Maintaining vibrant, lasting hair color can be a constant battle. Between fading from sun exposure and washing, to roots growing in, keeping your hair color looking fresh requires regular touch-ups and care. For those who color their hair, finding the right haircare products is essential.
Two popular salon brands known for color-safe formulas are Redken and their Color Extend and Magnetics lines. But with overlapping claims and benefits, how do you choose between them? Which is better for optimizing color vibrancy and longevity?
We’ll compare Redken Color Extend and Magnetics shampoos and conditioners, looking at key factors like:
- Color protection and anti-fade technology
- Sulfate-free and safe for chemically treated hair
- Essential oils and moisturizing ingredients
- Key hair and color types each are best suited for
- Pricing and value
By the end, you’ll understand the key differences between these two Redken color care systems and be able to choose the optimal regimen for your hair.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Redken Color Extend | Redken Color Magnetics |
| Main Technology | Fade Resist Complex with polymers to seal in color | Amino-Active System with amino acids to attract pigment |
| Formula | Contains sulfates | Sulfate-free |
| Key Ingredients | Cationic polymers, ceramides, proteins | Amino acids, minerals, natural oils |
| Conditioning | Lightweight from proteins and silicones | Richer from coconut, olive, avocado oils |
| Fragrance | Moderate essential oil fragrance | Very low fragrance |
| Best Use | Shampoo and daily conditioner | Gentle daily shampoo |
| Best Hair Type | All, especially fine or straight | Dry, thick, or curly hair |
| Price | Around $25 per 33.8 oz | Around $25 per 33.8 oz |
An Overview Of Redken Color Lines For Colored Hair
Redken offers several collections targeted at maintaining hair color. Their Color Extend and Magnetics lines are two of the most popular.
Color Extend uses Redken’s Fade Resist Complex to seal in color, along with ceramides and proteins to reinforce the hair cuticle. It aims to prevent fading and keep color looking rich and shiny between salon visits.
Magnetics is Redken’s sulfate-free color care line. It relies on amino acids and minerals to attract pigment to the hair, with added oils for conditioning. The goal is depositing vibrant, shiny color while gently cleansing.
While both are designed for colored and chemically treated hair, they have slightly different approaches to caring for your color. Later, we’ll compare the key features and claims to help you decide which is likely better for your particular hair needs and preferences.
Redken Color Extend Shampoo And Conditioner
Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner are the core products in the Color Extend system. Used together, they aim to cleanse hair while locking in color pigments for maximum color retention.
Main Features And Claims
Fade-Fighting Complex: This blend of cationic and polyquaternium polymers aims to seal the hair cuticle and prevent color pigments from washing out.
Ceramides: Help reinforce and smooth down the cuticle for added protection and shine.
Anti-Fade Complex: A UV filter helps protect color from fading due to sun exposure.
optimized pH: A lower pH level helps keep the cuticle sealed tight for better color retention.
Amino Acids: Help strengthen and condition hair prone to damage from chemical services.
Lightweight Formula: Won’t weigh hair down or make it feel greasy or limp.
In essence, Color Extend shampoo and conditioner promise to cleanse hair without stripping color, while actively working to seal in pigments and defend against fading over time.
Also Read: Is L’Oreal Elvive Better Than Everpure Purple Shampoo?
Key Ingredients
Cationic Polymers: Attach to the hair to smooth the cuticle and prevent dye molecules from washing out. Examples are Polyquaternium-6 and -67.
Ceramides: Nourish and reinforce hair’s lipid layer to protect against damage and dryness.
Proteins: Fortify and strengthen hair prone to chemical or environmental damage. Examples are hydrolyzed wheat protein and hydrolyzed keratin.
Silicones: Seal the cuticle to lock in moisture and smooth the hair shaft. Common examples are dimethicone and amodimethicone.
UV Filters: Help protect hair against color fading due to sun exposure. Common chemical filters are benzophenone-4 and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
Amino Acids: Small proteins that penetrate and reinforce the hair structure. Examples are arginine and glycine.
Citric Acid: Used to lower the pH to around 4.5-5.5 to keep the cuticle tightly sealed.
Best Suited For
- All hair types, but especially recommended for dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair
- Keeping vivid colors from fading quickly; works well on reds, blondes, fashion shades
- Sealing in permanent and demi-permanent hair color
- Defending against sun, wash, and heat fade
- Smoothing and strengthening dry, porous hair for shine
- Boosting color vibrancy between salon visits
- Both shampoo and daily conditioner use
Redken Color Magnetics Shampoo And Conditioner
As Redken’s gentle, sulfate-free alternative, Color Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner rely on amino acids and oils to care for color-treated hair.
Main Features And Claims
Zero Sulfates: Ultra-gentle, non-stripping formula avoids harsh detergents.
Amino-Active System: Amino acids help attract and adhere pigment molecules to hair.
Anti-Fade Complex: Sunflower seed extract helps protect against UV color fading.
Pure Coconut, Avocado & Olive Oils: Soften, condition, and restore hair’s lipid layer.
Lightweight Formula: Won’t weight hair down or make it feel greasy.
Color-Safe Fragrance: Features a lower level of fragrant oils than typical shampoos.
The goals of Color Magnetics are to thoroughly cleanse hair without stripping color, while depositing amino acid and mineral pigment molecules for renewed vibrancy and shine.
Key Ingredients
Amino Acids: Attach to sites along the hair fiber to help pigment molecules adhere and resist washing out. Examples are alanine, arginine, and taurine.
Minerals: Such as ferrous sulfate and magnesium sulfate provide essential elements to reinforce hair.
Natural Oils: Coconut, olive, and avocado oils soften, condition, and smooth the cuticle for shine.
Anti-Fade Complex: Sunflower seed extract helps defend against UV light and free radical damage.
Fragrance: Lower fragrance levels than typical shampoos to avoid irritating sensitive, colored hair.
Surfactant System: Very mild coconut-derived cleansers avoid stripping, tangling, and frizz.
Best Suited For
- All hair types, but especially fine, dry, or damaged hair
- Gently cleansing color-treated and chemically-processed hair
- Daily washing; safe for frequent use
- Nourishing dry, porous ends and reducing tangling
- Softening and smoothing coarse, thick, or curly hair
- Adding luminosity back to dull, faded hair color
- People sensitive to fragrances or harsh sulfates
- Both shampoo and daily conditioner
Now that we’ve covered the core benefits and claims of Color Extend and Color Magnetics shampoos and conditioners, let’s compare some key factors between the two lines.
Also Read: Is Living Proof Dry Shampoo Better Than Advanced Clean?
Color Extend Vs. Magnetics: Key Factors To Consider
Fade Protection Technologies
Color Extend relies on its Fade Resist Complex containing polymers that bond to hair and seal in color molecules. Magnetics uses amino acids and minerals to help attract pigments and keep them adhered to strands.
Both provide color protection, just through slightly different mechanisms. Over time, Color Extend may have a slight edge, while Magnetics adds more conditioning.
Sulfate-Free Formulas
Color Magnetics is fully sulfate-free, making it an ideal daily gentle cleanser for colored hair. Color Extend contains sulfates and should be used less frequently for a deeper cleanse.
If your hair is dry or you prefer milder products, Magnetics has the advantage. But Color Extend is great for an occasional clarifying shampoo.
Moisturizing Oils & Conditioners
Magnetics has added coconut, olive, and avocado oils plus cationic conditioners for a smoother feel. Color Extend relies more on proteins, ceramides, and silicone for conditioning.
Magnetics will feel richer and more hydrating, especially for dry, thick or curly hair. But Color Extend provides a lightweight softness while avoiding greasiness.
Fragrance
Magnetics uses a lower level of essential oils for sensitive scalps. Color Extend has a moderate fragrance level.
If you dislike strong fragrances or have a sensitive nose or scalp, Magnetics is the better choice. Otherwise, Color Extend has a pleasant fruity aroma.
Usage
Color Extend works well for both shampooing and daily conditioning. Magnetics can be used as both, but truly shines as a daily gentle shampoo for in-between washes.
Magnetics makes an amazing sulfate-free daily cleanser, while Color Extend offers added nourishment as a daily conditioner.
Price
Both lines cost similarly per bottle. Expect to pay around $25 for 33.8 oz at major beauty retailers. Magnetics may be slightly more.
When it comes to value, it’s fairly equal. While not cheap shampoos, you get professional-grade color protection.
Best Hair Types
Color Extend works well for all hair types, but especially shines for fine, straight hair that needs lightweight conditioning.
Magnetics is ideal for dry, thick, or curly hair that benefits from richer oils and amino acid conditioning.
Both can suit any hair type needing color protection. But your unique hair texture may make one a better fit.
Can You Use Color Extend And Magnetics Together?
While Color Extend and Magnetics share the same color care goal, they use different technologies. This means you can safely combine products from both lines to get the benefits of each!
Here are some ways to use them together for custom color protection:
- Shampoo with Magnetics for gentle cleansing in between Color Extend washes
- Use Color Extend Shampoo then Magnetics Conditioner for lightweight softness
- Alternate with one system for shampoo and the other for conditioning
- Layer Magnetics Shampoo first then Color Extend Conditioner for sealing benefits
- Use weekly clarifying shampoos with Color Extend but daily washes with Magnetics
The options are flexible – just avoid using the shampoos together, as this can strip hair. But combining the lines lets you customize your regimen based on your hair’s needs and desired benefits.
Also watch the video of Redken Color Magnetics!
How Often Should You Use Color Extend Vs. Magnetics?
Color Extend should be used maximum 1-2 times per week as it contains sulfates that may dry hair out with daily use.
Magnetics is safe to use as your daily shampoo thanks to its sulfate-free gentle formula.
But you can use the conditioners from both lines daily if desired for extra nourishment and color retention. Just alternate the shampoos based on your washing frequency and hair needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Color Extend Magnetics is a line combining technologies from Redken’s Color Extend and Color Magnetics systems. It offers shampoo, conditioner, and concentrates with benefits from each.
Redken’s top lines for colored hair are Color Extend, Color Magnetics, and the newer Color Extend Magnetics. All provide color protection and retention, just with slightly different approaches.
Yes, Color Extend Magnetics is safe for blondes and works well to preserve tone and prevent brassiness or yellowing. It’s ideal for anyone with color-treated hair, including blondes.
Yes, Redken Color Magnetics shampoo and conditioner are 100% sulfate-free. This makes them ideal gentle cleansers for colored and chemically-treated hair.
Also Read: Comparison Between Madison Reed And Naturtint Natural Hair Dye.
The Final Word
Redken offers salon-quality haircare products designed specifically to care for color-treated hair. Both the Color Extend and Color Magnetics lines provide stellar color protection, fade prevention, and fortifying formulas.
Color Extend works through a polymer system that adheres to hair, sealing in color pigments and locking them in over time. It’s ideal for boosting shine and preserving vivid color.
Color Magnetics relies on amino acids and oils to condition while helping pigment molecules remain attracted to hair strands for fresher color that pops. Its gentle sulfate-free formula makes it safe for daily washing.
While both can prolong color vibrancy and provide anti-fade benefits, choose Color Extend for a lightweight formula that seals in color, or Magnetics for extra conditioning and hydration. Or combine products from each for custom color care perfectly tailored to your hair’s unique needs.
No matter which you choose, following the system consistently along with limited washing, heat styling and sun exposure will keep your hair color looking salon-fresh for longer. Redken’s salon-tested formulas deliver noticeable results you can see and feel.