Smooths and detangles dry, color-treated lengths for softer, shinier hair without stripping moisture.
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Dry, frizzy, color-treated hair that tangles the second you touch it doesn’t need a harsher cleanse—it needs slip, softness, and a little rescue where it counts. Redken All Soft Shampoo promises smoother, shinier, less snaggy lengths and ends, and this review breaks down whether it actually delivers.
This review is for hair that runs dry—whether that’s your natural texture or the result of color, bleach, or frequent heat styling. It’s especially helpful for medium to thick hair, coarse strands, and higher-porosity lengths that tangle easily. If your scalp gets oily fast or you’re trying to keep a lot of root volume between washes, you may want a lightweight or clarifying shampoo in rotation. For dry, dull, frizz-prone mids and ends, All Soft is a dependable everyday option.
What it is and who it’s for
Redken All Soft Shampoo is a gentle, moisture-focused cleanser designed to reduce friction, add slip, and leave hair feeling soft and smoother. It’s best for:
- Dry, rough, or brittle hair that tangles easily
- Medium to coarse strands (wavy to curly) that puff or frizz
- Color-treated hair that does best with a softer, less “squeaky-clean” wash
Skip it or rotate it if your scalp gets greasy within 24 hours, your hair is very fine and loses volume easily, or you use heavy oils and need a deeper cleanse every few washes.
Texture, scent, and application
The shampoo has a creamy gel texture that spreads easily and lathers well without that stripped, squeaky feeling. The scent is a clean, salon-style fragrance with a soft, slightly sweet finish. It rinses out easily and often leaves hair feeling smoother even before conditioner.
How to use for best results
- First wash: Fully wet hair, then massage a quarter-size amount into the scalp. Add water to build lather instead of adding more product.
- Second wash (optional): If you use stylers, dry shampoo, or sweat often, a quick second cleanse at the scalp can help.
- Rinse and squeeze: Gently squeeze out excess water before conditioner so it absorbs better. Apply conditioner to mids and ends, not the roots.
Results timeline
After the first use: Hair typically feels softer and easier to detangle. Mids and ends look smoother with less “puff” and fewer snags.
One to two weeks: With less friction during washing and detangling, many people notice fewer tangles and less breakage from brushing. Hair can look shinier because the surface feels smoother.
Four weeks and beyond: With consistent use (plus heat protectant and regular trims), hair often looks more polished after air-drying or blow-drying. It’s not a bond-building shampoo, but the softening and smoothing benefits can build over time.
Performance notes
- Cleansing strength: Light to moderate. Great for everyday buildup, not a deep detox.
- Slip: High. Many people can finger-detangle while rinsing.
- Finish: Soft, smooth, and lightly glossy.
- Scalp feel: Comfortable for most. If your roots run oily, plan an occasional clarifying wash.
Who will love it vs who should skip
Love it: Dry, frizzy, color-treated, or heat-styled hair that wants more slip and shine without feeling coated. Wavy and curly hair that tends to “poof” often benefits from the smoother finish.
Skip or rotate: Very fine, oil-prone hair that needs lift at the roots; anyone who needs a true weekly deep cleanse; or those dealing with persistent scalp issues better addressed with a medicated formula.
Routine fit and pairing
- Daily driver: Works well for frequent washing if your hair is dry.
- Rotate: Add a clarifying shampoo every 1–2 weeks if you use oils, silicones, or heavier stylers.
- Conditioner pairing: Redken All Soft Conditioner or another hydrating conditioner focused on mids and ends.
- Post-wash: Use heat protectant before styling, then finish with a small amount of lightweight hair oil on the ends.
Immediate vs longer-term effect
Softness now: Expect smoother slip and easier detangling from the first wash.
Breakage control later: Less snagging (plus heat protection) can help reduce split ends over time.
Frizz management: A smoother cuticle helps with everyday frizz, but high humidity may still require a styling product for hold.
Comfort and sensitivity notes
If your scalp is sensitive, massage gently with your fingertips (not nails) and rinse thoroughly. If you notice flat roots, use less product and focus only on the scalp, letting the lather rinse through the lengths.
Value and price sense
All Soft is priced in the salon-retail range. The texture spreads well, so you usually don’t need much per wash, which helps with overall value. If your scalp is oily, rotating a clarifier can keep hair feeling fresher without overusing a richer daily shampoo.
Alternatives to consider
- Need more strength than softness: Consider a bond-building line if you’re dealing with heavy bleach damage.
- Need a lighter feel for fine hair: Use a balancing or volumizing shampoo at the roots and save a softening formula for drier lengths.
- Need a deeper clean: Add a once-weekly clarifying wash to reset buildup without giving up softness the rest of the week.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Redken All Soft Shampoo is a solid choice when hair feels rough, tangles easily, or looks dull. It cleanses without leaving hair feeling stripped, adds slip to make detangling easier, and helps set the stage for smoother air-drying or heat styling. If your hair runs dry from texture or styling, it’s an easy everyday pick. If your roots get oily quickly, keep it in rotation for “soft finish” days and use a clarifier when you want more lift.
See also
If you’re choosing a cleanser based on hair and scalp needs, start with Find the Right Shampoo for Your Hair and Scalp for a simple decision path. For a full routine that keeps dry lengths looking healthy, see Best Conditioners for Dry Hair: Strength, Slip, and Less Breakage and add a weekly treatment from Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair: Repair, Strength, Shine to support the ends.
If you prefer to keep things sulfate-light while still focusing on softness, compare options in Best Shampoos Free of Sulfates and Parabens. If you’re already using Redken and want a leave-in that pairs well after All Soft, read our Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Conditioner Review for tips on adding strength and smoothness without weighing hair down.
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Will All Soft weigh down fine hair?
It can, especially if your hair is very fine or your roots get oily quickly. Use a small amount on the scalp only, rinse thoroughly, and pair with a lightweight conditioner. For more lift, rotate in a volumizing or clarifying shampoo.
Is it safe for color-treated hair?
Yes. It’s made to cleanse gently while supporting softer, shinier color-treated hair. Follow with conditioner, and use heat protectant if you style with hot tools.
How often should I use it?
If your hair is dry, you can use it most wash days. If you use heavy oils or dry shampoo, add a clarifying wash every 1–2 weeks.
Does it help with frizz?
It can help reduce frizz by smoothing the hair surface. In high humidity, you’ll still want a styling cream, serum, or anti-frizz product for better control.
What should I pair with it for best results?
Use a hydrating conditioner on mids and ends, apply heat protectant before styling, and finish with a few drops of lightweight oil on the tips if you need extra smoothness.