Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale: 6 reasons to try the cult hair oil
The de-frizzing hero has been revamped and reformulated.
Originally launched in 2010, Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile quickly became a cult favourite among hairdressers and shoppers.
Beloved for its smoothing and shine-enhancing properties, the versatile oil in the gorgeous gold bottle has become a global bestseller for the French luxury brand.
"Kérastase has been one of my go-to brands throughout my career - they're constantly keeping up with the latest technology," says Alfie Oneill, creative director at Paul Edmonds London.
"I love that the Elixir Ultime L'Huile is multipurpose. It can be used as a sleep-in treatment or as a styling product on dry hair, it can be used before blow-drying, it can be mixed in with conditioning masks for extra moisture."
The luxurious yet lightweight oil is now better than ever, thanks to a new formula and refillable packaging design.
Whether you're already a fan or haven't yet experienced the many benefits of Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale, here's everything you need to know about the revamped cult classic…
1. Fights frizz
We all want smooth, shiny hair, and that's exactly what Elixir Ultime L'Huile aims to deliver, by working its magic on the hair cuticle - the outer layer of each strand - to prevent frizziness.
"Frizzy hair is caused by several things," Alfie says. "It's more common on curly hair, where the cuticle isn't flat, and is worse when there's humidity in the environment."
When hair is healthy and hydrated, the cuticle cells lie flat and the hair appears smooth and glossy, whereas the cuticle layer on dry hair is rough, which results in a frizzy and dull appearance.
"A hair oil helps by nourishing the cuticle and making it flat, as well as adding moisture," Alfie explains, which is why it's an essential step in your haircare routine if you're keen to avoid frizz.
2. Suits all hair types
"Most hair types can benefit from a hair oil - it's such a universal product," Alfie says, but some hair types will benefit more than others.
"It has more effect on dry, frizzy hair, though it depends on the hair thickness. You would use a heavier oil on thick hair and a lighter oil - or less oil - on fine hair."
If your hair has been bleached blonde or you've had balayage, Elixir Ultime L'Huile is particularly helpful: "It's perfect for colour-treated hair, because colouring dries hair out and an oil puts it back in, and evens out the porosity of the hair."
Naturally wavy, curly or coiled hair types can be more prone to frizz, so you'll want to include a hair oil in your styling routine.
"You can mix it with a curl cream or a mousse," Alfie says. "It helps to make the product softer and not so crunchy. Also because curly hair is naturally on the drier side it adds more moisture."
The same goes for silver locks, he adds: "Grey hair is coarser, so a hair oil acts as a softening agent."
If you have hair that tends to get oily quickly, should you avoid oil-based products?
"You can still use a hair oil, just be careful of the amount used," Alfie says. "Don't use it on the roots, only mid-lengths and ends."
Similarly, be careful when applying on short hair: "I wouldn't use it so much on very short hair, but for men with 'curtains' hairstyles or wet look hair, oils are ideal."
3. It's incredibly versatile
Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale can be used in so many ways and at different stages from washing through to styling.
"To use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, start with dry hair, use about four pumps over the hair, leave it for 10 minutes and then shampoo and condition it," Alfie says.
The oil is formulated to protect your tresses at temperatures of up to 230C, so you can slather it on wet, freshly washed hair.
"Depending on the hair type and thickness you would use from half a pump to two pumps," Alfie says. "Run it through the hair from mid-lengths to ends, then dry and style as normal."
Alternatively, add an instant shine boost after straightening or curling: "Once the hair is styled, add a pea-sized amount, rub your palms together, then run them through the hair."
There's even a handy 30ml travel-size edition available, perfect for popping in your wash bag to ensure your hair stays frizz-free on holiday, even when humidity hits.
4. Unbeatable ingredients
The latest reformulation of Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale is the best yet.
Featuring star ingredient wild camellia - known for its nourishing and antioxidant properties - the floral extract is derived from an innovative cold-pressed technique, ensuring maximum potency.
The oil remains lightweight, fast-absorbing and easy to use, with impressive trial results showing double the shine for 48 hours after use and an anti-frizz effect that lasts up to four days.
Plus, the oil is infused with a beautiful fragrance designed by renowned perfumer Nicolas Beaulieu, combining mandarin, freesia and violet leaf with heady heliotrope and woody base notes.
5. Cocktails with other products
Hair cocktailing has become a huge trend as consumers seek bespoke solutions for their hair needs.
Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale is the perfect product to give a hydration hit to your other everyday essentials.
"Mix it with shampoo to add extra moisturisation or add it to a mask and use it as a treatment," Alfie recommends.
Or cocktail the oil at the styling stage: "You can mix it with a gel or putty to slightly break down the product to make it more pliable and add shine."
6. Eco-conscious packaging
At a time when more and more of us are concerned with our environmental impact, the relaunched Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale boasts a sustainable new design.
Not only does it come in a refillable bottle, the glass case is made with 30% recycled glass, while the refill insert is made with 95% recycled plastic (excluding the pump and label).
It's simple to unscrew the case and plug in the refill insert, then remove the pump from the empty refill and recycle it.
Going for gold
If you haven't tried Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale yet, there's never been a better time to discover why this glorious golden oil has been a worldwide top-seller for so long.
A true all-rounder, the lightweight liquid will fight frizz and hydrate your hair, leaving it smooth, shiny and beautiful.
Regular trims are essential to snip off split ends and prevent breakage further up the hair strand. Book your next cut at Paul Edmonds London.