Hair Gloss vs. Hair Glaze: Experts Explain the Difference

In the beauty world, hair glosses and hair glaze treatments add shine back to your hair—among other benefits. Still, they have some small differences that are important to consider before deciding which is right for you. Ahead, hair experts share the differences between hair gloss and hair glaze and when they recommend each. Find out what both treatments entail, how long they last, as well as at-home products you can try yourself.

Keep reading to discover everything there is to know about hair gloss vs. hair glaze treatments.

What Is Hair Gloss?

A hair gloss treatment is usually a service done by a hair professional at a salon. "This treatment adds noticeable shine to the hair, and can also dip into the cuticle to deposit color and prevent your newly-added hair dye from falling dull," explains Picciano. Most of the time, hair glosses take the form of a treatment or a mask that's applied to the hair for a certain amount of minutes and then rinsed out.

"With a color gloss, we can customize and enhance natural tones, softly blend gray hair, neutralize unwanted warmth, or create the most perfect shades of blonde," he explains. "Most color lines also have a clear as well, so if you love your natural color and just want to build in shine, that's possible, too."

What Is Hair Glaze?

A hair glaze is a non-permanent treatment color treatment that adds shine to hair and can help with flyaways and frizz. Think of it as a deep conditioning treatment that seals in color and tones it. When it comes to natural or textured hair, the service is typically applied through a rinse, says Lord. Basically, the glaze is a deposit of color that will sit on top of the hair.

Hair Gloss vs. Hair Glaze: What's The Difference?

While hair glosses and hair glazes are extremely similar, there are a few key differences. A gloss is great for shifting colors, neutralizing brassiness, and blending grown-out roots, plus boosting shine. On the flip side, a glaze is ideal for adding shine to the hair and making frizzy hair more manageable, with a hint of toning.

Also, glazes typically don't last as long as a gloss, adds Hirsch. "They are both temporary non-committal treatments that will fade on their own," says Hirsch. "The biggest differentiation between a gloss and a glaze is its lifespan. Glazes have no ammonia or peroxide, so will last in the hair up to one week, whereas a gloss can last up to four weeks."

The Takeaway

A hair gloss or hair glaze can be a wonderful add-on treatment to your color service or one that's done in between color sessions to maintain your color and boost shine. Which one you get depends on the current state of your hair and your desired results. Whichever one you choose, a color-safe shampoo and conditioner with bond repair technology. Find the best expert-recommended hair glosses and glazes here.