Can Oribe’s $243 Hair Alchemy Collection Save My “Expensive Blonde” locks?

Remember last month when “expensive blonde” was declared the hair colour 2022?

Artificial blondes everywhere laughed into their heavily depleted bank accounts.

Going salon blonde is not cheap. I can attest because I’ve been transitioning steadily to blonde over the last year. While I’m loving the journey, your bank account isn’t the only thing that goes through wear and tear on the blonde journey.

Achieving shine and softness is difficult when your hair is receiving semi-regular peroxide treatments. Add to that a ramped-up heat-styling progress with a return to in-person events and the office (prise my Parlux Blowdryer (currently on sale at Adore Beauty for $299.20) and you start to get the brittle, frayed-ends picture.

So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to trial Oribe’s new haircare range “Hair Alchemy” almost a month ago. I’m a huge fan of the super-luxe Oribe range and their new collection sounded right up my alley. Described as “an antidote for fragile strands” the shampoo, conditioner and treatment serum are powered by ingredients like Chia Seed, Bio-Fermented Bamboo Leaf and Plant-Based protein. These haircare actives provide “scaffolding” for the hair reinforcing cuticle strength and structure and preventing breakage and split ends caused by daily rough handling. 

The catch? Oribe products do not come cheap. The Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo is $72.00, The Resilience Conditioner $74.00 and The Fortifying Treatment Serum $94.00.

I wanted to put this very bougie treatment system to a thorough test before presenting my verdict, and have now been using the shampoo, conditioner and serum exclusively for over a month.

Here’s my verdict.

The Products:

Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo and Conditioner:

The Hair Alchemy shampoo and conditioner combine chia seed, bio-fermented bamboo leaf and plant-based proteins with hyaluronic acid, green tea and plant polysaccharides and daisy and honeysuckle extracts. They also have the Oribe signature complex of watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower, so like all Oribe products, they smell delightful.

Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum

While this product is described as a treatment serum, I would say it’s more of a detangler/leave-in conditioner, already an essential step in my routine. Work through wet hair before styling and the treatment will boost shine and prevent moisture loss with phytoceramides and soften and elasticize with cotton seed extract.

Importantly, the treatment protects hair from the heat of up to 232c – so it protects your hair while it treats.

How Did Hair Alchemy Perform?

Using the Oribe Hair Alchemy collection for four weeks I noticed my colour treated hair was softer, shinier and less brittle. The collection does what it says on the tin – and looks good doing it. Having Oribe in your bathroom instantly makes you feel like an adult.

Do you need to spend $243.00 on your haircare? Of course not. However, if you’re already spending time and money on regular colour treatments, ensuring you’re caring for your strands will only mean you get the most out of your investment. While not every expensive haircare range will live up to its price point, many include beneficial ingredients and a “skincare” approach to active ingredients, but it pays to do your research.

Additionally, with Oribe shampoos, you need much less product. The shampoo lathers into a sumptuous mousse quickly while a third of a teaspoon dollop of conditioner coats every strand. After a month of every-second day use, I’m not close to a quarter way through the shampoo, conditioner or serum.

Overall, if your hair is in need of serious need of repair and you’re looking for a little bit of luxury, I would wholeheartedly recommend the range.