The Balmed Beauty of Paris Hair at Fashion Week
By Wendy Iles
As the curtain falls on the recent Paris Couture Fashion Week, the visual splendour of craftsmanship and imagination still lingers, not just in the garments, but in the hair. This season, designers leaned into a textured, sculpted aesthetic, and one particular hair finish dominated: balmed brilliance.
From weightless glassy sheens to sumptuous sculptural textures, this wasn’t about hair that tried to steal the show — it was about hair that belonged in the couture conversation, as essential to the artistry as the embroidery or drape. And it’s a look I know intimately — one we achieve time and again backstage using our hero product: the Iles Formula Intensive Hair + Body Balm.
The Iles Formula Balm can be used on damp or dry hair; it’s the invisible architect behind many of the looks I create, including those seen on the world’s most exclusive runways.
A balm, yes. But also a whisper of control, a memory of texture, and the final touch of Parisian polish.
Here are the designers who embodied this elegant, balmed look to perfection:
IRIS VAN HERPEN
Hair by Hester Wernert
Known for her otherworldly, almost anatomical designs, Iris van Herpen presented hair as living sculpture. Strands were slicked, coiled, and layered with surgical precision — each model appearing as if emerging from water or air. The hair didn’t move. It shimmered. The look required discipline, definition, and moisture-locking hold — a balm was essential here.
CHANEL
Hair by Anthony Turner
At Chanel, the nod was to romanticism, but with a couture polish. Polished chignons, sleek side parts, the hair has a quiet luxury feel. Nothing was flyaway or overly finished — just beautifully moisturised hair with natural control, as if a modern woman had done it herself… using the right product.
SCHIAPARELLI
Hair by Guido Palau
As always, Schiaparelli was bold, architectural, and imaginative. The hair mirrored this mood — bold sweeps, graphic lines, and high-gloss accents that anchored the surreal silhouettes. A balm, in this case, acted as a sculptor’s tool, giving the hair strength and shine without stiffness. I would suggest the Iles Formula Hair + Body Balm .
The ILES balm is more than a styling product; it’s a sustainably sourced botanical with 2 key ingredients: Tuccma and Shea Butter. Not only does it deliver an exquisite, pliable texture, but it also nurtures your hair while doing so.
GEORGES HOBEIKA
Hair by Laurent Phillippon
Hobeika’s romantic gowns were offset by hair that was minimal yet masterful. Think of soft waves pulled back with just enough hold, or sleek roots blending into textural ends. This kind of “undone luxury” depends on a balm that delivers hydration, memory, and finish, without residue.
The Takeaway
This Paris season was not about dry, overly styled hair. It was about hair that felt touched by intention — soft yet set, shaped but free. That look requires a product that can multitask: smoothing, taming, moisturising, and sculpting — that obeys one’s every command.