Redken Brews NZ: Men's Hair, Sorted (Queenstown Stylist Guide)

Most blokes don't want a routine — they want one product that does the job. Redken Brews is built exactly for that, and the three pomades cover almost every men's style you'd actually ask for.

We use Brews on the floor at Crew every week. It's straightforward, it performs, and you only need to pick the right finish. Here's the honest rundown by what you're going for.

The three to know, by finish

• Maneuver (Cream Pomade) — medium hold, natural-to-low shine. The everyday all-rounder for classic, combed, tidy looks. If you're not sure where to start, start here.
• OutPlay (Texture Pomade) — flexible hold with grip and a touch of shine. Good for textured, lived-in styles you want to restyle through the day.
• Work Hard (Molding Paste) — strong, workable hold with a more matte finish for defined, structured styles. The one for thicker hair or a look that has to hold all day.

How to use it so it actually looks good

• Use less than you think. Scoop a small amount, warm it between your palms until it goes clear, then work it through evenly. You can always add more.
• Towel-dry first. Pomades and pastes grip best in damp-to-dry hair, not soaking wet.
• Want it to look thicker? Go matte — Work Hard sits better on fine hair than a shiny pomade, which can show the scalp.
• Style from the back forward and finish the fringe last, when there's the least product left on your hands.

Queenstown reality check

Our climate swings — dry alpine days, wind off the lake, then humidity in summer. A stronger hold (Work Hard) earns its keep on the windy days; a flexible one (OutPlay) is better if you're in and out of a helmet, a beanie or the gym. Most guys end up with two: an everyday and a big-night one.

After a fresh cut to build the style on? Book in with the Crew team and we'll set you up with the right one for your hair.

New here? Use code MYSTERY11 for 11% off your first order (min $59). Free NZ shipping over $75. Genuine salon Redken, shipped from Crew Stylists in Queenstown.

Questions we get asked

What is Redken Brews?

It's Redken's men's grooming range. The styling side is what we use most at Crew: three products with different hold and shine so you can match one to your cut. If you're after one to try first, start with Maneuver Cream Pomade. It's the easiest to use.

Which Redken product is best for men's short hair?

For short, textured cuts, OutPlay Texture Pomade gives grip without looking wet. For a tidy, combed or side-parted cut, Maneuver is the pick. If your hair is thick and you want it to hold all day, go with Work Hard. Ask your stylist after your cut and they'll show you how much to use.

Is Redken Brews Maneuver good for thick hair?

It works on most hair, but on very thick or coarse hair it can feel too soft by the afternoon. For thick hair, Work Hard Molding Paste holds better and has a more matte finish. Some guys use Maneuver for work days and Work Hard for weekends.

How do I wash Redken Brews out?

A normal shampoo usually takes it out. If you've used a lot, or you're using the stronger paste, shampoo twice and work it in at the roots first before adding much water. Product that's left on the scalp can make hair look flat, so a good wash at the end of the day is worth it.

Where can I buy Redken Brews in New Zealand?

We stock it in the salon at 22 The Mall in Queenstown and online in our Redken collection. It's the same salon product we use on the floor. Free NZ shipping applies on orders over $75. You can also ask your stylist to pull one out at the end of your appointment.