If your curls are thick, dry, and hard to detangle, Redken All Soft Mega Curls promises a softer, more defined wash day with less frizz. I tested the system on dense, coarse curls to see if it actually delivers lasting hydration without flattening shape.
Overview
Redken All Soft Mega Curls is designed for medium to coarse curls and coils that crave serious moisture and consistent definition. It sits within Redken’s All Soft family but tunes the moisture, slip, and creaminess for curl patterns that need more cushion and control than classic All Soft typically provides. The system centers on three pillars that matter most on wash day for thick curls: a cleanser that respects the cuticle, a butter-rich conditioner with true slip for fast detangling, and a leave-in styler that softens without greasy weight. If you regularly battle knotting, mid-length dryness, and humidity frizz, this range was built with you in mind.
What stood out to me right away is the texture balance. Everything feels plush and cushiony in the hand, but once worked through soaking-wet hair, the products distribute evenly instead of sitting on the surface. That is the difference between a formula that looks rich and one that actually sinks in. The system leans on humectants for hydration and a blend of conditioning polymers and lightweight oils to reduce friction, add sheen, and seal down frizz. You get the signature salon-slip that makes curls glide under your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, which shortens detangling time and reduces breakage.
The scent is a clean, soft floral with a slightly cozy base. It is noticeable in the shower, then fades to a low, salon-fresh whisper once hair is dry. Packaging is the expected sturdy, no-fuss salon style with flip or pump tops depending on size. Everything rinses clean without that waxy afterfeel you sometimes get from heavy curl conditioners, which matters if you are layering a leave-in or gel afterward.
As a system, All Soft Mega Curls aims to hit the sweet spot many coarse curls need: deep moisture and smoothness on day one, followed by predictable day-two and day-three softness without a crunchy cast. The trade-off is that the richness can be too much for fine or low-density curls, and anyone who prefers a hard, long-lasting gel cast will want to pair the leave-in with a separate styler for extra hold. With that context, here is how it performs in real life.
Who it’s for
If you check most of these boxes, you are the target:
- Your strands are coarse or very dense, with curl patterns in the 3B to 4C range.
- Your hair tangles easily, especially at the nape, and you dread detangling day.
- Your ends look dull or frayed and never feel fully moisturized, even with lighter conditioners.
- You like soft, touchable curls rather than a stiff, crunchy finish.
- You live with humidity and want frizz reduction without a heavy, oily residue.
It may be too rich if your hair is fine, low density, or easily weighed down by creams. Wavy hair types that lean toward oiliness might prefer lighter moisture and more airy volume. If you are protein-sensitive, you will likely be fine here because the system leans more moisturizing than strengthening. If you are protein-loving, consider adding a periodic protein mask in rotation to keep your curl pattern snappy and resilient.
How it feels and performs
I tested the system over several wash cycles on thick, high-density curls with a mix of 3C and 4A coils. I focused on three practical markers: time to detangle, day-one definition and frizz control, and how hair feels on day two and day three.
Slip and detangling
The conditioner is the star. It has the kind of buttery texture that instantly increases slip as soon as it hits soaking-wet hair. Knots release with far fewer snags, and I could detangle in sections with a wide-tooth comb in about half my usual time. The formula cushions strands, so you feel granules of shed hair slide out rather than yank. If your nape usually mats up, you will notice the difference there first.
Moisture and definition on day one
Post-rinse, curls felt plush and elastic, not soggy or coated. The leave-in has a creamy, milk-like consistency that spreads easily and absorbs with minimal white cast. It encourages curl grouping, so you see consistent, springy coils rather than fuzzy, uneven clumps. The finish is soft, with a natural sheen. If you air dry, expect a touchable result with halo frizz subdued. If you diffuse on low to medium, you get slightly more volume at the root without sacrificing smoothness.
Hold is light to medium. You will not get a crunchy cast from the leave-in alone. For extra hold or longevity, layer a light curl gel over the leave-in while hair is still very wet. This pairing keeps definition crisp through workouts and humidity spikes, and it extends the shape to day three without stiffness.
Frizz control and humidity behavior
In moderate humidity, frizz stays in check all day. In high humidity, the system resists swelling better than many moisture-first conditioners, thanks to the way the cream layers and seals. If you notice halo frizz creeping in, glaze a pea-size amount of leave-in over dry spots or mist with water and smooth a tiny bit between your palms. The formula reactivates nicely, which makes quick refreshes effective without crunchy buildup.
Weight and build-up
Weight sits in the sweet spot for coarse curls. Hair feels nourished and drapey, not greasy. On very fine strands, the richness can mute volume, so use a lighter hand and focus application mid-length to ends. Over several washes, I did not feel waxy residue, but as with most silicone-including salon formulas, a periodic deep cleanse helps keep bounce. If your routine includes many creams and oils, clarify every couple of weeks to reset and keep definition lively.
Shine and touch
Shine is glossy but not glassy. The finish is more healthy luster than wet-look. The touch is soft and velvety, which is ideal if you want curls that invite fingers without frizzing on contact. Because the conditioning effect is strong, split ends look less rough, and twist-outs feel smoother with fewer flyaways.
Scalp feel
The cleanser in this system is gentle enough for regular use on a normal to dry scalp. It lifts sweat and product without that tight, squeaky sensation. If you use heavy edge control, gel, or hair spray, you will want to rotate a deeper cleanser occasionally. Sensitive scalps should patch test, as with any fragrance-including salon product.
How to use for best results
- Fully saturate hair with lukewarm water. Coarse curls need time to absorb water, so do not rush this step.
- Cleanse the scalp first. Apply a small amount of cleanser to fingertips and massage the scalp, then pull the lather through lengths with water for slip. Rinse thoroughly.
- Condition in sections. On soaking-wet hair, apply the conditioner from ears down, then add more where you tangle most. Detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb starting at the ends. Let it sit 3 to 5 minutes for deeper hydration, then rinse until hair feels silky but not squeaky.
- Apply leave-in on wet hair. Work a nickel to quarter-size amount per section, raking and then smoothing between palms to encourage curl clumps. If you want more hold, glaze a light gel over the top while hair is still very wet.
- Dry with low disturbance. Scrunch with a microfiber towel or T-shirt. Air dry for the softest finish or diffuse on low to medium for lift. Avoid touching until at least 80 percent dry.
- Refresh smartly. On day two, mist with water, smooth a pea-size amount of leave-in over frizzy spots, and re-scrunch. If roots fall flat, flip hair and diffuse for 3 to 5 minutes to revive lift.
Pro tips: If hair feels coated, use less leave-in and apply only mid-length to ends. If you live in very high humidity, layer a light gel or mousse for extra frizz insurance. If your hair loves protein, rotate a strengthening mask every few weeks to keep curls snappy.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Exceptional slip makes detangling faster and gentler on coarse curls.
- Pros: Deep moisture without a greasy finish, so curls feel plush and elastic.
- Pros: Soft, touchable definition with natural shine and minimal halo frizz.
- Pros: Layers well with a gel for extended hold, workouts, and humidity.
- Pros: Refreshes easily on day two and day three without crunch.
- Pros: Pleasant, salon-clean scent that fades to a low hum after drying.
- Pros: Rinses clean, so hair does not feel waxy or coated.
- Cons: Can weigh down fine or low-density curls if overapplied.
- Cons: Light to medium hold from the leave-in alone, so some will need a gel topper.
- Cons: Richness can contribute to buildup if you never clarify.
- Cons: Fragrance may not suit very sensitive scalps.
- Cons: Volume seekers might prefer a lighter conditioner on the roots.
Final verdict
Redken All Soft Mega Curls delivers on its promise for medium to coarse curls and coils. The conditioner’s slip is excellent, the moisture is deep enough to tame stubborn dryness, and the leave-in defines without that greasy halo. If you want soft, plush curls that feel conditioned rather than crunchy, this system fits. The main caution is weight. Fine or low-density hair needs a lighter hand and possibly a gel with airy hold to keep volume. Build-up management matters too, so plan for an occasional deeper cleanse. With those adjustments, you get a reliable, salon-level wash day that stays comfortable and touchable through day three. For coarse curls that need defined hydration, this is an easy yes.
See also
For a deeper dive into hydration, see our review of Redken All Soft conditioner, which pairs well with the Mega Curls line for softer curls.
- Explore the differences between leave-in conditioner vs curl cream for curls to find your perfect styling match.
- Check out the Pattern Beauty styling cream review for a soft hold option tailored to coils and curls.
- Read about the benefits of the Redken Acidic Bonding leave-in to strengthen and hydrate curls.
- Find your best cleansing option in our guide to the best shampoo for curly hair focused on frizz control.
FAQ
Is Redken All Soft Mega Curls good for 3C to 4C hair?
Yes. The system was clearly tuned for medium to coarse strands in the 3C to 4C range. The conditioner’s rich slip helps you detangle dense coils quickly, and the leave-in gives soft definition without a hard cast. If you want extra longevity on twist-outs or braid-outs, layer a light gel on top.
Will All Soft Mega Curls weigh down fine or low-density curls?
It can if you apply too much. Use a smaller amount, focus on mid-length to ends, and keep roots clean for lift. Pairing the leave-in with a lighter, airy gel or mousse can add hold without extra weight. If your hair is very fine, you may prefer a lighter moisture system overall and use the Mega Curls conditioner only on the driest sections.
How well does it control frizz in humid weather?
In moderate humidity, frizz stays controlled through the day. In high humidity, it holds up better than many moisture-first formulas, especially if you glaze a gel over the leave-in while hair is very wet. Keep a pea-size amount of leave-in handy for quick touch-ups on dry frizzy spots.
Can I use All Soft Mega Curls on color-treated hair?
Generally yes. The cleanser is gentle, and the conditioner plus leave-in help reduce friction and dryness that color can amplify. Always patch test if you have a sensitive scalp, and rotate a deeper cleanse occasionally to prevent buildup that can dull color.
How often should I use it, and do I need to clarify?
Use it as your regular wash-day system as needed, typically once or twice a week for coarse curls. If you layer creams, oils, and gel, clarify every couple of weeks to reset and maintain bounce and definition. After clarifying, follow with the Mega Curls conditioner to restore slip and softness.
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