I have a real problem with hair/skin treatments that call themselves “oils” when they are really 90%+ silicone. Bulletin: these are 90% of treatment oils on the market, for hair especially. If you like silicones, and find they work for you, well, this is good news for you. Silicones coat the hair with a smooth glassy finish and give the appearance of smooth silky hair. However, I have found, over time, silicones only mask the problem. Unless you regularly use the clarifying shampoos, silicones will also prevent hair conditioners and masks from helping your hair. In the end, silicone abuse ended up making my hair look like flat, dry straw. So- it has it’s place, if used properly, and if you use the silicones that are water soluble.
I love Kiehl’s, and I love their Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which is a superbly effective cocktail of actual oils that soothe and comfort skin, while adding radiance and moisture. I’d had a sample of Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Dry Oil at one point, and recall using it on my legs and quite liking it. (Note: Kiehl’s is one of the most generous companies when it comes to offering samples. If you try it, you are more likely to buy it. They get it.). I was wondering about the ingredient list the other day as I pondered their dry oil, and mused about it on Twitter. Their social media manager is clearly on the ball, as they replied right away that there were no silicones in the Superbly Restorative Dry Oil. Ding-ding-ding! I ran out and bought it later that day.
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| I take my shiny hair seriously as you can see. Jeesh. |
I shampooed with my new fave ICON India Oil shampoo and conditioner, and after I combed out my hair, I applied a bit of Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Dry Oil to the ends of my hair, before applying my styling products. It has a slightly herbal scent, perhaps a mixture of lavender with woodsy notes (patchouli?) but it really is soft, and does not linger in the hair (or on skin) at all. My hair has seen a lot of sun this summer and is a bit parched so I was hoping it would help. After styling my hair I can honestly say it feels softer and silkier than it has all summer. Less pouffy and dry, yet still bouncy and shiny. So shiny! I would advise using a tiny bit at at time as it would be easy to apply to much which would likely make ones hair look, well, oily. The photo above is the second day after shampooing and I was trying to get the daylight coming in my skylight to hit my hair so you could see how shiny it is. If you could touch my hair, I guarantee it is as soft as it is shiny. Colour me thrilled, despite my serious expression…
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| Want shine built in to your hairspray? Go Gay! Vintage ads rock. |
Bonus: I also used some Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Dry Oil on my skin after the shower, and I loved the way it felt and how it made my skin feel. Again, another product that is perfect to use on bare legs when wearing shorts or skirts, to add a lovely healthy shine and banish dry, scaly or ashy skin. Win!
Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Dry Oil with Argan is available online or at their stores for around $42 for a 125ml bottle.