I have thick, dry and naturally wavy/curly hair prone to extreme frizziness and I am always trying to figure out ways to keep the frizzies away. To keep my unruly tresses under control, I make sure to use a smoothing leave-in anti frizz product after shampooing and before blow-drying/air-dry. Now, I purchased the Phytofrisant hair relaxing balm after reading rave reviews as to how it can leave your hair perfectly straight and smooth with just blow-drying. Although I did not believe that would be possible with my thick, coarse hair but I was hoping at least I would get frizz-free silky-smooth tresses after using a flat iron.
Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm claims to be a non-chemical straightening treatment. It is meant for naturally curly or permed hair to nourish and gently soften frizzy hair.
Product Description :
Achieve the perfect blow-out with this award-winning, heat-activated, sleek-making complex. The exclusive plant-based formula, rich in ferula, horseradish, and sage provide natural, chemical-free hair relaxing benefits. It hydrates, softens and protects unruly hair prepping it for a smooth look.
Ingredients : Althaea Officinalis Root Extract (Mucilage Végétal), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract(Matricaire), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Cochlearia Armoracia (Horseradish) Root Extract (Raifort), Ferula Assa Foetida Root Extract (Férula), Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylisothiazolinone.
To begin with, I like that Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm is natural and does not have any alcohol or silicones so it doesn’t build up on hair. Also, the lightweight non-greasy gel formula does not weigh down my hair at all. However, after using this hair balm for a few weeks I don’t see any noticeable softening or better straightening with flat iron. As stated in the directions, I apply it to damp hair after shampooing and then combi through to distribute evenly. Since this leave-in balm needs a heat device to get “activated”, you have to continue with heat-styling to defrizz. When I use it before blow-drying, it does not smooth my curls at all nor help with the frizzies. Even after I use flat iron, my hair feels a little rough and dull and there’s still a few frizzy bits. I have tried using it in varying quantities but it simply does not stop my hair from puffing up and getting frizzy. I’d even like this product if it could keep my dry hair thoroughly moisturized but I guess the formula is not hydrating enough for my tresses.
In conclusion, I am really disappointed with Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm as it does not live upto its claims. It might work to keep the frizz down if you have very fine, straight hair but I would not recommend it for thick, curly hair that needs heavy-duty defrizzing. (you can check out my current favorite anti-frizz treatment for much better results)
Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm is available at Sephora and is priced at $12 for a 1.6 oz tube and the full size (5oz) retails for $32.
Have you tried Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm? What’s your favorite anti-frizz product? I would love to know!
I have been researching essential oils…a lot. I have read on several occasions from different sources that horseradish extract should never be used.
Jamie – Thanks for your input! I didn’t know that. I am not going to repurchase the Phyto balm anyways.
Harshleen – I am a big cheerleader of essential oils. Happy to help.
Thanks for the review – I have dry, wavy hair, too.
I have never heard of it but how disappointing for you! The description surely lures you into it! These things never work for my thick frizzy hair. Nothing does. I am using Kerastase Elixir Ultime. My hair just soaks it up and makes my hair soft and frizz free. I need not even straighten, my curls look good with it 🙂
Su- Thanks so much for the recommendation! I have heard good things about the Kerastase Elixir but never gave it a try…..I think I should 🙂
This contains one of the worst preservatives there are – Methylisothiazolinone.
I was very disappointed because Phyto makes it sound like it is natural, botanical and what not and then they but Methylisothiazolinone into it.
I am still looking for a balm without silicone and alcohol, I think I need to look some more.
Mary – That’s so true! I didn’t like that either.
It must really depend on hair types. I have thick curly hair, have tried many products, and phytodefrisant is the only thing that works for me. It’s a little unfair to say it doesnt live up to the hype simply because it didn’t work for you.