As someone with thick, kind-of-sort-of wavy, and color-treated hair that’s still recovering from postpartum hair loss, I’m always on the lookout for products that can tame frizz, smooth breakage, and revive my hair’s overall healthy appearance. If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect hair oil is a game-changer, especially when your ends are dry or damaged from bleaching or excessive use of hot tools. (Do I occasionally forget to apply a heat protectant? Well, that’s between me and my hairdresser.) My ah-ha moment in haircare came when I tried the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil—aka “liquid gold in a bottle.” This iconic product has recently undergone a reimagining, and I was lucky enough to try it out, courtesy of the brand. And long-time fans will be happy to know it’s as dreamy as ever, with a few exciting upgrades that I can’t wait to share.
What Is Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil?
Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale is a luxurious, high-performance oil that’s designed to transform dull, lifeless hair into smooth, shiny-looking strands. The formula is infused with moisturizing oils like wild camellia, which is known for its nourishing and protective properties. This oil is perfect for anyone dealing with dry, damaged, or frizzy hair—basically, if your hair could use a little TLC, this product has you covered. Whether your hair is thick, fine, straight, or curly, this versatile oil can work its magic to enhance shine, reduce frizz, and smooth breakage.
How Has Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Changed?
One of the most exciting updates to the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil is its new eco-friendly packaging. The oil now comes in a sleek and refillable glass bottle made with 95% recycled plastics* and 30% recycled glass** that not only looks luxe on your vanity but also helps reduce waste—a win-win for both you and the planet. But the changes don’t stop there; the formula has also been refined. It now provides 92% more shine***, makes hair up to 10 times smoother****, and strengthens your strands 10x*. Plus, it’s got a lighter fragrance that’s still just as luxurious as you’d expect from Kérastase.
*Except the cap, the pump, the label **Except the cap and pump ***vs non-conditioning shampoo ****vs unwashed hair
What Are the Benefits of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil?
The benefits of the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil start to add up quickly. With regular use, you can expect:
- Up to 92% more shine.
- Hair that’s up to 10 times smoother and 10 times stronger.
- Control over frizz, even in humid conditions.
- Protection from heat up to 450°F, making it ideal for those of us who love hot tools.
- Enhanced strength and reduced breakage, thanks to its nourishing ingredients.
- A lightweight feel that won’t weigh down your hair, even if it’s fine.
How to use Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil
This oil is multi-use and can play a role in nearly every step of your hair routine. Beyond a finishing step, here are some of the ways you can use it:
- Pre-shampoo treatment: Apply 3-4 pumps to your hair to break up product buildup before cleansing.
- Masque enhancer: Add 2-3 pumps to your favorite hair masque for added shine and smoothness.
- Heat protectant: Use 1-2 pumps before styling with heat tools to protect your hair.
- Styling adjustment: Mix a pump or two with your styling products to enhance shine or soften hold.
- Hydrating touch-up: Use 1-2 pumps throughout the day to refresh and smooth your hair.
- Anti-frizz shield: Apply 1-2 pumps to reduce frizz, especially in humid weather.
- Finishing touch: Apply 1-2 pumps after styling to add shine and reduce frizz.
My Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Review
Now, let’s get into the real talk—my experience with this iconic hair oil. As I mentioned, my hair is thick, wavy, color-treated, and still recovering from postpartum hair loss. The ends are prone to dryness and breakage, especially after years of bleaching and using hot tools. So, when I say I put this oil to the test, I really mean it.
The first thing I noticed was how silky the formula felt as it glided through my hair. Even after the first use, my hair felt smoother and looked noticeably shinier. The oil did a fantastic job at taming frizz and sealing my dry ends, giving them a much-needed moisture boost. I’ve been using it primarily as a heat protectant before blow-drying and as a finishing touch after styling. The results? Frizz-free, straight hair that doesn’t feel weighed down—a rare feat for someone with hair as thick as mine.
What really sold me, though, was how well it held up throughout the day. I put this to the test while riding the New York City subway in summer and on a beach vacation. Even in humid conditions, my hair stayed smooth and almost entirely frizz-free. Plus, the light fragrance is a delightful bonus—it’s fresh without being overpowering, making it perfect for daily use.
After a couple of weeks of consistent use, I can confidently say that Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil has earned a permanent spot in my hair care routine. It’s not just about the immediate benefits (though those are great!); it’s about how much better my hair feels overall. If you’re dealing with similar hair concerns—whether it’s dryness, frizz, or breakage—I’d highly recommend giving this oil a try. It’s luxurious, effective, and, thanks to the refillable packaging, eco-friendly too.
From its nourishing formula to its smartly redesigned bottle, everything about it feels indulgent and well worth the investment. So go ahead, treat your hair to a little “liquid gold”—you deserve it!
Next up: 12 Ways To Score Shiny Hair, Whether You Prefer At-Home Formulas or Salon Visits
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