My hair is damaged and dry. It’s my own fault really, I was the one that insisted on getting a loose body perm and then added a few highlights a couple months later. I also use a lot of heat in my styling. I’ve managed to repair a lot of the damage with Olaplex and repeated in salon and at home Kerastase Fusio Dose treatments, but I was searching for a new shampoo and conditioner duo that would baby my damaged hair a bit, without weighing it down.
At my last hair appointment I told my stylist (I see Tiffany at One One Nine in Ann Arbor, Michigan) that despite my damage and the breakage I was seeing every day, I wanted to try to grow my hair out longer. Tiffany immediately recommended the new Kerastase Résistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo and Fondant Extentioniste Conditioner duo.
The Résistance Extentioniste products feature 2 main ingredients to help your damaged hair. The first is Creatine, which penetrates down into the hair shaft to “reinforce” the internal structure of the hair. The second ingredient(s) are ceramides, to smooth the surface of the hair. When the shampoo and conditioner are combined with the scalp and hair serum (Serum Extensioniste), they found 99% less breakage and 78% fewer split ends.
The first time I used the Résistance Extentioniste shampoo and conditioner I saw a difference in my hair and the breakage of my ends. It felt softer and smoother even without any products applied, and after brushing my hair there were no longer little broken hairs all over the counter. I was amazed! And the results seen to get better as I use the shampoo longer.
I’ve had the Résistance Extentioniste products for about 4 weeks now, and while I’m not sure my hair is growing any faster (confession: my hair grows pretty fast on its own), I do think that it is breaking a lot less. Less breakage means I won’t need to trim as much of my hair off at my routine appointments, and in the long run my hair will grow longer faster.
I know I’ll be repurchasing the Résistance Extentioniste shampoo and conditioner. Are you trying to regrow your hair also? Let me know what you’re doing to make your hair healthier in the comments!
Update:
I’ve since purchased the serum, mask and blow-dry primer.
I honestly can’t tell what (if anything) the serum adds to everything. It says to apply to scalp and hair. I’ve applied to both, one or the other… I don’t notice much. I wonder if it is meant to do something over time, but I’m unsure about that, so I’d recommend skipping that product.
The mask is definitely worth the splurge! I’ve been using it about once a week instead of the regular conditioner and it is amazing. It does everything the regular conditioner does but with more moisture. It does not weigh down my hair. I definitely recommend buying this one. The jar will likely last me 4-5 months, so spread out the cost isn’t too bad.
The blow-dry primer is also a good buy. I have a ton of blow dry primers (I’ve run out of storage space, again, for all of my hair styling products. I have a weakness for them). This one works well for smoothing frizz and preparing my hair styling. If you have a lot of damage I’d recommend checking this out as well.
Kerastase Résistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo and Fondant Extentioniste Conditioner
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I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!
I’m a longtime user of the Resistance line, especially the masque and leave-in conditioner, even though I don’t like the smell, because it’s so effective at softening and smoothing damaged ends and “reviving” dry, over-processed hair. Have you ever used that, to be able to compare it to the new Extentioniste line? Does the new line have that same “bug spray” fragrance?
Thank you.
I’ve used all of the Resistance line basically, and I agree with you about the scent of many of the products! In my mind they’re “bad, overwhelming cologne”. I actually couldn’t remember the scent at all of these products (I guess that’s why I didn’t mention it like I usually do in my post). I had to go back to my shower to check it out! There is a bit of that scent, but it’s about 25% of what it is in the other products, and it isn’t quite so bad cologne. A little more floral? Really, it is much, much better!
i am facing the same problem and i am definately gonna use this shampoo . thank you for writing such a beautiful and helpful article. i just hope this shampoo works for me too.
I’ve used these products for about a year and doubt I’ll ever switch again.
Hi, Christine!
Thank you for the review. I bleached my hair by myself (and colored them purple), so I’m looking for a shampoo that can restore them and don’t ruin my color. So will it go for colored hair?
Thank you in advance
Jennifer
It should be fine! I color my hair too.
Gosh, this is so helpful, as I have the same problems! Thanks so much!
hello there. are kerastase products safe during pregnancy?
You don’t need to worry about hair products with the exception of any treatment products that you’re applying to your scalp
Does it also straighten ur hair?
No, it is to help treat the damage
Hi Christine,
I want to buy a new shampoo and condintioner but I am not sure if it is safe to use while pregnant. Would you please take a look at these products? Thank you.
1/ Rahua Voluminous Shampoo
https://m.sephora.com/product/voluminous-shampoo-P407488
Ingredients
-Rahua (Ungurahua): Fortifies weak, damaged strands, nourishes, and maintains hair follicle and scalp health; its super-fine molecules push color pigmentation deep into the hair shaft, greatly extending color endurance.
-Lavender: Calms the mind and soothes the senses.
-Eucalyptus: Keeps hair clean longer and extends the time between shampoos; has clarifying and antimicrobial properties.
-Organic Green Tea: Full of antioxidants to protect hair and scalp and aid in mitigating damage from harmful UV rays.
-Organic Lemongrass: Give hair bounce, body, and volume by gently removing excess oils from the scalp and hair shaft without compromising their moisture balance and integrity.
-Quinoa: A gluten-free superfood revitalizes hair and promotes healing and moisture retention.
-Organic Rosemary: This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb delivers protection from free radicals and a fresh, piney scent.
Water, Herbal Infusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract* and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Coco Betaine, Sodium Chloride (Sea salt), Saccharum Officinarum (Molasses) Extract, Glycerin, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua) Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Potassium Sorbate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil*, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Chlorophyll. *Organic.
Rahua Voluminous Conditioner
Water, Herbal Infusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract*, and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Colza oil), Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua) Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride (plant derived), Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil*, Panthenol, Citric Acid. *Organic.
2/ Together Beauty VX Voluminous Shampoo
https://m.sephora.com/product/together-beauty-vx-volumizing-shampoo-P446884?icid2=products%20grid:p446884:product
Ingredients
-Tilia Bud Extract: Moisturizes and adds long-lasting volume and buoyancy.
-Chamomile and Sage Extract: Soothe and add shine.
-Peppermint Oil: Enhances fuller-looking hair.
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower/Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Fragrance.
3/ KÉRASTASE Specifique Shampoo for Oily Scalp
https://m.sephora.com/product/specifique-shampoo-for-oily-scalp-P434447?icid2=products%20grid:p434447
Ingredients
-Glycine: Helps balance sebum production to help purify the scalp.
-Vitamin B6: nourishes and strengthens the fiber.
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tea-Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide Mipa, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycol Distearate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Methylparaben, Polyquaternium-11, Salicylic Acid, Carbomer, Ethylparaben, Pyridoxine Hcl, Menthoxypropanediol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Methylparaben, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fumaric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Fragrance.
You don’t need to worry about hair products.
Hi Christine,
Thank you so much
hi doc! I really don’t know where the right post to ask this tbh. so I’m using this treatment shampoo for dandruff problems. would you please review this wether it’s safe for pregnancy or not?
Selsun Yellow Double Impact.
Ingredients:
Aqua, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Distearyl Phthalic Acid Amide, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Crosspolymer, Selenium Sulfide, Cocamide DEA, Ammonium Sulfate, Zinc Pyrithione, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Ammonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Lauryl Alcohol, Glycerin, Formaldehyde, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulphonate, Bentonite, Cl 15510
Thank you!
This is fine! The Head and Shoulders green apple is also safe
ah thank you doc! I’m really happy I found your website. really helping me. I never knew that salycilate and chemical sunscreen are not safe for pregnancy (which I use everyday) and I don’t think my obgyn said anything about those. well I’m not expecting right now, but just in case you know. once again, thank you! have a nice day!
Hi Doc,
Would the Kerastase Genesis shampoo and conditioner be safe?
Kerastase Genesis Strengthening Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair
Aqua / Water / Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Glycerin, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract / Ginger Root Extract, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Xylitol Xanthan Gum, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Parfum / Fragrance.
Kerastase Genesis Strengthening Conditioner
Aqua / Water / Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil /Sunflower Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetyl Esters, Tartaric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract / Ginger Root Extract, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Xylitol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Parfum / Fragrance.
I have a post almost done for Kerastase, I need to finish it!
All of their shampoos (and this conditioner) have salicylate in them and aren’t safe for pregnancy. Ok for nursing though. And conditioners only go on your hair not your scalp, so you can probably keep using it no problem.
Oh I see, that’s a bummer then cause I like the brand a lot…would you say that living proof be a better option then? For example:
Living Proof Restore Shampoo
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, PCA Glyceryl Oleate, Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate (OFPMA), Dihydroxypropyl PEG-5 Linoleammonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-47, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-22, Laureth-4, Laureth-23, IPDI/PEG-15 Soyamine Copolymer Dimer Dilinoleate, Disteareth-100 IPDI, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Steareth-100, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Magnesium Nitrate, Magnesium Chloride.
Living Proof Restore Conditioner
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate (OFPMA), Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ceteareth-25, Quaternium-87, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Magnesium Nitrate, Magnesium Chloride.
Also thanks a bunch for taking all the time to look through all these products Doc!!
These are fine. But really, you don’t need to worry about hair products unless you’re applying to your scalp, which you shouldn’t be doing with conditioner. Your hair is dead proteins and can’t absorb a thing.
Alright I’ll try not to worry too much about all the haircare products haha thank you so much!!!!! 🙂