English Version | The blooming of Phyto

To accompany its renewed image, Phyto relaunched the formulas of its most iconic ranges, betting on natural and more sustainable ingredients. In an interview, hairdresser Karim Belghiran presented the Douceur collection and its benefits for hair health.

When renowned hairstylist Patrick Alès created Phyto in 1969, little did he imagine that his love of nature would continue to be reflected in the brand more than fifty years later. With a new design and cleaner formulas, Phyto is preparing for a new chapter - but it's not doing it alone. Karim Belghiran is one of the collaborators in this relaunch, and is presenting the Douceur range, a collection for the whole family that provides hydration and shine to the hair fiber, while respecting the scalp, using the botanical power of plants. The Moroccan-Spanish hairdresser, who has worked with famous luxury brands and contributed to magazine covers all over the world, presented the new Phyto formulas and offered his advice on how to bring the qualities of the Douceur products to their full potential

In the context of your profession, why is it important to have a healthy scalp? The healthier the scalp, the more beautiful and healthier the hair is. As a hairdresser, having healthy hair opens up the field of creativity: colors, cuts, hairstyles. The material is easier to work with. I think the hair is a witness, whether it is the condition of the skin or, more generally, good, or bad lifestyle habits. The scalp is neglected too often. To treat it, I recommend rinsing with cold water. I also regularly do micro massages of a few minutes during the day to reactivate microcirculation and add shine to the hair fiber.

How important is naturalness in the products you use every day? As a hairdresser, I don't like to use too many products. "Less is more." In the ones I have in my kit, I prefer cleaner, more natural formulas that match my effortless style and don't overload the fiber. It's important not to suffocate the hair with an overlap of products that aren't really necessary. I like to respect the life cycle of the hair and its evolution during the day. So, to create a hairstyle, I prefer to use a straightening iron or a blow dryer that will bring a truly natural result that does not distort the hairstyle.

The absence of silicones is a Phyto commitment. What is your relationship with this active ingredient in your daily work as a hairdresser? I think we should question the real need for silicones in formulas. To me, it is a "gimmick" for the hair. Sure, the hair looks shiny and well cared for, but it creates a time bomb. I prefer treatments that don't contain them [silicones], always with the idea of preserving the scalp, preventing it from suffocating and getting a "real" result." It is better to treat than to cover up. There are other ways to increase shine, such as rinsing with cold water, massaging the scalp, or using a brushing tool.

The Douceur detangling milk can be used on both wet and dry hair. Do you have any application tips? And what result can we expect on each hair type? It is an intelligent product. I recommend dividing the hair in four parts and use your hand to apply the texture from the roots to the ends. On wet hair it is easy to apply and makes the detangling process ultra-easy. On dry hair, it can be used as a styling product. It covers [the hair] and helps detangle throughout the day. Tip: Always detangle the hair when it's "dry"  before taking a shower. This prevents the hair from getting weak and breaking. 

The dry shampoo is a "multi-purpose" product. Do you have any application tips to share with us? Dry shampoo is an ideal product for refreshing your style throughout the day. Mixed with a hairspray (i.e., Phytolaque), it helps the "fresh" feeling last longer and offers volume and shine.

What characteristics are needed for a product range to be suitable for the whole family? You have to focus on softness. Although for children naturalness is not a concern, it is not yet top of mind, it has to be a commitment, whether in formulas to avoid irritation or in fragrances. Fragrances that are too chemical are no longer attractive and don't make children feel like washing their hair. For adults, the range of products must protect the scalp to avoid weakening, falling out or breaking, and not damage it.

Originally translated from The Revolution Issue, published April 2023.Full stories and credits on the print issue.