One of my favorite things about Natalie Gray Herder—our senior commerce editor, in-house fro-yo expert, and online-shopping extraordinaire—is her effortless style. She always looks chic, but in a way that clearly comes naturally to her. She has what the French would call "je ne sais quoi," and what I would describe as California coolness. And of course, that extends to her beauty regimen. I wasn't even aware Natalie dyed her hair blonde until I overheard her complaining that her color only feels fresh for a few weeks post-dye.
"Everyone thinks I'm extra for this, but I am currently in a long-distance relationship with my hairdresser of over 15 years (Rachel Foos at Cleo Hair Salon in Agoura Hills, California, if you're curious)," she tells me. "There is no one else I'd let touch my color—she is the master of this bright blonde. I travel back home at least four times a year to see her, and my friends and family, of course. Fortunately, I don't have super dark roots, and I lift within 10 minutes of getting foils on, but around two months after my appointment, I start to get antsy for a touch-up."
I appreciate her hometown loyalty, so I let Natalie know there are simple solutions out there for keeping her blonde bright and healthy until she can get back to L.A.: Kérastase's Blond Absolu line.
I sent her home with three items from the collection and a mission—try each product and tell me your hair doesn't immediately look and feel better. Spoiler alert: She agreed.
Why Kérastase Blond Absolu?
Given Natalie's low-maintenance routine, I wanted to make it clear that bright, blonde hair is possible without a vanity full of products. Kérastase's Blond Absolu is formulated to strengthen, hydrate, and nourish blonde hair while also revealing salon-like softness and brightness for up to two months between appointments. This is perfect for Natalie, who needs to stretch her color that long between salon visits.
With the summer coming up, I also knew that Natalie's hair needed extra protection from aggressors like sun, chlorine, and saltwater, all of which can make fading, dryness, and breakage worse for blondes. The Blond Absolu line would help to tackle all of the above.
Step 1: Cleanse With Shampoo
Natalie mentioned she'd been burned by purple shampoos in the past (they actually left purple stains in her hair), so I assured her that no purple shampoo was needed here. Instead, I told her to start with the Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo. The clear gel consistency is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to help hydrate, strengthen, and clarify strands. It also helps close the cuticle to add a healthy dose of shine and frizz control.
Natalie told me she was on day four of not washing her hair when she finally tested the shampoo and was amazed that it was "sudsy without stripping," providing the deep clean she craved without leaving her strands feeling stripped.
Step 2: Hydrate With Conditioner
Next up, was Kérastase's Blond Absolu Cicaflash Conditioner. Blonde hair is prone to damage because dye can break down keratin bonds, causing hair to feel brittle, weak, and dry. This gel is a pale lavender (not a rich purple), which not only helps brighten blonde hair, but also hydrates, softens, and strengthens. According to Natalie, the conditioner was "super nourishing without weighing my hair down."
Step 3: Protect With a Leave-In Spray
Last, but certainly not least, I told Natalie to spritz her damp hair with the Kérastase Blond Absolu Blonde Guard Hydrating Wonder Shield Leave-in Spray post-shower. Not only does the lightweight formula help to protect against heat damage, but it also shields against sun, saltwater, chlorine, and sweat, which can strip and dehydrate the hair even further. Natalie dubbed this product her favorite.
"I am usually hesitant to use anything heavier than a detangling spray, but this protected and hydrated my hair beautifully," Natalie says. "I swear it even helped speed up the blow-dry time."
I also suggested she bring this to the beach with her when she heads home to L.A. for added protection from the elements.
Step 4: Admire Your Results
As for the results?
"The before-and-after images speak for themselves," Natalie gushes. "My hair is brighter and softer. I can't stop touching it."
"Now that I've tried this line, I don't think I should ever be without it," she continues. "It checks off every box I look for in my haircare: lightweight, hydrating, and brightening."
My work here is done.
