This New Kérastase Drop Is A Godsend For Thick And Frizzy Hair
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
In Partnership With Kérastase.
Luminous, glassy and entirely viral, Kérastase’s original Gloss Absolu range was arguably the most significant haircare launch of 2025. It garnered an immediate cult following among the fashion set who craved that elusive, mirror-like finish.
Yet, despite my adoration for the Glaze Drops (they're truly next-level), I couldn't shake the feeling that the range was best suited for those with naturally fine, manageable manes. My perpetually dry, coarse and frizz-prone waves stood little chance against the humidity.
Until.... Kérastase have unveiled a new iteration of the famed collection specifically engineered to tame thick, long and frizz-prone hair types. Yes, it seems the hair gods have answered my prayers.
Naturally, the drop also includes an ultra-luxe hair perfume that smells heavenly and enviably expensive.
The collection is high-gloss hair for the rest of us. I put the new formulas to the test - here's how they held up.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Bain Crème Hydra-Glaze Rich Shampoo
Confession: When I roadtested this product I was pushing day 6 of a wash cycle. Which meant a) I was 50% dry shampoo and b) my scalp was harbouring t's fair share of oil, debris and yes, dandruff. Not ideal.
When it get's to the pointy end of a wash cycle like this - I tend to enlist reinforcements; purifying scrubs, scalp masks and a concoction of shampoos. In the interest of a fair test, this shampoo was the only thing for the job.
Now, I would liken this experience to a love at first waft scenario. This might just be the most deliciously scented shampoo I've ever used (we'll get more into specifics with the perfume review below). And the texture was rich, creamy and oh-so decadent.
It's dosed with hyaluronic acid for intense moisture retention, glycolic acid to penetrate the cuticle for deep-seated repair and wild rose oil for that added layer of nourishment.
The first lather felt clarifying and completely dismantled the week’s build-up. I opted for a second rinse (a personal non-negotiable) and it lathered beautifully. There was no squeakiness or tautness. Often my hair can get knotty at this step, but instead, my scalp felt impeccably clean while the lengths remained soft rather than stripped.
There was no visible debris or dandruff, once dried. The formula promises long lasting cleanliness and up to 100 hours of anti-frizz and shine. Based on my post-wash bounce, I’m inclined to believe it.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Masque Crème Hydra-Glaze
In lieu of a traditional conditioner, this routine leans on a lush hair mask to do the heavy lifting. Heavy lifting here translates to splendidly lightweight formula that nourishes like nobody's business.
It possesses a unique melting texture that immerses thick hair in hydration without the topical weight of a heavy butter. Using a new generation of lighter hydrating assets, it coats the hair layers to coax out natural suppleness.
You apply the formula to washed and toweled-dried hair (massage through lengths and ends) and leave on for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, I rinsed to find my hair fibre silky smooth and fortified. The formula managed to intensely nourish while keeping the hair light enough to retain its natural movement. As hair dried the frizz control was evident, leaving behind a glossy, tactile finish that felt salon-quality.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Frizz-Glaze Cream
Now this product speaks to on a visceral level.
I wasn't entirely sure if I was holding a leave-in conditioner, an anti-humidity serum or a frizz-spray. Turns out it is quite successfully, all of the above. The formula utilises the same star line-up of hyaluronic and glycolic acids but adds glycerin to the mix to soften strands and reduce frizz.
Relatively weightless, the silicone-free formula acts as a daily superhero for waterproof hair. I applied it through my wet lengths before reaching for the dryer.
My hair is naturally quite wavy so a smooth blowdry takes time, patience and a lot of willpower. This made for breezy styling and smooth (knot-free) results.
It works by regulating hydration from the inside while repelling external humidity. My hair felt supple and looked incredibly polished - long after that first blowdry.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Le Parfum Hair & Body Mist
So, back to the aforementioned heavenly scent. Yep, Kérastase knew they were onto a good thing and bottled it.
The final flourish of this collection is a dedicated hair perfume (that reflects the scent used throughout the collection).
Intoxicating and fresh, the fragrance leads with a sharp, sparkling burst of lemon and rich bergamot, anchored with a hit of cardamom. As it settles into the hair, it reveals this really beautiful, feminine depth. Think: whispers of jasmine, iris and freesia mixed with a clean green tea note.
It manages to feel sophisticated and expensive without being heavy or cloying.
Because it’s an oil-in-formula composition, it actually boosts that mirror-like shine while it scents. Glass finish that smells like a dream.
For more of our Kérastase faves, read on below:
