Wednesday 28 November 2012

Kérastase Elixir Ultime

Retails for about R405.
Pic from kerastase.co.uk

I have a bad case of the flyaways. It's like my baby hairs along my hair line just won't grow up. Updos have become a no-go, because I hate the after-effects of firm hold hairspray and gel. My hair feels and sounds crispy when I try to loosen it. Too sexy. It's like I'm putting my hand into a bag of chips and just crushing it! Laysspecifically.

I was "introduced" to this product by a friend who couldn't help raving about it, because she loved it so much. I was a bit hesitant to buy this product at first, especially since there are so many other hair silicone and oil products on the market at much more affordable prices. I went for a hair consultation, and the stylist used this product after the blowout and I almost didn't recognize myself without flyaways. That, and I clearly applied my blush like I was mad at my face..in the dark. I was so excited, I even tied up my hair into a high pony...after a PROFESSIONAL blowout. It was THAT amazing. Why would you want to tie up your hair after a professional blowout, right?! I have never...before that day.

It's multi-tasking abilities also grabbed my attention. It can be used on damp hair before styling (for shine, as an anti-frizz and as a leave-in conditioner. It's NOT a heat protector) and after styling, to smooth strands and flyways. It can also be used before shampooing as a pre-cleanse. My stylist explained that if you use a lot of styling products, you can apply a pump or 2 of Elixir Ultime through your hair a few minutes before shampooing to loosen product build up, as well as nourish the length thereof. Doubt I'll ever use it that way, as I'm a lazy-hair kinda girl, but it's good to know. It's also very light, doesn't weigh my fine hair down, and it doesn't even leave that horrible oily residue on my hands after I apply it. You can also apply a little everyday if you so wish. I tried this for 3 days, and it didn't make my hair oilier faster than usual. My hair was still okay after 3 days. It looked exactly like my 2-day-old hair. 

You can read more about the application of Kérastase Elixir Ultime here. They even have short videos for every possible way you could use this product.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime contains a complex of four oils (among other things):

  • Pracaxi oil for conditioning
  • Argan oil for nourishing
  • Maize oil for moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Maize oil also has Omega fatty acids which is essential for optimal cell functioning.
  • Camellia oil for it's rejuvenating properties, as well as lovely fragrance.


Although this product is all-around wonderful, it's not as effective for flyaways if you're not doing any kind of heat styling, as I later discovered. It definitely makes a difference, don't get me wrong, but if I don't blow-dry or flat-iron my "front hairs" in conjunction with using Elixir Ultime, those little nasties will still be visible, albeit not as bad as if I used nothing. So... Still in search for a great product that I can use on my non-heat-styled hair for flyaways. I want to wash and go, and maybe gooi it in a bun or high pony, without looking like I have horns. It can be that bad, yes.

What products do you rate for flyaways? Preferably, something that won't make my hair feel hard' n'crispy.


Miss B