Just as your garden won’t thrive without healthy soil, the same is true for your hair and scalp. Sure, those tomato plants you bought on impulse during the summer may wilt and droop, but a good scalp care routine will keep your hair healthy and ready for growth ( (Not to mention shine, firmness, firmness, etc.) That’s why I’m so hesitant to admit that my scalp doesn’t get as much love as it deserves, other than the occasional shampoo wash in the shower. So when cult-favorite beauty brand Biologique Recherche invited me to New York’s Paul Labrecque Salon & Skin Care Spa for a “scalp experience” and styling session, my hair was dry and lackluster; had been itching from time to time and requested that it be checked.
A favorite among French girls, this brand is best known for its skincare essentials, including the infamous lotion P50. This lotion, P50, is an exfoliating toner that many celebrities claim is responsible for their otherworldly glow. However, the brand also offers Lotion Capilaire P50, a P50 formula for the scalp, as well as a range of hair care products dedicated to the health of both hair and scalp. I also heard that the signature hair treatment includes a 10-minute head massage. This was more than enough to make a quick trip to midtown Manhattan for a reservation.
I felt blissful during the massage and subsequent rinse.
(Image credit: Hannah Baxter)
I began my treatment by chatting with veteran stylist Frédéric Moine about the state of my rib-skimming hair. My hair definitely needs a little love, considering I’ve been overdue for a haircut for months and am diligent about blonde highlights (which dry out my hair horribly) every three months. It was necessary. Additionally, as the seasons change, my skin and scalp become more prone to irritation. He reaffirms that his 5-step scalp detox treatment works wonders to soothe and revitalize both. So I went to the sink for a quick rinse, then returned to my chair and applied Lotion Capillaire P50.
Using a thin syringe, Moine applied a lotion containing exfoliating apple cider vinegar, horseradish, lemon, sage, myrrh and burdock extracts, witch hazel, and purifying polyalphabeta-hydroxy complex to my roots. Carefully applied along the lines. To my surprise and delight, it didn’t have that garbage juice scent that skincare products often have (though I couldn’t exactly smell my scalp to double check). He then advised me to settle for a 10 minute head massage to fully saturate the scalp. He applied firm pressure and gently rubbed and pushed my head while I just enjoyed myself. My eyelids remained closed the entire time. (How wonderful!) Then we went back to the bowl to rinse and check all the scalp buildup that had run down the drain. (How humble!)
Back in the chair, Moine applied a generous amount of Masque Dermo Appessant to my roots, which is not the usual place for a hair mask. This will help moisturize the scalp and soothe any lingering inflammation, he said. My head was actually feeling quite itchy considering I had been wearing a beanie all day before this appointment. To encourage my scalp to absorb more of the calming ingredients, the stylist raked and twisted my hair, bundled it under a shower cap, and placed me in the hood of an old-fashioned hair dryer to marinate for another 10 minutes. led to.
It’s finally shampoo time. He used the shampoo Traitant VIP O2, which contains silk extracts, antioxidants, and hair and scalp revitalizing properties. It also delivers a delicious creamy lather without damaging your hair or skin. Then, instead of traditional conditioner, Moine coated my hair with crème de soin to strengthen, smooth, and seal the ends. After a few more minutes we rinsed with cold water (he reminded us to never shower with water that’s too hot, as it leaves the hair cuticle open and makes it more prone to frizz), and finally I went back to the chair to style it.
Honestly, two of my best looks.
(Image credit: Hannah Baxter)
To style, Moine sprinkled my hair from root to tip with Lotion Kerative, a nourishing leave-in treatment with heat-protecting properties. Then he blow dried my wavy hair straight (as I have never tried to do my own hair). The curls at the ends of my hair have loosened a little. By the time he finished speaking – two hours later – I couldn’t stop running my hands through his silky hair. My scalp feels cleaner than it has in months, no dryness or irritation at all, and my blonde color looks amazing even though I haven’t touched up my makeup in months. I saw it. The bounce and body also felt very comfortable and weightless. Even before I left the building, my hair was blowing in the wind and looking beautiful.
While $150 for the entire detox treatment is definitely a luxury, it’s not the most expensive two hours you can ever spend on your hair, especially in New York City. I think it was a good idea to go to the salon at a time when my scalp was especially sensitive due to the change of seasons. So if you want to channel your inner French girl and treat your scalp and hair with both a chic blowout and an intensive detox, this Biologique Recherche option might be for you.
Shop my picks for detoxing your hair and scalp at home
Biologic Recherche Lotion P50 Capillaire
Biologic Recherche Keractive
Ceremonia Yucca & Witch Hazel Deep Hydrating Shampoo
RōZ Foundation Repair Hair Mask
Odele Leave-in Detangling Tonic for Hydration + Thermal Protection
Crown Affair The Hair Oil
