Quick answer: use Blond Absolu Bain Lumière ($48) as your everyday shampoo, and Bain Ultra-Violet ($48) once or twice a week when you can see warmth coming through. Add Cicaflash ($57.75) as your conditioner, and Blonde Guard ($63) after every wash if you swim, sit in the sun or style with heat.
Updated 30 October 2026 by the stylists at Next International, a Kérastase salon in Oxenford and Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast since 1992.
Bain Lumière vs Bain Ultra-Violet: what is the difference?
| Bain Lumière | Bain Ultra-Violet | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Clear, hydrating gel shampoo | Purple shampoo with violet pigments |
| Job | Cleanses and keeps blonde bright | Counteracts yellow and orange tones |
| Made for | Bleached, highlighted and natural blonde, any shade | Cool, ash or platinum blonde, and grey or silver hair with a warm cast |
| How often | Regular wash days, mild enough for every day | Our advice: once or twice a week |
| Leave on | At least two minutes | At least two minutes, longer for more toning |
| Sizes we sell | 250ml, 500ml and 500ml refill | 250ml |
| Our price, 250ml | $48 (RRP $64) | $48 (RRP $64) |
Both contain hyaluronic acid in two molecular weights and vitamins C and E, so toning does not have to leave hair dry. Prices are ours, checked on 30 October 2026. RRP means the price Kérastase lists for Australia, and our online price is 25% below it.
Do I need a purple shampoo?
Only if you can see warmth you do not want. Purple shampoo is a corrector, not an everyday wash. Used every wash, it can make very light blondes look flat and grey, and overdoing purple products is the most common reason we see blondes looking dull. If you like a warm or honey blonde, you may not need it at all.
Bain Lumière is the one we build most blonde routines around. It clears away pollution and dulling residue and adds hydration with a weightless feel. It is silicone-free and vegan. If you wash often, the 500ml is $86.25 and the 500ml refill is $72.
Bain Ultra-Violet neutralises yellow and orange undertones from the first wash. Leave it on longer when warmth is obvious. For a light top-up, just lather and rinse.
Which conditioner and mask do blondes need?
| Product | Use it for | Leave on | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cicaflash Fondant | Your regular conditioner. Mask-level hydration with a light finish, good for fine hair and tangles | 3 to 5 minutes | $57.75 |
| Masque Ultra-Violet | Weekly toning and moisture for cool blonde, silver and highlighted hair | 3 to 5 minutes, no longer than 5 | $75 |
| Masque Cicaextreme | Very sensitised hair, especially straight after bleaching. No purple pigment | 5 minutes | $75 |
If you need both strength and toning, use Masque Cicaextreme and Masque Ultra-Violet on separate washes rather than mixing them. Our hair mask guide compares these with the other Kérastase masks.
What does Blonde Guard do?
Blonde Guard is a light, milky leave-in that protects against heat, UV, chlorine, salt water and dehydration. That makes it a sensible daily step for Gold Coast blondes who swim or spend time outdoors.
It is not a toner. If yellow tones are creeping in, add Bain Ultra-Violet or Masque Ultra-Violet once a week. Before a swim, wet your hair with fresh water and apply it, so the hair soaks up less chlorine or salt.
What does a good blonde routine look like?
- Most wash days: Bain Lumière for at least two minutes, then Cicaflash for 3 to 5 minutes.
- After every wash: Blonde Guard through towel-dried mid-lengths and ends. Do not rinse.
- When warmth shows: swap in Bain Ultra-Violet, or use Masque Ultra-Violet once a week.
- In the first couple of weeks after lightening: alternate Masque Cicaextreme with Cicaflash.
Shampoo, conditioner and Blonde Guard come to $168.75. For extra care, Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($76.50) and Blond Absolu Night Serum ($74.25) are covered in our serum guide, and Cicagloss is in our hair oil guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bain Lumière a purple shampoo?
No. Bain Lumière is a clear, hydrating gel. Bain Ultra-Violet is the purple shampoo in Blond Absolu.
Can I use Bain Ultra-Violet every wash?
We do not suggest it. For most of our blonde clients, once or twice a week is enough. Used every wash, it can make very light blondes look flat and grey.
Will Masque Ultra-Violet turn my hair purple?
It should not when used as directed. Apply it to towel-dried hair and leave it on for three to five minutes, no longer than five.
Does Blond Absolu work on grey hair?
Bain Ultra-Violet and Masque Ultra-Violet both suit grey and silver hair that has picked up a warm or yellow cast.
What is the difference between Cicaflash and Masque Cicaextreme?
Cicaflash is a conditioner, gentle enough for daily use. Masque Cicaextreme is the most intensive mask in Blond Absolu, for very sensitised hair after lightening.
Does Blonde Guard protect from heat?
Yes, it protects against heat. Our product information does not give a temperature, so see our heat protectant guide if you need a stated figure.
Not sure what your blonde needs?
Next International is an authorised Kérastase stockist with salons in Oxenford and Upper Coomera, and we sell the current range online at 25% below RRP.
Our stylists can look at your tone and condition and tell you: book online in Oxenford or book online in Upper Coomera, or shop the Blond Absolu range. Standard shipping is free Australia-wide on orders over $200. Otherwise it is $14 standard (2 to 8 business days) or $18 express (1 to 5 business days), and click and collect from our Oxenford salon is free.
