Redken is a brand that supplies hair dressing products that are not irritating. Redken Laboratories, founded in 1960, is a company built from the inspiration of a dynamic, entrepreneurial American actress named Paula Kent.

Frequent chemical services and style changes were routine for any aspiring actress of her day, but Paula was extra sensitive to many of the products used by the hairdressers and make-up artists. She felt continually frustrated that no one could explain why the products were irritating. Necessity is the mother of invention, and Paula realized that working with professional hairdressers, she could help millions of other people also wanting high performance products that were gentle.

Paula Kent

                Jherri Redding

Paula Kent and her hairdresser, Jheri Redding (thus the name "REDKEN") began with three products and an intensive education program for hairdressers about the chemistry of hair and skin. The formulas were developed based on three principles:

• Protein technology (since hair is composed primarily of protein)
• An acidic pH of 4.5-5.5, complementing the natural pH of the hair and skin
• Products recommended exclusively by licensed cosmetologists in professional salons

By 1965, Paula had full ownership of Redken Laboratories, based in California. During the '70s and '80s, the company was a leader in product technology in the US and abroad. In 1993, L'Oreal purchased Redken and now its headquarters are on 5th Avenue NYC. Today, Redken is a global leader in professional haircare products and services. The company is energized with talented people, strong partnerships with the best hairdressers, and superior Research and Development. Redken products are now available in professional beauty salons in over 50 countries.

BEAUTY POWERED BY SCIENCE
Beginning in 1960, Redken revolutionized the professional salon business by introducing the concept of protein reconditioning. Based on evidence that hair is composed primarily of proteins, and can absorb topically applied proteins, Redken developed new protein based products. Salons were suddenly able to condition hair internally and for the long-term rather than solely camouflage damage.
 
In 2008, Redken 5th Avenue NYC was announced as one of the "Icons of the American Marketplace" together with 256 other American brands. Random House Publishing in partnership with Columbia University honored consumer brand excellence to the top 257 brands out of 800 nominations. Redken is the only haircare brand named and the tribute is commemorated in a hardbound coffee table book.

And for the future...
Redken says: ''Our commitment to formulate scientifically superior products for the global salon community continues, and as we forge ahead in the millennium, our awareness of fashion, street trends and modern hair needs will only enhance our scientific strength.''

Browse Redken product reviews here.

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