Redken Acidic Color Gloss Tips for Vibrant and Shiny Hair

TL;DR:

• Redken Acidic Color Gloss is a professional colour-care system built around acidic pH — it seals the cuticle to lock in colour and enhance shine
• The range includes a sulphate-free shampoo, conditioner, heat protection leave-in, and a weekly glass gloss treatment
• Acidic pH is the key: it keeps the cuticle closed, which means colour stays in longer and the hair reflects more light
• The Glass Gloss weekly treatment delivers up to three days of amplified shine — our colourists use it in-salon for finishing and toning
• Available at all Partners Hair salons and online with free delivery over R390

If your colour looks dull, faded or flat between appointments, the issue is usually the routine — not the colour itself. Redken Acidic Color Gloss is built specifically to address that. Here's what the range does and how to use it.

Meet the experts:
Royston and Warren at Cavendish Square — Judy, head trainer — Lewis, owner — Jackie at Gardens Centre — Debbie and Nikí at V&A Waterfront — Danny and Charlene at Canal Walk — Lynette, Samantha and Dominique at Constantia Village

01 — Why Acidic pH Makes the Difference

Hair's natural pH is slightly acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5. Colouring temporarily raises the pH to allow pigment in, which leaves the cuticle open and the hair more porous. Redken Acidic Color Gloss products are formulated at an acidic pH that helps close the cuticle back down — locking colour in, reducing frizz, and increasing the surface smoothness that creates shine.

"The difference between colour that looks glossy for six weeks and colour that looks dull at three is almost always the pH of the products you're using at home," says Debbie at the Waterfront. "Redken Acidic Color Gloss is built around this. It's not just marketing — the pH work is real and visible."

02 — The Shampoo: Gentle, Colour-Safe Cleansing

The Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo is sulphate-free and pH-balanced to cleanse without stripping colour or disrupting the cuticle. It's the daily foundation of the routine — used every wash to maintain the acidic environment that keeps colour locked in. Pair with the matching conditioner for maximum benefit.

"The shampoo is the baseline," says Royston at Cavendish. "Use the wrong shampoo and everything else in the routine fights an uphill battle. Get the pH right from the first step."

03 — The Conditioner: Moisture Without Compromising Colour

The Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner deeply nourishes colour-treated hair while maintaining the acidic pH environment. Apply through mid-lengths and ends after shampooing, leave two to three minutes, rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle closed.

04 — The Heat Protection Treatment: Protect Before Every Styling Session

The Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Treatment is a leave-in that shields colour-treated hair from heat damage before blow-drying, straightening or curling. Applied to damp hair before styling, it forms a barrier that reduces heat-induced fade and keeps the cuticle smooth during the styling process.

"Colour fades faster with heat styling than almost anything else — especially without protection," says Charlene at Canal Walk. "This leave-in is the step most colour clients are missing. It's not optional for coloured hair."

05 — The Glass Gloss Weekly Treatment: The Shine Amplifier

The Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment is the hero of the range — a weekly treatment that delivers up to three days of intensified shine. Apply to towel-dried hair, leave five to ten minutes, rinse, follow with conditioner. The Glass Gloss seals the cuticle to a mirror-flat surface, which is what creates that salon-fresh reflective finish.

"We use Glass Gloss in-salon as a finishing step after colour services," says Lewis. "The at-home version gives the same effect when used weekly — the hair looks like it just walked out of a salon even between appointments."

06 — The Complete Routine

Every wash: Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo — Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner. Before every styling session: Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Treatment on damp hair. Weekly: replace your conditioner with the Glass Gloss Treatment for five to ten minutes. That's the complete Redken Acidic Color Gloss routine. Shop the full Redken range at Partners Hair or pick up in-salon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redken Acidic Color Gloss actually do?

The acidic pH formula closes the hair cuticle, which locks in colour molecules, increases shine, reduces frizz and makes colour last longer between salon appointments.

How often should I use the Glass Gloss Treatment?

Once a week. Apply to towel-dried hair for five to ten minutes, then rinse and follow with conditioner. Results last up to three days.

Is Acidic Color Gloss safe for all colour types?

Yes — it's formulated for all colour-treated hair including highlights, balayage, full colour, and toning. The sulphate-free formula is gentle enough for permanent and semi-permanent colour.

Can I use Redken Acidic Color Gloss on non-coloured hair?

Yes. The pH-balancing and shine benefits work on any hair. It's particularly good for anyone who wants smoother, shinier hair regardless of colour.

Where can I buy Redken Acidic Color Gloss in South Africa?

At all Partners Hair salon locations and online at partnershair.co.za. Free delivery on orders over R390. All products are authenticated and sourced directly from official South African distributors.

Shop the full Redken range at Partners Hair, or find your nearest salon for a colour or gloss appointment. Free delivery on orders over R390.