Worth the Hype: The Kérastase Première System Rescued My Bleach-Blonde Hair from the Horrors of Hard Water

Kérastase Première transforms overprocessed hair from dry and dull to soft and shiny. One writer shares her in-salon and at-home experiences on the line.

By Marie Lodi & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 15 Jul 2024

What Is Kérastase Première?

Nothing beats the feeling of stepping into the shower after a long day, especially when it’s time to wash your hair. However, water—yes, water—can also do some serious damage to your locks. This is due to calcium buildup from hard water running through the pipes in our homes. These mineral deposits can cling to hair, making your color look dull and faded, and causing issues like dry and brittle strands, breakage, and scalp irritation.

The Kérastase Première system is a comprehensive set of six haircare products designed to address the impact of calcium in shower water on hair damage. It starts with a pre-shampoo treatment formulated with a potent mix of glycine and citric acid to remove calcium buildup and bring hair back to life. The system includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, anti-frizz serum, and repair oil. While these six products are for home use, an exclusive treatment is available at Kérastase-carrying salons called the Concentré Liquide Resurfaçant. This treatment is perfect for anyone needing intense decalcification, resulting in stronger, healthier, and shinier hair.

While the system is ideal for processed hair folks like me, anyone with fine to medium damaged hair can benefit from Kérastase Première and create a regimen that works best for their individual concerns.

What Are the Benefits of Kérastase Première?

Unfortunately, the saying "some bonds can’t be broken" doesn’t apply to your hair. When hair is repeatedly exposed to calcium buildup, the keratin bonds can snap or splinter, leading to split ends and breakage. The Kérastase Première system acts as the antidote to aid hair bond repair by descaling strands and getting rid of all that buildup. Not only does it clean everything out, but it also reinforces weak hair bonds and rebuilds the broken links between keratin chains. When the full system is used continuously, it can result in 93% less breakage*, 75% more shine**, and restore up to 99% of the hair’s original strength. Hair feels and looks like brand new—smooth and shiny, with vibrant color.

_ *vs. non-conditioning shampoo_

_ **vs. unwashed hair_

Kérastase Première Concentré Décalcifiant Ultra-Réparateur (Repairing Pre-Shampoo Treatment)

The Kérastase Première Concentré Décalcifiant Ultra-Réparateur is a pre-shampoo treatment designed for use in the shower. This treatment contains a powerful blend of ingredients, including glycine and citric acid, which work together to clean out the calcium buildup from hard water.

To use, apply three to five pumps of the product to wet hair before shampooing. Massage the product throughout your hair and leave it on for five minutes. Do not rinse; instead, layer the next step, Kérastase Première Bain Décalcifiant Réparateur.

Kérastase Première Bain Décalcifiant Réparateur (Repairing Shampoo)

This sulfate-free shampoo formula gently cleanses the scalp and hair while reversing stiffness and resurfacing. It can also be used on all damaged hair types. And while you can use the shampoo on its own, it’s best to layer it right on top of the Kérastase Première Concentré Décalcifiant Ultra-Réparateur, work into your hair and rinse.

Kérastase Première Fondant Fluidité Réparateur (Repairing Conditioner)

When it comes to conditioning, you have two options depending on your hair type. The first is the Première Fondant, a lightweight conditioner that works on fine to medium hair and incorporates the benefits of the citric acid and glycine complex while adding hydration and reducing hair rigidity.

Kérastase Première Masque Filler Réparateur (Anti-Breakage Repairing Hair Mask)

The rich consistency is ideal for those with thicker hair. You can use this once or twice a week to add hydration and reduce the look of split ends.

Kérastase Première Sèrum Filler Fondamental (Repairing Anti-Frizz Serum)

Using a heat protectant product is a must before blowing out your hair or using hot tools, and the Sérum Filler Fondamental provides protection against heat damage up to 450°F.

Kérastase Première Huile Gloss Réparatrice (Intensive Shine Repair Oil)

The Huile Gloss Réparatrice Intensive Shine Repair Oil is ideal for an added shine boost and extra heat protection. Apply one to two drops of the hair oil to damp or dry hair, then blow-dry and heat style.

My Kérastase Première Review

My first experience with the Kérastase Première system was with Josie Russo, an expert stylist at Cristophe Beverly Hills. We started with a consultation, during which Russo explained how my processed blonde hair made me the ideal customer for Kérastase Première.

Russo used the entire Kérastase Première system on me, including the aforementioned in-salon treatment: Concentré Liquide Resurfaçant. I could not be happier with the results. After a killer blowout, my hair looked healthy, shiny, and felt so soft. I felt lucky to have this type of guidance before using the system at home.

The next week, I received the products and started to use Kérastase Première on my own. I use the pre-shampoo once a week and alternate between the conditioner and the mask after shampooing. The difference in my hair is incredible. My strands feel softer and stronger, and the color looks fresh and brighter. Anyone with overprocessed and damaged hair needs to get with the system—the Kérastase Première system, that is. You won’t regret it.