A salon-grade, bond-building leave-in that actually does a bit of everything: heat protection (up to 450°F), breakage reduction, smoother cuticles, and softer ends without the greasy feel. If your hair is color-treated, highlighted, heat-styled, or just tired, this is the easiest one-step rescue to slot into wash day.
Overall rating: 4.7/5
What it is & who it’s for
A lightweight, creamy leave-in from Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate (ABC) line. It uses a pH-balancing acidic system (approx. pH 4–6) with citric acid + bonding agents to reinforce weak bonds, smooth the cuticle, and protect against heat and color fade.
- Best for: color-treated, highlighted, heat-damaged, porous, or over-processed hair; waves/curles that need frizz control without crunch.
- Good on hair types: fine to coarse; straight to 4C (adjust the amount).
- Skip if: you’re strictly silicone-free or want a weightless, serum-only finish—this is a creamy protectant.
Performance & results (what we noticed by use case)
After the first use
- Immediate slip and detangling, noticeably easier brushing on damp hair.
- A satin feel once dry—flyaways tamped down, ends look “sealed.”
Over 2–4 weeks
- Less snapping at the brush, fewer split ends showing between trims.
- Heat styling behaves better: smoother pass with a dryer/iron, less re-work.
- Color looks less dull between washes because the low-pH system keeps the cuticle tighter.
Frizz & curl pattern
- Curls/waves hold shape with softer definition (no cast).
- Humidity frizz is reduced, especially when you blow-dry it in.
Scent & finish
- Light salon-clean, fades after drying.
- Finish is soft-touch, not glassy; add a shine serum on top if you want extra gloss.
How to use (and how much)
- Fine/short hair: pea-size (½ pump).
- Medium density/shoulder length: dime to nickel.
- Thick/long or very damaged: nickel to quarter.
- When: on towel-damp hair, mid-lengths to ends. Comb through. Blow-dry or air-dry.
- Pro tip: For blowouts, apply ABC first for heat protection, then a pea of styling cream or a tiny oil to finish. On refresh days, emulsify ½ pea with water in palms and smooth over ends only.
What matters in the formula
- Citric acid + bonding complex: helps re-tether weakened ionic bonds and keeps the cuticle in a color-safe acidic range.
- Heat protection to 450°F (232°C): suitable under irons and hot tools.
- Silicone blend + cationic conditioners: gives slip and cuticle smoothing without heavy grease when used sparingly.
- Sulfate-free & color-safe.
Comparisons (which one should you pick)
- Redken ABC Leave-In vs. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother: ABC is creamier with stronger heat protection; No.6 is denser, great for coarse hair but can be heavier on fine.
- ABC vs. K18 Leave-In: K18 is a treatment-first (peptide) that feels minimal; ABC is treatment + styling + heat protectant in one. Many alternate: K18 after wash, ABC before heat.
- ABC vs. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In: ABC offers pH/ bond focus and higher heat protection; It’s a 10 is more of an all-purpose detangler/softener.
- ABC vs. Redken One United: One United is a light spray; ABC is cream with more repair and frizz control.
Value & verdict
If you want one bottle that covers repair, protection, and smoothing, this is it. The per-use cost is low because a little goes a long way, and results show up fast (detangling and heat defense) and compound over weeks (less breakage, better ends).
Buy it if: you color/bleach or heat-style and want less snapping, easier blowouts, and softer ends.
Skip it if: you need a completely silicone-free routine or only like featherweight serums.
Rating: 4.7/5
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real heat protection (to 450°F) built in
- Noticeable detangling + frizz control without waxy buildup
- Color-safe pH; helps limit fade and roughness
- Works across hair types with dosage control
Cons
- Can feel rich if you’re very fine-haired—start tiny
- Contains silicones (not CG-method friendly)
- Salon-clean scent may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
FAQs
Will it weigh down fine hair
Not if you stick to a pea-size and keep it mid-lengths to ends. Add more only if your ends still feel rough.
Can I use it with other bond products (Olaplex/K18)
Yes. Use K18 on clean, towel-dried hair first (no conditioner), wait 4 minutes, then apply ABC before heat. With Olaplex, ABC can replace No.6 or layer on top in tiny amounts.
Is it curly-girl approved
It contains silicones, so not strictly CGM. Many curlies still use it for heat days or to protect color and then clarify weekly.
How often should I use it
Every wash if you heat-style or color—otherwise 1–2× weekly as needed.
Does it protect against UV
It’s primarily a heat/chemical repair leave-in; pair with a UV filter or a hat for extended sun exposure.
See also
Building a stronger routine Start with Best Heat Protectant for Natural Hair, compare dryers in our Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Review, and for an all-soft routine, pair with the Redken All Soft Shampoo and Redken All Soft Conditioner reviews.
