The Ellips Smooth and Shiny hair serum is one of my holy grail serums that I've kept using for a few years now. I've had the opportunity for Ellips to send me some products after they saw my holy grail serum review. It all happened by pure chance. They sent me some more of the hair masks and hair serums! They've recently launched their Pro Keratin Complex series! Stay tuned to the end of this blog for a chance to enter the giveaway! I have 2 sets of Ellips products to giveaway!
So if you have not read why the Ellips Hair serum is one of my holy grail serums, head over to that article first before proceeding. Click here.
They have recently added the Pro Keratin Series to their line and it can be found online and at Watson's. It is part of the new line that is complimenting their Natural Series. So my previous Holy Grail serum was part of the Natural series. I wanted to see how this new Pro Keratin Complex formulation would compare to the Natural Series which I really like. Below, you will see that I'll compare the two side by side to see if there was any visible difference.
http://www.ellipshaircare.com/product
Ingredients
Smooth and Shiny (Natural Series)
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOTRASILOXANE, DIMETHICONOL, FRAGRANCE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SOYBEAN OIL (GLYCINE SOJA), ASCORBYL, PALMITATE, RETINYL, PALMITATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF OIL, POLYSILICONE-15, PANTHENYL ETHYL, ETHER, ARGANIA SPINOSA OIL
Smooth and Shiny with Pro Keratin Complex
Cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, dimethiconol, fragrance, tocopheryl acetate, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Oil, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Pantheyl ethyl ether, Isostearic acid, Amp-isostearoyl hydrolysed wheat protein, Aminomethyl propanol.
Shiny Black (Natural Series)
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOTRASILOXANE, DIMETHICONOL PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, FRAGRANCE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SOYBEAN OIL (GLYCINE SOJA), ASCORBYL, PALMITATE, RETINYL, PALMITATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF OIL, ALEURITES MOLUCCANA SEED OIL, POLYSILICONE-15, PANTHENYL ETHYL, ETHER, ARGANIA SPINOSA OIL
Shiny Black with Pro Keratin Complex
Cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, dimethiconol,phenyl trimethicone, fragrance, tocopheryl acetate, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Oil, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Aloe barbadensis (Leaf) extract, Aleurites mollucana Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Pantheyl ethyl ether, Isostearic acid, Amp-isostearoyl hydrolysed wheat protein, Aminomethyl propanol.
If you can see those highlighted are the different ingredients against the previous formulation. Some are binding agents, UV filters, pH adjusters, protein conditioning agents as well as natural oils. You can simply google the ingredients to know more about the individual MSDS if you want to find out more about these chemical compounds.
Application
Shiny Black
I tested out the Shiny Black (Natural Series) versus Shiny Black with Pro Keratin Complex as it has very similar ingredients overall. The Natural Series version was a formula that I had liked too and it was comparable to the Smooth & Shiny version, but it got marked down as the availability of the Shiny Black version in many stores were very slim to none.
Now the comparison begins. I'll be applying the hair product to half my hair each to see if there is any difference between the two serums when applied with the same regimen as suggested on the package. Applied on clean towel dried but slightly damp hair. I'll be keeping the Natural Series formulation to the right of the picture and the new formulation to the left as indicated in the picture. I'll be testing them on smell, absorption & frizz control
From the selfie, could you tell if there was a difference in the texture or shine of the hair? If I wasn't the one applying it, I could not tell it apart. It was just very similar that the difference cannot be captured in a picture. So below are some differences I managed to observe from the applications.
1. Smell
Right off the bat there is some difference in the way it smelled. The formulation with the Pro Keratin Complex had a noticeable pungent smell upon dispensing. It had a stronger nut oil scent in comparison to the older formulation. The scent of it fades away after awhile for both.
2. Absorption
Both absorbed fairly quickly onto the hair. The ends of the hair was more evenly hydrated with the Pro Keratin Complex formula, making the hair feel much smoother overall. The Natural Series formulation felt more weighted down while the new formulation felt lighter and gave bouncy curls. The side with the older formulation had a much nicer curls whereas the curls with the Pro Keratin Complex was less defined even after leaving it in a braid overnight. The curls seem slightly relaxed, especially at the ends. Even looking at my hair in the mirror to see any other differences, the older formulation had a shinier appeal to it when the light bounces off the curls. It was quite entertaining to compare the two sides.
3. Frizz control
It's a quick fix kind of hair serum that has instant frizz control powers however the fact that I keep my hair in an up-do most times helps keep the frizz at bay. The softness of the hair still lingers the day after application as well. I would say that it feels the best the day after you apply the serum, because you can still feel the smoothness of the hair, right to the ends after it mixes with your natural hair oils. You can definitely reapply this serum throughout the day and it won't feel weighed down. Perfect for on-the-go application. The best part, it does not feel greasy at all!
Smooth and Shiny
The Smooth and Shiny one is one of the most purchased hair serum that I have used in the past few years and the convenience of the capsules/blisters are the reason why it has been my most reached hair serum. Aside from the convenience, I do like the formulation of this as it gives me hydrated, fragrant hair with that lustrous shine.
For this comparison, I decided to give it a test on dry hair. As on usual days I prefer to add shine serum after my hair has completely air-dried. Please note that this Smooth and Shiny formula has different oils infused in them. Argan oil in the Natural Series formula versus Jojoba Oil in the Pro Keratin Complex version.
1. Smell
The smell of it is not pungent but you can definitely tell there is a slight difference in the fragrance as the Pro Keratin Complex formulation has a more citrus/grapefruit kind of scent to it. The Natural Series formulation had a more light soapy scent to it.
2. Absorption
The Pro Keratin Complex formulation had a faster absorption rate in comparison to the Natural Series serum formula. This did not feel weighed down on either sides and both hydrated the hair evenly. The curls happened to have similar outcomes to the Shiny Black version where the Pro Keratin Complex had curls which were less defined after the oil application. It was not a major difference that would be noticeable if I had not done this comparison test.
3. Frizz Control
I would say that applying it on damp or dry hair is not much of a difference, it's about preference. If you were to apply it onto dry hair, just be mindful that the smoothness of the hair may not be as instant as applying it onto damp hair. You would feel the softness of the hair at about a few hours after the hair application (ps. tie your hair in a snail bun, it helps to make your hair feel softer when you let it loose). You can also reapply it after the hair has dried for additional shine and frizz control. If you keep your hair in an up-do most times (like me), you will definitely have prolonged the frizz control element using either serums as if you can see from the picture, even after 24 hours of application it looks very tamed for both formulas.
Summary
The Ellips Hair Serum with Pro Keratin Complex was made to boost hair that required more protein to prevent breakage and retain moisture for a longer period of time. It definitely managed to increase the elasticity immediately after one use as I could feel my hair having that bounce after application. It has a more even application throughout and kept my hair feeling hydrated and smooth without compromising my curls. It's suitable for people who have bleached or dyed hair or even damaged hair to use for a quick on-the-go application. Frizz can happen to anyone for many reasons. This new formulation with the Pro Keratin Complex is definitely something I would reach for over and over again if my hair feels limp and just needs that boost of protein.
If you wish to purchase this,
Juice Box Rating
1. Moisturising-4/5
2. Affordability-4/5
3. Endurance in Humidity- 3.75/5
4. Efficacy-4/5
Average rating: 3.93/5
Do check out my video on the haircare serum and application! I'll mention the Natural Series as 'old' and the Pro Keratin Complex series as 'new'.
Giveaway
So you made it to the end! As part of MSCHFF's Birthday Month, I have 2 sets of hair masks and hair serums to giveaway! This giveaway is open internationally! Here are the rules to enter.
1. Add @mschffsg on instagram
2. Tag a friend who would like to receive the set too!
3. Make sure your account is public.
4. (Optional), repost the giveaway picture and tag me in it for an extra chance to win!
Just that simple!
Winner and their friend will receive the Ellips Haircare set!
Closing date to enter: 31 October 2017 23:59 SGT
Good luck!