Redken vs Nexxus (The Definitive Guide)

Redken and Nexxus have been consistently delivering quality hair care products for decades now.

Which is better, you ask? That's what we'll be finding out today as we compare the two side-by-side. Redken vs Nexxus - let’s get into it.

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Redken vs Nexxus

Between spending ample time in the blistering sun this summer and anticipating the frigid winter ahead, folks prone to dry hair need a little something extra for their tresses.

Sure, most shampoos and conditioners claim to have moisturizing ingredients, but it’s clear that breathing new life into brittle strands isn’t always their specialty. Thankfully, there are plenty of choices that do aim to deeply nourish as they cleanse, such as Redken’s All Soft Argan Oil Shampoo and All Soft Conditioner, plus Nexxus’ Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner.

Since both brands’ formulas ultimately promise the same results, we’ll break down the skinny on each.

Comparison

This may be bad news for some, but we thought it important to note that Nexxus’ and Redken’s formulas are made with sulfates. Also, it seems that neither brand is vegan, and their status on being cruelty-free is a bit murky (but more on that later).

Nexxus’ silicone-free formulas highlight their use of green caviar and elastin protein to restore nutrients throughout your mane. Further, these superstar ingredients hydrate hair and restore natural protective barriers to seal in moisture for up to an entire day. So, what can you expect overall? Think: your smoothest, shiniest, most hydrated tresses. And with 4.5-star and 4.3-star ratings, it appears that most customers have experienced just that.

Both Redken’s shampoo and conditioner lean on argan oil to promote nourishment and softness. Additionally, the brand credits their RCT Protein Complex, soy protein, arginine, and sepicap for treating parched locks from root to core to tip. Moreover, this powerhouse of ingredients works together to first stimulate the scalp, then lock in moisture, and, lastly, restore split(ting) ends. Redken’s formulas have 4.6 and 4.5-star ratings on their site, and such ratings feel appropriate given accolades like 2014 Glammy Award Winner for Best Shampoo from Specialty Store and 2018 Influenster’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards: Best in Beauty.

Though Nexxus’ shampoo and conditioner are made with caviar, their prices are anything but bougie. Amazon currently lists their shampoo at $14.43 for 13.5oz and their conditioner at $15.19 for the same size (last updated 09/26/2022). Hair.com lists both Redken’s shampoo and conditioner at $24 each for 10.1oz.

Conclusion

Though Nexxus’ saving grace in this case is its pricing, let’s dive into the business ethics of both brands.

As previously mentioned, Nexxus isn’t vegan or cruelty free, as reported by Ethical Elephant in June 2022. While Nexxus remains committed to using the best ingredients in their formulas, they don’t have a statement or stance on sustainability anywhere on their site. Given that they’ve been in the haircare game since 1979, one might think they’d prioritize taking more ethical approaches, like using plant proteins only, or at least using recyclable/recycled plastic for their packaging.

According to Redken’s site, L’Oréal—the parent company of Redken—no longer tests any of its products on animals. However, Ethical Elephant claims that Redken also isn’t cruelty free (as recently as June 2022). Sustainability-wise, it seems that Redken began using sustainable packaging in early 2021, with at least 93% recycled plastic. (But, with a beauty giant such as L’Oréal as their parent company, it’s fair to expect more from Redken ethically and sustainably.)

So, both companies fall short with concerns for their ethics, sure. But Nexxus’ prices are unbeatable, right? However, if you’re looking for a more sustainable brand (albeit not the greatest at that), Redken’s your answer.

Nexxus Best-Sellers

For dry & frizzy hair:
Try Ultralight Smooth

For color-treated hair:
Try Color Assure

For damaged hair:
Try Keraphix

Redken Best-Sellers

For blonde hair:
Try Color Extend Blondage

For dry/brittle hair:
Try All Soft

For fine hair:
Try Volume Injection