Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is considered by many to be a holy grail hair rescue product. But for some, Elasticizer is just meh. How can some people swear by it and others be disappointed?
Proper application is key to getting the most out of Elasticizer or Elasticizer Extreme. Not sure how to use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer? Read our top ten tips for best use below.
How to Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: 10 Tips for Best Use
Why Elasticizer is Special
A key ingredient overview helps deconstruct the elusive je ne sais quoi of Elasticizer. Let’s take a look:
Key Ingredients
Olive Oil nourishes hair
OLIVE OIL
Olive Oil moisturizes with Omega-3s and polyphenols. Omegas nourish the hair follicle and make the cuticle smooth and the shaft strong. Olive Oil makes hair smooth and shiny.
Kingsley found Olive Oil works best not as a direct oil application, but within a creamy formula base. It aids in the penetration of the precious vitamins and fatty acids. A creamy formula also makes it easier to wash out without oily residue after use.
HYDROLYZED ELASTIN
Elastin gives hair tensile strength: the ability to stretch. Hydrolyzed Elastin adds body and elasticity to hair. It improves hair’s resistance to breakage and aids moisture retention.
Unlike protein treatments, you cannot over-do elastin. Elastin returns a youthful look to the hair. Elastin is often a missing element in hair maintenance routines, but it is important to keep hair looking vibrant, lush, bouncy and healthy.
No matter what your hair has experienced (coloring, chemicals, hot tools), it likely has lost some Elastin along the way.
Castor seed oil is a humectant
CASTOR OIL
Castor Oil is a humectant. It draws moisture into the hair shaft making it plumper and hydrated. It softens hair with high Vitamin E content. Castor Oil thickens thinning hair and calms the appearance of frizzy hair.
Castor Oil is typically too thick and sticky to apply directly to the hair, but in this formulation, it washes out easily.
GLYCERIN
Glycerin helps hair to retain moisture. This is particularly important for thirsty coarse and curly hair.
Ten Tips on How to Best Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
1. Apply Elasticizer to Fully Damp Hair
Apply Elasticizer to fully damp hair prior to shampooing. Warm the elasticizer slightly in your hands. Smooth the Elasticizer into the length of the hair to help it absorb.
2. Elasticizer Must Fully Absorb
Absorption is the key. It won’t accomplish nearly as much just sitting on the hair surface.
How to do it: I apply Elasticizer to a small section of hair at a time. Then place the hair section between two fingers and gently “squeegee” the product down the hair length to assist absorption.
For sections that don’t absorb after 30 minutes, I re-wet the hair with a spray bottle and repeat the squeegee process.
3. Avoid the Scalp
There is no harm in applying Elasticizer closer to the scalp, but it is most beneficial applied to lengths down to the ends. I focus extra on areas I heat style with my curling wand – bangs, money pieces, and ends.
Some suggest applying from the ear down to the ends.
4. Keep Elasticizer moist
As long as it stays damp, it continues to work. I like to use a processing cap or hair towel to let it stay moist. Your facial steamer can add a special oomph to Elasticizer. If Elasticizer is getting dry and hard, spritz it down.
5. 10-Minute Minimum Use
It takes about five minutes to absorb into the hair. Leave Elasticizer in for a minimum of ten minutes, or even overnight in a covered cap or towel. In the Kingsley Clinics in New York and London, they leave Elasticizer in for 30 minutes.
Don’t have time for a full treatment? Try this tip:
“I like to treat any split or brittle hair with perhaps a teaspoonful, gently worked into my hair and then left overnight. Very economical and a quick and easy boost when I don’t have time for the full works.”
– JENNIFER DYE
PHILIP KINGSLEY HEAD TRICHOTHERAPIST
6. Add heat
Heat intensifies the penetration. Wear Elasticizer while exercising, at the beach or sunbathing, or while taking a steam.
7. Don’t Use Elasticizer before or after Hair Coloring
The packaging says Elasticizer can remove hair color or impede coloring. Don’t use Elasticizer for 3 days before and after coloring. I ignored these directions and found out it is true. The Olive Oil can remove fresh color.
8. Use the Formulation for Your Hair Type
Use the proper Elasticizer formulation for your hair type.
- PK Elasticizer Extreme is for coarse, naturally coiled, or very damaged hair.
- Fine and Medium texture hair should use Elasticizer Intensive.
9. Add-Ins
Elasticizer is an excellent creamy base for your favorite hair oil. Sometimes I add a few drops of warm Jojoba or Avocado oil
10. Stick With It
We find the benefits are cumulative. Courtney initially didn’t see much difference, but after second use, she was wowed by the results. Lyn’s coarse and colored hair responded well to Elasticizer Intense, but benefits far more from Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer Extreme.
TIP: gently squeegee Elasticizer into the hair to aid absorption.
Where to Find It
Find Philip Kingsley Elasticizer at:
- PhilipKingsley.com
- BlueMercury
- Violet Grey
Questions? Comments?
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