I Tried the $11 Anti-Frizz Smoothing Treatment That Transforms Hair to Silk

I’ve battled frizz my whole life. Experimenting with straightening products like it was my eighth grade science fair project often led to dead ends. I have become increasingly skeptical of anything that promises smoothness, with the exception of professional keratin treatments.

Naturally, when I heard about L’Oréal’s 8-Second Wonder Water Hair Treatment — a name that seems like an over-promise in itself — I had little interest. It wasn’t until the hype from beauty industry friends, the internet, and Amazon’s 28,000-plus five-star reviews became deafening that I finally gave it a try. What about the hype? It is absolutely justified.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Wonderful Water Hair Treatment in 8 Seconds

L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8-Second Wonder Water is an ultra-lightweight, rinse-out hair treatment in the shower that smoothes strands and adds mirror-like shine in seconds. Ideal for all hair types, including fine, wavy and curly hair, it smoothes flyaways and frizz, without greasy, heavy residue. The formula is intended for bi- or tri-weekly use (which ideally fits with my shampoo schedule). Anecdotally, I have noticed that it becomes more and more effective with each use.

The liquid formula is indistinguishable from water except for its aroma (which one shopper calls the “smelliest” product they’ve tried) and is dispensed via a conical nozzle. Helpfully, the bottle is marked in doses, similar to a measuring cup, as they are labeled to indicate exactly how much product is needed per use. As someone with medium-thick, ultra-long hair extensions, I use two “doses,” or 40 milliliters, per treatment.

The application is a breeze; Simply massage the liquid into your hair, focusing on the ends and other thirsty, dull areas. Interestingly, the product creates a warming sensation when it gets to work, which takes just eight seconds, as the name suggests. It rinses clean with no greasy residue, making it a refreshing change from the heavy hair oils and masks I’ve tried.

By the way, Wonder Water is free of silicones, which smooth dramatically, but can cause buildup and heaviness. Instead, the formula relies on hair-repairing proteins and hydrating ingredients delivered via the brand’s unique technology that deposits shine in thin, lightweight layers.

One shopper who has “medium-length, fine, frizzy hair” claims Wonder Water straightens their air-dried locks “better than using (their) hair dryer brush and a flat iron,” cutting down on their routine capillary of “more than half”. Another reviewer claims the formula makes hair “soft” and “incredibly manageable,” adding that the “lightweight” elixir “turns hair into silk.”

For fast-acting anti-frizz and glass-like shine in seconds, buy L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8-Second Wonderful Water on Amazon for $11. Discover other shine-inducing hair treatments below:

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Wonder Water Treatment

L’ange Satin Nectar Nourishing Gloss

Moroccan High Gloss Shine