The terms toner and glaze are sometimes used interchangeably, causing some confusion about what each service really is, and what the differences are between the two. Whether you get a toner or a glaze the stylist uses the same type of color- a semi or demi permanent color which provides shine by sealing the cuticle and deposits tone.

Usually, the term toner is used when the stylist adds the color after a lightening service. The term glaze is used when the same type of color is applied all over the hair and usually processes for longer. I am going to use the term glaze, because it sounds more fun! So let’s take a look at all the ways a glazing service can benefit your hair and meet your needs.

Blondies, we all have been here- you just got gorgeous highlights and you briefly fell in love with your hair. Briefly meaning a couple of washes, possibly a couple of weeks, until you notice an orange hue taking over your platinum highlights.

Maybe you even noticed it right after you had your color done. You may think, “Is that orange? Maybe not. It is lighter, so I guess it’s okay… and it will look better after a few washes.” Guess what?! You can totally love your hair without having to talk yourself into it.

When getting highlights or lightening the hair, the product being applied is usually meant to do one thing- lighten. Imagine your hair as a room that needs to be painted and your highlights are the primer you are using for your room.

Most of the time, you aren’t going to love the paint job using just the primer. Your room would be left patchy, with hints of the previous color coming through. This is where the paint comes in to give you the color you want. You guessed it- the glaze is your paint in this scenario!

Glazing the hair after highlighting helps to blend the color, neutralize unwanted tones, and deposit the desired tone or color. It also helps to seal your cuticle, giving your hair that really nice high-gloss finish, rather than a flat eggshell finish.

BENEFITS: Color control, shine enhancer, cuticle sealer

How do Glenn Close and Jaimie Lee Curtis have that rare, sexy silver? When I see my gray it looks and feels more like burnt wool, especially if I have been out in the sun.

A glaze deposits color that neutralizes any of that unwanted yellowish gray color. Since the glaze is more of a translucent color, your silver won’t be covered, and you can still enhance your natural color, or get rid of brassiness due to mineral deposits from water, or from lightening in the sun.

A glaze will also balance out your texture, especially if your gray and silver aren’t all over. The glaze will help to blend everything together, add tons of shine, and not leave you with any major commitments.

Benefits: Color control, gray blending, shine and texture enhancer

Ladies, please stop pulling your grays out! There are many other things in life that will make you feel like you want to pull your hair out, but don’t let gray hairs be one of them.

I get it, but I have a much less painful and damaging alternative. You guessed it- get a glaze!

When grays first start sprouting, a lot of clients don’t want to start totally committing to color, but they also want to do a little something.

A glaze is only a semi permanent color so it is only going to add tone to your hair, and will help to blend the grays rather than cover them. It looks incredibly natural and gorgeous! The best part is, no harsh roots.

If you don’t feel like keeping up with something, use a glaze whenever you need a refresh or some gray blending, or just want to do something special for yourself or for an event.

Benefits: No major commitment, quick service, shine enhancer