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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Redken Extreme CAT Review

Hello boys and girls! Sorry for not posting sooner, I've just been super busy lately! I got all my shaggy hair cut off, lightened it to super blonde, and I started my final semester of cosmo yesterday. However, since the salon at the school I go to is being renovated, I'll be spending half the time at the main campus for theory work, and for clients I'll be at another campus that has a (much nicer) salon. Anywho, off to the review!

Today I'm reviewing Redken Extreme CAT, a product that I've heard SO many good things about but I always forgot about it whenever I went shopping. So the other day I went to Marshall Salon Services in Villa Park and I got it! That was also when I bought Blown Away 09. I've used it a few times already and I really like the results! Let me tell you all about CAT, straight from the bottle: "CAT protein restructuring treatment reconditions distressed hair. It provides combability, body, and shine to help prevent further damage." I think CAT really does do what it says, but you have to use it correctly. Note: CAT is a protein treatment, NOT a deep conditioner!! Protein treatments work inside the hair shaft, while deep conditioners work more on the outside to smooth the cuticle. I highly suggest using conditioner with this product, because it won't condition your hair.

Now what makes this stuff work? Actually, compared to other treatments like this, there aren't very many ingredients. The first five are: Water, Magnesium Sulfate, Laureth-23, Taurine, and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein. Magnesium Sulfate has many different uses: It's used in IV's to delay or stop labor, it's known as Epsom Salts when it's in a crystalline form, and it's also used as a mild surfactant, just to name a few. My guess is it's used as a surfactant to make sure there are no impurities in your hair... but I will definitely look into this more. Laureth-23 is an emulsifier. Taurine is an amino acid that has benefits in the human body... but I'm not quite sure what it does for your hair. It might be possible that Taurine could help strengthen your hair, but again more research is needed-and until there is I'm remaining skeptical. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is a protein made from wheat that was turned partly into water through hydrolysis. It replicates the elasticity and strength found in healthy hair.

There is something annoying about CAT--the bottle. When I try and use it in the shower, the bottle gets really slippery and hard to hold. I have to use both hands just to spray it, so that's really inconvenient. But other than that I have to say CAT really is a good protein treatment. Especially if your hair is as... unhealthy as mine. =P

Redken Extreme CAT comes in a 5 fl oz./150 ml bottle, and retails for around $16. Have you used this? Comment and tell me about it, I'd love to hear your experiences! Talk to you guys later and take care of your hair!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey lover. I love love love CAT! It is such a helper for damaged hair, bleached hair, colored hair, and when I'm doing a few processes on someone in the same day... because you can use it up to 4 times in one day! It's like food for hair =)

G. said...

OK, sweetie, I am so freaking confused about protein treatments. Do you use them before or after you condition your hair? Also, how do you know if a protein treatment is working for you? Since it won't feel moisturized, how do you know if it's doing anything for your hair? Also, will your hair feel differently immediately, or does this work over time, after prolonged use? All these questions...you're the only one who can answer 'em! :)

HEARTSTARBOLT said...

Lauren: CAT really does live up to its hype. Definitely a must-have. :D

Recessionista: After shampooing, get rid of the excess water in your hair, spray CAT all over, and either work it through with your hands or use a wide tooth comb. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse and condition. You'll know if it's working because the strength and elasticity in your hair will be improved. You will notice results if your hair was really damaged before more than someone who's hair isn't quite so damaged. If your hair is in okay condition, I suggest using it after you get any sort of chemical service. Did this help? Tell me if I missed something!! <3 xoxo

G. said...

This helps so much. Thank you! It sounds like I'm in dire need of some CAT, honey. lol. My hair is so dry at the ends and prone to breakage. I feel like I should get in my car right now and drive to the beauty supply. lol. Once again, thanks for breaking it all down for us!

Emily said...

Redken rocks! I love all Redken products because they make my hair feel like I'm fresh from the salon!

Anonymous said...

I'm modelling for the Redken Future Colour competition and we got into the top 8. After my naturally red hair was completely exterminated with peroxide and red hair dye my hairdresser recommended this product. I'm in Australia so it cost me $30 but it definitely works. It's just too bad that I didn't use it from the beginning because all the ends broke off and I only just started using CAT. Theres so much damage I could have avoided.. Oh well. I recommend it to anyone.

Anonymous said...

I just started using redken extreme CAT a couple weeks ago and it has completely changed my hair. I have blonde highlights and an inverted bob haircut. I blow dry and straighten every day. Even though I was using a heat protector, my ends were still really dry and straw-like. This stuff REALLY, really works, at least so far. My hair is silky and smooth and shiny.

Angel Eyes said...

I must be doing something wrong because this product RUINS my hair! It was so frizzy and breaking off everywhere and really dry. My stylist told me only to apply it to hair that was in need of it because it would actually dry out and ruin healthy hair if you apply it to hair that is not damaged. I had very high volume blonde highlights done and I have even tried using a deep conditioner and Joico K pack reconstructor to fix the damage and it is not working. HELP what can I do to fix this and why is it doing this to my hair?!!!

Anonymous said...

I was told by the Redken rep to use it not more than 2 or 3 times a week. If more it is like you get a cut put on a bandaid it worked so you put another and another till you end up with a bunch of bandaids not doing any good. Sell it like we do conditioning service say $25. & send a bottle home with them. I am using it to cover the old hair dye while I do a root touch up.

Val said...

I just love this product. Works miracles on my baby fine hair. I also love the anti-snap wich is in the same Extreme line. Redken, DO NOT STOP making these products !

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing the tips you can also check haute her hair care tips for skin

Anonymous said...

I love Cat and I followed by using
Redken Anti Snap - Both recommended by my hairdresser who is a color specialist.
I would never use anything but Redken products on my hair.
This stuff is terrific and will make your hair look sensational!!