My latest hair obsession is making it glossy. Not the easiest task when you have wavy/curly hair (and lots of it), and so far not the most rewarding, either. While I'm still testing various hair glossing products that you'll get to hear about eventually, my newest find was the result of having to detox my scalp and mane from something gloopy. I had to wash my hair with Head & Shoulders frequently and decided to avoid regular conditioners for a short time to get rid of product buildup (the worst problem of glossing products). I use their 2-in-1 formula of H&S, but obviously that's not enough. The solution was applying Kerastase Elixir Ultime to damp hair and let it be.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime is a multi-purpose oil for hair that can be used before shampooing (especially if your hair and scalp are on the oily side) or as a leave-in treatment, a styling aid (before blow drying) and for touch-ups throughout the day. I mostly use it after washing, but also for detangling and to make sure my ends are in good shape. The wonderful thing about Kerastase Elixir Ultime is that it's as effective as much as it is lightweight. The challenge with hair like mine is keeping it as soft as humanly possible while not letting a product overdose kill its bounce and shine. This elixir (a thin oil, really) doesn't compromise any of the elements that make long hair look luxurious and is as low maintenance as anyone could hope. In my case I just put about 4-5 pumps into my palms, run them through my hair, wrap it up in a towel for the time it takes to get ready and do the other beauty/getting dressed stuff. Then I hang the towel to dry and I'm good to go.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime smells great (an abstract floriental). I haven't flat ironed my hair in the time since I started using it, so I can't comment on its performance for this purpose. All I can say that it works for me very well, and also cuts on the time I have to spend detangling while washing my hair the next time-- it realy keeps the hair smoother and more manageable than I ever expected.
Bottom Line: Love.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime ($54, 4.2 oz) on kerastase-usa.com, but I now buy it cheaper on Amazon ($43, same amount).
Image via vintageadbrowser.
Dear Nonblonde:
ReplyDeleteI think I have very similar hair to yours.
A couple of products that have worked on my hair are the Kerastase elixir that you mentioned, it does make a difference for shine and elasticity to my curly ringlets.
The other product I alternate it with is Davines Authentic Balm , when I want to wear my curls more like soft waves. I apply it as a leave in treatment on middle to end of hair then blow dry. Or sometimes as conditioner. It was like a revelation, my hair becomes not only shiny but it's natural coarse texture turns silky and fluffy soft :).
Love your blog.
Anna.
Gaia, have you tried SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil? I'm very familiar with the Kerastase line, since my hairdresser's salon uses it. I think the Shu Uemura oil is even better than the Kerastase. I apply it to wet hair before blow drying or air dry, and reapply it to my dry, naturally curly and frizzy hair before I go to bed at night.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have both and prefer Shu Uemura oil.
ReplyDelete