The Goss on Hair Gloss

Tue, 27 March 2012 9:03AM

Dull hair has to be one of the biggest hair complaints among the masses. Typically speaking, it strikes the locks of our curly-haired and blonde-haired friends more so than any other hair type. And while we all dream of having hair as shiny as Miranda Kerr, it may not come as naturally as we’d like.

Cue in: Hair Gloss and Hair Glaze. Two similar options for women looking to enhance shine, lustre, and sheen to their ends without too much fuss. But I’m not talking styling products here, Primpers, I’m talking at-home colour (or clear) options that last anywhere between 2-4 weeks depending on which type you go for.

But here’s where it gets confusing. Brands tend to stamp the word ‘gloss’ and ‘glaze’ on their products without thinking of the actually meaning, making it mind-boggling for all of us to know which is which. Luckily, my incredibly talented (and very reasonably priced) hair guru, Susie McDonald from Sudu Hair in Sydney, explains the difference between a hair gloss and a hair glaze perfectly.

“A gloss penetrates the hair’s cuticle and is a bit more permanent than a glaze, it acts as an extinguisher to those naughty brassy blonde tones, whilst injecting additional shine and can last up to four weeks. We like these!” she says.

“A glaze on the otherhand, coats your locks with shine and semi-permanent colour acting as a ‘top coat and polish’ to existing colour, whether you’re dark, light, red or blonde. BUT, this one doesn’t last as long!  Only a week or two,” explain Susie.

So, with that in mind remember this as a general rule of thumb: If you’re happy with your colour (natural or not) and only want to add shine to your hair, look for a gloss or glaze that’s clear. Alternatively, if you want to revitalise your hair colour or balance out brassy highlights, look for a gloss or glaze with semi-permanent colour. Phew!

Let’s look at some of the options.

1. Frédéric Fekkai Salon Glaze – Clear Shine Treatment, $50

What is does: This is a clear glaze that will add condition to your hair, as well as add shine. It has no colour, so won’t affect your hair shade at all, however, it will probably make it look more luminous and revamped.

Why it’s good: This option has gentle, non-chemical formula that’s lightweight; meaning it’s great for all you Primpers with fine hair as it won’t weigh the hair down.

What the critics say: At $50 a bottle it’s a little more expensive than other options on the market. BUT, the quality of Fekkai products is well-known.

 

2. John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine, $19.99

What is does: Another clear glaze option that works to boost shine in the shower. Yep, in the shower. Again, it won’t affect your colour as it’s clear, but it will help your hair look shinier and improve your hair texture as well. Think: Smooth, luminous ends in under 5 minutes.

Why it’s good: At $19.99 your really can’t go wrong with this product. Plus, it’s gel-creme formula that you can apply in the shower makes it virtually fail-proof.

What the critics say: *Tumbleweeds and crickets*. It seems to be faultless.

 

3. L’Oreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss, $16.45

What is does: Casting Creme Gloss is a one-tone, ammonia-free, semi-permanant at-home hair colour that gives your hair enhanced shine that lasts around 28 shampoos.

Why it’s good: This product is great for women (or guys) looking for a gloss that’s going to slightly alter the colour of their hair, as well as add intense shine. The ammonia-free formula is definitely a bonus, too.

What the critics say: Don’t expect this product to dramatically change the colour of your hair, that’s not what it’s used for. It’s only able to enhance your hair by one shade, so be realistic about the outcome. Also, it’s been said that the colour on the box isn’t always the shade that comes out, so do a patch test before applying it all over.

Tell me Primpers…

Do you use at-home hair glosses and glazes?

If so, which are your picks?

Are you interested in trying one now?

Posted by: Yasemin Trollope

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Tags: casting creme gloss, frederick fekkai, hair glaze, hair gloss, john frieda, loreal