Return policy comparison · 2026
Bluemercury vs Redken
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Bluemercury) and July 24, 2026 (Redken)
Winner
Bluemercury
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Redken
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Bluemercury has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Redken's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BluemercuryRedken
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Bluemercury | Redken | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (original payment method; gift card only after 90 days) | 30 days (with original receipt) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | — | Customer pays return shipping, except when an item arrived incorrectly shipped, defective, or damaged |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | — | Products purchased from unauthorized retailers; salon-purchased Redken products (can't be returned to Redken.com) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Bluemercury tip
Exchanges can only be done in-store, not by mail, so mail-in returns are refund-only even if you wanted a swap; after 90 days a refund converts to store credit (gift card) instead of cash back to your card.
Redken tip
Only buy Redken online if you actually got it from Redken.com - products bought at your salon or from an unauthorized reseller aren't eligible for a Redken.com return at all, no matter how recently you bought them.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Bluemercury or Redken?
Bluemercury has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Redken's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Bluemercury's return window?
Bluemercury's return window is 90 days (original payment method; gift card only after 90 days).
What is Redken's return window?
Redken's return window is 30 days (with original receipt).
Does Bluemercury or Redken offer free returns?
Bluemercury: Yes. Redken: No - fee deducted.