If you’re a blonde I’ve got two words for you – purple shampoo. I had no idea how high maintenance blonde was until I added balayage to my brunette locks. It turns out my hair pulls warm, and with warmth comes brass, which means I’ve got to have a purple shampoo on hand. I tried a few and didn’t really see a difference, until I found Kerastase Blond Absolu. This stuff is just what my brassy hair needed!
KÉRASTASE BLOND ABSOLU
This new purple based line has everything you need to keep your blonde looking bright. There’s shampoos, conditioners, a mask, and a heat protecting primer. I was lucky enough to receive everything from Kerastase, but I got a little preview of the line at my salon. My stylist used the mask on me, and oh em gee does it smell heavenly! Afterwards I couldn’t wait to try more, and was super stoked when it arrived via PR.
Going blonde is exhilarating. But stripping the hair leaves it naked and vulnerable. Blond Absolu provides fiber care and neutralization for more luminous blonde hair.” Kerastase
BAIN LUMIÈRE (HYDRATING ILLUMINATING SHAMPOO)
This clear shampoo is great for daily use, and is formualted to remove build up while leaving hair feeling light and hydrated. It contains Hyaluronic Acid to strengthen hair (it’s not just great for your skin!), and Edelweiss Flower for a boost of antioxidants. The texture is thick and gel-like, but it instantly foams into a soft lather. It doesn’t overly cleanse, and it leaves hair hydrated with tons of slip. Plus, it smells incredible!
BAIN ULTA-VIOLET (ANTI-BRASS PURPLE SHAMPOO)
While the shampoo above is great for color-treated hair, the Ultra-Violet shampoo is geared specifically toward blondes. It’s dark purple in color to neutralize brassy or yellow tones (purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel – so hence why we use purple for blondes), and it’s very important that you don’t get this in your eyes. In fact, the very first time I used a purple shampoo the “this can blind you” warning listed all over the label kinda freaked me out. It can also leave a mess in your shower, and on your hands. But, it’s truly a must have for blondes – so the hassle and mess are worth it.
Like most purple shampoos, this isn’t going to leave your hair feeling silky smooth. In fact, it’s more like the opposite. It leaves it feeling a tad bit dry and knotty, but this one isn’t as bad as Redken Blondage. That one made my hair feel like a rats nest. The Blond Absolu formula isn’t overly drying, and you only have to leave it on for 2 minutes (while Redken required double washing for up to 5 minutes). It rinses out easily, and the purple stains left behind on skin and shower walls are easy to remove.
CICAFLASH (INTENSE FORTIFYING TREATMENT)
After using the Ultra-Violet Shampoo, your hair will be begging for moisture, and Cicaflash is the PERFECT remedy. This baby is hands down one of the best conditioners I’ve ever tried. It leaves your hair feeling the velvet, and any spec of tangles will be gone in an instant. Like the purple shampoo, this does have a purple tint, but I don’t think it actually tones hair. The shade is more a lavender (like the packaging), so I think it’s just a fine detail rather than a functional one. As for the formula, it’s got Hyaluronic Acid and Edelweiss Flower (like the clear shampoo), and it can be used daily.
MASQUE ULTRA-VIOLET (PURPLE HAIR MASK)
If you’re looking for a purple shampoo, but dislike the drying effects of most, you will love this! It has the same deep dark purple color as the Ultra-Violet Shampoo, only in a super hydrating mask form. It’s thick, so it’s easy to apply and spread throughout hair, and when it washes out it leaves behind detangled soft strands. I seriously love this! Kerastase is known for their masks, and this one does not disappoint!
CICAPLASME (HEAT PROTECTING PRIMER)
Once hair has been washed and conditioned, the final step is the Cicaplasme Primer. This lotion-like leave-in protects hair from heat, and leaves ends feeling soft. It’s got the same lavender hue as the Cicaflash Conditioner, but again I don’t think it does anything for actual toning. Since I have fine hair, I am weary of leave-in treatments, but this one doesn’t weigh down hair at all. It’s got the same beautiful scent as the shampoos, and it adds even more slip for easy post shower detangling. I find myself using this even when I don’t blow dry my hair!
RESULTS
Before I started the Blond Absolu line I struggled with brass. My stylists have all warned me that my hair loves to pull warm (which is why we use cool tones), but add in a botched dye job last March, and it’s has been extra difficult to manage. After mediocre effects with Redken Blondage, I was super surprised to actually see results with Kerastase. It’s not as permanent as going to a salon for a touch up, but it really does brighten hair and minimize orange/yellow tones.
The results speak for themself! I took these photos 3 weeks apart in front of the same window, around the same early afternoon timeframe. The top was taken before the Kerastase line, and the bottom was immediately following the purple shampoo, purple mask, and primer. Such a difference, right?!
SHOP BLOND ABSOLU
If you’re struggling to find a purple shampoo line that fits your needs, I highly suggest Kerastase Blond Absolu! The products are pricey, but so worth the result! If you’ve got a purple line you love (or hate), let me know!
Products sent for consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own, for more information click here.