Fab or Flub: Claudia Schiffer-approved hair serum

What if I told you that you could get supermodel locks with just one trip to your nearest Wal-Mart? That’s the idea promoted with the recent launch of the Schwarzkopf Ultime hair-care line.

Developed with the help of supermodel Claudia Schiffer, the brand is exclusive to Wal-Mart and includes an impressive roster of 74 products. This means customers can expect to find everything from shampoos and conditioners to masks and oils. Best of all, price points are modest, as everything in the line is $10 or less.

Since it would be impractical to try to review everything in a line as extensive as this, I picked out what I thought might be the brand’s best product.

I didn’t want to try a shampoo or conditioner, which left me with an obvious choice: the Schwarzkopf essence Ultime Omega Repair and Moisture 11-in-1 Hair Beautifier. Formulated for damaged, depleted hair, the hair serum retails for $7 and is infused with a rich omega oil. Used on damp or dry hair, it promises to protect, smooth, repair and more.

First impression

It is packaged in a pump-style bottle, and when I popped the cap off, I was immediately greeted with a wonderful smell. It was quite similar to the John Frieda Secret Weapon Touch-up Creme that I’ve used since junior high, and some quick online research revealed that the scent is inspired by Schiffer’s favorite Diptyque candle and notes of sandalwood, jasmine and amber.

The hair serum smells good enough to wear on your body as a perfume (and should I ever find myself in a fragrance-free predicament, I might just do so). As far as the serum’s real purpose, I found the formula to be light and nongreasy. For someone like me who has thick hair, this is a big positive, because past experience has taught me that the thicker and greasier a hair product, the more it weighs down the hair.

Fab or flub?

Fab! A great way to give your overworked hair a little love, the Schwarzkopf essence Ultime Omega Repair and Moisture 11-in-1 Hair Beautifier is a great addition to anybody’s beauty cabinet. At the time that I was sampling it, my hair was in pretty bad shape. I was overdue for a cut and my hair had reached maximum thickness (since I’m accustomed to having it thinned along with each trim when I go to the salon).

This hair serum helped make my hair more manageable, but it also gave it some much needed life. Applied after a shampoo, it left my hair feeling soft, looking shiny and smelling great. It did not get rid of my hair’s frizz entirely, but with the muggy weather we’ve been having lately, I don’t think anything could.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience with the product and look forward to trying out other products in the line.

This story was originally published April 10, 2015 at 2:24 PM with the headline "Fab or Flub: Claudia Schiffer-approved hair serum."