So I've been getting tons of questions about this Essence Absolue Nourishing Overnight Hair Serum that's been all over my feed lately. After using it for a full month, I figured it was time to spill the tea on whether this $ bottle is actually worth it or just another overhyped beauty product.
How I Actually Tested This Thing
Look, I wasn't about to drop nearly seventy bucks and just wing it. I got serious about testing this serum properly. Every morning for thirty days, I took photos of my hair in the same spot with the same lighting. I know it sounds extra, but I wanted real results, not just wishful thinking.
I also started counting how many broken pieces of hair I'd find when brushing. Yeah, I literally counted broken strands like some kind of hair scientist. But here's the thing - numbers don't lie, and I wanted to see if that "97% breakage reduction" claim was legit or just marketing fluff.
The first two weeks were all about establishing a baseline. I documented everything - how my hair looked, felt, how much breakage I was seeing, even how my scalp was doing. Then weeks three and four were where I really started tracking the changes.
The Honest Timeline of What Happened
I'm not gonna sugarcoat this - the first few days were actually kind of disappointing. My hair looked greasier at the roots, and I was starting to wonder if I'd made a mistake. But my friend who recommended it told me to stick with it for at least two weeks, so I did.
Around day four, things started shifting. My hair felt softer when I ran my fingers through it, though it still looked a bit flat. By the end of the first week, I was still seeing about fifteen to twenty broken strands every time I brushed.
Week two was when I started getting hopeful. The shine was coming back, and even on those humid Miami days that usually turn my hair into a frizz ball, it stayed pretty smooth. The breakage count dropped to around ten strands, which was already better than where I started.
But weeks three and four? That's when this serum really showed off. My hair had this glossy, healthy look that I hadn't seen in months. People started asking if I'd gotten it professionally done. The breakage was down to just three or four strands per brushing session, which honestly blew my mind.
What It's Actually Like to Use
The bottle itself is pretty sleek - definitely looks expensive sitting on my nightstand. The serum has this lightweight, oily texture that doesn't feel heavy or sticky once you work it through your hair. The scent is really subtle, just a hint of something floral that's not overwhelming at all.
Here's what I learned about application the hard way: less is definitely more. I started with way too much product and ended up with greasy hair the next morning. Two to three pumps is the sweet spot for shoulder-length hair like mine. I focus on the middle and ends, staying completely away from my roots, and I make sure my hair is just damp, not soaking wet.
One game-changer was switching to a silk pillowcase around the same time. I can't say for sure how much that helped versus the serum alone, but my hair definitely felt smoother in the mornings.
The Numbers Game: Did It Really Work?
Okay, so remember how I was counting broken strands like a total nerd? In my first week, I was averaging about thirty broken pieces per day between my morning brush and evening detangling. By week four, that number was down to just three broken strands per day.
That's a ninety percent reduction in breakage, which is pretty darn close to their 97% claim. I was honestly shocked that the marketing wasn't just completely made up.
Let's Talk Money
I won't lie - $ for a hair serum made me pause before buying. But when you break it down, the bottle lasts about two months with regular use, so it's roughly a dollar per application. That's less than what I spend on coffee most days.
The real question is whether it's worth it compared to cheaper options. I've tried drugstore overnight treatments before, and they just don't compare. This actually improved my hair's condition over time instead of just making it temporarily soft.
That said, if you're on a tight budget or your hair is already in good condition, you might not need something this pricey. But if you're dealing with damaged, breakage-prone hair and you've got room in your beauty budget, I think it's worth the splurge.
The Good, The Bad, and The Honest Truth
What I loved most was that the results kept getting better over time. It wasn't just a quick fix that wore off - my hair actually became healthier. The overnight routine fit perfectly into my lazy nighttime routine, and I never woke up with that gross, greasy residue some hair masks leave behind.
The downside? Besides the price, that first week of adjustment was kind of rough. I almost gave up because I thought it was making my hair worse. Also, the pump sometimes dispenses more product than I need, which is wasteful when you're paying this much.
If I had to rate it, I'd give it about four stars out of five. It does what it promises, but it's definitely a luxury purchase.
Who Should Actually Buy This?
If you're in college and your hair is fried from straightening and curling, this could be a game-changer. Same goes for anyone who colors their hair regularly or has naturally fine, fragile strands. Young professionals who want low-maintenance hair care would probably love the overnight format too.
But if you have super oily hair already, this might be too much. And if you're dealing with scalp issues, you should probably talk to a dermatologist before trying any new products.
How to Actually Make It Work
The biggest mistake I see people make is using too much product or applying it too close to their scalp. Start with less than you think you need, focus on the damaged parts of your hair, and be consistent. Skipping nights here and there really slows down the progress.
I also learned that washing my hair too often cancels out the benefits. Sticking to two or three washes per week gave the serum time to actually work.
Where to Buy Without Getting Scammed
Stick to the official brand website, Sephora, or Ulta. I've heard horror stories about fake versions being sold on random websites for suspiciously cheap prices. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
My Final Thoughts
After thirty days of testing, taking way too many hair selfies, and probably boring my friends with constant hair updates, I can honestly say this serum earned its spot in my routine. Is it perfect? No. Is it worth the money if you have damaged hair and can afford it? Absolutely.
The 97% breakage reduction thing is basically accurate, at least for my hair type. Your results might be different, but if you're tired of seeing broken pieces of hair everywhere and you're ready to invest in something that actually works, this one delivers.
I've already ordered my second bottle, which says everything you need to know about whether I think it works. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and this is one of those times.
