I found a salon treatment that made my hair completely smooth and unbelievably shiny in just 20 minutes

There is no hair treatment that promises silky softness and unreal shine that I will not try. Smooth, glossy hair is an ideal I am always willing to chase.

These treatments often highlight the fantastic role of oils or nourishing ingredients such as ceramides. For a while, keratin straightening was the biggest trend. But you may know from experience that some treatments which give temporary shine can eventually create the opposite effect. Hair becomes fragile or dry, so instead of working on shine you end up repairing and hydrating it.

Constantly going in circles with treatments that offer a quick effect followed by treatments that repair the damage is exhausting and, considering all the innovations available today, actually unnecessary.

Hair does not need aggressive structural changes in order to look shiny. All it truly needs is smoothing the cuticles. Valentina Čajo, the owner of Salon in Zagreb, knows this better than anyone. After listening to me complain about my hair becoming fragile and harder to manage, she invited me on Monday for a Kérastase Gloss Absolu treatment.

As the first and most important step in every Kérastase ritual, Valentina began with a detailed hair diagnosis. She examined my hair, which was a bit dry and difficult to detangle, and based on that she suggested the Gloss Absolu ritual. Valentina then explained the steps with expertise: cleansing bath, care with a layered application, texturizing, final texturizing and a fragrance finish. When I heard about that last step, I became especially excited about the Gloss Absolu ritual..

1. GLOSS ABSOLU Hydra-Glaze bath

The ritual begins with the Gloss Absolu bath and the signature Kérastase scalp massage during the hydrating cleanse. With a combination of carefully selected active ingredients, the treatment starts working from the very first step on both the scalp and the hair. Valentina explains exactly how it works: “The bath gently removes excess sebum while keeping the scalp feeling light and fresh, and it extends the time between washes. It tightens the cuticle to create the smoothest possible surface that reflects light.”

I learn that this hydrating bath gently cleanses the scalp of excess sebum, traces of styling products and any leave in heat protection while leaving the scalp airy and delaying the need for the next wash. It purifies the hair surface to reveal the clearest shine. The formula is enriched with wild rose oil to help improve elasticity. The beautiful Gloss Absolu scent paired with the Kérastase scalp massage was so relaxing that I drifted off for a moment.

Photo: Sanja Jagatić

Photo: Sanja Jagatić

2. FUSIO Nutritive Concentrate + Booster Brillance

After the hair diagnosis, Valentina selected a Fusio treatment blend that matched my hair’s needs perfectly. “Along with the Gloss Absolu treatment, I chose the Nutritive concentrate to restore moisture and lipids to the cuticle, paired with the Lactic Acid booster for extra shine,” Valentina explains. She adds, “We personalized the treatment based on the primary and secondary needs of your hair. We nourished the very core of the strand and smoothed the surface as well.” After this personalized step, which suited my hair perfectly, it was time to move on to the next part of the shine ritual.

3. GLOSS ABSOLU Insta Glaze care

Next comes the care step that amplifies shine, using a formula inspired by technology usually found in professional hair coloring. This treatment envelops the hair in hydration and fills the structure from within. It transforms the strands instantly, improving elasticity, making detangling easier and creating an incredibly smooth, even surface. It boosts the hair’s reflective power for a high shine finish and offers a deeply sensorial application experience.

As Valentina explains, “The Insta Glaze Balm formula is inspired by shine technology used in hair coloring. Insta Glaze wraps the hair in hydration, instantly transforms the strands by improving their elasticity, makes detangling easier and creates an incredibly smooth and uniform surface.”

4. GLOSS ABSOLU AntiFrizz Glaze Milk

Before blow drying and styling, the hair needs protection from heat. For this step, Valentina uses the multi purpose smoothing spray Glaze Milk. A small amount is misted over the hair and then combed through.

Valentina explains, “I apply only a small amount so the hair does not become too sleek.” I never thought that was even possible, but when hair is naturally fine and silky, a hairstyle can fall flat quickly. She adds more about the benefits: “This ultra lightweight multi purpose spray detangles, hydrates, smooths, eliminates unwanted frizz and most importantly protects the hair from heat and humidity.” This also solves the problem that bothers me most in autumn when the air is very humid.

Photo: Sanja Jagatić

5. GLOSS ABSOLU Glaze Drops

Blow drying the hair into soft waves made the shine effect even more visible. Light bounced off my hair as if it were glass. I thought we had reached the end of the treatment, but Valentina told me we still had two more steps: one to protect the ends and one for pure indulgence.

She placed two drops of the lightweight Glaze Drops oil onto her palms and warmed it up until it spread into a thin layer. As she explains, the Glaze Drops are applied evenly along the lengths and ends of dry hair. Although they can also be used on towel dried hair, she personally avoids that since she is not a fan of pairing oils with heat right after. This leave in oil provides high shine and smoothness without weighing the hair down, with long lasting protection against unwanted frizz. It nourishes and hydrates damaged ends, leaving an instant shine without any greasy feel, and carries the signature captivating scent found throughout the Gloss Absolu line.

6. GLOSS ABSOLU Le Parfum

The final step of the Gloss Absolu salon treatment surprised me and completely won me over. It is the newest product in the Gloss Absolu line, Le Parfum, which is seductive and bright, leaves a fragrant trail throughout the day and as a bonus makes the hair irresistibly soft.

Valentina adds that it works well on both fine and thick hair. This hair perfume, which I would also describe as an on the go fragrance since it is compact enough to fit into any bag, does not need to be applied more than once or twice a day.

The beautiful scent of citrus, rose and vanilla stayed with me until the evening. Besides being long lasting, I noticed it also had a mood lifting effect. The trail it left around me made several people I met that day ask which fragrance I was wearing.

Blending the trend of well being scents with hair perfume, this new product is the perfect final touch to the Gloss Absolu ritual created to give your hair, and I would say your mood as well, a multi day shine and a sense of well being.

I thought Monday could not have started any better, until I saw the results on my hair. With the Kérastase Gloss Absolu treatment, Valentina nourished my hair, restored its silky shine and softness, and the smoothness lasted a full four days after the treatment.

Photo: Sanja Jagatić

What I especially appreciate about the Kérastase approach is the option to purchase the products in the salon so I can extend the effects of the treatment at home. I left with the entire Gloss Absolu line, including the Glaze Drops and the new Le Parfum.

I may not be able to recreate the Kérastase scalp massage or the Fusio treatment on my own, but with Valentina’s advice and the Gloss Absolu products, I can make my next Monday brighter at home. Live your life in Gloss.

This article was created in collaboration with the Kérastase brand.