Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate: The Complete ABC Routine NZ

Acidic Bonding Concentrate — everyone just calls it ABC — is Redken's bond range for damaged, over-processed and colour-treated hair. It is the line we hand to clients who have pushed their hair hard and need it to feel strong again.

ABC works at a low pH (that is the "acidic" part) to help close the cuticle, lock in colour and reinforce weakened bonds. The result is hair that feels stronger, smoother and shinier, and colour that holds longer. The range is deep, so here is how to build the right routine instead of buying all of it.

Start here: the core wash

The ABC Shampoo and Conditioner are the foundation — every wash quietly strengthens and smooths. If you go through conditioner fast (long or thick hair), the 500ml Conditioner Refill is the better value and less plastic. This pairing alone makes a noticeable difference on dry, colour-faded hair.

The treatments, in order of strength

ABC Intensive Pre-Treatment is the heavy hitter — a concentrated dose for very damaged hair, used before you shampoo. ABC Mask (5 Minute Mask) is the weekly deep-conditioning step. ABC Leave-In is the daily multi-benefit spray — detangles, smooths, heat-protects and keeps strengthening as the day goes on. ABC Serum (Heat Protection) is the finishing oil-serum for shine and frizz control before styling.

Building your routine

• Minimum effective routine: Shampoo + Conditioner + Leave-In. That covers most colour-treated, mildly damaged hair.
• Damaged/blonde upgrade: add the weekly Mask and, for the worst weeks, the Intensive Pre-Treatment.
• Finish: the Serum on damp or dry ends for glass-like shine and heat protection.

ABC vs Olaplex — the question we get most

Both are excellent bond systems; the honest difference is feel. ABC tends to leave hair softer, smoother and shinier day to day, where Olaplex is a more clinical strength rebuild. We compare them properly, on real client hair, in ABC vs Olaplex, and across all the bond systems in our bond-building guide.

11% off your first UKIYO order with code WELCOME11. Free NZ shipping over $75. Genuine salon Redken, shipped from our Wānaka studio — online pricing matched to and 10c under the big retailers.