The Difference Between A Gloss And A Glaze

I’ve heard from clients that they often get confused between a gloss and a glaze. One visit is for a gloss, the next, a glaze. Or sometimes the two are applied at the same time... So what’s the deal between the two? I did extensive research, read articles from fellow NYC stylists like Rita Marie and debated with my co-workers at Orlo Salon to inspire this article. Read on and learn the difference.

HAIR GLAZE
What comes to mind when I hear the word glaze is a shiny delicate surface, like that of a glazed cake. So, after my research, I was happy to learn that we agreed (other hairstylists) that a glaze is a temporary color that can add great shine to a virgin head of hair or color-treated hair. Some glazes have pigment added to boost any matching hair color. Whether it’s clear or colored, glazes add a safe, translucent coating to the hair shaft that washes off in 12-14 shampoos. Glazes contain no ammonia or peroxide, which means it does not have the ability to lift your natural color or open the cuticle to deposit color. It gently lays on the surface of the hair. Glazes will not cover gray hair. However, on someone with "a few gray hairs" it can add over all shine and a hint of a colored tone.

One of my favorite glazes is Colorshines by Sebastian (cellophanes). I have been using this product for over 20 years and I still love the results. This temporary gel-like substance comes in clear and a variety of colors that can compliment any brunette or blond. Keep in mind there are other glazes on the market but this is my favorite. I'm yet to be disappointed by this product.

GLOSS
When I think of a gloss, I think of car paint or nail polish, something stronger and longer lasting.

We also agreed (my fellow hairstylists) that a hair gloss is the stronger of the two. It contains peroxide and does have the ability to budge the cuticle depositing longer lasting color. If used with heat on virgin hair, some glosses will lift hair, changing the tone by a shade. (I have seen it with my own eyes.) When used on color-treated blond or brunette hair, it will add shine and enhance the existing tones, which can be a life saver a month after having your hair colored. Glosses can be clear or come in many different colors (more colors than glazes) and can last up to 3-4 weeks. They can be applied to dry or towel-dried hair and as mentioned, can be used with heat or no heat (like Wella Color Touch.)

One of my favorite glosses is Dia Color by L’Oreal. This can make a blond sparkle a month and a half after getting the color done, which means you can prolong your next visit to the salon for your full color application.

Keep in mind that glosses are a girl’s best friend (especially for blending gray hair) but it should be used when necessary and on hair that really needs it.

I wish you shine, shine, shine!!

Posted by Unknown at 7:18 AM - 0 comments

Henna Hair Color And Its Challanges.

Why is henna hair color so popular even though it’s a hair stylist’s biggest nightmare? Besides being cheap and easy to find, I find that many women think it’s a great alternative to chemical-based products. Henna is a vegetable-based hair color, which is used around the world by many different cultures. I recall my grandmother swearing by the powers of the all mighty henna. But remember, not everything natural is always good for you.

Here are some challenges to expect if you have henna-treated hair.

Inconsistent color results

The first time you use henna may produce great results.  But this hair color can be incredibly inconsistent. Over time, each application never resembles the first. Henna may have the capability to blend gray hair, but it becomes an overpowering stain on the hair.  It’s almost impossible to remove henna from hair without some serious product, time and slight damage to the hair. When a client walks in with years of henna product on their hair, we approach this as a "color correction."

Going lighter on henna-treated hair

If I have a new client that wants to go lighter and they have used henna on their hair…before even starting, I have to strip the henna using a strong color remover. After it’s removed I have to re-formulate the hair color by taking the root color and the faded henna on the ends into consideration. Even then, there is no way to know exactly how the new dye will react to the pre-lightened henna hair.

Going darker on henna-treated hair

If a client comes in and wants to go darker after having henna-treated hair, there is still no guarantee. I have to undergo the same process as above.

Red tones

Another major problem with henna are the ever present red tones. No matter what color you use, you will end up with reddish-brown tones

(which are never the intended result.) And when it fades you will look like someone slapped your head with a ketchup bottle!!

If you have used henna for a long time and want a drastic change, I recommend bringing loads of cash. It’s going to cost you.

Amazing how something so natural is such a pain in the ….?

Posted by Unknown at 7:49 AM - 0 comments