If you’re comparing Kerastase vs L’Oréal Gloss, wondering which hair gloss gives better shine and frizz control, this test-backed review breaks it down. Kerastase Gloss vs L’Oréal Gloss two top glossing treatments, but which one actually delivers shine and frizz control for the price? We tested Kerastase Gloss vs L’Oréal Gloss on real hair. See which gloss wins for frizz, shine, and price. In this side-by-side test, we compare shine, softness, frizz control, and price. Whether your hair is color-treated, frizzy, or dry we’ll help you decide which gloss wins for your hair type.
Showdown Results In this Kerastase Gloss vs L’Oréal Gloss review
| Product | Price | Hair Type Tested On | Shine | Frizz Control | Scent | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss Mask | $13 | Fine, color-treated | Moderate | Low | Clean/fruity | Best for shine seekers on a budget |
| Kerastase High Shine Gloss | $60 | Thick, wavy | Strong | Medium | Luxe/salon | Delivers shine, but not 5x the results |
🧪 Why We Tested These Two
These two glossing masks dominate search and salon chatter. Kerastase is luxury, often recommended in salons and influencer channels. L’Oréal offers a drugstore alternative with glycolic acid, claiming similar shine for a fraction of the price.
We ran a 5-day side-by-side trial. Different testers. Different hair types. Same lighting, same camera, and same brush pairings (Wet Brush Shine Enhancer and Sam Villa Boar Bristle).
Let’s break it down.
💸 Ingredient & Value Comparison
| Ingredient | L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss | Kerastase High Shine Gloss |
|---|---|---|
| Glycolic Acid | Yes (core feature) | No |
| Dimethicone | Yes | Yes |
| Fragrance | Clean/fruity | Luxurious/floral |
| Alcohols | Minimal | Contains denatured alcohol |
| Price/oz | ~$1.30 | ~$7.50 |
L’Oréal focuses on glycolic acid for surface smoothing. Kerastase leans into a more salon-like experience with complex conditioning agents.
🧴 How does Kerastase Gloss stack up against L’Oréal Gloss 5-Day Test Results
| Day | L’Oréal | Kerastase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shine appears quickly. Ends feel smoother. | Slightly richer texture. Takes longer to rinse. |
| 2 | Brush glides easier. Frizz still present. | Noticeable reduction in frizz. Shine deepens. |
| 3 | Some dulling. Needed refresh. | Still glossy. Less need for dry shampoo. |
| 4 | Used shampoo/conditioner set. Hair soft but frizz returns. | Continued smoothness and hold. |
| 5 | Re-glossed. Blowout had light bounce. | Blowout looked sleek and lasted longer. |
🧑🦰 Meesh (Fine, Color-Treated Hair)
“L’Oréal gave me instant shine, but it faded fast. Still, for $13, I could afford to reapply every few days and not flinch. Kerastase felt heavier and didn’t suit my fine strands.”
🦱 Stacey (Thick, Frizz-Prone Hair)
“Kerastase smoothed my ends like a pro blowout. L’Oréal helped but didn’t last through day two. If you’ve got thick hair like mine, the extra $45 starts to make sense.”
🪞 Which One Should You Try?
| Use Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| You want a drugstore gloss for dull hair | L’Oréal wins on price and visible shine. |
| You want luxury texture and light frizz control | Kerastase delivers, but at a price. |
| Your hair is coarse, high-porosity, or very thick | Kerastase handles this better. |
| You have fine or color-treated hair | L’Oréal is safer and lighter. |
💬 Real Talk: Is Kerastase Worth $60?
Only if you:
- Have thick, frizz-prone hair
- Love luxury formulas and long-lasting scent
- Want a salon-gloss feel at home
Otherwise, L’Oréal gives 70-80% of the benefit for less than 25% of the cost.
💸 Price-per-Ounce & Total Cost Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Size (oz) | Price per oz | Cost for 1 month* | Cost per 6 months** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss | $13 | 6 oz | ~$2.17 | ~$8.68 | ~$52.08 |
| Kerastase High Shine Gloss | $60 | 8 oz | ~$7.50 | ~$22.50 | ~$135.00 |
* Assumes 3 uses per week for average shoulder-length hair.
* Assumes consistent use over 6 months with reapplication rate.
🧪 Take the HairBrushy Quiz: Should You Gloss With This?
💡 Pro Tips for Use
- Use on damp hair, not soaking wet.
- Start small especially with Kerastase (a little goes a long way).
- Brush after glossing for even distribution.
Pair with:
Affiliate Disclosure: AS an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through some inks on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every tool I recommend has been tested in real studio conditions.
🛒 Where to Buy
Final Verdict
Both glosses deliver but they serve different needs. If your budget is tight and you want instant shine, L’Oréal wins. If you’re splurging and want that silky-smooth, salon-finish experience, Kerastase will not disappoint.
- L’Oréal: Budget-friendly with room for frequent reapplication. Best for fine or less-dry hair.
- Kerastase: Longer-lasting effect but requires higher upfront investment ideal for thick, unruly hair types that respond to deep treatments.
Hello, I’m Ed Shears, Editor and Author at HairBrushy.com and your trusted guide on the journey to healthier, more vibrant hair. At HairBrushy.com, I utilize my extensive expertise in research of hairbrushes to curate and create educational, dependable content that empowers readers to take control of their hair care routines.
Hello, my name is Stacey Bee experienced research analyst. I specialize in hairbrushes for adults with over 30 years experience. As we get older, our hair changes and so do our hairbrushes needs. What worked while we were young may not work as we get older. For than 30 years I have researched and tested hundreds of hairbrushes and contributed to just as many or more hairbrushes articles. I am about providing sound advice to help people look their best.
Hello, my name is Meesh Switch, I am a contributing editor and hairbrush product analyst. I am focused on hairbrushes for young adults. I have enjoy writing, testing, and analyzing hairbrushes. I have contributed to hundreds in-depth articles and provided sound advice on hairbrushes based on testing and research.