If your hair is begging for hydration, Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo is your answer. This luxurious, plant-based formula cleanses gently while drenching normal to dry hair with moisture and strength.
Packed with proteins and niacinamide, it restores shine and softness that lasts. Yes, it’s a splurge, but your hair will thank you with every silky strand.
Grab a bottle and transform your hair routine into a nourishing, salon-worthy experience!
My Journey with Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo

My hair was in desperate need of help. Years of coloring, heat styling, and city pollution had left my once-vibrant locks dry, dull, and prone to breakage.
I’d tried countless shampoos, but most either stripped my hair or left it greasy. Then, during a pampering session at a fancy salon on a cruise, the stylist used Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo on me.
The moment she massaged it into my scalp, I knew something special was happening. The creamy lather and delicate, floral scent felt like a treat, and when I rinsed, my hair already felt smoother.
At home, I bought a bottle and made it part of my routine. I applied a quarter-sized amount to wet hair, as suggested, and worked it into a rich lather. The texture was luxurious, gliding through my strands without tangling.
After rinsing, my hair felt clean but not stripped—hydrated and soft to the touch. Once dried, it was a revelation: my hair was shiny, bouncy, and looked healthier than it had in years. The shine lasted nearly a week, even with daily styling.
Over months, I noticed less breakage and fewer split ends, and my color-treated hair stayed vibrant longer. This shampoo turned my hair from a chore to a joy, and I’m never going back.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo’s formula is a masterclass in hair care. Plant-based proteins, like those derived from wheat and corn, nourish and strengthen, repairing damage from coloring or heat.
Niacinamide, a star in skincare, hydrates and boosts scalp health, promoting stronger, shinier hair. Gentle surfactants, such as sodium laureth sulfate, cleanse without stripping natural oils.
The formula also includes conditioning agents like glycerol to smooth and detangle. Free of harsh chemicals, it’s a balanced blend that cleanses, hydrates, and protects, making it ideal for normal to dry or damaged hair.
Maintenance Tips for Using Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo

To make this shampoo work its magic, follow these tips for gorgeous hair.
- Use a Small Amount: A quarter-sized dollop is enough, even for long hair. I apply it to wet hair, focusing on my scalp, and let the lather run through the lengths to avoid overuse.
- Massage Gently for Best Results: Spend a minute massaging it into your scalp to boost circulation and ensure thorough cleansing. I use my fingertips in circular motions, which also feels relaxing.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse completely to avoid residue, which can dull your shine. I rinse for about a minute under warm water to keep my hair feeling light.
- Follow with a Conditioner or Mask: For extra hydration, I pair it with Kérastase Nutritive Conditioner or a mask, especially on wash days when my hair feels extra dry. It seals in the moisture.
- Wash Every 2-3 Days: I use it every other day to keep my hair hydrated without over-cleansing. If you have oily hair, you might need to wash more often but use less product.
- Store Properly: Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place to preserve the formula. I store mine in a bathroom cabinet, away from steam, to maintain its creamy texture.
Real-Life Scenarios: Who Should Use This?
This shampoo is a dream for specific hair types and lifestyles. Here’s who it’s perfect for.
- The Color-Treated Hair Enthusiast: If you color your hair like me, this shampoo keeps it vibrant and hydrated. It’s saved my blonde highlights from looking dull between salon visits.
- The Heat Styling Addict: If you’re always blow-drying or flat-ironing, the proteins strengthen your hair against damage. My styling-heavy routine is less destructive with this shampoo.
- The Busy Parent: If you’re short on time, this shampoo’s quick lather and lasting results mean fewer wash days. I wash every other day and still look polished.
- The Dry Hair Sufferer: If your hair feels like straw, the niacinamide and proteins will bring it back to life. My dry ends are now soft and manageable.
Styling Tips to Maximize Results
This shampoo sets your hair up for success, but styling can elevate the results.
- Blow-Dry for Volume: I blow-dry with a round brush to add lift and enhance the shine. The shampoo’s smoothing effect makes my hair easier to style, giving a polished look.
- Use a Heat Protectant: Before heat styling, I apply Kérastase’s Nectar Thermique to shield my hair. The shampoo strengthens, but extra protection keeps my strands healthy.
- Refresh with Dry Shampoo: Between washes, I use a dry shampoo to keep my roots fresh. It extends the shampoo’s hydrating benefits, keeping my hair shiny for days.
- Add a Shine Serum: For extra gloss, I apply a lightweight shine serum to my ends after styling. It amplifies the shampoo’s radiance, making my hair look salon-fresh.
Pros and Cons of Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo

Pros:
This shampoo has transformed my hair, and here’s why it’s a game-changer.
- Deep Hydration That Lasts: The niacinamide and plant-based proteins drench my dry hair with moisture, leaving it soft and hydrated for days. Even after blow-drying, my strands feel nourished, not parched.
- Restores Shine and Vibrancy: My dull, color-treated hair now glows with salon-worthy shine. The formula enhances vibrancy, making my highlights pop and keeping my color fresh between salon visits.
- Strengthens Damaged Hair: The proteins repair damage from heat and coloring. I’ve noticed less breakage and fewer split ends, which is a miracle for my over-processed hair.
- Gentle Cleansing: It cleanses thoroughly without stripping natural oils. My scalp feels balanced, not tight or oily, and my hair stays clean for days without feeling weighed down.
- Luxurious Scent and Texture: The soft, floral fragrance is divine, lingering subtly in my hair. The creamy lather feels indulgent, turning every wash into a spa-like experience.
- Long-Lasting Bottle: A little goes a long way. I use a quarter-sized amount per wash, and my 8.5-ounce bottle lasts 5-6 months, even with regular use, making the price more palatable.
Cons:
As much as I love it, there are a few quirks to consider.
- Premium Price Tag: At around $40 for 8.5 ounces, it’s a splurge. I justify it because it lasts, but if you’re on a tight budget, the cost might sting.
- Not Ideal for Oily Hair: My friend with oily hair found it too rich, leaving her roots greasy by day two. It’s best for normal to dry hair, not super oily scalps.
- Small Bottle Size: The bottle feels tiny for the price. I wish Kérastase offered a larger size to reduce the frequency of repurchasing, especially for loyal users like me.
- May Require Conditioner: While it’s hydrating, my long, damaged hair still needs a conditioner afterward for extra smoothness. If you want one-and-done, you might need to pair it with a mask.
- Scent Might Be Too Subtle: The fragrance is delicate, which I love, but some prefer a stronger scent that lingers longer. If you’re into bold aromas, it might feel underwhelming.
- Limited Availability: You can’t always find it at drugstores—it’s mostly at salons or online. If you run out, waiting for shipping can be a hassle.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Biotin And Superfruit Blend Shampoo
Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo Vs. Other Brands
How does Kérastase stack up against other shampoos? Here’s my take after trying a few.
- L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Shampoo
L’Oréal’s shampoo is great for color-treated hair and more affordable, but it’s less hydrating than Kérastase. My hair felt clean but not as soft or shiny, and Kérastase’s proteins give it an edge for damaged hair.
- Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo
Moroccanoil’s shampoo, with argan oil, is deeply nourishing but can feel heavy on fine hair. Kérastase’s lighter formula hydrates without weighing my hair down, and its scent is more subtle.
- Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex is a repair champ, strengthening bonds in damaged hair. It’s effective but less focused on hydration. Kérastase’s niacinamide and proteins make it better for daily moisture and shine.
- Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo
Aveda’s plant-based shampoo hydrates well and smells amazing, but it’s pricier per ounce than Kérastase. I found Kérastase’s formula more effective at restoring shine and smoothness.
- Redken All Soft Shampoo
Redken’s shampoo softens dry hair but left my scalp slightly oily after a few uses. Kérastase’s balanced cleansing and long-lasting hydration make it a better fit for my needs.
Why Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo Stands Out
Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about transforming your hair. The plant-based proteins and niacinamide deliver hydration and strength that cheaper shampoos can’t match.
My damaged, color-treated hair is shinier, softer, and healthier than ever, and the luxurious experience makes every wash feel special.
While the price is steep, the long-lasting bottle and salon-quality results make it a worthy investment. It’s a must for anyone craving nourished, vibrant hair.
Also Read: My Thoughts On K18 Detox Shampoo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it’s gentle enough for daily use, especially for dry hair. I use it every other day to avoid over-cleansing, but if your hair is very dry, daily is fine.
It hydrates and nourishes normal to dry hair, restoring shine and strength. It’s ideal for color-treated or damaged hair, leaving it soft and vibrant.
Kérastase Nutritive outperforms L’Oréal’s Vitamino Color for hydration and shine, especially for damaged hair. L’Oréal is cheaper but less nourishing in my experience.
There’s no confirmed report, but Kate Middleton is rumored to use Kérastase products, including Nutritive, for her glossy hair. It’s a royal-worthy choice!
Final Thoughts
This shampoo is a lifesaver for dry, damaged hair, delivering hydration, shine, and strength in every wash.
Its plant-based formula and luxurious feel make it worth the splurge, transforming your routine into a pampering ritual.
From color-treated locks to heat-styled strands, it’s a must-have for vibrant, healthy hair. Don’t wait—grab Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo and fall in love with your hair!