Redken vs. Pureology vs. Olaplex vs. Biolage: Which One Wins the Salon-Quality Haircare Brand Showdown?
- No matter whether you embrace a complex styling routine to coif your natural curls or prefer to simply wash and air dry your straight hair, the haircare space has never been more saturated with products for every hair texture and type. Over the years, Redken, Pureology, Olaplex and Biolage are some of the biggest brands when it comes to hair care. The four brands have been around for quite a long time. However, they tend to different needs in hair care regimens. But now that there are four brands to consider, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Redken vs. Pureology, which is better? Is Olaplex actually good for your hair? Is Pureology a luxury brand? Is Biolage a good hair product
- Read on and this article is complete with a brief history of four brands and how their popular products fare. You should have a fairly good idea about them after reading this article and then choosing either will likely be easier then.
Redken vs. Pureology vs. Olaplex vs. Biolage Overviews
1.Redken
What is Redken?
Founded in 1960 by chemist Jheri Redding and actress Paula Kent, the name Redken combines the founders’ last names: “Red” and “Ken.” Redken was one of the first companies to take a scientific approach to haircare and is now one of the world’s most popular professional hair care brands.
Redken uses the formula PROTEIN + MOISTURE + ACIDIC pH = HEALTHY HAIR when creating its extensive line of hair care products.
Bought out by L’Oreal in 1993, Redken offers hair color salon services, haircare, styling, and men’s products and continues to innovate with products like their Acidic Bonding Concentrate Line.
Redken Product Line
The Redken product-lines we’re talking about here all use the signature Redken black base color on their packaging. Each line of product, or category, gives distinct results and is denoted by the accent color on the product label. Typically this accent color shows up as color of the text used on the packaging, most notably the product name and number. Let’s dive in to what these different colors mean in terms of the benefit(s) they provide.
Pink = Heat restyling, Heat protection :Restyling ability without adding more product. Just restyle with heat to freshen up/reshape your style the next day.
Green = Volumize: These products will help give your hair lift and body.
Blue = Texturize: This line gives pieciness and texture to a style.
Purple = Smooth: Helps to tame your natural texture and get it to lay down in a smooth lux style.
Gold = Shine: Adds shine and light reflection to the surface of your hair.
Peach = Hold: Finishing sprays (hairspray) to hold your style… a must to complete and protect any look. (Pictured below)
Redken Haircare Products Price
$52 - $208 (the all Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range)
$33 - $116(the Redken All Soft Hair Care Regimen )
Redken Features - Pros & Cons
Pros - First of all, Redken is a professional grade hair care brand. This means that their products are designed to be used by people in the hair industry, such as hairstylists, colorists, and barbers. So if you’re looking for salon-quality results, then Redken is definitely worth considering. Whether you have straight hair, curly hair, or somewhere in between, Redken has a product that’s tailor-made for you.
Cons- One downside is that they can be fairly expensive, especially if you’re buying them from a salon. Another potential downside of using Redken is that their products may not be readily available in your area. So if you live in a rural area or small town, it might be difficult (or even impossible) to find Redken products near you.
Where to Buy Redken the Cheapest ?
redken.com (6-7% cashback)
walmart.com (3.5-4% cashback)
lookfantastic.com (8-10% cashback)
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Redken Best-Sellers
The Benefits:Nourish your hair with the All Soft Duo with Shampoo and Conditioner, formulated with Argan Oil for dry hair that gently cleanses and softens dry, brittle hair.
The Benefits:The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate system is formulated with Citric Acid, a technology that strengthens the weakened bonds of the hair and improves the strength and resilience of damaged hair for immediate visible results.Strengthen hair and repair damage with the Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner Duo.
2.Pureology
What is Pureology?
Pureology is a professional hair care company that prides itself on being the “champion of professional color care.” The brand’s products are made specifically for color-treated hair.
In 2001, Pureology was founded in California, where they are still based to this day. The main mission of the brand is to create products that work wonders on color-treated hair. While many hair care companies are infusing their products with toxic ingredients, the brand decided to formulate their products without any sulfates, and is certified as ZEROSULFATE®.
The company aims to make customers feel beautiful and feel good about it by creating products that don’t harm animals or the planet. This hair care brand is 100% vegan-friendly, allowing you to nourish your hair without compromise.
Pureology Product Line
HYDRATE: Deeply hydrates dry, normal to thick color-treated hair
HYDRATE SHEER: Hydrates dry, fine color-treated hair with silicone-free formulas.
SUPERFOOD TREATMENTS: Nourishing treatments with essential nutrients that hydrate and strengthen color-treated hair.
STRENGTH CURE: Fortifies and repairs damaged, color-treated hair.
STRENGTH CURE: BLONDE Fights brass, fortifies and strengthens damaged, chemically lifted hair, with purple toning formulas.
STRENGTH CURE TREATMENTS: Repairing treatment that helps strengthen and prevent further damage.
PURE VOLUME: Enhances volume and restores movement to flat and fine color-treated hair.
SMOOTH PERFECTION: Controls and restores manageability to frizz-prone, color-treated hair.
SMOOTH PERFECTION TREATMENTS: Smoothing treatments that restore manageability, control frizz and provide heat protection
NANOWORKS GOLD: Renews softness, manageability and shine with a rich, luxurious formula for dull, color-treated hair.
STYLE + PROTECT: Effortless stylers designed for color-treated hair.
COLOR FANATIC: Primes, protects and perfects color-treated hair with 21 essential benefits
Pureology Haircare Products Price
Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner Set for $65 (266ml / 9 fl oz) or $153 (1L / 33.8 fl oz).
Pureology Features - Pros & Cons
Pros - Pureology products are 100% vegan, sulphate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. All of their products are made with color-treated hair in mind, ensuring that the color in your hair will remain vibrant without sacrificing its health and shine. Pureology also emphasizes transparent communication with its consumers, so you’ll be able to get information about their products, formulas, and more.
Cons -The downside of Pureology is that the products can be a bit more pricey than regular hair products.
Where to Buy Pureology the Cheapest ?
pureology.com (5-6% cashback)
Sephora (4-5% cashback)
Walmart (3-4% cashback)
Pureology Best-Sellers
The Benefits:Give your hair loads of hydration without any additional weight added to your hair with the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner Set. This lightweight shampoo designed to cleanse your hair without causing any heavy build-up.
The Benefits:Sulfate-free, creamy shampoo that deeply hydrates normal to thick dry, color-treated hair.Thirst-quenching formula provides moisture, touchable softness, and extraordinary color protection for dry hair.
3.Olaplex
What is Olaplex?
Founded in 2014, Olaplex quickly became a global sensation as word of its remarkable hair repair capabilities spread.
Olaplex is a revolutionary brand that paved the way for a new category of hair care called“bond-building,”the process of protecting, strengthening and rebuilding broken bonds in the hair during and after hair services. The Olaplex treatments are based around a patented active ingredient that seeks out (and repairs) the bonds in your hair fibres that have been damaged by chemicals, thermal heat, or mechanical factors like vigorous brushing.
Today OLAPLEX is one of the largest independent hair care brands in the world with over 100 worldwide patents. Olaplex offers products ranging from shampoo, conditioner, bond-building treatment, styling oil, and others.
Olaplex Haircare Product Line
1.These stages of Olaplex and Wellaplex are to be used at the salon and hard to find if you're not a professional.
Olaplex 0: is applied to the hair 20 minutes before starting the process to start protecting the hair fiber.
Olaplex 1: is the first step that is added to the bleaching mixture to give elasticity to the joints of the hair and keep the cuticles protected.
Olaplex 2: is applied after the coloring process to repair the DNA of your hair core that was damaged during the process. It’s left on the hair for 20 minutes and then rinsed out.
2.Olaplex to use at home: On the other hand, Olaplex has 5 subsequent stages for home use to maintain the treatment.
Olaplex 3: this is the most important step for home use. You must apply it if you used Olaplex 1 and Olaplex 2. Like Wellaplex 3, it is applied once a week. However, you can leave Olaplex 3 on for up to 120 minutes. Then, use Olaplex shampoo and conditioner to complement it.
Olaplex 4: maintenance shampoo.
Olaplex 5: reinforcing conditioner.
Olaplex 6: intensive leave-in treatment.
Olaplex 7: leave-in repairing oil.
Olaplex Haircare Products Price
$28-$196.The first three stages of Olaplex cost $400.
Olaplex Features - Pros & Cons
Pros - Backed by hairstylists all over the world, Olaplex’s strongest advantage is that its formula works. Their patented ingredient Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate helps repair the hair bonds, to combat color and heat treatment damage.
Cons - The downside of Olaplex is that there’s a small range of products. While all Olaplex products are said to be suitable for all types of hair, there may not be the same attention provided for hair types that need that extra attention.
Where to Buy Olaplex the Cheapest ?
sephora.com (4-5% cashback)
lookfantastic.com (8-10% cashback)
Olaplex Best-Sellers
The Benefits:This at-home product primes the hair perfectly for maximum absorption of the next step in the at-home treatment regime, Olaplex No 3. It contains the highest concentration of Olaplex’s patented molecule, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, within the Olaplex retail product line-up.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector (@$30)
The Benefits: A restorative shampoo that repairs broken bonds, while also cleaning the hair and removing excess oil, dirt and product build-up. Your locks feel cleaner, glossier and soft to the touch. It’s a great way to save over-styled, weak and tired hair.
4.Biolage
What is Biolage?
In 1990, Biolage was born from the mind of hairdresser and entrepreneur Arnie Miller. Arnie saw an opportunity to combine the latest in bio-science with the best of nature to bring out hair’s natural beauty with a touchable finish and fluid movement.
Since its conception, the brand has been inspired by natural ingredients and known for its trusted performance, exceptional conditioning, iconic white packaging and signature fragrance.
Today, Biolage is recognized worldwide as a leader in professional haircare, committed to hair & scalp health and developing products with sustainability at the core.
Biolage Haircare Product Line
COLOR LAST:Protect color-treated hair & balance moisture for shiny, vibrant color.
HYDRA SOURCE:Quench dry hair. Formulas made to balance moisture levels for soft, more manageable hair
ULTRA HYDRA SOURCE:Formulated to intensely moisturize very dry hair leaving it soft, shiny and manageable.
STRENGTH RECOVERY:Repair that cares. Instant strength and care for damaged hair.
BOND THERAPY:Bond building meets nourishing care for overprocessed hair.
FULL DENSITY:Infused with biotin & zinc PCA , leaving hair healthier-looking & fuller-feeling.
ALL-IN-ONE:Multi-tasking range for all hair types with gentle formulas for healthy scalp & hair.
STYLING:A complete offering of stylers to achieve effortless style that won't dry or damage hair.
SCALP SYNC:Purify for a healthy-looking clean scalp. Eliminate dandruff, remove excess scalp debris and wash away impurities.
COLOR BALM:Color Depositing Conditioners Enhance your color & condition your hair in 5 minutes. 7 natural-to-bold shades for a serious mood boost.
Biolage Haircare Products Price
Biolage exclusive collections of specialty shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and treatments price for $23 - $48.
Biolage Features - Pros & Cons
Pros - With over 30 years of experience in the field, so many salon professionals trust, use, and recommend Biolage shampoo. Biolage makes several lines/collections to target a range of hair care needs and concerns. From ultra-hydrating and volume-boosting to frizz-fighting and color-preserving formulas, there’s a Biolage line for almost every hair care need.
Cons - While Biolage shampoos do have better ingredient quality and higher ingredient concentrations than drugstore shampoos, they also cost more. Most don’t consider Biolage shampoo “cheap” ($21-$30 for large bottles), but most customers agree the higher price is mediated because the more-concentrated formulas mean you can use less shampoo for each wash.
Where to Buy Biolage the Cheapest ?
jcpenney.com (2-3% cashback)
Biolage Best-Sellers
The Benefits: The Biolage Hydra Source Holiday Gift Set contains shampoo and conditioning balm that add lightweight moisture to dry hair. Hair is left soft and shiny with an optimized moisture balance.
The Benefits: All-In-One Coconut Multi-Benefit Leave-In Conditioner Spray infused with coconut oil is for everyone, everywhere, and every time. No matter the hair texture or hair moment, this multi-tasking spray is your new go to for controlled, healthy looking hair.
Redken vs. Pureology vs. Olaplex vs. Biolage Comparison Side by Side
If you’re comparing Redken, Pureology, Olaplex and Biolage, you’ll most likely have come across their shampoos. Their shampoos are the most popular out of their product line so a review or comparison of both will not be complete without factoring in the shampoos.
So, we’re going to be considering their differences and how you can choose one that’s suitable for you.
1.Costs
Redken
ALL four brands are similarly priced at the high end of haircare pricing. However, Redken products are larger and contain more product than others.
Redken All Soft Shampoo's price at $25 with 10.1 Fl Oz /bottle and REDKEN Bonding Shampoo 's price at $32 with also 10.1 Fl Oz /bottle.
Pureology
The Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, on the one hand, is more expensive but not too much.
It also comes in an 8.5 oz bottle which is a lot smaller than the Matrix Biolage with price at $36.
Olaplex
Olaplex is positioned as a premium brand, with price points reflecting its patented technology and specialized focus. It’s less commonly found in general retail stores, often being sold in salons or specialized beauty retailers.
The Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo also comes in an 8.5 oz bottle with price at $30.
Biolage
Biolage offers products at a moderate to high price range, accessible both in professional salons and more common retail environments like drugstores.
When looking at the Biolage Hydrating Shampoo, it comes in a 13.5 Fl Oz bottle and costs just $23 . It comes in larger bottles too, but you should be ready to drop extra money.
2.Fragrance
Redken
The Redken pureology hydrate shampoo has an aromatherapy scent, boasting a blend of ylang-ylang, bergamot and patchouli. The conditioner's scent is peppermint – it's made with corn mint essential oils.
Pureology
While Pureology smells like green tea, sandalwood, rose depending on who’s using it. I like that Pureology is also filled with a lot of natural ingredients, which makes it super nice for thin hair.
Olaplex
It is agreed that there is not much to expect from Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner's scent. In fact, they turn out to be something mild, and leave the hair smell like citrus fruit
Biology
the Matrix Biology has a mixture of lemongrass and sage. If you have thick hair, the Biolage may be a good option. It may weigh down thin hair though.
3.Ingredients
Redken
All Nature + Science shampoo formulas are made with 83% naturally derived ingredients. All Nature + Science conditioner formulas are made with 99% naturally derived ingredients. The remaining % of ingredients are required in order to preserve the formulas freshness for up to 12 months.
Plus, all of the products are vegan, and sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free.
Pureology
Pureology, on the other hand, has no hair color product. However, the contents of the shampoo are 100 percent vegan and sulfate-free.
Although you will not find a Pureology hair color product, the company L’Oreal has some products for hair color, and Pureology itself has color protection properties.
Olaplex
Olaplex is renowned for its patented active ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This molecule works on a molecular level to seek out broken disulfide bonds in the hair, which typically result from chemical processes like bleaching and coloring.
By repairing these bonds, Olaplex not only mitigates damage but actually improves the overall health of the hair.
Biolage
Biolage products have abundant lather-making contents that make the shampoo lather quickly removing specks of dirt from hair efficiently.
Although four products are famed for their color-friendly properties, Biolage may be a more preferred option, especially since the company also makes hair color products.
Also, Biolage has a lower ph which improves the vibrancy of hair with colors. Despite this, one should be careful when using biolage because of its sulfate contents, which may reduce natural moisture.
4.Effectiveness
Redken
Firstly, Redken products are formulated with high-quality ingredients that can help to nourish and strengthen your hair. For example, their shampoos and conditioners contain proteins like keratin and wheat protein, which help to reinforce the hair and prevent damage. They also contain ingredients like argan oil, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help to hydrate and protect the hair.
Secondly, Redken products are designed to target specific hair concerns. Whether you have dry, damaged, color-treated, or fine hair, Redken has a product that can help address your specific needs.
Pureology
Pureology is beneficial for people with dry hair with the aim of moisturizing by keeping natural oil and moisture locked in.
The product contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, amino acids, and glutamine, all of which are effective in moisturizing and smoothening the hair.
Pureology also has a few aromatherapy ingredients like bergamot and patchouli scents giving a sweet relieving feeling during and after washing your hair.
Olaplex
Olaplex is often regarded as a near-essential product for hair that has undergone chemical treatments. Its unique technology makes it particularly useful for repairing hair that has been damaged due to coloring, bleaching, or regular use of heat styling tools.
It’s suitable for all hair types but stands out as especially beneficial for chemically processed or naturally fragile hair.
Biolage
Biolage is more effective on oily hair. Its sulfate contents are essential and helpful as it makes it easier to remove dirt in oily hair, unlike sulfate-free shampoos which will take a lot of effort.
Biolage shampoo also has some orchis manuka extracts that helps to nourish the hair and give added moisture.
Conclusion: Which Haircare Brand Should You Buy?
If you are to decide on any of thesefour brands products, it is best to consider your hair type. So Redken vs. Pureology vs. Olaplex vs. Biolage, which brand is best for your hair?
Redken - Most users also note that Redken is great for thin, wispy hair and some users mentioned their hairstylists recommend it for fine, thin hair.
Pureology - If you have thick and dry hair, however, you should consider trying Pureology. So, if your hair needs more oil and moisture, then Pureology might be a better option for you.
Olaplex - Olaplex products help repair all types of chemical damage, like relaxing and keratin treatments, as well as perms and coloring. If you’ve managed to avoid the bleach but still have damage from heat styling, brushing or even environmental stressors, the Olaplex products are still suitable for you.
Biolage - For oily hair, Biolage seems to be the better option with its sulfate properties that removes hair dirt easily.
Read More:
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate vs. Olaplex vs. K18: Comparison and Reviews 2025
Pureology Hydrate vs. Hydrate Sheer vs. Strength Cure: Differences and Reviews 2025
Olaplex No.3 vs. 6 vs. 8: Differences and Reviews 2025
An Ultimate Guide to Choose the Right OLAPLEX Number for the Best Results!
Olaplex vs. Wellaplex vs. Smartbond vs. Oribe: Which Brand is Best for Your Hair?
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