Matrix vs Redken – Which is Best for You?

Matrix vs Redken – When it comes to hair care, there are few brands that are more iconic and respected than Matrix and Redken.

Both have been industry leaders for decades, with a reputation for delivering high-quality products that cater to a wide range of hair types and needs. But which brand is truly the best?

In this post, we’ll put Matrix and Redken head-to-head in a battle for hair supremacy. We’ll compare their products, pricing, customer service, and more to help you decide which brand is right for you.

Matrix vs Redken – A Quick Comparison

Category	Matrix	Redken
Price	Affordable	Premium
Product Range	Wide range of products	Wide range of products
Hair Types	Suitable for all hair types	Suitable for all hair types
Professional Use	Suitable for at-home use	Suitable for professional use
Education and Training	Limited education and training	Extensive education and training
Packaging	Simple packaging	Modern and sleek packaging
Customer Service	Good customer service	Excellent customer service
Product Quality	High-quality products	High-quality products
Specific Hair Types	Suitable for dry, damaged, and color-treated hair	Suitable for dry, damaged, and color-treated hair
At-Home Use	Suitable for at-home use	Suitable for at-home use
Professional Use	Suitable for professional use	Suitable for professional use

Brand Overview: A Brief History of Matrix and Redken

Matrix: A Legacy of Innovation

Matrix was founded in 1980 by a team of passionate hairdressers who were determined to create a line of products that would help stylists and clients alike achieve salon-quality results at home. With a focus on innovation and creativity, Matrix quickly gained a reputation for its cutting-edge formulas, trendy packaging, and commitment to education and training.

Today, Matrix is a global brand with a presence in over 50 countries, offering a wide range of products that cater to diverse hair types and needs. From its iconic Biolage line to its trendy Total Results collection, Matrix continues to push the boundaries of hair care with its innovative products and techniques.

Redken: A Heritage of Excellence

Redken, on the other hand, has a rich history that dates back to 1960. Founded by Paula Kent, a pioneering hairstylist and entrepreneur, Redken was born out of a passion for creating high-quality, professional hair care products that would help stylists and clients achieve exceptional results.

With a focus on science-backed formulas and a commitment to education, Redken quickly gained a reputation as a leader in the hair care industry. Today, Redken is a global brand with a presence in over 100 countries, offering a wide range of products that cater to diverse hair types and needs.

Product Lines: A Comparison of Matrix and Redken’s Offerings

Matrix Product Lines:

Matrix offers a diverse range of product lines, each designed to address specific hair concerns and goals. Some of its most popular product lines include:

• Biolage: A comprehensive line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that cater to dry, damaged, and color-treated hair.
• Total Results: A trendy line of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that aim to address specific hair concerns such as dryness, frizz, and color fade.
• SoColor: A line of professional hair color products that offer vibrant, long-lasting results.
• Naturals: A line of natural, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that cater to those with sensitive scalps and hair.

Redken Product Lines:

Redken, on the other hand, offers a range of product lines that cater to diverse hair types and needs. Some of its most popular product lines include:

• Pillow Proof: A line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that aim to address dryness, frizz, and damage.
• Color Extend: A line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that cater to color-treated hair, helping to lock in color and vibrancy.
• All Soft: A line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that cater to dry, brittle hair, providing intense moisturizing and nourishment.
• Extreme: A line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that cater to damaged, over-processed hair, providing intense repair and reconstruction.

Ingredients: What’s Inside Matrix and Redken Products?

Matrix Ingredients:

Matrix is known for its commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding harsh chemicals whenever possible. Some of the key ingredients used in Matrix products include:

• Antioxidants: Matrix uses a blend of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, to help protect hair from environmental stressors and damage.
• Plant-derived ingredients: Matrix incorporates plant-derived ingredients, such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, to provide nourishment and hydration to hair.
• Proteins: Matrix uses proteins, such as keratin and collagen, to help repair and strengthen hair.
• Moisturizing agents: Matrix incorporates moisturizing agents, such as glycerin and panthenol, to help lock in moisture and hydrate hair.

Redken Ingredients:

Redken, on the other hand, is known for its patented “Anti-Fade Complex,” which helps to lock in color and vibrancy. Some of the key ingredients used in Redken products include:

• Color-protecting agents: Redken’s Anti-Fade Complex includes ingredients like antioxidants and plant extracts to help protect color-treated hair from fading.
• Moisturizing agents: Redken uses moisturizing agents, such as glycerin and panthenol, to help hydrate and nourish hair.
• Proteins: Redken incorporates proteins, such as keratin and collagen, to help repair and strengthen hair.
• Hydrating ingredients: Redken uses hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, to help lock in moisture and hydrate hair.

Hair Type: Which Brand is Best for Your Hair?

Matrix for:

• Dry and Damaged Hair: Matrix’s Biolage line is perfect for dry and damaged hair, providing intense moisturizing and nourishment.
• Color-Treated Hair: Matrix’s SoColor line is designed specifically for color-treated hair, helping to lock in color and vibrancy.
• Curly Hair: Matrix’s Curl Defining line is designed to enhance and define curls, while controlling frizz and flyaways.

Redken for:

• Dry and Damaged Hair: Redken’s Pillow Proof line is designed to provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to dry and damaged hair.
• Color-Treated Hair: Redken’s Color Extend line is designed to help lock in color and vibrancy, while protecting against fade and damage.
• Fine and Limp Hair: Redken’s Pillow Proof line is also designed to add volume and texture to fine and limp hair.

Price Point: How Do Matrix and Redken Compare on Cost?

Matrix Pricing:

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Matrix shampoos and conditioners typically range in price from 10 to 20.
• Styling Products: Matrix styling products, such as serums and creams, typically range in price from 15 to 30.
• Treatments: Matrix treatments, such as masks and deep conditioning treatments, typically range in price from 20 to 40.

Redken Pricing:

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Redken shampoos and conditioners typically range in price from 12 to 25.
• Styling Products: Redken styling products, such as pomades and styling creams, typically range in price from 18 to 35.
• Treatments: Redken treatments, such as hair masks and deep conditioning treatments, typically range in price from 25 to 50.

Performance: How Do Matrix and Redken Products Stack Up?

Matrix Performance:

• Cleansing: Matrix shampoos are known for their gentle, effective cleansing power, leaving hair feeling clean and refreshed.
• Moisturizing: Matrix conditioners and masks provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to dry and damaged hair.
• Styling: Matrix styling products, such as serums and creams, help to add shine, smoothness, and manageability to hair.

Redken Performance:

• Color Protection: Redken’s color-protecting products help to lock in color and vibrancy, while protecting against fade and damage.
• Moisturizing: Redken’s moisturizing products provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to dry and damaged hair.
• Styling: Redken’s styling products, such as pomades and styling creams, help to add texture, hold, and manageability to hair.

Professional vs. At-Home Use: Which Brand is Best for Stylists and DIYers?

Matrix for Professionals:

• Salon-Quality Products: Matrix offers a range of professional-grade products that are designed to meet the needs of stylists and salon owners.
• Education and Training: Matrix provides extensive education and training programs for stylists, helping them to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques.
• Salon-Exclusive Products: Matrix offers a range of salon-exclusive products that are not available for at-home use, making them a great choice for professionals.

Redken for Professionals:

• Professional-Grade Products: Redken offers a range of professional-grade products that are designed to meet the needs of stylists and salon owners.
• Education and Training: Redken provides extensive education and training programs for stylists, helping them to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques.
• Salon-Exclusive Products: Redken offers a range of salon-exclusive products that are not available for at-home use, making them a great choice for professionals.

Matrix for At-Home Users:

• Easy to Use: Matrix products are designed to be easy to use, making them a great choice for at-home users who want to achieve salon-quality results at home.
• Affordable: Matrix products are generally more affordable than Redken products, making them a great choice for at-home users on a budget.
• Wide Range of Products: Matrix offers a wide range of products that cater to different hair types and needs, making them a great choice for at-home users who want to find a product that works for them.

Redken for At-Home Users:

• High-Quality Products: Redken products are known for their high quality and effectiveness, making them a great choice for at-home users who want to achieve salon-quality results at home.
• Easy to Use: Redken products are designed to be easy to use, making them a great choice for at-home users who want to achieve salon-quality results at home.
• Wide Range of Products: Redken offers a wide range of products that cater to different hair types and needs, making them a great choice for at-home users who want to find a product that works for them.

The Verdict: Which Brand is Right for You?

Matrix:

• Best for: Those who want a more affordable, easy-to-use product that still delivers high-quality results.
• Ideal for: At-home users who want a wide range of products that cater to different hair types and needs.
• Pros: Affordable, easy to use, wide range of products.

Redken:

• Best for: Those who want a high-quality, professional-grade product that delivers exceptional results.
• Ideal for: Professionals and at-home users who want a premium product that is worth the investment.
• Pros: High-quality, professional-grade, wide range of products.

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between Matrix and Redken?

A: The main difference between Matrix and Redken is their focus. Matrix is known for its affordable, easy-to-use products that cater to a wide range of hair types and needs. Redken, on the other hand, is known for its high-quality, professional-grade products that deliver exceptional results.

Q: Which brand is better for at-home use?

A: Matrix is generally considered better for at-home use due to its affordability and ease of use. However, Redken also offers a range of products that are suitable for at-home use.

Q: Which brand is better for professionals?

A: Redken is generally considered better for professionals due to its high-quality, professional-grade products that deliver exceptional results. However, Matrix also offers a range of products that are suitable for professionals.

Q: Which brand has better customer service?

A: Both Matrix and Redken offer good customer service, but Redken is generally considered to have better customer service due to its reputation for providing exceptional support to its customers.

Q: Which brand has better products for specific hair types?

A: Both Matrix and Redken offer products that cater to specific hair types, but Redken is generally considered to have better products for dry, damaged, and color-treated hair.

Q: Which brand is more affordable?

A: Matrix is generally considered to be more affordable than Redken, especially for at-home use.

Q: Which brand has better packaging?

A: Both Matrix and Redken have good packaging, but Redken is generally considered to have better packaging due to its sleek and modern design.

Q: Which brand has better education and training?

A: Both Matrix and Redken offer education and training programs for professionals, but Redken is generally considered to have better education and training due to its reputation for providing exceptional support to its customers.