Redken is a leading professional American hair care brand recognized as the #1 professional hair brand in the U.S.. Founded in 1960, the company pioneered a "Scientific Approach to Beauty" based on a core formula of Protein + Moisture + Acidic pH = Healthy Hair. Since 1993, Redken has operated as a subsidiary of the L'Oréal Group within its Professional Products Division.
Corporate Identity and History
Founders:
The company was established by Hollywood actress Paula Kent and chemist Jheri Redding. The name "Red-ken" is a portmanteau of their surnames.
Headquarters:
Originally based in California, the company moved to 5th Avenue in New York City following a major earthquake in the early 1990s and its subsequent acquisition by L'Oréal.
Manufacturing:
A significant portion of Redken products are manufactured in Montreal, Canada, at a L'Oréal plant that produced over 195 million units in 2023.
Mission:
Redken's mission is to provide stylists and consumers with science-based tools to improve their looks and careers, summarized by the motto "Learn Better, Earn Better, and Live Best".
Core Products and Innovation
Redken offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning hair care, styling, and professional color, all rooted in pH-balanced technology.
Hair Care Lines:
Key collections include All Soft (hydration with argan oil), Extreme (damage repair), and Acidic Bonding Concentrate (intensive repair for weakened bonds).
Professional Color:
The brand is famous for Shades EQ, the #1 demi-permanent hair color on the market. Recent innovations include the Acidic Color Gloss range launched in 2024 to enhance shine and protect color-treated hair.
Men's Grooming:
The Redken Brews line provides specialized grooming products, including shampoos, pomades, and gray-blending hair color for men.
Clean Beauty:
The Nature + Science range offers vegan, naturally-derived versions of its iconic formulas, such as All Soft and Extreme.
Professional and Educational Focus
Redken is deeply integrated into the professional salon industry, prioritizing education and stylist success.
The Redken Exchange:
Located in NYC, this center serves as a primary resource for stylist education and professional learning.
Salon Resources:
The company provides business-specific tools, including financial calculators, retail management resources, and the LEVEL Loyalty Rewards program for salon owners.
Global Presence:
Redken products and services are available in salons across 43 countries.
Sustainability and Global Ambassadors
Sustainability:
Redken uses FSC or PEFC certified paper and cardboard for its packaging to protect biodiversity. Its parent company, L'Oréal, has set ambitious environmental targets for 2030 and 2050.
Brand Ambassadors:
International superstar Sabrina Carpenter was named the first-ever global ambassador for Redken in 2024, specifically representing the Acidic Bonding Concentrate line.