For my birthday last month, I wanted a straight style that would resist the humidity associated with a night of dancing and mingling. Determined to put one man’s hair care line to the test, I decided to take my self-proclaimed “stylist” bag equipped with some of his products to my real-life hair stylist over at Kallisto Salon & Spa in Brea, California.  From shampoo and condition to styling, we went through each product in my little pouch with a spritz here and a quarter-sized application there. Hours later, standing outside The Room in Santa Monica at 2:30 a.m., I turned to my girlfriend to ask her how my ‘do was holding up. Her response – “Definitely not Tina Turner-esque!” Enough said.

Enter Frédéric Fekkai. Whether or not you have heard of “Fekkai,” it is easy to associate luxury with the name, simply by letting the syllables roll off your tongue (feh-kigh). For more than 20 years, this hair connoisseur has provided us with products that allow us to step into an A-list salon environment with each aroma. Fekkai made a pivotal move when deciding to trade in his scissors in his native country of France for a chance opportunity here in the States.

Since the opening of his first New York salon in 1989, Monsieur Fekkai has established a hair care system that targets a vast audience of female clientele from varying backgrounds. His products effectively treat all types of hair, from too thin and desperately dry to stringy-straight and coarsely-curly. Typical of my inner skeptic, I initially doubted the rumored “effectiveness” of Fekkai products: for I have had so many disappointments with products that claim to “effectively treat your hair.” Much to my relief and surprise, I was totally wrong.

With two product lines at my fingertips, I immediately began to open each bottle, only to unveil undeniably alluring scents. But with great products like Luscious Curls ® and Coiff Ô, the smell is only the beginning. This is simply because their actual use invites your hair to a rejuvenating experience in and of themselves.

Blended with ginseng/honey hydrates and a citrus-floral scent, Luscious Curls shampoo and conditioner moisturizes and shapes your curls, while conditioning the body of your hair. After a good week of consistently using this potent duo, my usually dry and frizz-ridden hair felt tamed and bouncy. The light silicone and elastic memory ingredients in the products further account for that soft, smooth feel.

Post-shower, I move on to the Coiff styling line, which is just magnifique! This “hair couture” product is Fekkai’s most recent and large-scale launch, aiming specifically at a luxury market. Now, don’t mistake this phrase for meaning that only a six figure income can afford this collection. Granted, each bottle will cost you about $23 to $25 depending on where you purchase it. Although the line does not exactly adhere to the “bang for your buck” principle, it, then again, will not necessarily break the bank. After all, you don’t have to collect every Coiff product to get the most out of the collection. Choose several products that speak directly to your hair, and trust me, you too can “coif” your hair with an overall glow. Indeed, every piece of the collection is each a luxurious formulation, but I especially adore the Defense/Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant, Controle/Ironless Straightening Balm, and Nonchalant/Piecing and Forming Wax. When I opt for the faux-straight look, these tools, infused with violet/tea leaves and a memory complex, keep my curls in check, while protecting them from excessive damage.

If you are a regular here at Beauty Chat, then you are familiar with my ranting on how my naturally curly locks have proven to be unmanageable and unruly – pretty much, a frizzfest! However, thanks to one man (by the name of Fekkai of course), they are definitely worries that I can work with.

~Mellori 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dan and Kevin’s cameras and http://www.sephora.com