What role does PVP play in this hair shaping lotion?

PVP is a film-forming polymer that creates a flexible, invisible coating on each strand, delivering firm hold and shape while allowing the hair to remain light and non-sticky compared with many traditional gels.

Does the product contain any potentially irritating or controversial ingredients?

Yes, the formulation includes denatured alcohol (drying), methylparaben and phenoxyethanol (preservatives), and a fragrance blend with common allergens such as linalool, limonene, citronellol, and hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, which can be sensitizing for some users.

Redken, Redken 5th Avenue NYC • 8.5 FL OZ 250 mL

Contour 08 Shaping Lotion

Q: Is Contour 08 Shaping Lotion safe for sensitive or dry scalp and hair?

The lotion's water-based base and added hydrolyzed wheat protein can provide moisture and strength, but the inclusion of denatured alcohol, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol and fragrance allergens means it may dry out or irritate delicate scalps; a small patch test is recommended before full application.

Hair

Product Insights

Contour 08 Shaping Lotion by Redken 5th Avenue NYC is a professional-grade hair styling product that delivers firm hold and defined texture thanks to a high concentration of film-forming polymers such as PVP and VP/VA copolymer. The formula is water-based and includes conditioning agents like hydrolyzed wheat protein and glucosamine, which can help strengthen the hair shaft while the quick-drying denatured alcohol speeds up setting. However, the presence of denatured alcohol, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, and a blend of fragrance allergens (including linalool, limonene and citronellol) may cause dryness or irritation for sensitive scalps, so a patch test is advisable.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned as a high-hold professional styling lotion, Contour 08 distinguishes itself in the salon market with a polymer blend for lasting shape and added protein conditioning, targeting stylists and consumers seeking strong control without the heavy feel of traditional gels.

Ingredients

AQUA/WATER, PVP, ALCOHOL DENAT, VP/VA COPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, PEG-14M, CARBOMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, METHYLPARABEN, METHYL GLUCETH-20, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, DISODIUM EDTA, BENZOPHENONE-4, OLETH-3 PHOSPHATE, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, GLUCOSAMINE HCI, LINALOOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, HYDROLYZED WHEAT STARCH, LIMONENE, ALPHA - ISOMETHYL IONONE, CITRONELLOL, BENZYL BENZOATE (D7136/2)

84%

35%

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