Kérastase Genesis: Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root and How the Range Works

TL;DR:

• Kérastase Genesis is designed for weakened hair that falls due to breakage — not scalp-level hair loss
• The key actives are Edelweiss Native Cells (antioxidant protection) and Ginger Root (strengthening and fortification)
• The range works best on hair that feels fragile, brittle, or prone to snapping during brushing and styling
• A daily anti-hair fall serum is the most targeted Genesis product — applied to the scalp, left in
• Results take 3 to 6 months of consistent use — hair grows slowly and structural improvement takes time

If your hair is breaking more than it should — more strands in the brush, snapping when you comb, fragile-feeling mid-lengths — Kérastase Genesis is the range built around this specific concern. Here's how it works and which products do what.

Meet the experts:
Royston and Warren at Cavendish Square — Judy, head trainer — Lewis, owner — Jackie at Gardens Centre — Debbie and Nikí at V&A Waterfront — Danny and Charlene at Canal Walk — Lynette, Samantha and Dominique at Constantia Village

01 — What Genesis Is Designed For

Kérastase Genesis targets hair fall caused by breakage — the hair shaft snapping through the lengths rather than shedding from the follicle. It's an important distinction. If you're finding short broken pieces rather than full-length strands with a white bulb at the root, that's the breakage Genesis addresses.

"Genesis is the range I recommend when a client's hair is getting shorter despite no haircut, or when they're finding broken pieces everywhere during brushing," says Royston at Cavendish. "That pattern — breaking through the mid-lengths — is what Genesis was formulated for. It's not a scalp treatment. It's a strengthening routine for the hair fibre itself."

02 — The Two Key Ingredients

Edelweiss Native Cells are extracted from the alpine Edelweiss flower, known for its exceptional resilience in harsh environments. In hair care, Edelweiss Native Cells function as a powerful antioxidant — neutralising free radicals that can damage the hair fibre and scalp, and protecting against oxidative stress from styling, environmental exposure, and colour services.

Ginger Root is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the scalp from external aggressors and strengthen the hair fibre. Together, the two actives create a dual approach: protection against damage at the structural level, and fortification of the existing fibre.

03 — The Genesis Products

Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum 90ml

The most targeted Genesis product. Applied daily to the scalp, left in — not rinsed. Contains Aminexil alongside Edelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root to help re-anchor the hair follicle more firmly into the scalp and reinforce the hair's natural protective barrier. "The serum is the active treatment step," says Debbie at the Waterfront. "The shampoo and conditioner support it, but the serum is where the targeted work happens." Shop the Genesis Serum →

Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo 250ml

For dry, weakened hair prone to breakage and shedding. Gently clarifies and reinforces the hair fibre while delivering hydration. Enriched with Edelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root. Shop Genesis Shampoo →

Genesis Fondant Conditioner 200ml

Lightweight anti-breakage conditioner. Smooths, strengthens, and softens the hair fibre without weighing it down. Applied mid-lengths to ends after every shampoo. Shop Genesis Conditioner →

Genesis Défense Thermique Blow-Dry Primer 150ml

Heat protection and fortification in one step. Applied to damp hair before blow-drying. Protects up to 220°C while reinforcing the fibre against breakage from heat stress. Shop Genesis Blow-Dry Primer →

Genesis Masque Reconstituant 200ml

Intensive weekly mask for weakened, breakage-prone hair. Used once a week in place of conditioner. Nourishes, detangles, and reinforces the fibre to reduce breakage-related hair fall. Shop Genesis Mask →

04 — The Genesis Routine

Wash days (2 to 4 times per week): Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo — Genesis Fondant Conditioner mid-lengths to ends — (weekly: swap conditioner for Genesis Masque Reconstituant) — towel dry — Genesis Défense Thermique before blow-drying.

Daily: Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum applied to dry or damp scalp in areas of concern. Not rinsed out.

"Consistency over three to six months is what makes the difference," says Judy, head trainer. "Hair grows approximately 1cm per month. The improvement shows up gradually. Clients who assess after two weeks and stop haven't given it a fair chance."

05 — When Genesis Isn't Enough

If your hair is breaking because it's severely damaged from bleach, heavy chemical services, or prolonged heat without protection, Genesis may need to be paired with a repair-focused range like Kérastase Résistance or Première. A stylist consultation helps identify whether the main issue is structural weakness, moisture deficiency, chemical damage, or a combination.

06 — Lifestyle Factors That Support the Routine

Products work best when the causes of breakage are also addressed: gentle handling (wide-tooth comb on wet hair, avoid aggressive brushing), reduced heat frequency, adequate protein in the diet (hair is made of keratin), and iron levels checked if breakage is significant. A routine that combines Genesis with improved habits gives the best long-term result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Genesis and hair loss?

Genesis targets hair fall from breakage — the hair shaft snapping through the lengths. If you're experiencing shedding from the scalp (full-length strands with a white bulb at the root), that's a different concern requiring different treatment. See your GP or a trichologist for scalp-level hair loss.

How long does Genesis take to work?

Most clients start noticing reduced breakage and stronger-feeling hair within 6 to 8 weeks. Full results are assessed at 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use of the serum and regular use of the shampoo, conditioner, and mask.

Can I use Genesis on colour-treated hair?

Yes — Genesis is suitable for colour-treated hair where breakage is the main concern. If colour vibrancy is the priority, pair with Kérastase Chroma Absolu for colour-treated care.

Do I need the full range or just the serum?

The serum is the most targeted Genesis product and can be used alongside any sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. The full range gives the most comprehensive result as every step reinforces the same strengthening approach.

Where can I buy Kérastase Genesis in South Africa?

Partners Hair stocks the full Genesis range online and in our Cape Town salons. We're an authorised Kérastase stockist — all products are authenticated and sourced from official South African distributors.

Shop the full Kérastase Genesis range at Partners Hair, or book a scalp consultation at your nearest Cape Town salon. Free delivery on orders over R390.