Lauded for its softening 'Gold Lust' series – promising potent results – Oribe's latest launch offers heat protection that doubles down with a smoothing finish. But does it really deliver on its promise of soft strands with one spritz?
According to co-founder Daniel Kaner, Oribe’s cult celebrity following comes courtesy of the non-compromising nature of his talented co-founder, Oribe Canales – a hairdresser whose lauded career saw him working with (and becoming fast friends with) supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista. “When first creating the brand, Oribe Canales and I felt strongly that Oribe Hair Care should push the boundaries of performance; we wanted stylists and consumers to see and feel the difference,” says Kaner. “We wanted to make serious tools.”
While Canales sadly passed in 2018, the concept of potency is an ideal carried on today. “Each product is tested by our global team and used extensively backstage, on set, and in the salon to ensure that it outperforms everything else in the stylist’s kit and so that the consumer can enjoy that superior product experience at home,” adds Kaner.
Naturally, these products have gained a permanent position in the routines of the beauty world’s best-tressed. Now, the brand’s latest release is being put to the test.
What is the 'Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray'?
According to Kaner, Oribe’s new stellar hair styling staple is all about multitasking. “We lacked a heat protection product for use on dry hair. “Our artists also needed a conditioning and softening spray that could double as a finishing spray during backstage and on-set styling sessions, so we knew the product we created had to be multifunctional.”
Unlike Oribe’s other heat protectants, such as 'Balm d’Or' and 'Invisible Defense' (products made for use on damp hair or during major restyling sessions as they reintroduce moisture and wetness that can revive natural textures or curls), the new Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray's first-of-its-kind formula is meant to be used on dry hair just before using hot tools.
What sets the Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray apart is its unique blend of nourishing and hydrating ingredients. Infused with the Gold Lust line’s beloved bio-restorative complex, it soothes the cuticles with the help of macadamia oil, coconut water, and marine algae to unveil silky-soft, luscious locks. It also provides heat protection, covering temperatures of up to 232 degrees Celsius. And as Kaner points out, the spray can also be used as a finishing product for smoothing purposes.
Our first impression
At first spritz, Oribe’s signature scent is there. You know it: notes of white butterfly jasmine, Calabrian bergamot, and sandalwood – a sun-soaked Côte d’Azur-inspired fragrance wafting through backstage areas across the globe.
To allow for the most scientific results, I applied the product to only one half of my head following the instructions: shaking, then spraying each section of hair. The nozzle allows for a fine mist, coating each strand with the protecting Brassica Oil Copolymer and the nourishing potion of smoothing agents leaving the hair shiny and soft to the touch.
As a user who has always battled with frizz and the fear of heat damage, I am delighted to share that Oribe's Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray lived up to its promises. There was no sign of frizz or tacky residue, and my hair had a healthy shine that was noticeably different from the untreated section. In summary, my locks felt intensely softened and silky, with flyaways and frizz kept at bay.
The tried & tested takeaway
After thorough testing, I can confidently say that the Oribe Dry Heat Protection Spray is a top-notch product. It provides exceptional heat protection and repairs damaged strands over time. It lives up to its multitasking claims, fitting into both the hair protectant category and the bill of a silky soft finishing spray. For anyone who routinely uses heat on their hair and/or experiences colour fading and dryness, this product would be a valuable addition to your routine. While it may be pricier than other protectants on the market, the additional benefits of conditioning and frizz-smoothing make it a worthwhile investment.
Not only does it extend the life of your dye job and the health of your strands regularly, but it also helps refresh the hair meaning you won’t want to hit the shower as often. At times, the superbly soft sensation of my hair was almost too smooth, leaving me reaching for the brand’s iconic texturising spray instead.
