redken color extend sun collection

Before we left for our family vacation last month, I was worried about what I was going to do with my hair. I knew before we even got there, that we would be in the pool and at the beach everyday. While I love getting a tan (yes, with sunscreen applied frequently), I dread what happens to my hair once chlorine and saltwater enter the picture. Since I have blonde hair, chlorine likes to turn it a lovely shade of green, while the saltwater turns it into a rat nest. I had 3 different shampoo/conditioner combos I was ready to bring and thought it was a bit overkill but I knew what laid ahead.

Well....literally the day before we left, I went over to Jenn's to hang out and talk blog business and we had received Redken's New Color Extend Sun shampoo, conditioner and a leave-in smoother. Jenn let me be the guinea pig for this one. I was really hesitant to bring it with me...I do not have a good track record with Redken and their hair products. There have been one or two I would consider buying again, but for the most part their shampoos weren't right for me.

I owe Redken some credit, I actually like this new line. Not only does it help get rid of the chlorine and salt it also helps to protect highlights, safeguards color and replenishes sun-stressed strands. I really like the shampoo. I didn't use it everyday, but the days where I was in the pool/ocean a lot, I definitely used it. The conditioner I thought for sure would be too heavy on my fine strands, but it detangles well and left my hair feeling really nice and soft. Less is definitely more with this one. I didn't use this every time I used the shampoo, I thought it would be too much. I haven't had a chance to try the Sparkling Shield Leave-in Smoother, but it looks like it has some particles in it to make your hair nice and shiny....I would spray it either right before you jumped in the pool or right after you get out. The Leave-in is suppose to help provide water-resistant protection against UVA/UVB rays, chlorine and minerals while creating a sleek, polished finish. Our pool just opened last weekend, and it's rained almost every day since, but the second it's decent out we will be there and I will have this in my bag with me to try out, especially now that I just got the highlights redone.

I can't seem to find a firm price on any of the three items...looks like each one is somewhere between $12 and $15 depending on where you can find it. I know Ulta carries it, but only in the stores, not online. For more information check out redken.com.

Christine