Kérastase is a luxury hair care brand offering serums for different concerns. This guide covers Genesis, Elixir Ultime, Resistance, and other serums, with benefits, uses, and how to choose the right one for your hair type.
What Are Kérastase Hair Serums?
Kérastase hair serums are lightweight, leave-in treatments that add shine, reduce frizz, protect from heat, and address specific concerns without weighing hair down.
Top Kérastase Hair Serums
1. Kérastase Genesis Anti-Hair-Fall Serum
Description: Targets hair loss and strengthens from root to tip. Formulated for fragile, thinning, or weakened hair.
Key Benefits:
- Reduces hair fall
- Strengthens hair from root to tip
- Promotes healthier-looking hair
- Improves scalp health
- Adds shine and softness
- Suitable for daily use
Key Ingredients:
- Ginger root extract (stimulates scalp)
- Edelweiss native cells (strengthens)
- Hyaluronic acid (moisture)
- Caffeine (energizes follicles)
Best For:
- Thinning hair
- Excessive hair fall
- Weak, fragile hair
- Post-treatment recovery
- Daily strengthening
How to Use:
- Apply to dry or towel-dried hair
- Massage into scalp
- Work through lengths
- Use daily for best results
- No need to rinse
Price Range: Premium ($50-$70 for 90ml)
2. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil Serum
Description: Multi-purpose oil serum for shine, frizz control, and protection. Works on all hair types.
Key Benefits:
- Adds instant shine
- Tames frizz
- Heat protection up to 230°C
- Reduces split ends
- Lightweight, non-greasy
- Multi-use formula
Key Ingredients:
- Argan oil (moisture and shine)
- Maize oil (softness)
- Camellia oil (smoothing)
- Pracaxi oil (protection)
Best For:
- All hair types
- Frizzy hair
- Dull hair needing shine
- Heat styling protection
- Daily styling
How to Use:
- Apply 2-3 drops to palm
- Rub hands together
- Apply to mid-lengths and ends
- Can be used on wet or dry hair
- Use before or after styling
Price Range: Premium ($50-$65 for 100ml)
3. Kérastase Resistance Serum Thérapiste
Description: Intensive repair for severely damaged, brittle, or chemically treated hair. High concentration of repairing ingredients.
Key Benefits:
- Repairs severe damage
- Restores elasticity
- Reduces breakage
- Improves hair strength
- Adds shine to damaged hair
- Long-lasting results
Key Ingredients:
- Ceramide R (repair)
- Gluco peptide (strengthening)
- Protein complex (restoration)
Best For:
- Severely damaged hair
- Chemically treated hair
- Brittle, breaking hair
- Hair recovering from treatments
- Intensive repair needs
How to Use:
- Apply to towel-dried hair
- Focus on damaged areas
- Leave in, no rinsing
- Use 2-3 times per week
- Can be used with other Resistance products
Price Range: Premium ($60-$80 for 90ml)
4. Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Rose Hair Oil Serum
Description: Lightweight version of Elixir Ultime for fine hair. Adds shine and smoothness without heaviness.
Key Benefits:
- Lightweight formula
- Adds shine to fine hair
- Doesn't weigh hair down
- Frizz control
- Heat protection
- Suitable for daily use
Key Ingredients:
- Argan oil (lightweight moisture)
- Maize oil
- Rose extract (fragrance and benefits)
Best For:
- Fine hair
- Thin hair
- Hair that gets weighed down easily
- Daily styling
- Lightweight protection
How to Use:
- Use 1-2 drops only
- Apply to ends and mid-lengths
- Avoid roots if hair is very fine
- Can be used daily
Price Range: Premium ($50-$65 for 100ml)
5. Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
Description: Overnight treatment for dry hair. Works while you sleep to restore moisture and softness.
Key Benefits:
- Overnight moisturizing
- Restores dry hair
- Reduces morning frizz
- Improves manageability
- Wake up to softer hair
- Intensive hydration
Key Ingredients:
- Irisome complex (moisture)
- Gluco peptide
- Ceramide
Best For:
- Very dry hair
- Dehydrated hair
- Hair needing intensive moisture
- Overnight treatment
- Regular deep conditioning
How to Use:
- Apply to dry hair before bed
- Focus on ends and mid-lengths
- Massage gently
- Leave overnight
- Wash out in morning
- Use 2-3 times per week
Price Range: Premium ($55-$70 for 90ml)
6. Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti-Frizz Serum
Description: Smoothing and anti-frizz serum for unruly, frizzy hair. Provides lasting smoothness and control.
Key Benefits:
- Controls frizz effectively
- Smooths hair
- Adds shine
- Long-lasting results
- Lightweight formula
- Humidity resistance
Key Ingredients:
- Glucose derivative (smoothing)
- Ceramide (protection)
- Gluco peptide
Best For:
- Frizzy hair
- Unruly hair
- Hair in humid climates
- Smooth styling
- Daily frizz control
How to Use:
- Apply to damp hair
- Work through from roots to ends
- Style as usual
- Can be used with Discipline shampoo and conditioner
Price Range: Premium ($50-$65 for 90ml)
7. Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Protecteur Serum
Description: Color protection serum for color-treated hair. Prevents fading and maintains vibrancy.
Key Benefits:
- Protects color-treated hair
- Prevents color fading
- Adds shine to colored hair
- UV protection
- Maintains color vibrancy
- Extends color life
Key Ingredients:
- Color-protecting complex
- UV filters
- Ceramide
Best For:
- Color-treated hair
- Highlighted hair
- Balayage hair
- Maintaining color vibrancy
- Post-color care
How to Use:
- Apply after coloring
- Use regularly to maintain color
- Apply to wet or dry hair
- Focus on colored sections
Price Range: Premium ($55-$70 for 90ml)
Comparison Guide: Which Serum Should You Choose?
For Hair Loss/Thinning:
Choose: Genesis Anti-Hair-Fall Serum
For Daily Shine & Frizz Control:
Choose: Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil Serum
For Fine Hair Needing Lightweight Shine:
Choose: Elixir Ultime L'Huile Rose
For Severely Damaged Hair:
Choose: Resistance Serum Thérapiste
For Very Dry Hair:
Choose: Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
For Frizzy/Unruly Hair:
Choose: Discipline Fluidissime Anti-Frizz Serum
For Color-Treated Hair:
Choose: Chroma Absolu Soin Protecteur Serum
Can You Use Multiple Kérastase Serums?
Yes, but use them strategically:
- Use one serum as primary treatment
- Layer sparingly to avoid buildup
- Genesis (scalp) + Elixir Ultime (ends) works well
- Avoid overloading fine hair
How to Use Kérastase Serums Effectively
General Tips:
1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair for best absorption
2. Use the right amount - start with less, add if needed
3. Apply to mid-lengths and ends unless directed otherwise
4. Massage scalp serums (like Genesis) into roots
5. Distribute evenly with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
6. Use heat protection serums before styling
7. Don't over-apply to avoid greasiness
Application Techniques:
- For oil serums: Warm 2-3 drops in palms, apply from ends upward
- For treatment serums: Apply section by section for even coverage
- For scalp serums: Part hair and apply directly to scalp, massage gently
Benefits of Using Kérastase Hair Serums
- Professional-grade formulas
- Targeted solutions for specific concerns
- High-quality ingredients
- Long-lasting results
- Luxurious feel and fragrance
- Suitable for various hair types
- Heat protection included
- Salon-quality results at home
Cost and Value
Kérastase serums are premium ($50-$80), but offer:
- High concentration of active ingredients
- Long-lasting results (bottles last 2-3 months with regular use)
- Professional-quality formulas
- Versatile multi-purpose use
- Investment in hair health
Where to Buy Kérastase Hair Serums
- Official Kérastase website
- Sephora
- Ulta Beauty
- Professional salons
- High-end department stores
- Authorized online retailers
- Beauty supply stores
Always buy from authorized retailers to ensure authenticity.
Customer Reviews & Results
Genesis Anti-Hair-Fall Serum:
Users report: Noticeable reduction in hair fall, stronger hair, less breakage, improved scalp health
Elixir Ultime Original:
Users report: Instant shine, frizz control, lightweight feel, great heat protection, pleasant scent
Elixir Ultime L'Huile Rose:
Users report: Perfect for fine hair, doesn't weigh down, adds shine without greasiness
Resistance Serum Thérapiste:
Users report: Significant repair for damaged hair, reduced breakage, restored strength
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use Kérastase serums daily?
A: Yes, most are suitable for daily use. Check specific product instructions.
Q: Are Kérastase serums suitable for all hair types?
A: Yes, different serums target different needs. Choose based on your hair type and concerns.
Q: How long do Kérastase serums last?
A: With regular use, most 90-100ml bottles last 2-3 months.
Q: Can I use serums with other hair products?
A: Yes, they work well with matching Kérastase shampoos and conditioners, and with other brands.
Q: Are Kérastase serums tested on animals?
A: Check current L'Oréal/Kérastase policy, as it may have changed.
Q: What's the difference between Elixir Ultime Original and Rose?
A: Rose is lighter, designed for fine hair. Original works for all hair types but can be heavier.
Q: Can men use Kérastase serums?
A: Yes, especially Genesis for hair loss concerns.
Q: Do serums replace conditioner?
A: No, use serums as a finishing treatment, not as a conditioner replacement.
Conclusion
Kérastase offers targeted serums for different needs. Genesis addresses hair loss, Elixir Ultime adds shine and frizz control, Resistance repairs damage, and others target dryness, frizz, and color protection. Choose based on your primary concern and hair type for best results. While premium, they deliver salon-quality benefits and can be a worthwhile investment.