Recently, I implored a visiting friend to test a new shampoo. I left it in the shower, next to an Oribe formula that resides permanently in my bathroom…and she opted for the latter. Though she failed to deliver insight, I can hardly fault her. Oribe—a luxury brand beloved by stylists and A-listers like Reese Witherspoon—is consistently stellar. My 72-year-old mom is similarly fond of the line after discovering its Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum, a thickening, growth-supporting cream I’ve since fallen for myself. 

Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum 

The Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum is a multi-purpose solution for fine, weak, frizzy strands of all types and textures. Specifically, the lightweight lotion strengthens the hair shaft from the inside, and fortifies strands within a week, per the brand. The serum also stymies premature snapping—in turn, allowing hair to reach new lengths. As for instant benefits, it plumps thin strands in seconds, and supplies suppleness to dull, raggedy ends. Simply put, Oribe’s elixir revives damaged, frail hair both instantly and over time.  

Whereas many strengthening solutions require particular protocol—and can, in turn, prove a pain to implement—Oribe’s is a breeze to incorporate into any existing routine. My mom, who washes her hair every other day, has applied the serum on both damp and dry strands with optimal results. “A little bit goes a long way,” she tells me, “and only requires a small amount to make my hair look thicker.”

Additionally, she swears her strands appear instantly “smoother” post-use: high praise from a woman who has lamented her “wispy” mane for as long as I’ve been alive.

I, too, have grappled with extreme dryness and frizz for as long as I can remember (thanks, genetics!). True to my mom’s review, I’ve found the serum smooths errant flyaways and transforms my haylike ends to silk. Incidentally, the lightweight solution is an excellent alternative to traditional hair oil, which often proves weighty and slick. Au contraire, Oribe’s serum boasts a thickening—never flattening—effect, and delivers the glistening finish I’ve sought from countless hair oils. 

As for its elasticizing, breakage-prevention properties, protein-rich plant extracts are to thank. Notably, the formula also features chia seed oil—an ingredient that’s “rich in essential fatty acids,” trichologist Gretchen Friese previously told InStyle, and fosters a “healthy environment” for hair growth. Furthermore, chia seed oil can “prevent hair-thinning” by virtue of its zinc and copper content. 

Visual and tactile benefits aside, Oribe’s serum offers olfactory bliss: Lightly scented with the brand’s signature Côte d’Azur fragrance, it wafts a luxurious aroma reminiscent of an expensive salon.  

For stronger, thicker, smoother hair—both instantly and over time—shop the Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum. Consider similar strengthening solutions, below. 

K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

Virtue Flourish Hair Thickening Styling Treatment

Nioxin Density Defend Diamax Advanced Hair Thickening Serum