In the ever-evolving landscape of hair care, certain products rise to cult status, capturing the hearts (and strands) of beauty enthusiasts worldwide. One product soaring since 2022, that has earned its place in the haircare hall of fame, is the new ‘must have’ pre-shampoo. Pre-shampoos have become deep conditioning treatments and bond builders that you apply to damp hair before washing and conditioning.
Although brands are launching these regularly, the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is what I’d say is the OG (if there is another OG out there, please do let me know!). It’s renowned for its transformative abilities, as this pre-shampoo treatment has become a beloved staple for those seeking healthier, more vibrant hair.
But what exactly makes the Elasticizer a cult favourite? And has the success of this product in particular accelerated the pre-shampoo industry growth?
Intense Formulations:
I’ve tried the cult Philip Kingsley Elasticizer a few years back (maybe around 7 years ago), and used it a number of time since then. It’s on the pricier side, so over the past two years, I opted for cheaper ‘versions’. Aldi’s pre-shampoo treatment being the main one, and then the not-as-cheap Olaplex No.3.
My hair is dry, parched and bleached to gods glory, so really all I want from a pre-shampoo treatment is a bloomin’ good condition. Strengthening the strands. Intensely moisturising and hydrating the parched strands. Smoothing out the dry frizz. I use A LOT of product, I like scooping out a generous amount and this is what put me slightly off the Olaplex and Aldi pre-shampoo treatments. If I want it to condition, my dry hair always seems to soak up conditioners, therefore I do like to coat it in thick, rich textures. A couple of applications down and the Olaplex No 3 was running out. Don’t get me wrong, I genuinely love the performance of the Olaplex range, I just wish they sold them in big scoop-out tubs.
With the Elasticizer, I couldn’t fault the tub and the texture. At the heart of the Elasticizer’s success lies its groundbreaking formulation, developed by world-renowned trichologist Philip Kingsley in the 1970s, and they say this innovative product was initially created for Audrey Hepburn to restore her hair’s vitality after continuous styling on film sets.
This has resulted in a rich blend of unique ingredients designed to deeply nourish, strengthen, and hydrate the hair from within. It certainly does this in my opinion – the days I use the Elasticizer before my shampoo and condition are the days my hair feels incredibly soft, nourished and super smooth.
Versatile Application:
One of the reasons I have loved the pre-shampoo Elasticizer treatment is because it’s versatile even for my really fine, thin hair. Whether you have fine, limp hair or thick, coarse locks, this treatment caters to all hair types and textures. It doesn’t make my thin hair greasy or heavy feeling, which is a bonus judging from it’s rich texture. Applied to damp hair before shampooing, it works its magic in just 10-20 minutes.
I honestly feel like a good quality pre-shampoo treatment is a versatile hair treatment, helping everything from damage and dryness to frizz and lack of elasticity.
Visible Results:
What truly sets the Elasticizer apart is its ability to deliver visible results from the very first use. This particular one is enriched with hydrolyzed elastin, castor oil, and glycerin, it penetrates the hair shaft, restoring moisture, improving elasticity, and enhancing overall manageability. The result? My hair felt softer, looked shinier, and seems to be more resilient to damage with continued use. They do say that repeated use of a good quality pre-shampoo treatment like the Elasticizer will help to strengthen hair from within, reducing breakage and promoting healthier growth. Mine does feel stronger and healthier the more I use this, it’s just trying to remember to do this 10-20 minute routine before my actual hair wash that sets me back a little.
When I’m jumping in the shower and in a rush – which I usually am – sometimes the pre-shampoo step is the one that goes out of the window…
You can purchase the Elasticizer here (sometimes it’s on offer at lookfantastic – bonus!)
Cult Following:
The Philip Kingsley Elasticizer has garnered a devoted following over the years, with beauty insiders, celebrities, and haircare enthusiasts singing its praises. Its cult status is a testament to its efficacy, with countless users swearing by its transformative powers. Whether it’s backstage at fashion shows, on film sets, or in the bathrooms of beauty aficionados worldwide, the Elasticizer has solidified its place as a holy grail haircare product.
Final Thoughts:
In a market saturated with haircare products promising miraculous results, the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer stands out as a true game-changer and has by far been one that stands out to me. Its revolutionary formulation, versatile application, and visible results have earned it a cult following that spans generations. Whether you’re looking to repair damage, enhance shine, or simply indulge in some self-care, this iconic treatment is one I would recommend. It’s on the pricier end, especially when you use as much as I do in one treatment, but it works a dream to quench my parched hair and start strenghtening from within.
