It contains sulfates: The shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, so it is not sulfate free.
• Color safe and salon trusted: Stylists across the United States use it, and it works on color treated hair.
• 15x more conditioning: Redken claims the formula delivers 15 times more conditioning compared to a non conditioning shampoo.
• Mid range price tag: You pay more than drugstore shampoo, but less than ultra luxury brands.

What Is Redken All Soft Shampoo?

Redken All Soft Shampoo is a hydrating shampoo made for dry, brittle hair. The brand belongs to L’Oreal, and stylists have used Redken in salons for decades. The All Soft line focuses on one job, which is softening rough strands.

The shampoo comes in a bright pink bottle that you will spot in any salon shelf. Sizes range from a 10.1 ounce bottle for everyday use to a giant 33.8 ounce liter bottle for heavy users. The product is also sold as part of a shampoo and conditioner duo.

The formula uses argan oil, a plant oil pressed from the Moroccan argan tree. This oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which is why so many hair brands love it. Redken pairs the argan oil with their Moisture Complex to deliver hydration from root to tip.

The shampoo works on both natural and color treated hair. It is safe for daily use, and it lathers well in hard or soft water. You can use it on straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair textures, as long as your hair feels dry or rough.

Who Should Use This Shampoo?

This product is built for one type of person, and that is someone with dry or damaged hair. If your strands feel like straw after washing, this shampoo might be your match. People with frizzy hair, heat damaged hair, or chemically treated hair often see the best results.

Color treated hair also benefits from this formula. The shampoo is gentle enough to protect your dye job while still washing away buildup. Many users report that their highlights stay bright for longer when they use the All Soft line.

People with oily scalps should think twice before buying. The shampoo is rich and moisturizing, which can leave fine or oily hair feeling heavy. Reddit users with thin hair often complain that their roots get greasy faster when using this product.

Curly hair lovers will enjoy the slip and softness. The argan oil helps tame frizz and adds shine to curls without weighing them down too much. Coarse and thick hair types respond best because the formula has enough power to soften stubborn strands.

If you have a sensitive scalp, check the ingredient list first. The shampoo contains fragrance and sulfates, which can bother some users. For most people, though, the formula feels gentle and creamy on the scalp.

Main Ingredients That Make It Work

The star of the formula is argan oil, also called Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil on the label. This oil is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids that smooth the hair cuticle. The result is shinier and softer hair after just one wash.

The shampoo also uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate as the main cleanser. This is a strong foaming agent that lifts dirt and oil from the scalp. Some users prefer sulfate free options, but the lather here makes the shampoo feel rich and luxurious.

Dimethicone is another key ingredient, and it acts as a silicone smoother. It coats each strand and locks in moisture, which is why your hair feels silky after rinsing. The shampoo also contains glycol distearate, which adds a pearly look to the formula.

Redken includes their Moisture Complex in the blend. This mix of conditioning agents and softeners helps the shampoo deliver on its 15x conditioning promise. Glycerin and fatty alcohols round out the moisturizing power.

The shampoo is paraben free, but it does contain fragrance. The scent is light, clean, and slightly sweet. Most users love the smell, and it does not linger too strong after rinsing.

The Scent and Texture Experience

The first thing you notice when you open the bottle is the fresh, soft fragrance. The scent is hard to describe, but most users call it powdery, clean, and a little floral. It smells expensive without being overpowering.

The texture is creamy and pearly, almost like a thick lotion. You only need a small amount, about the size of a quarter, to wash medium length hair. A little goes a long way, which makes the bottle last longer than you expect.

The lather builds up quickly, even with a small amount of product. Bubbles feel rich and dense rather than thin and watery. Your scalp feels clean within seconds of massaging the shampoo in.

The rinse out feels smooth and silky. Your hair already feels softer before you reach for the conditioner, which is a good sign of a working formula. The scent fades gently after rinsing, leaving a soft trail behind.

Some users say the smell reminds them of a salon visit. That nostalgic touch makes the shower feel like a small spa moment. The pink bottle and clean fragrance create a feel good routine every morning.

Top 3 Alternatives for Redken All Soft Shampoo

If Redken All Soft Shampoo does not fit your needs or your budget, here are three strong alternatives. Each one targets dry hair with a different ingredient story, so you can pick the one that matches your goals.

The Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner Set is a vegan, sulfate free option for dry or color treated hair. It uses rose extract and green tea to lock in moisture. Many users find it gentler than Redken on a sensitive scalp.

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is another argan oil based pick. It is sulfate, phosphate, and paraben free, and it also adds red algae and vitamins A and E. The scent alone has a cult following, which is reason enough for many to try it.

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo focuses on repairing damaged hair. It uses bond building technology to fix broken strands at the structural level. This one is best if your hair feels weak from bleach, heat, or chemical services.

How to Use Redken All Soft Shampoo

Using this shampoo is simple, but a few small tricks help you get the best results. Start by wetting your hair fully with warm water. Warm water opens the cuticle and helps the shampoo do its job.

Pour a coin sized amount into your palm. Rub your hands together to spread the product evenly. Apply the shampoo to your scalp first, not the ends, since your scalp is where the oil and dirt sit.

Massage your scalp with your fingertips for about 60 seconds. This step boosts blood flow and lifts away buildup. Let the lather glide down to the ends as you rinse, which gives the strands a gentle cleanse without stripping them.

For best results, shampoo twice if your hair feels very dirty. The first wash lifts oil and product, while the second wash treats your strands. Follow up with the matching All Soft Conditioner to lock in softness.

You can use this shampoo every day or every other day. People with finer hair may want to skip a day or two between washes. Always rinse with cool water at the end to seal the cuticle and boost shine.

Pros of Redken All Soft Shampoo

The biggest pro of this shampoo is the softening power. Even one wash makes a clear difference on dry hair. Strands feel smoother and easier to comb through right after rinsing.

The scent is another strong selling point. Many users say they would buy it just for the smell, which is rare praise for any shampoo. The fragrance is light enough to play well with perfumes or styling products.

The formula is color safe, which is huge for anyone with dyed hair. You can use it without fading your highlights or root color too fast. Stylists often recommend it after a color service for this reason.

The bottle design is sturdy and easy to use in the shower. The pump or flip cap works well even with wet hands. Larger sizes save you money over time, since you do not need to refill as often.

Reviews on Amazon and Ulta show high overall ratings, often 4.5 stars or higher. Users praise the long term softness, the salon quality results, and the trust they have in the Redken brand.

Cons to Keep in Mind

No shampoo is perfect, and this one has some honest drawbacks. The first is the sulfate content. If you want a sulfate free formula, you will need to look elsewhere, since Sodium Laureth Sulfate is one of the top ingredients.

The shampoo is also not silicone free. Some users avoid silicones because they can build up over time. If you follow a curly girl method, this shampoo does not fit those rules.

The price is higher than drugstore brands. A 33.8 ounce bottle can cost around 45 to 55 dollars, which feels steep if you are new to salon shampoos. Smaller bottles are easier on the wallet but run out quickly.

Some people with fine or oily hair report that the shampoo weighs their roots down. The rich formula is meant for dry hair, so it may feel too heavy for thin strands. A clarifying shampoo once a week can fix that issue.

The shampoo also contains fragrance, which can irritate very sensitive scalps. If you have allergies, do a patch test first. Most users have no issue, but it is smart to check.

Real User Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews on Amazon show strong love for this product. Most reviewers give four or five stars, and the praise centers on softness, shine, and scent. The shampoo holds a top spot in the dry hair category for years now.

On Ulta, the shampoo holds a 2024 Cosmopolitan Beauty Award. Reviewers there say it works well even after color services or bleach. Many fans repurchase the same bottle for years without switching.

Reddit users in the haircare community share mixed but mostly positive feedback. Some say their hair feels reborn after one wash. Others warn that the shampoo can make oily roots worse, which matches the cons above.

Salon stylists often recommend the All Soft line by name. Word of mouth from professionals is one reason this shampoo stays so popular. Trust from experts often outweighs flashy ads in the haircare world.

YouTube reviewers also give the product high marks for shine and softness. Most testers show before and after shots that prove the formula works on dry hair. The repeat buy rate is high across all platforms.

How It Compares to Other Redken Shampoos

Redken makes several shampoo lines, and All Soft is the most popular one. The closest sibling is All Soft Mega, which targets severely dry or damaged hair. If All Soft feels too light, All Soft Mega may be the right step up.

Redken Extreme Shampoo is built for damaged hair and split ends. It uses fortifying protein instead of argan oil. If your hair is more broken than dry, Extreme is the smarter pick.

Redken Color Extend Magnetics focuses on color care over softness. It works best if your main concern is fading dye rather than dry strands. Some users layer this with All Soft Conditioner for the best of both worlds.

Redken Frizz Dismiss tackles frizz and humidity. The formula has more anti frizz power than All Soft, but it does not feel as moisturizing. Pick this one if your hair puffs up in damp weather.

Among all Redken shampoos, All Soft remains the bestseller for dry hair. It strikes the right balance of softening, cleansing, and color safety. That is why it has stayed on the shelf for over two decades.

Is It Worth the Price?

The honest answer is yes, if you have dry hair. The price tag sits in the mid range for salon shampoo. You pay more than you would at a drugstore, but you also get richer ingredients and proven results.

A larger bottle gives the best value per ounce. The liter size lasts most users about six to eight months. Buying the big size on Amazon during a sale can drop the cost per wash to just pennies.

If your hair is fine, oily, or already healthy, the price is harder to justify. You may not see enough difference to make the bottle worth it. In that case, a lighter or cheaper shampoo might serve you better.

For coarse, dry, color treated, or chemically processed hair, this shampoo earns its price. Soft strands and easy detangling save time and protect your hair from breakage. That payoff is worth a few extra dollars to many users.

You also get the trust of a salon brand. The R&D behind Redken means the formula is tested and refined for real results. Sometimes the higher price reflects the science, not just the marketing.

Where to Buy Redken All Soft Shampoo

You can find this shampoo at many trusted retailers. Amazon offers the widest size range, often at the lowest prices. Prime shipping makes it easy to restock without leaving the house.

Ulta Beauty and Sephora carry the shampoo in stores and online. Both retailers run frequent sales and offer loyalty points. Stacking points and coupons can save you 20 percent or more.

Local salons also sell the bottle, often at full retail price. Buying at a salon helps support small businesses, even if the cost is a little higher. Some salons throw in samples of the conditioner or mask.

Redken’s own website sells the full line with detailed ingredient lists. Subscribing to their emails can score you discount codes. The site also lets you bundle shampoo and conditioner for a small savings.

Be careful when buying from third party sellers. Counterfeit shampoos exist, and they may not match the real formula. Stick to verified sellers like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, or licensed salons for peace of mind.

Final Verdict

Redken All Soft Shampoo earns a strong recommendation for anyone with dry, brittle, or coarse hair. The argan oil based formula delivers real softness, shine, and easy detangling. The scent and lather feel salon worthy from the first wash.

The shampoo is not perfect for every hair type. Fine, oily, or sulfate sensitive users may want to try a different formula. But for the right person, this bottle is a game changer.

The mid range price feels fair for the quality. You get salon trusted ingredients and proven results without paying ultra luxury prices. Buying the larger size lowers the cost per use even more.

Stylists, beauty editors, and everyday users all give this shampoo top marks. Its place as a bestseller for over twenty years speaks for itself. If your hair feels rough today, this product is worth a try.

Overall, Redken All Soft Shampoo gets a solid four and a half out of five stars. It is a classic for a reason, and it deserves a spot in any dry hair routine.

FAQs About Redken All Soft Shampoo

Is Redken All Soft Shampoo sulfate free?

No, the shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It is not a sulfate free formula. If you need a sulfate free option, look at Pureology Hydrate or Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo instead.

Is this shampoo safe for color treated hair?

Yes, the shampoo is color safe. Many stylists recommend it after a color service to keep dye looking fresh. The gentle cleansing helps your color last longer between salon visits.

Can I use Redken All Soft Shampoo every day?

You can, but most users do not need to. Two or three times per week is plenty for dry hair. Daily use is fine for very active people who sweat or style their hair often.

Does the shampoo work on curly hair?

Yes, the shampoo softens curls and reduces frizz. Curly hair often loves the argan oil base. Just note that it contains silicones, so it may not fit a strict curly girl routine.

How long does one bottle last?

A 10.1 ounce bottle lasts about two to three months with regular use. The 33.8 ounce liter bottle can last six to eight months. Using only a coin sized amount each wash stretches the bottle further.

Is Redken All Soft Shampoo cruelty free?

Redken is owned by L’Oreal, which sells in markets that require animal testing. The shampoo is not certified cruelty free. Users looking for cruelty free options should check brands like Pureology or Olaplex.

What conditioner pairs best with this shampoo?

The matching Redken All Soft Conditioner is the best pair. Together they boost softness and shine. You can also pair the shampoo with the All Soft Mega Mask once a week for deep hydration.

Will this shampoo make my hair greasy?

It can if you have fine or oily hair. The rich formula suits dry hair best. Skip a wash day or use a clarifying shampoo weekly to keep your roots balanced and clean.

Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API