Replacing what calcium takes out of the hair with citric acid and glycine, you’re left with the smoothest hair you could have ever imagined

I’ve been going to Paris since my post grad days when I studied in London in 2011, but I've been going to Paris at least 4 times a year since entering the fashion industry in 2019. And, I’ve seen Kérastase hair products advertised here and there but I’ve never paid close attention to the renowned hair care brand for one reason. As a black woman, from the time we are little girls, our mothers warn us to be careful about hair products that aren’t made for black hair. But, Kérastase has always been about helping women “harness personal power,” through quality hair care products, and that includes for all hair types. I’ve come to find as a black woman that it’s a hair product that I can trust.

Every race typically finds beauty in one area. The Arab world is really strong in makeup, while the Black world takes pride in hair. When my mom hasn’t seen me for a while, the first thing she does when she’s looking me over is comments on my hair. It’s the same for my cousins, our hair is a priority for our mothers, and it’s often the thing that brings us the most stress. So, when I was invited to attend Kérastase Power Talks Summit back in October, and I was given some hair products from the brand, my 10-year-old self began to question: but my mom said I can’t use products that aren’t made especially for black hair…

The first product I was introduced to was Kérastase’s Premiére Haircare Range, a product that back in October hadn’t been unveiled on the market yet. As I stood and listened to the Kérastase representative talk about the products, my takeaway was that it puts nutrients back into the hair that the chemicals from shower water takes away. In Rosa Carriço’s own words, Kérastase’s Global Brand President: “The calcium in water amplifies the effects of damage on hair. Understanding this enabled us to create a range that first decalcifies hair and then repairs it, by helping reconnect the keratin bonds. With Première, we are repairing hair further, deeper and more long term than ever before."

Kérastase breaks down the science: while water is good for you, it’s not good for your hair, due to all the chemicals that are put in faucet water. “Calcium is like kryptonite for the hair. When it accumulates, it leads to persistent damage,” notes the brand. And because 8 in 10 women are concerned with hair damage and 41% are looking for anti-breakage solutions, Kérastase created a line that has 12 patents with 600+ tests and found the first combination of citric acid that removes calcium buildup. “The citric acid, at a 3% concentration, has a molecular shape with three arms that bind to the calcium, trap it and eliminate it. The glycine (that repairs damage), at 5% concentration, is tiny enough to penetrate the deepest layers of the fiber to recreate the hair’s strength. Et voila! The hair returns to its premier state,” says Edine Ahbich, Kérastase’s Global Scientific Director in notes.

Once I got assurance that it’s a brand for all hair types, I took some samples with me back to the US, hesitantly wanting to try out. Immediately after doing each step, my hair felt stronger and just all around amazing. And after blow drying, I was a Kérastase’s Premiére believer. My mom looked at my hair and said that the new product is good for your hair. So, once mom approved and specifically, Black mom approved, I knew I had to write about the range of products in the line.

A completely reliable product for hair, you’ll be left feeling empowered because your hair will look great. I still have my go-to hair products but my shower and under my bathroom sink is being taken over by Kérastase products. It’s a brand for all hair types, with something for everyone that will make you hold your head a little bit higher, because on the inside it will give you the confidence you need to go out into the world and do your calling.