Redken "Smooth Down" Shampoo and Conditioner

First, let me premise this review by admitting that I am a hair products-aholic. I have hair that is naturally oily; however, since I choose to highlight it often, it has become dry and brittle. This problem was compounded once I became pregnant. My stick-straight hair decided to take on a life of its own, and is now multi-textured from straight on top to frizzy and wavy underneath.
In my quest to regain smooth, silky hair, I have tried dozens of products ranging from anti-frizz smoothing serums to hot oil treatments. I've seen all the television commercials which tout miracle elixirs that produce instant results. And my pocketbook can vouch that I have tried most of them.

That being said, I have finally found a product that truly delivers on its claims. Redken (available at salons) has developed a line of products called, "Smooth Down." Ingredients include macadamia oil, candelilla wax and cationic refiners which tame even the unruliest of manes. The line includes several selections including Heat Glide a serum-based anti-frizz hair protectant that works especially well for hair that is continually exposed to heated styling products. I have been using Heat Glide for years since I always dry my hair with a blow-dryer and often use curling or flat irons.

Only recently, however, have I discovered two companion products to Heat Glide: Smooth Down shampoo and conditioner. Although I have been quite pleased with the results I get from Heat Glide, I'll admit I was a little hesitant to shell out the retail rate of $12.00 per bottle for shampoo and conditioner. Nonetheless, my desperation to fix the problem hair convinced me it may be worth the investment. Indeed, after just one application I noticed visible improvement.

The shampoo creates a mild, yet effective, lather for cleansing hair. I was surprised at how well it cleaned my hair even with all of the other styling products I had used that day. Upon application, you can immediately feel the silky, almost oily texture of the product as it gets worked through the hair. My fingers were able to run from scalp to ends without encountering a single tangle. Rinsing created an interesting challenge, though. Because of the product's slippery texture, it was a little difficult to tell when it had been completely rinsed out. I rinsed for about the same amount of time I had been rinsing with other shampoos, and then proceeded to use the accompanying conditioner.

I applied the product just as I would have any other instant conditioner. After leaving it on for about two minutes, I rinsed it out completely and proceeded with towel drying before attempting to style. When I went to brush my hair in preparation for blow-drying, I was amazed at the ease with which the brush went through. I did not encounter tangles and could easily and quickly brush through my shoulder-length hair.

This was a major breakthrough for me, as I had been applying some sort of product (serum, leave-in conditioner, etc.) to my hair after washing it in order to brush it without causing pain. Blow drying was also significantly easier. The brush glided through the strands without getting snarled. Better yet, taming the frizzy locks underneath was quicker and easier than ever. The end result, once dry, was markedly improved appearance and texture. I was able to run my fingers through without tugging at, or causing, any snarls.

Although the product had dramatic and immediate results for me, I have found that I am not able to use it everyday. Also, since I have naturally oily hair, the scalp area tends to appear dirty by the end of the day. I have compensated by using the Smooth Down products and another type of shampoo and conditioner on alternating days. By doing so, I have avoided getting a "weighed down" feeling or appearance, and I can continue to enjoy the feeling and look of smooth, sleek hair.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would enthusiastically rate these two products at a 9. The results are well worth the investment price, and if you are lucky, you may be able to find them on sale at salons or salon-product specialty stores. Th only drawbacks, aside from expense, include the difficulty encountered in judging when the product has been completely rinsed out of the hair, and the need to alternate days of use. Nonetheless, these are minor compared to the dramatic results that can be achieved with use.