L’Oreal Paris New Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Review

L’Oreal Paris New Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Review

By Revathy Ramachandran

Hi everyone!

Today, I will be reviewing a conditioner from L’Oreal Paris’s newly released line – the Advanced hair care system.  The Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm is quite a mouthful to say, and claims to repair 1 years’ worth of damage in one use.  Tall claims, which I feel it lives up to!

Product Description:

Damage Erasing Balm – Specially formulated for damaged, over processed and chemically treated hair. This intense, luxurious reconstructing balm instantly repairs the 5 signs of damage: 1. Split Ends, 2. Weak, 3. Rough, 4. Dull, 5. Dehydrated. Advanced treatment with Ceramide.

Price:

$6.99 for a 8.5 Fl. oz. (250 ml) tub.

Ingredients:

It does contain silicones, but specifically amodimethicone, which is probably the better silicone out there. Also, contains the good ceramides and Candelilla wax, a natural ingredient which actually features high up on the list (yay!).

My Experience with L’Oreal Paris New Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm:

The product comes in a sturdy tub, like those hair masks we see nowadays. It’s consistency is such that I don’t think it would work in a tube/bottle. The tub makes for great storage of DIY deep conditioners once you are finished with the product!

It’s yellow and almost buttery looking with a sweet fragrance, of something familiarly edible. Maybe bubblegum? It’s not bad, it’s a light scent. The consistency is thick, like butter at room temperature and not at all runny. It is creamy and heavy, but spreads easily on the hair. You only need to use very little as it’s quite effective.

It’s important to establish who would benefit the most from this product. I have dry, curly hair that tends to go big and bushy when combed (typical for a south Indian gal).  I have been trying to grow it out, but dry split ends kept forcing me to trim it. I experimented with a few conditioners to combat this problem and I can safely say, this one cures it! No more dry ends :).

I shampoo with a cleansing conditioner and follow up with this balm, every time.  To all curly girls out there – we need a heavy balm-like conditioner every time we wash, anything lighter just won’t do! I let it soak for a few minutes while I finish showering, and rinse out with the coldest water I can bear. And Viola! My bushy ends curl into shiny spirals :). Hair ends look smooth and shiny. I can’t say whether it actually reduces frizz though; hair definitely appears healthy. However, I wouldn’t use this as a deep conditioner and leave it on for hours, I believe only oils can truly deep condition your hair.

Pros of L’Oreal Paris New Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm:

• Excellent thick conditioner that delivers its promise of “repairing” damaged hair.
• Hair is noticeably shinier, softer and healthier-looking after wash.
• It has reduced occurrence of split-ends and allowed me to grow out my hair! It does seal your ends.
• Easy to apply, rinse out, store and travel with.
• Comparatively inexpensive for the amount of product. Easily available at drugstores in US.

Cons of L’Oreal Paris New Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm:

• No serious flaws, it has silicones, but I don’t mind because amodimethicones can be good for your hair and prevent further damage..
• The smell could be a bother to sensitive noses.
• Non-availability in India.

Will I Repurchase L’Oreal Paris New Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm?

Oh yes! My search for a conditioner that’s good for me is over. Maybe, I will experiment with the Power Rush Moisture Mask in the same line next though, just for change.  Now, all I need is a good leave-in :P.

IMBB Rating:

4.8/5

L’oreal Total Repair 5 Instant Smoothing and Nourishing Oil Serum
L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner
Loreal Total Repair 5 Hair Masque
L’Oreal Paris Color Protect Protecting Conditioner
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Smooth Intense Anti – Frizz Serum
Lush NEW! Shampoo Bar and American Cream Conditioner
L’Oreal New Smooth Intense Polishing Shampoo
Pantene Total Damage Care Shampoo
Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing Shampoo
Fiama Di Wills Total Damage Control Shampoo
Nyle Naturals Damage Repair Shampoo
Garnier Fructis Goodbye Damage Strengthening Hair Oil
Garnier Fructis Strengthening Shampoo Goodbye Damage
Pantene Total Damage Care Intensive Hair Mask
Pantene Pro V All In One Styling Balm
Toni and Guy Twist-It Curl Balm
Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Leave-in Balm
Umberto Giannini Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm
Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Relaxing Balm
The Body Shop Macadamia Straightening Balm