Why Sisley's Restructuring Hair Balm Is Worth It

The Promise

Hair Rituel by Sisley is arguably the best thing to happen to hair since the invention of dry shampoo. The line–which is just as carefully curated and packed with healthy ingredients as the brand's skincare and makeup–takes luxury haircare to a whole new level. The line uses nourishing oils, minerals, vitamins, and natural extracts to treat and style hair, but also to maintain scalp balance for an itch-free life.

One of the newest launches from Hair Rituel is the Restructuring Nourishing Balm (opens in new tab), an upgrade from the standard, been-there-done-that hair mask. For anyone who's once hydrated tresses resemble a brittle haystack, this product is packed with yummy oils–shea, moringa, macadamia–as well as innovative Sisley technology to repair damaged strands, and give back some much-needed moisture.

Why I'm Obsessed

Damaged hair and I have been in a relationship for many, many years. In my wild youth, I used to crank up a flat iron to a whopping 450º to get the severely flat, no-wave-in-sight look that was all the rage. I've never been able to break up with my blowdryer or my heat styling tools, so sadly split ends, dryness, and broken strands are the norm for me. As the owner of naturally wavy or curly hair (depending on the day), I have relied on heat tools to create consistency in my routine. Curly hair tends to be more prone to dehydration, and when you add my styling addiction into play, this has led to flyaways, split ends for days, and overall lackluster hair.

It's no wonder that I got into hair masks to soothe my pain. When Hair Rituel by Sisley put out this version, I needed to give it a try, especially given how enamored I am with the rest of the line. My expectation was that the product would be nice enough, cause no problems, but ultimately not give me results that lasted in a significant way. I'm a hair mask lover, but even I have to admit that sometimes the feel just like a fun pastime rather than an effective treatment.

When I first twisted off the lid of this hair balm, the first thing I noticed was the texture. As a mask connoisseur, I was ready for a standard cream. But instead, this balm reminded me of petroleum jelly, a texture I have never encountered in a hair mask. As I divided my hair and smoothed some scoops onto my mid-lengths and ends, the jelly transformed into an oil that sunk into my hair. I left it on overnight—though you can also just keep it in for 30 minutes—and when I rinsed it out, there was no lingering residue. Only silky, hydrated, frizz-free hair. After gazing lovingly at my ends that no longer felt like straw, I picked up my hairdryer and got to work. Because now that I know I can repair damage with this mask, a little heat every now and then isn't the end of the world.

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