We all know that the French have a way of making everything look chic, from makeup to style to haircare. When it comes to achieving healthy and ultra-shinny hair, French haircare buys have long been a staple in our team’s showers and cabinets. From under-the-radar brightening shampoos to luxurious hair oils, here are five French haircare formulas that our team can’t live without.
Fiona’s Under-the-Radar, Brightening Buy
Klorane Brightening Shampoo with Camomile for Blonde Hair
Klorane is often overlooked, but this brightening shampoo is a gem. Fiona, our Digital Beauty Editor, swears by it: “Klorane is the under-the-radar hair equivalent of those cult French skincare brands we’re all pretty clued up about now – and is in every pharmacy in Paris,” she says. “The products lean on the natural, botanical side and always smell gorgeous thanks to those floral inclusions. I particularly love this shampoo because it gently clarifies to brighten a faded colour and, unusually for a blonde targeting shampoo, it’s not purple, so doesn’t knock out all the warmth in my tone.”
Fiona’s top tip for using the shampoo is to massage it into your scalp for a minute or two before rinsing, as this will help to wake up your hair and leave it looking brighter.
- Klorane Brightening Shampoo with Camomile for Blonde Hair
- RRP: £16.50
Naomi’s Brightening and Scent-Boosting Favourites
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo
Naomi, our Digital Beauty Writer, is a self-proclaimed faux blonde, and her haircare routine is a top priority. She raves about the Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo: “As a faux blonde (shh, don’t tell), my haircare routine is on par with my skincare in terms of importance, to help maintain the brightness of my colour and hydrate my slightly damaged, lightened strands,” she says. “This Kérastase shampoo is my go-to for not only nourishing my hair and boosting shine, but also for adding luminosity to my colour. I have quite a sensitive scalp, so often find toning shampoos too harsh for frequent use but this formula is perfect for whenever I want to give my hair a boost of brightness.”
Naomi also recommends layering the shampoo with Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau hair mist for an extra dose of fragrance.
- Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo
- RRP: £28.25
Aleesha’s Shine-Boosting Treatment
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water 8 Second Hair Treatment
Aleesha, our Digital Beauty Ecomm Editor, is a big fan of L’Oréal’s Wonder Water: “While my job as a beauty editor means that I test a lot of different hair products, this affordable conditioner is the only one that I regularly re-buy,” she says. “A rinse-out liquid conditioner powered by Lamellar Water Technology – a water-based hair treatment that uses a lightweight formula to repair damaged hair – this eight-second treatment uses moisturising agents and amino acids to work on dry and damaged hair, and leave it smoother and shinier.”
Aleesha swears by using the Wonder Water after washing her hair to give it an instant pick-me-up.
- L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water 8 Second Hair Treatment
- RRP: £9.99
Sennen’s Go-To Detoxifying Hair Oil
L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Anti-deposit Protector Concentrated Hair Oil
Sennen, our Digital Beauty Writer, is a big fan of L’Oréal’s Metal Detox: “This treatment works to remove the build-up of copper particles, that are found in shower water, from your hair,” she says. “These particles can be damaging to your tresses, not only dulling your hair but also causing brittleness and breakage. However, this nourishing formula does a stellar job at detangling my knotty damp strands after washing, while leaving it smooth, silky soft and with a glossy high-shine finish.”
Sennen also recommends using the hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to give her hair an extra dose of nourishment.
- L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Anti-deposit Protector Concentrated Hair Oil
- RRP: £30
The Beauty Behind the Products
While these French haircare products may seem expensive, they are well worth the investment. As Naomi says, “You don’t have to break the bank to have healthy, shiny hair. You just have to find the right product for you.”
As for the French allure of these products, Fiona explains: “The premise has a certain je ne sais quoi and never fails to make one feel chic. We certainly feel that way whenever we apply our favourite Dior Addict Lip Glow and spritz our best Diptyque perfumes, though their formulas too, make them well worthy of it. And like them, these haircare buys also have the quality and rave reviews to warrant investing in them.”
| Name of product | Price | Beauty Team’s Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Klorane Brightening Shampoo | £16.50 | Fiona’s under-the-radar buy |
| Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo | £28.25 | Naomi’s brightening and scent-boosting favourite |
| L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water | £9.99 | Aleesha’s shine-boosting treatment |
| L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Anti-deposit Protector Concentrated Hair Oil | £30 | Sennen’s go-to detoxifying hair oil |
The Experts Weigh In
Naomi Jamieson
“Hair mists are perfect for those days when you want to smell chic but aren’t in the mood to wear anything too heavy or cloying. Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau hair mist is my absolute favourite in moments such as these,” says Naomi. “Sometimes I’ll pair it with the eau de parfum (for an extra layer of powdery, floral goodness) but on the whole, I actually find that this scented mist is more than enough on its own. It just douses my strands in a slightly airier version of Diptyque’s iconic Fleur de Peau blend and lingers – emitting notes of ambrette, iris and pink peppercorn with every swish of my hair. The formula also features camellia oil to protect and nourish your hair during wear.”
Aleesha Badkar
“For me, hair mists are all about convenience and a quick pick-me-up,” says Aleesha. “L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water 8 Second Hair Treatment is my go-to for a quick dose of moisture and shine. It’s an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, and I love that it’s easy to apply and doesn’t leave any residue.”
Sennen Prickett
“For me, a good hair oil is all about nourishing and protecting my hair,” says Sennen. “L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Anti-deposit Protector Concentrated Hair Oil is my favourite for removing build-up and adding shine. I love that it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave any greasy residue, and it’s perfect for using as a pre-shampoo treatment or as a styling product.”
Fiona McKim
“Fiona’s top tip for using the Klorane Brightening Shampoo is to massage it into your scalp for a minute or two before rinsing, as this will help to wake up your hair and leave it looking brighter,” Fiona says. “I also love that the shampoo is gentle and non-stripping, making it perfect for my colour-treated hair.”
Nominee’s Background
Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she covers everything from makeup to skincare but specialises, particularly, in fragrance and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi shares her trend expertise and personal product recommendations. She is also a judge for woman&home’s annual hair, skincare and beauty awards. Previously, Naomi worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products. Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, to pursue her passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee and probably online shopping… Sign up to the woman&home newsletter for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Get the latest beauty news and trends in your inbox, and stay up-to-date with the latest must-have products and expert advice from our team of beauty editors.
