Hair Gloss Vs Glaze: Guide to Hair Glossing
Learn everything about hair gloss and hair glaze, including benefits, home treatments vs salon treatments,
and how to use the new Kérastase Gloss Absolu range.
.jpg?sw=1000&sh=1000&sm=cut&q=80)
Tired of hair looking dull and brassy? Hair glossing and glazing, sought-after hair treatments (and a source of many social media before-and-afters), come to rescue. Discover what hair glossing and glazing are, what the difference is, and the benefits of hair glazing with Kérastase Gloss Absolu, our new range for salon-worthy hair that shines with health.
Meet the Expert
Kérastase Care Coach Becky Baker is a senior hair consultant and L'Oréal colour specialist with 13 years of experience in the salon.
On hair glaze, Becky, says: “A hair glaze is fantastic for everybody. It's great for dull hair, frizzy hair, dry hair, and I use it on clients across a spectrum of ages, from teenagers through to the elderly. It works beautifully and I'm getting fantastic results. ”
With Becky’s expertise, we will discover the difference between gloss vs glaze, the benefits of each, and how to use hair glaze at home.
Hair gloss vs. hair glaze: Know the difference
A search for the best hair gloss experience might have led you to two treatments which sound very similar — hair gloss vs glaze. Both treatments add radiance and shine to your locks, yet they work in different ways, suit different hair types, and vary by longevity.
What is hair glaze?
Hair glaze treatment creates a protective shield around the hair fibre. This keeps the surface layer flat and smooth, reducing frizz and enhancing shine for an impressive, glazed result.
A hair glaze is a low-commitment option for enviable shine every day. It’s a great way to achieve smooth, bouncy hair before an important event, or maintain salon-shiny locks in between visits to your stylist. It works best on dull, dry or frizzy hair by taming flyaways, reducing static, and adding a protective coat to the hair.
Becky explains: “Your cuticles are like roofing tiles. As soon as one's damaged, you've got a leaky roof. So, if you all your cuticles are sealed down nicely, your hair is more protected from external aggressors and you get less frizz.”
.jpg?sw=1000&sh=1000&sm=cut&q=80)
Benefits of hair glazing
- An instant high-gloss finish for hair.
- Does not weigh down hair, making it suitable for finer textures.
- Can be done in just a few minutes at home or in the salon.
- Helps smooth rough textures and adds a layer of protection against humidity, environmental stressors and damage.
On the benefits of hair glaze, Becky explains: “Hair glaze is great for getting that beautiful shine on your hair every day. It’s also a great option if you have an event like wedding or the races and you want your hair to look extra sleek and glossy. You can achieve this really quickly at home with a hair glaze.”
What is hair gloss?
Unlike a hair glaze, a hair gloss treatment is a semi-permanent option to enhance shine and extend hair colour. Hair gloss penetrates the hair cuticle (but does not alter its structure permanently) and seals it, creating a smoother surface.
As a result, hair appears shinier, healthier and more vibrant for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair type. Suitable for most hair types, hair glossing is a particularly great option for coloured hair, as it also helps with colour maintenance.
Benefits of hair glossing
- Seals the cuticle to create a sleek, light-reflecting surface.
- Revives faded colour and neutralises unwanted tones to extend the life of salon colour treatments.
- Helps smooth the hair cuticle, making hair more manageable.
- Thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycolic acid for hair, it helps maintain moisture levels for dry hair.
Becky explains: “The main difference between hair gloss and glaze is that glaze is temporary, while gloss is longer lasting. Gloss typically uses a colour molecule to help enhance and maintain the hair colour while adding shine, whereas hair glaze works instantly and needs to be maintained regularly at home for that glass hair effect.”
How to get hair glazing treatment
Whether you prefer a treatment from the convenience of your own home, or like to indulge yourself in professional salon services, Kérastase Gloss Absolu helps achieve a lasting, head-turning hair glazing result.
A search for the best hair gloss experience might have led you to two treatments which sound very similar — hair gloss vs glaze. Both treatments add radiance and shine to your locks, yet they work in different ways, suit different hair types, and vary by longevity.
.jpg?sw=600&sh=600&sm=cut&q=80)
Hair glaze at home
- Can be done on your own schedule.
- Easy to apply with step-by-step guide.
- Use as your regular haircare regime.
- Can be applied at home or in the salon.
.jpg?sw=1000&sh=1000&sm=cut&q=80)
How to use hair glaze
Using Kérastase Gloss Absolu hair glaze at home is simple and effective.
These four steps will help you achieve that hair glaze before-and-after Insta-worthy effect and a healthy shine you strive for.
Step 1: Bathe
Begin your hair glaze treatment with Bain Hydra-Glaze shampoo, a hydra-illuminating formula that gently cleanses the hair while providing an airy feel.
Step 2: Treat
Follow with Insta-Glaze conditioner, which deeply hydrates and smooths the hair fibre, enhancing glossiness and softness.
GLOSS ABSOLU ANTI-FRIZZ GLAZE MILK ALL-IN-1 SPRAY
All-in-1 smoothing spray for hair prone to frizz.
Step 3: Texturise
For added protection and smoothness, apply Anti-Frizz Glaze Milk to wet lengths before blow-drying. This advanced frizz-control treatment locks in moisture, enhances sleekness, and protects hair from heat.
Step 4: Finish
Complete the process with Glaze Drops hair oil, a weightless oil infused with wild rose oil. This final step seals in moisture and provides a long-lasting glossy finish.
Pro tip: Becky advises, “With the Glaze Drops, a little goes a long way. Just use a couple of drops and apply it to your lengths and ends.”
GLOSS ABSOLU GLAZE DROPS HAIR OIL FOR FRIZZY HAIR
Weightless hair oil for intense shine & frizz protection. Enriched with Wild Rose in Oil to deliver dreamy, bouncy and glossy hair. Complete with a luxurious scent fusing citrus notes with a floral bouquet signature.
Each product is infused with a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and wild rose oil, to create the ultimate glossy hair.
.jpg?sw=1000&sh=1000&sm=cut&q=80)
Get enviable shine with Kérastase Gloss Absolu
With Kérastase Gloss Absolu hair glaze, you can enjoy up to 4 days anti-frizz with bouncy, glossy hair. Achieving luminous, healthy-looking hair has never been easier.
Discover the Gloss Absolu range to achieve lasting hair shine.
Hair gloss and glaze FAQs
What does hair gloss do?
A hair gloss treatment enhances shine, improves colour vibrancy, smooths the hair cuticle, and helps to reduce frizz, leaving hair looking healthier and more radiant.
How long does hair gloss last?
A hair gloss treatment typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on hair type, maintenance, and the routine applied.
How often should you gloss your hair?
For best results, it is recommended to gloss your hair every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain shine and refresh colour without over-processing. You can opt for a boost of shine with a hair glazing treatment in-between.
