Kérastase Specifique

Spécifique is the Kérastase scalp range, and the one we turn to for roots that get oily fast while the ends stay dry. If you're washing every day and still feel greasy by the evening, start here.

Which Spécifique product, and how we use it +

Bain Divalent is the shampoo. It cleans oily roots properly without stripping lengths that are already dry, so you can stretch out the time between washes. Argile Équilibrante is a clay treatment you apply to the scalp before shampooing, once or twice a week, to absorb excess oil and leave roots feeling fresh for longer.

Potentialiste is a scalp serum used on a clean, dry scalp to keep it balanced and comfortable. For flaking rather than oil, look at Symbiose instead. Use a light conditioner on the ends only and keep it off the roots. Our oily roots guide has the full routine for greasy roots. Everything here is genuine salon stock, the same bottles we use at our basins in Wānaka, posted NZ-wide with free shipping on orders over $75.

More reading: Where to buy genuine Kérastase in NZ

Questions we get asked +

What is Kérastase Spécifique used for?
Spécifique is Kérastase's scalp range. In the salon we use it mostly for oily roots with dry ends, using Bain Divalent, Argile Équilibrante and the Potentialiste serum. There's also Bain Vital Dermo-Calm, a gentle shampoo for sensitive scalps that feel tight or uncomfortable after washing. Our oily roots guide explains the full routine.

Bain Divalent or Bain Vital Dermo-Calm?
Bain Divalent is for oily roots and dry lengths: it cleans the roots properly without stripping the ends. Bain Vital Dermo-Calm is for sensitive scalps that feel tight, itchy or uncomfortable with stronger shampoos. If your main problem is grease by the end of the day, choose Divalent. If your scalp reacts to most shampoos, start with Dermo-Calm.

How do I use Argile Équilibrante?
Apply it to a damp scalp before shampooing, section by section, and leave it for five minutes or so before rinsing and washing with Bain Divalent. Once or twice a week is enough. It's a clay, so it absorbs excess oil; it isn't meant for the lengths. Keep your conditioner on the ends only that day.

How do I apply the Potentialiste serum?
Apply it to a clean, dry or towel-dried scalp, parting the hair in sections so the serum goes onto skin. Massage it in and leave it. There's no need to rinse. It's designed to keep the scalp balanced and comfortable, and it fits alongside either Spécifique shampoo. If your scalp is red, sore or flaking heavily, see your GP or a dermatologist.

Can Spécifique help with dandruff?
Spécifique is aimed at oil and scalp comfort, not flakes. For dandruff, Symbiose is the Kérastase range we'd recommend, with shampoos for both oily and dry flaky scalps. Some people alternate the two if they deal with oiliness and flakes at different times of year.