This Game-Changing Shampoo & Masque Combination Reduces Breakage In Coloured Hair

Our Beauty Editor tries the L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox range.

I’ll admit I came very close to going from blonde to brunette last year. The promise of stronger, healthier tresses and less time at the salon inspired an entire ‘Brunette Inspo’ Pinterest board featuring various shades of expensive brunette – and far too many pictures of Hailey Bieber. But when push came to shove, I came to the conclusion that I will most likely be a bottle blonde for life. If I wanted lengthy, super-soft strands I’d need to find another alternative to embracing my natural hair colour. Since bleach is still on the table, the only way to improve hair health is to reduce further damage.

Did you know that there are metals in our water that can penetrate our hair while we shower? As coloured hair is more sensitive, the cuticles are more open allowing metals to enter the hair easily. These metals not only react with our hair colour but can also weaken the bonds within our hair causing breakage.

Enter: The L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox range.

The L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox range was formulated with Glicomine, a molecule that’s small enough to penetrate and neutralise metal inside the hair fibre, reducing hair breakage by up to 87%!* There’s a 4 step in-salon professional treatment available in selected salons to neutralise metal before any colour or lightening services, as well as a shampoo and masque that you can use at home. As I haven’t tried the in-salon service, I was sceptical of whether I’d notice any changes from using the at-home products alone. But after reading up on the science behind the L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox products, I had to try them out – even if it was just to experience the products' luxe fragrance which was created by an actual French perfumer.

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I’ve been using the same shampoo and conditioner on repeat for over five years, and this shampoo and masque combination has now officially made my weekly rotation. The science behind this product is impressive (more on that later) but even just as a shampoo and masque, my fine, flat hair wasn’t weighed down at all and my locks were so soft and silky that I regretted saving these products for a day with minimal social interaction. These are great products to add to your haircare repertoire if you have coloured hair that’s prone to breakage.

Now, enough about my mop. I spoke to L’Oréal Professionnel Educator, Kristina Page, to find out why the Serie Expert Metal Detox range works and how to get the most out of the products.

How does metal get into our hair fibres in the first place?
“Metals enter the hair through our water. Certain geographical areas may have naturally higher levels of metals in their water. People who live in older homes that have copper piping in the plumbing, tank water, or those that swim in pools or beaches are at risk of greater levels of metals in their hair.”

Why is it important to neutralise metal from our hair?
“Not neutralising the metals means the hair is more susceptible to breakage when coloured.”

How often should you use the Metal Detox products?
“Salons should perform a full metal detox service with every colour. For clients looking to future proof their hair from metals re-entering their hair between colour services, they should use the retail 1-2 times per week. It works perfectly alongside a client's regular hair care.”

How soon can you expect to see results?
“In most cases immediately after a full salon service. It may take longer for someone who just uses the home hair care as the concentration of the active ingredient isn’t as concentrated.”

How does the range work alongside other damage repair products such as bonding products?
“Bonding products look to replicate the bonds of the hair that may have broken. Metal Detox neutralises the metal which may cause damage to occur. Not all hair damage occurs with hair colour – some occurs through the use of heated styling tools.”

What does a hair routine using the Metal Detox range look like?
“Have the full service in salon when you have your colour done and use the home care 1-2x per week.”

Could someone who doesn’t have bleached or highlighted hair use the range?
“Yes, if they swim or know they have old copper piping at home. 48% of hair tested in Australia was found to have high levels of metals in their hair.”

Are there any other benefits you can expect from using the range?
“Hair colours have improved colour clarity, evenness of tone and the results stay true to tone for longer. Hair is stronger and shinier.”

*Instrumental test, after application of Pre-treatment + technical procedure + Shampoo + Masque.

Fast delivery – free over $50 – and free returns.

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