The New And Improved Kérastase Hair Oil Proves Its Star Status – Here’s Our Review

The haircare category isn't shy of game-changing best-sellers. There are products that dehumidify so well they make water droplets roll off strands (we see you Color Wow Dream Coat), bonding treatments that can sew back broken ends and lamination solutions that will leave your hair as glossy as a mirror. But there is much to be said for the humble hair oil. Granted, even those have come leaps and bounds thanks to advances in hair tech (and the ample recommendations on TikTok), but this often overlooked step in a well-rounded hair routine is demanding our attention for good reason. Look to Kérastase's new and improved Elixir Ultime, £58, for the reason why.

Beauty editors and hair pros the world over are quick to wax lyrical about their love for the original hair oil which has been the 60-year-old luxe haircare brand's most iconic offering since its inception over a decade ago. Over the years it has grown in popularity, whether caught in the kits of celebrity hairstylists or perched on your hairdresser's station, its residual fragrance has become as familiar as its shine. Even Sydney Sweeney is hooked, so much so she is now the global ambassador of Kérastase and says, 'Elixir Ultime was actually the first Kérastase product I ever used! I always have it with me and find it works wonders for strength, shine, and overall smoothness. It’s the perfect finishing touch for every look!'

Why is the Kérastase Elixir Ultime so good?

The classic hair finisher is a leave in treatment which promises a lasting ultra-shiny finish. In fact, the brand is so confident in its radiating properties, it says you can use the oil in five different ways to achieve said shine. Apply it through your ends as a styling product, use it as a heat protector, try it as a pre-cleansing treatment, as a style finisher after using heat tools or as a hydrating touch up to your ends – either way, a glow is guaranteed.

However you choose to use it, you'll quickly find it imparts a touchable smooth softness, controls flyways and frizz (if that's your preference, of course), and leaves strands feeling stronger. The benefits are all down to the carefully considered formulation which boasts an impressive list of kind-to-hair ingredients.

French camellia oil takes centre stage for its antioxidant properties and nourishing prowess which softens hair and leaves it luminous. There's also nutrition oils like marula and wild camellia which treat damaged hair to provide much-needed elasticity. While fatty acid-rich oils like camelina sativa seed oil, argan oil and corn germ oil, help to lock in moisture, repair and strengthen strands.

It's a loaded formula sure, but it doesn't necessarily feel that way. I especially love how lightweight and fluid it is, unlike other finishing oils I've used it is more akin to a serum-oil hybrid and doesn't weigh your stands down in any way. You'll find it diffuses instantly and you won't need more than a pump or two to see the magic at work. I found that my thick, wavy hair, which is prone to a fuzzy halo, responded well to the oil's softening and smoothing effects, all without compromising my natural texture. It's no wonder this cult classic has enjoyed 10 years in the beauty hall of fame.

Shop: Kérastase Elixir Ultime

Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia UK's Beauty Writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).