with Caroline Greyl

Some brands are meant to become iconic. It is the case of LEONOR GREYL.
With 40 years of experience in hair care treatment using only natural products and already 2 generations sharing the same passion for hair beauty, LEONOR GREYL is proud to carry a line of products that smell so good and work such wonders.
Launched in 1968 by Leonor and her husband Jean-Marie Greyl, the brand is now a reference among beauty experts, prestigious hairdressers and top models.
Today, their daughter Caroline, along with her husband, continue this wonderful adventure with success: the brand is present in more than 20 countries and 450 salons.
In an exclusive interview with BWB she talks about her heritage, her coup de coeur and shares wonderful advice.

In his lab, my father introduced me to secret techniques and sometimes allowed me to choose the fragrances for some of our products.

You grow up surrounded by the most exquisite fragrances created by your parents. Were you already inspired by the business when you were a child?

I grew up in the cosmetics universe and more precisely in the beauty institute of my mother, who used to take me there on Saturdays.
A real little princess dream, since I was allowed to play with the hair rollers and to watch the hairdressers.
My father was also part of it but he mostly introduced me to nature and the environment. In his lab, he introduced me to secret techniques and sometimes allowed me to choose the fragrances for some of our products.
What’s amazing is that we shared the same taste and it’s still true to this day.

You have been developing natural products for over 40 years. How do you see the evolution of cosmetics today?

I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, we have stricter controls and regulations towards the protection of the consumers, but some controls are disproportionate, preventing the creation of some products when they don’t altogether threaten the existence of some businesses.
Today, you need an investment of 50,000 euros before you can launch a product on the market vs. 5,000 euros ten years ago.
In general, the ingredients available are more efficient and also more varied, which is an advantage.

Some of your products, like the Huile Secret de Beauté have a cult status, somewhat like Dior’s apricot cream and Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream. What are the essential beauty products for you?  

I love Dior’s makeup products and I find them very efficient.
For my face treatments, I have been using Joelle Ciocco’s products for over 25 years, and I have always been faithful to L’Heure Bleue from Guerlain.

It is when the first grey hairs start appearing that there is a tendency to multiply the coloring, so you have to make sure that you keep nourishing your hair with oil and mask treatments at least twice a week.

What hair product recommendations do you have for our readers in their twenties, forties and sixties?

In your 20’s, you need to rebalance the scalp.
Therefore it is better to use light shampoos which allow a frequent use, and which are not aggressive for the scalp. In your thirties, hair is more fragile, most of the time as a result of coloring. You should use oil once a week, and apply a hair mask for 20 minutes weekly.

In your 40’s, hair is thinning and you should start thinking of revitalizing it by using vitamin supplements and tonifying lotion.
It is when the first grey hairs start appearing that there is a tendency to multiply the coloring, so you have to make sure that you keep nourishing your hair with oil and mask treatments at least twice a week.

In your 60’s, hair is definitely thinning and it is mandatory to follow a regimen of two full fortifying treatments every three months.

Scalp massage is necessary as often as possible. It is very relaxing and it activates blood circulation.

There is a great deal of advice regarding hair maintenance. As an expert, what is your take on some of them:

Barrettes, elastic bands or loose hair?
Loose hair of course, but we sometimes need to tie it to exercise or for other reasons, and in that case it is better to use elastic bands as long as they are made with foam or barrettes. Hair clips are also recommended since they don’t damage your hair. .

Scalp massage?
Scalp massage is necessary as often as possible. It is very relaxing and it activates blood circulation. You need to massage your scalp after washing your hair, but also after drying your hair with your head down.

Vitamins and supplements for hair?
Necessary in your sixties. If you are younger, it is advisable to use them if you feel tired or stressed, or if you just gave birth since pregnancy often triggers loss of hair.

Invest in quality hair dryer and brush (Mason Pearson type)?
The Mason brush of course, but also a large tooth detangling comb which doesn’t pull your hair.
It is important to keep the brush clean after each use to avoid dust deposits.

Brushing a lot the hair before bedtime?
Brush your hair normally before bedtime to get rid of impurities. The hair is detangled and is stimulated at the same time.
It is also very important to detangle your hair before washing it. It helps with shampooing, and causes less damage to the hair since it is heavier when it’s wet.

In cold weather, what is your advice to restore body to the hair that has been hidden under caps, hats and stressed by the cold?

There is no miracle solution. Once you take your hat off, make sure you “free” you hair by detangling it with your fingers head down.
It is also the time of the year to use products like volumizing mousse on the roots, and to protect from static electricity by applying serum on lengths and tips.