Pureology Precious Oil

Pureology is a brand inspired by organic matter and how it breathes life into hair. And, here is that one philosophy that gets beyond the marketing cache to bring completely pure products to treat up dry tresses. Take, for instance, the recently launched Precious Oil ($40), which is a weightless, serum-like treatment that is the first Green Seal certified product. This means the hair oil is 100% biodegradable, silicon/paraben free and is holistically recaptured to reduce environmental impact.

So, you feel good about getting a 100% eco-safe product. How about one that serves as a refuge from frizzy, brittle strands? Well, here’s some interesting news for you. Turns out the moisture from everyday water isn’t hair’s or salon colouring’s BFF. Steven Henley, Senior Director of US Education for Pureology, says, “Water is the biggest enemy of hair colour. The natural state of hair is to be hydrophobic, which means it repels water. However as we colour our hair, our hair shaft weakens and becomes hydrophilic, thus attracting water and causing colour to leak from the hair. Precious Oil actually penetrates the hair to rebuild the lipid content, thus returning hair from it’s hydrophilic to hydrophobic state. It literally turns back the clock on hair damage!”

For years, I thought highlights faded due to stripping shampoos, but it turns out it was also helped by plain ‘ole water. And, there’s nothing more confusing then shopping for the appropriate shampoo & conditioner for wispy fine hair that is colour-treated. So, a hair oil makes good sense.

Precious Oils uses Sunflower Seed, Olive Fruit, Jojoba Seed & Coconut carriers to treat fragile strands with deft doses of Omega 6 fatty acids, phospholipids, and vitamins to deliver a mega-shine finish and protect professional hair colours. Of the lot, what’s interesting to note is how Coconut oil has high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This is what prevents breakage of hair while improving elasticity. And, with its low molecular weight, it penetrates the hair shaft on spot to bring out some serious silkiness.

Precious Oil also includes their proprietary OleoAntiFadeComplex, which “guarantees to deliver 4X active ingredients from root to tip to provide superior colour retention.” A quick review of the label shows the key ingredients are oils, so it’s nice to know it’s the pure stuff getting in deep to protect against damage from chemicals. Scentwise, it’s trying to be a suitingly mature coconutty floral with a tropical bent. It works nice and lasts a bit if you use the oil as a leave-in conditioner to detangle with a few drops. This is the suggested method for coarse or curlier hair types. Straight-laced ladies can use 1-2 drops before shampoo-ing to give deeper conditioning. It does wash out with one rinse, so don’t think you’ll be left looking like a grease monkey.

Precious Oil is a refreshing move away from chemically-laden serums, which…oh, well, you’ve read enough of my posts on the tyranny of their uselessness. Nice to see an oil that has improved the quality of mass market oils out there. Yes, they are now the norm.

Price: $$$
Scent Classification: Green, Woody
Viscosity: Ultralight viscous (2/10)