L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Review

Dry ends, persistent frizz, and that stubborn roughness that catches on brushes are the headaches this duo aims to solve. L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo and Conditioner are marketed as a nourishing, shine-boosting pair for dry or lifeless hair. After testing on fine, medium, and coarse textures, and with both straight and wavy patterns, the results are clear. This is a smoothing, softening set that makes hair look glossier and feel more manageable, especially if your hair is dry, thick, or frizz prone. It does have trade-offs. The shampoo uses sulfates, and the conditioner relies on silicones for slip and shine, which may not suit every routine. Below is what to expect, how to use it well, and who will see the best payoff.

Overview

The Extraordinary Oil line centers on lightweight oils and a rich, pleasant scent that leans warm floral with a slightly sweet finish. The shampoo is a clear to amber gel that lathers quickly and rinses clean. The conditioner is a creamy, gold-toned formula with a silky feel that spreads easily and adds noticeable slip for detangling. Together, they are designed to soften dry lengths, reduce visible frizz, and add shine without a greasy coating.

In practical terms, the shampoo is on the richer side of mainstream formulas because of its conditioning agents, but cleansing power is still robust thanks to traditional sulfate surfactants. The conditioner brings the smoothing effect using a blend of emollients and silicones that coat the cuticle. The result is that quick, slippery detangle in the shower and a glossier finish once dry.

Who it’s for

This pair suits certain hair types very well, while others may prefer alternatives. Use this as a starting guide:

• Great match: Medium to coarse hair with dryness, porous or color-worn lengths, and persistent frizz. Wavy and straight hair that puffs in humidity tends to benefit from the smoothing and shine.
• Works with tweaks: Fine hair that is dry on the ends can use a small amount of conditioner, applied only from mid-length to ends. Rinse thoroughly, and consider alternating with a lighter shampoo midweek to avoid weight.
• Not the best fit: Very oily scalps, very fine hair that falls flat easily, fragrance-sensitive users, or anyone strictly avoiding sulfates or silicones. If you follow a Curly Girl method or need a sulfate-free routine, you will likely prefer a different set.

How it feels and performs

Texture and scent: The shampoo pours as a medium-thickness gel that bursts into a rich lather almost immediately, even in hard water. The scent reads like a warm, salon-style floral with soft sweetness. It is noticeable in the shower and lingers lightly on dry hair for a few hours. The conditioner feels plush and silky right away and gives that satisfying slip that makes a wide-tooth comb glide through tangles.

In-shower experience: One quarter-sized dollop of shampoo is usually enough for a medium-length wash. The lather is generous, so a second cleanse is optional unless you have heavy buildup from oils or styling products. The conditioner spreads easily; a modest amount coats the hair, and you will feel the cuticle smoothing as you work it through. Detangling time drops substantially, especially on coarse or wavy hair that knots at the nape.

After rinsing and drying: Once dry, hair feels softer to the touch and looks glossier. Frizz reduces, especially around the crown and ends, and brushes pass through with fewer snags. On thick, dry hair, the finish reads as polished with moderate weight that helps keep flyaways down. On fine hair, there is a risk of a flatter root if the conditioner travels too high on the hair shaft or if too much is used. When applied carefully from mid-length to ends, most fine-haired testers still saw smoother ends without a greasy look.

Build-up and long-term use: Because the conditioner relies on silicones for that glassy finish, you may notice a gradual coating over time, especially if you air dry and use additional leave-ins. The shampoo’s sulfates help keep that coating in check, but if you use heavy oils or heat protectants regularly, a clarifying wash every 1 to 2 weeks can reset the feel. Color-treated hair did fine for most users, but those with fresh, vivid color may prefer to limit exposure to sulfates or alternate with a color-care shampoo to slow fading.

Heat styling and humidity: Blowouts are quicker and smoother because of the slip and cuticle coating. Round-brushing feels easier, and ends look more polished. In humidity, the silicone layer helps resist puffiness for many hours. If your frizz is driven by high porosity, you will likely notice the biggest difference here.

How to use for best results

Small application tweaks make a major difference in finish. Use these steps as a framework and adjust by hair type.

• Shampoo placement: Wet hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Emulsify a small amount of shampoo in your palms, then focus on the scalp and roots. Massage gently for 30 to 60 seconds. Let the lather run through lengths briefly, rather than scrubbing ends. Rinse well. Do a second cleanse only if you used heavy oil, dry shampoo, or chlorine-exposed hair needs it.
• Conditioner strategy: Squeeze out excess water so the conditioner is not diluted. Start with a nickel to quarter-sized amount for shoulder-length hair. Apply from mid-length to ends, adding a tiny bit more if hair is very coarse. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
• Fine hair tip: Keep conditioner strictly off the root zone. Before rinsing, add a splash of water to your hair and comb through once more to thin the product. Rinse well. This keeps ends smooth without collapsing volume at the crown.
• Coarse or very dry hair tip: After rinsing, gently squeeze out water and follow with a pea-sized lightweight hair oil or serum on the last few inches only. This enhances shine and reduces rough ends without greasing the root. Avoid layering multiple rich leave-ins on the same day to prevent buildup.
• Clarifying rhythm: If hair starts to feel coated or heavy, swap in a clarifying shampoo for one wash every week or two. Then return to the Extraordinary Oil conditioner to restore slip. This simple reset keeps hair feeling clean, smooth, and responsive.
• Heat and finishing: If you heat style, apply a heat protectant before blow-drying. The conditioner already creates slip, so you may need less leave-in than usual. Start small and add only if needed.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Noticeable softness and shine after one use, excellent in-shower slip that cuts detangling time, reduces frizz and puffiness in humidity, pleasant salon-style scent, and a price that feels accessible for the result.
• Pros: Plays well with blowouts and heat tools, making hair feel smoother with fewer snags at the brush. Easy to find in most drugstores and mass retailers.
• Cons: Shampoo uses sulfates, which some users avoid and which may speed up color fade on fresh dyes. Not ideal for very sensitive scalps.
• Cons: Conditioner is silicone rich, so buildup can occur without an occasional clarifying reset. Fine hair can feel weighed down if overapplied or if product reaches the roots.
• Cons: Fragrance is noticeable and may be too strong for those who prefer barely there scents.

Final verdict

L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo and Conditioner deliver on their promise for the right hair type. If your hair is dry, frizz prone, or feels rough at the ends, this pair provides the kind of fast, visible smoothing usually associated with pricier salon lines. The shampoo gently but thoroughly cleanses, the conditioner gives generous slip and shine, and the duo makes heat styling easier. The trade-offs are straightforward. Sulfates are present in the shampoo, and the conditioner uses silicones for that glassy finish. If you prefer sulfate-free or silicone-free formulas, you will want a different set. If your hair is very fine or your scalp is very oily, this can still work with careful application and occasional clarifying, but a lighter routine may be simpler.

For most dry, medium to thick hair, Extraordinary Oil is a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly option that creates smooth, soft, and glossier lengths with little fuss. Use a light hand, rinse thoroughly, and keep a clarifier in the mix every so often. You will likely get the polished look you want without a complicated routine.

See also

If you are still deciding on a cleansing approach, start with how your scalp behaves and your texture goals. Our guide to choosing a formula by scalp type and hair pattern can help you calibrate, starting with Find the Right Shampoo for Your Hair and Scalp. If you prefer to skip sulfates and want cleaner-label alternatives, see the curated picks in Best Shampoos Free of Sulfates and Parabens, and if you are comparing performance to a salon favorite, read our take in Redken All Soft Shampoo Review: Softer, Smoother, Less Snaggy Hair.

To extend the smoothing effect, pairing the right rinse-out with a smart finishing routine matters. For stubborn frizz, check the top-performing options in Best Conditioner for Frizzy Hair: Smooth, Soft, Less Puff, and if you add a finishing oil, learn how to get the shine without grease in How to Use Hair Oil (Without Grease, Breakage, or Buildup).

FAQ

Does L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo contain sulfates, and what does that mean for my hair?

Yes, the shampoo uses sulfate surfactants, which create a rich lather and remove oil and buildup efficiently. This is helpful if you use heavier styling products or have a scalp that gets oily between washes. The trade-off is that sulfates can accelerate color fade on fresh dye and may be too strong for very sensitive scalps. If those are concerns, alternate with a gentler or sulfate-free cleanser.

Will the Extraordinary Oil conditioner weigh down fine hair?

It can if you apply too much or bring it up to the roots. For fine hair, apply a small amount only from mid-length to ends, thin it with a splash of water before the final rinse, and avoid layering multiple rich leave-ins. Many fine-haired users get smoother ends without losing volume when they keep the root zone clear.

Is this duo good for color-treated or highlighted hair?

It works for many color-treated users, especially those with dry ends, because the conditioner smooths rough, porous cuticles. If your color is very fresh or vivid, the sulfate shampoo may cause faster fading. In that case, alternate with a color-care or sulfate-free shampoo and keep the Extraordinary Oil conditioner in rotation for slip and shine.

How often should I use the Extraordinary Oil shampoo and conditioner?

Most people do well using the set every two to three days. If you use heavy oils, dry shampoo, or heat protectants, a weekly clarifying wash can keep buildup in check. Very dry or coarse hair can sometimes stretch washes longer and use the conditioner more frequently as a quick midweek detangle on the ends.

Does this pair help with frizz and humidity control?

Yes. The conditioner’s smoothing agents coat the cuticle, which limits moisture swelling and reduces puffiness in humid conditions. Paired with a small amount of finishing oil on the ends and a heat protectant before styling, most users see noticeably sleeker results that last through the day.

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