
There was a time when we were all collectively afraid to use
hair oils. They had a rep’ of being greasy or heavy, so we relied solely on mousses or sprays that would hold our styles for longer (and give the phrase
crunch time a different meaning).
We’ve evolved since then, and so have the formulas. Soft, airy, glossy. It’s all about creating a
sleek, weightless finish.
From the innovative Metal Detox range to the Absolut Repair Oil, it’s clear that something’s in the water over at L'Oréal Professionnel – and I’m sensing a theme.
So, let’s dive in.
Metal Detox Oil

Products to help prevent/fix colour fade, hair breakage and dry ends, I’m used to. I didn’t realise that the metal particles in my water could be the culprit until L'Oréal’s shiny solution landed on my desk.
(I obviously hadn’t been spending much time on Hard-Water-Tok.)
For an in-depth explainer on the brand’s patented Metal Detox technology, Jas has you covered
here. My watered-down version:
Glicoamine = a tiny molecule that tracks and neutralises metal inside the hair fibre, and the hero ingredient in the Metal Detox Oil.
Metal Detox Oil = silky, soft, vibrant hair
The clues are in the science, so I’ll cut to the chase. This product made my hair so soft. Maybe the softest it’s ever felt – and I’m willing to put that on record. I applied to towel-dried hair and used a teeny amount on my ends between washes, which did the trick for me. Two pumps was the sweet spot.
Packaging wise, I love a glass bottle. Just make sure your fingers aren’t coated in oil while handling. That’s more of a self-reminder.
I went back to my brunette-ish roots last year, but when I eventually cave after scrolling through old pictures on my camera roll, I’m keen to try the whole range on freshly highlighted hair. That’ll really put its colour-boosting claims to the test.
L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Oil

Now that I’m bleaching my hair a lot less frequently, my strands have been living in peace (the equivalent of daily meditations and a strict 10pm bedtime). But the ghosts of my blonde hair’s past still linger.
That’s where L'Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Oil really shines.
Designed to repair damaged hair, this multipurpose oil treats, nourishes, softens and detangles, while offering heat protection up to 230°C. It’s perfect for travelling, or when you just want a product that does everything.
A note for your partner/dad/brother: this is a different kind of all-in-one.
It’s easy to make hair look sleek and glossy after a blowout. So for the real test, I tried this oil on my inconsistent, non-committal curls. And spoiler: I liked it a lot. My curls felt a little more manageable, with less frizz and more shine.
Most importantly, my fine hair didn’t feel weighed down or overly moisturised, and Carrie Bradshaw-level volume/tousle is what I strive for (no Big, just big hair).
I applied to damp hair, then followed through with my regular styling products. Two days post-wash would normally be when my ends started to feel dry – but to my surprise, they stayed soft and hydrated.
Am I reaping all the benefits that this high-achieving oil promises? With relatively healthy hair, not really. But if you need to do some serious damage control, this oil could be a real game-changer.