I recently had the chance to try out the Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum, my first experience with a product from Oribe. To be honest, if I hadn’t come across it second-hand, I probably would never have given it a go—the price tag is quite steep! However, as my hair has reached waist length, I’ve been on the lookout for products that can help strengthen and protect my ends. Naturally, this product caught my attention with its promise to make hair practically invincible. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous 175ml bottle, which is much larger than most similar products on the market. It’s also lasted me a long time, making the cost a little easier to justify. But did it live up to my expectations?
Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum
According to Oribe, the Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum is designed to shield and fortify fragile strands, creating a protective veil around each hair fiber. This serum is meant to improve tensile strength and elasticity, preventing breakage and hair fall caused by brushing and styling.
Benefits:
- Strengthens and fortifies fragile hair: Helps prevent breakage and hair fall, particularly at the ends.
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing: Doesn’t weigh down hair or leave a greasy residue.
- Heat protection up to 230°C (450°F): Safeguards hair from heat styling tools.
My Experience
The Oribe Hair Alchemy Treatment Serum can be used on both damp or dry hair and even as an overnight treatment. My initial plan was to use it on dry hair as an overnight treatment—similar to Amika’s Dream Routine mask (review here). At first, I was quite enthusiastic about it and its effects. I even preferred this one over the Kérastase 8H Overnight Serum. The softening effects were noticeable right away, and it didn’t seem to make my ends frizzier, which had been a problem with the other two products.
However, as time went on, I noticed that I wasn’t shedding less at the ends, which was disappointing. So, I started using it as a leave-in serum on damp hair after washes. But compared to other leave-ins, it didn’t significantly reduce frizz or dryness. I found that I had to combine it with another leave-in cream and hair oil to get the desired results. Considering the price tag, I was expecting it to be a one-and-done product.
In Combination with the Hair Alchemy Shampoo & Conditioner
A few months later, I received samples of both the Oribe Hair Alchemy and Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner with an order. I thought, “Great! Maybe it’s because I’m not using the whole system.”
Unfortunately, the Hair Alchemy shampoo and conditioner didn’t live up to their “ultra-nourishing” claims. I’ve had better results with other products. The wash and rinse, even when paired with the treatment serum, didn’t feel nourishing enough for my hair. It left my hair feeling brittle and dry—quite the opposite of what it promised.
On the other hand, the Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner seemed to be a better match for my hair. It left my hair feeling more hydrated and shiny, though a bit fluffy. However, the overall performance was still mediocre compared to other professional hair care brands that are more affordable. Despite the hype surrounding Oribe, I didn’t notice a significant difference in results compared to cheaper brands. That said, it did spark my interest in trying the Gold Lust line further! So I am considering getting the travel size to test it out for longer.
Conclusion | ★★★☆☆
I like the concept behind the Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I can’t say I’ve seen any radical positive results. Despite being in my routine for almost two years, I’m still unsure if I’d purchase it again. For my hair, it doesn’t seem to justify the hefty price tag, as it hasn’t completely lived up to its claims. This might be because I haven’t used the entire Hair Alchemy system. But even so, after trying samples of the shampoo and conditioner, I found they had the opposite effect of what was promised. The combination left my hair feeling brittle and dry, rather than nourished and strong.
The Hair Alchemy line, although not marketed this way, feels like a lightweight sister to the Gold Lust line. Both offer similar benefits but with slightly different wording. Interestingly, the Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner seemed to be a better match for my hair. They provided more hydration and shine, though the results were still not as impressive as I expected given the price and reputation of Oribe.
I feel that the Hair Alchemy line is perhaps best suited for fine hair and/or an oily scalp. It didn’t offer the deep nourishment my longer, drier ends need. Therefore, if the Gold Lust line feels too heavy for your hair, it might be worth trying Hair Alchemy. As for what I might try next, I’m not quick to dismiss Oribe just yet. I will keep my eyes peeled for a good deal on the Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Crème. It doesn’t have as high heat protection, and you do get a little less product for the price, but it seems like it would be a better fit.
