Kérastase Shampoo

Kérastase calls every shampoo a Bain. Each Bain is formulated for one hair concern rather than one hair type, which is why the range runs from a gentle nourishing wash for dry hair to strengthening, colour-protecting, purifying and scalp-calming formulas. Every bottle sold here is genuine Kérastase from the official South African distributor, the same stock used in Partners Hair salons.

Nutritive — Bain Satin for dry hair, from fine to thick. Résistance — Bain Force Architecte and Bain Extentioniste for damaged, weakened or slow-growing lengths. Genesis — Bain Hydra-Fortifiant and Bain Nutri-Fortifiant for hair that falls due to breakage. Densifique — Bain Densité for hair that feels thinner than it used to. Chroma Absolu — Bain Chroma Respect for colour-treated hair. Blond Absolu — Bain Lumière and the purple Bain Ultra-Violet for blonde, highlighted and grey hair. Discipline — Bain Fluidealiste for frizz. Curl Manifesto — Bain Hydratation Douceur for curls and coils. Spécifique — Bain Divalent, Bain Vital Dermo-Calm and Bain Anti-Pelliculaire for oily, sensitive or flaky scalps. Elixir Ultime — for shine. Première — Bain Décalcifiant Réparateur to remove the calcium build-up that makes hair stiff.

Dry, dull hair: Nutritive Bain Satin. Breakage, split ends, hair that won't grow past a certain length: Résistance Bain Extentioniste. Hair shedding or thinning: Genesis for breakage-related fall, Densifique if the concern is overall density. Fresh colour: Chroma Absolu. Blonde going brassy: Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet twice a week, Bain Lumière on other wash days. Frizz and humidity: Discipline. Curls: Curl Manifesto. Oily or itchy scalp: Spécifique. If two concerns overlap, treat the scalp with the shampoo and the lengths with the matching mask.

Is Kérastase shampoo sulphate-free?

Several ranges are, including Chroma Absolu, Curl Manifesto and Première, and others are formulated with gentle surfactants. The product page for each Bain lists its formulation.

How much should I use?

Less than you think. One pump for short hair, two for long hair, worked into the scalp with fingertips and rinsed. A second lather is only needed if you use a lot of styling product. A 250ml bottle typically lasts six to eight weeks at two or three washes a week.

Which Kérastase shampoo is best for hair loss?

Genesis if your hair is falling because it breaks, Densifique if it feels thinner overall. For hereditary thinning, pair either with a clinically proven treatment — see our hair loss shampoo and hair growth collections.

Do I need the matching conditioner or mask?

The shampoo cleanses and treats the scalp; the conditioner or mask treats the lengths. Using both from the same range gives the full result, but you can mix ranges to match different concerns on scalp and ends.

Partners Hair is an authorised Kérastase stockist with 24 salons across Cape Town, so every bottle is genuine and salon-fresh. Not sure which Bain is right for you? Ask one of our salon-trained stylists through the Ask the Expert form. Free delivery across South Africa on orders over R390.