Redken All Soft Mega Curls Review : Is It Worth It?

If you are tired of wrestling with curls that feel more like dried straw than soft spirals, you need to buy this product. The Redken All Soft Mega Curls system isn’t just another drugstore hydration promise; it is a salon-grade rehabilitation program for severely dry, coarse, and coily hair.

It completely transforms brittle texture into touchable silk without weighing down your natural pattern. It is an investment, absolutely, but for the definition and moisture retention it delivers, it is the only wash day routine you will ever need to stick with.

My Experience With Redken All Soft Mega Curls

I remember the exact moment I realized my current hair routine was failing me.

I was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, trying to detangle a knot the size of a golf ball at the nape of my neck, and I could literally hear my hair snapping.

I had spent years layering heavy butters and oils onto my curls, thinking that “heavier” meant “more moisture.”

In reality, my hair was coated, waxy, and suffocating, yet somehow still dry as a bone underneath.

It wasn’t just frustrating; it was demoralizing.

I felt like I had to choose between definition that was crunchy and hard, or softness that was an undefined frizz ball.

When I finally picked up the Redken All Soft Mega Curls trio—the shampoo, conditioner, and Hydramelt—I was skeptical. I had tried the original All Soft years ago and found it nice but not nearly heavy-duty enough for my texture. I assumed this was just a marketing rebrand. I was wrong. The first thing I noticed in the shower was the scent. It isn’t that cloying, artificial candy smell you get from cheaper brands; it’s a sophisticated, creamy, floral-vanilla aroma that makes your bathroom feel like a high-end spa. It smells expensive, which helps justify the price tag before you even put it on your head.

The washing experience was the first surprise. Usually, sulfate-free shampoos for curly hair feel like washing your hair with lotion—they don’t lather, and my scalp never feels clean. This one, despite being sulfate-free, produced a rich, luxurious foam that actually broke down the product buildup on my scalp without stripping my hair. But the real magic happened with the conditioner. As soon as I applied it, the “slip” was instantaneous. That knot at my nape? It melted away under my fingers without me needing to reach for a wide-tooth comb. I could finger-detangle in seconds, which cut my shower time in half.

Over the last six months of using this system exclusively, my relationship with my hair has changed. I used to dread wash day because it was a three-hour ordeal of fighting my own texture. Now, I look forward to it. My curls dry into defined, springy clumps that actually move, rather than stiff helmet hair. The hydration lasts, too. I used to have to re-wet and re-moisturize my hair every single morning. With the Mega Curls system, I can go three or four days with just a quick fluff, and my hair still feels soft to the touch. It doesn’t just coat the hair; it feels like it has fundamentally changed the moisture retention of my strands.

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Pros Of Redken All Soft Mega Curls

• Legitimate Hydration for High-Porosity Hair: The standout feature of the Redken All Soft Mega Curls line is its specialized “Nourish Complex,” which includes Aloe Vera, Sacha Inchi Oil, and Cactus Flower Extract. While many brands throw these ingredients around as buzzwords, the formulation here is incredibly effective for high-porosity hair that drinks up moisture and loses it just as fast. The Aloe provides that deep, water-based hydration that penetrates the cuticle, while the Sacha Inchi Oil seals it in without feeling greasy. In my usage, I found that my hair stayed hydrated for days, not just hours. This is a massive pro for anyone with 3C to 4C hair who struggles with chronic dryness that usually requires daily re-application of product.
• Superior Slip and Detangling: If you have textured hair, you know that the “slip” of a conditioner is the most critical factor in your routine. A product can be moisturizing, but if it doesn’t help you get the tangles out, it is useless. The All Soft Mega Curls Conditioner is, without exaggeration, one of the slipperiest products I have ever used. It feels like it instantly coats every single strand in a protective layer that allows knots to slide apart. This drastically reduces mechanical breakage during the detangling process. You lose less hair in the shower because you aren’t ripping through knots, which over time leads to thicker, healthier lengths.

• Sulfate-Free Cleansing That Actually Cleans: One of the biggest complaints with “curly girl method” approved shampoos is that they are so gentle they don’t actually remove dirt and oil, leading to itchy scalps and limp curls. Redken has managed to engineer a sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo that offers a satisfying, bubbly lather. It removes the heavy oils and styling gels from the previous week effectively, leaving the scalp feeling fresh and breathable. However, it does this without the “squeaky clean” feeling that indicates stripped cuticles. Your hair feels clean but soft immediately after rinsing, which sets the stage for the conditioner to work even better.
• Versatility Across Curl Patterns: While it is marketed towards severely dry curls and coils, I have found this line to be surprisingly versatile. It is heavy enough to tame the wildest Type 4 coils, but because the primary hydrator is Aloe (which is water-based) rather than heavy shea butter or petrolatum, it doesn’t weigh down looser Type 3 curls. This balance is hard to achieve. Usually, products for coily hair are too heavy for curly hair, and products for curly hair are too light for coily hair. Redken has hit a sweet spot where the product absorbs into the hair rather than sitting on top of it, making it suitable for a wide range of textured hair types that suffer from dryness.
• Long-Lasting Definition and Frizz Control: The brand claims “72 hours of defined, nourished curls,” and in my experience, this is accurate. The Hydramelt leave-in treatment is particularly good at this. It creates a soft cast that holds the curl pattern together as it dries, preventing the frizz halo that usually appears once the hair is fully dry. Because the hair is internally hydrated, it doesn’t reach out into the atmosphere to absorb humidity, which is the primary cause of frizz. Living in a humid climate, I noticed a significant reduction in how much my hair “poofed” up when I stepped outside. The definition looks natural and soft, not wet or crunchy like a gel cast.

Cons Of Redken All Soft Mega Curls

• Significant Financial Investment: There is no getting around the fact that Redken is a professional salon brand, and the pricing reflects that. A full regimen—shampoo, conditioner, and the Hydramelt leave-in—will set you back a considerable amount of money, easily triple the cost of a drugstore routine like Shea Moisture or Cantu. For someone with long, thick hair who uses a lot of product per wash, a 300ml bottle might only last a month. While I argue the concentration of the product means you use less, the upfront sticker shock is real. It can be difficult to maintain this routine long-term if you are on a tight budget, leading many to ration the product which reduces its effectiveness.
• Can Be Too Heavy for Fine or Wavy Hair: While I praised its versatility for Type 3 and 4 hair, this product is absolutely not for everyone. If you have fine, low-density wavy hair (Type 2) or hair that gets weighed down easily, the Mega Curls line will likely be too rich for you. The high concentration of oils and humectants can make fine hair look limp, greasy, and flat, effectively killing any volume you might have. Users with fine hair are better off sticking to the original All Soft line, which uses lighter Argan oil. It is crucial to know your hair density before buying; otherwise, you will end up with expensive products that make your hair look worse.
• Packaging Issues for Shower Use: It seems like a minor gripe until you are in the shower with wet, slippery hands, but the packaging can be frustrating. The shampoo and conditioner come in semi-rigid plastic bottles that can be difficult to squeeze, especially as the product gets low. The conditioner is quite thick, and getting the last 20% out of the bottle usually requires unscrewing the cap and violently shaking it or storing it upside down, where it becomes unstable. Compared to brands that use pumps or softer tubes for their thick conditioners, the classic Redken bottle design feels a bit outdated and not user-friendly for people with lower hand strength.
• Potential for Protein/Moisture Imbalance: The All Soft Mega Curls line is heavily focused on moisture (hydration and oils). It contains very little protein. For hair that is damaged, bleached, or high porosity (which often needs protein for structure), using only this line can eventually lead to “hygral fatigue” or over-moisturization. This manifests as hair that is incredibly soft but mushy, gummy when wet, and unable to hold a curl. If your hair is chemically damaged, you cannot rely solely on this product; you will need to alternate it with a protein treatment (like Redken Extreme) to maintain the structural integrity of the hair. It is not a one-stop shop for damaged hair repair, only for dryness.

Maintenance Tips For Redken All Soft Mega Curls

• The “Squish to Condish” Technique: To get the most out of the expensive conditioner, do not just slap it on and rinse it off. You need to mechanically work the hydration into the strand. Apply the All Soft Mega Curls conditioner to soaking wet hair—water is the carrier. Flip your head upside down and “squish” the conditioner into your hair towards your scalp. You should hear a distinct squelching sound. This pulsing action forces the water and conditioner into the cuticle of the hair. Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before rinsing. This technique turns a good conditioner into a great one and ensures your curls clump together beautifully.
• Managing Product Ratios: Because the formula is concentrated, you likely need less than you think. A common mistake is using a handful of shampoo, which wastes money and strips the hair unnecessarily. Start with a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and emulsify it in your hands with a splash of water before applying it to your scalp. This activates the lather and makes it easier to spread. Similarly, with the Hydramelt leave-in, start with a dime size. You can always add more, but if you add too much, your hair will take forever to dry and might feel tacky. Find the “Goldilocks” amount for your specific hair length and density to maximize the bottle’s lifespan.
• Clarifying is Still Necessary: Even though the shampoo is sulfate-free and the products are formulated to avoid buildup, the heavy oils and silicones (in the conditioner/leave-in) can eventually accumulate on the hair shaft. If you notice the products stop working as well after a few months, or your curls look dull, it is time to reset. I recommend using a clarifying shampoo once every 3-4 weeks to completely strip away any residue. This ensures that the nourishing ingredients of the Mega Curls line can actually penetrate the hair rather than sitting on top of old product.
• Nighttime Preservation: To maintain the “72-hour definition” that Redken promises, you have to protect your hair while you sleep. The cotton of a standard pillowcase will suck the moisture right out of your hair (undoing the work of the Aloe and Sacha Inchi oil) and cause friction frizz. You must use a silk or satin pillowcase. Additionally, putting your hair in a “pineapple” (a high, loose ponytail on top of your head) keeps the curls from being crushed while you sleep. If you wake up and your hair is a bit flat, mix a tiny bit of the Hydramelt with water in a spray bottle and mist your hair to reactivate the product without having to wash it again.
• Correct Layering Order: The efficacy of the Mega Curls system depends heavily on the order of application, often called the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO method. The Hydramelt serves as a leave-in cream. For best results, apply it to damp (not dripping) hair. If you have extremely dry hair, you might want to apply a lightweight oil after the Hydramelt to seal everything in. However, for most users, the Hydramelt alone is sufficient. Do not apply the Hydramelt to bone-dry hair, as it needs water to help distribute it and set the curl pattern. Always apply from ends to mid-lengths, avoiding the roots to prevent volume loss.

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Comparison with Other Brands

• Redken All Soft Mega Curls vs. Original Redken All Soft: This is the most common confusion for buyers. The original All Soft (Gold bottle) is an icon in the hair world, but it is formulated with Argan Oil and is designed primarily for fine to medium hair that is dry and brittle. It provides weightless moisture. If you use the Original All Soft on coarse 4C hair, it likely won’t be enough. Conversely, the Mega Curls line (and the previous “Mega” line) is formulated with Sacha Inchi Oil and Aloe, making it significantly richer and heavier. It is designed for medium to coarse, thick, and textured hair. If your hair is straight or wavy, stick to the Original. If you have a tight curl pattern and thick density, upgrade to Mega Curls.
• Redken vs. Shea Moisture: Shea Moisture is the heavyweight champion of the drugstore aisle. It is accessible, affordable, and generally uses natural ingredients like raw shea butter. However, Shea Moisture products can often be too heavy, leading to a waxy buildup that is hard to remove, which blocks moisture from entering the hair over time. Redken All Soft Mega Curls is a more cosmetically elegant formulation. It provides the same level of intense moisture but uses lighter, more penetrating ingredients that rinse clean and don’t leave a residue. While Shea Moisture is great for the budget, Redken offers a better long-term health profile for the hair and better “swish” and movement.
• Redken vs. Olaplex: These two brands are often mentioned in the same breath, but they do completely different things. Olaplex (specifically No. 3, 4, and 5) is a bond-building system designed to repair broken disulfide bonds caused by chemical damage (bleach, relaxers) or heat. It is not a moisture line. If your hair is dry but not chemically damaged, Olaplex might make it feel stiff or brittle because it adds structure, not softness. Redken All Soft Mega Curls is purely a moisture line. It softens dry, “thirsty” hair. Many people actually need both: Olaplex to repair the structure, followed by Redken to provide the softness and elasticity. Do not buy Olaplex expecting it to make your hair feel like silk; buy Redken for that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Redken All Soft Mega Curls is a masterclass in hydration for textured hair. It bridges the gap between the scientific formulation of salon products and the heavy-duty moisture needs of natural curls and coils. While the price point is high, the results—hair that is consistently soft, detangled, and defined without crunch—are worth every penny. If you are ready to stop fighting your texture and start feeding it what it actually needs, this system is a game-changer.