Kérastase knows the best for your hair. And its new ‘gold’ Elixir Ultime range proved that fact further when we reviewed it…
This in-between time, when the weather changes from winter to spring to summer, is probably the worst for your health. Hair, especially, are left feeling weak, limp and unattractive. And as probably most know, Kérastase is the magic word which brings them back to life.
Their new Elixir Ultime Oleo-Complexe range, which they also call the ‘24 carat gold indulgence’, does prove to be quite a boon. Consisting of Elixir Ultime Oil, Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo and Beautifying Oil Masque, this range is most suitable for normal hair, and can be bought to be used at home. But we opted for the better option of getting a Kérastase ritual done at a salon to get a professional experience.
Reaching the salon, a Kérastase hair expert first diagnosed my condition, using a mini-camera. Studying my scalp and hair, which were indeed in a peculiar condition, she suggested a treatment using different Kérastase products in addition to the new 24 carat range.
“The entire Elixir Ultime range is golden in colour and the oil is commonly known as liquid gold. Elixir Ultime hair oil is a combination of four precious oils: maize, pracaxi, argan and camillia. The same ingredients are used for the masque and shampoo. The product is as pure and as sensual as gold. Also, we Indians have a special affinity towards gold as a metal since its deep rooted in tradition; similar to the concept of oiling ones hair. Hence the name 24 carat gold,” explained the expert.
Before we started my treatment, she made me smell the oil from the bottle. It had a non-appealing, chemical-ish smell. She poured some of it on my hand, asked me to rub it and then smell again. A light, discernable and pleasant fragrance emerged from it. “It’s a perfumed oil,” she said smilingly while looking at my stunned expression.
Preparing for my ritual, the Kérastase expert mixed some Elixir Ultime oil with another Kérastase oil with Vitamin E for dry hair, and slightly heated it. The oil mix was then applied to my hair section by section. While some light music wafted and surrounded us, I felt myself relaxing and my shoulders slumping, as the therapist gave a brilliant 10 minute head massage. I am sure each drop of the oil must have been absorbed by the end of it. A five minute heat treatment later, my scalp pores were opened.
Leading to another station, my hair were then washed with the Elixir Ultime shampoo. The therapist worked with the shampoo, lathered, massaged and cleansed, the way you rarely do yourself at home. The shampoo, and even the Beautifying Oil Masque, as the Kérastase hair expert mentioned, is silicone and paraben free. While paraben causes cancer, silicone gives a sort of coating on the hair, giving them that shiny radiance, but also making them unable to breathe. The combination of four oils: argan, maize, pracaxi and camellia, do the job which silicone does, in a natural way, making this Kérastase range bio-degradable and nature-friendly too.
My hair thoroughly cleansed, the therapist then sprayed some small doses of powerful Kérastase complex formula, which is created using nanotechnology, to counteract my dry hair. This product, however, is not available for retail and not recommended to be used at home, since the therapist knows best what amount to give to your hair.
Coming to the last stage, the masque was then applied to my hair, to give it a smooth texture, and literally, a golden glow. Having a very subtle effect, you can actually see some light gold sparkles if seen in proper lighting. The masque also locks all the nutrients inside and acts as a shield from sun. “If you apply a sunscreen on your face, then why not on your hair?” said the Kérastase expert logically.
A quick blow dry later, the effects were luscious. Smooth, soft and nourished, my hair looked and felt gorgeous!
If you want to use the 24 carat Kérastase range at home, then first apply 2-3 pumps of Elixir Ultime oil to brushed hair, section by section. Massage into the scalp gently. Next, apply the Elixir Ultime Cleansing Oil Shampoo and rinse well. Treat it with the Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Masque, emulsify and rinse well. To bring more shine to the hair, you can mix one pump of the Elixir Ultime oil into the masque. Once done, texturise with the Elixir Ultime oil again, which is a silky, non-greasy formula. The Kérastase hair expert, however, recommends a hair ritual by professional once or twice a month, for recent diagnosis and best results.
As I swished my hair, which had literally got a new life, and walked out of the salon, I couldn’t help wishing that they always remain dazzling like this. Full marks to Kérastase!
Available at: Gitanjali salons, Toni & Guy and all five star salon properties
