What Is Hair Gloss Treatment? How To Apply And Maintain It

What Is Hair Gloss Treatment?

Hair gloss is a temporary treatment used to revive the condition and color of your hair. It works by smoothening the hair cuticles and leaves the hair gleaming. You can either do hair glossing at home or get a salon treatment.

Hair gloss is a popular service provided at salons to refresh the color of your hair. Often, hair stylists recommend hair glossing if you are in between your coloring appointments or have dull hair. For first-timers, a professional hair glossing session is advisable. The stylist can customize the formula for the hair gloss treatment as per your individual needs.

Carnellin Yulanti, a beauty blogger, recently got her hair done at a salon opting for a Hair Gloss treatment with a dark purple tint. She writes, “I love the gentleness and easiness of the process. The Hair Gloss is suitable for those who wants to change their hair color as often as they want to without damaging their hair as much as permanent hair colors (i)”.

Unlike the name suggests, these treatments can do more than just make your hair glossy. Check out the benefits of hair gloss below!

What Are The Benefits Of Hair Gloss Treatment?

• Reduces Sun Damage

Exposure to the sun can weaken your tresses. The UV radiation not only results in substantial protein loss but also changes the hair color. It makes your hair look faded, dry, and brittle (1). Dyed and bleached hair is more prone to damage by the UV radiation of the sun (2), (3).

Hair gloss coats the cuticles of the hair. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair that prevents the harmful sun rays from damaging your tresses. Moreover, the glossing treatment gives a lovely soft texture to your hair, making it look healthier.

• No Commitment To Hair Color

If you have ever gotten professional coloring done, you will know the amount of time and effort it takes to maintain the gorgeous shade.

Hair gloss provides you with a temporary solution. It washes away after 10-15 shampoo washes (if not less), leaving you with your natural shade. Glossing your hair gives you the option of testing out new colors without really committing to any one. There are several shades and colors you can choose from when it comes to hair glossing.

• Refreshes Your Hair Tone

Hair dye often fades with repeated shampooing. A hair glossing session can refresh your hair color shade by locking the hair color in the cuticle.

Also, a colored gloss can help you correct the tone of your hair. You can get colored hair gloss when getting your roots touched up to give your hair a more natural blended look. If you dye your hair red, you may need to get hair glossing done frequently as red shades tend to fade fast. While darker shades of hair dye can require glosses less frequently, light shades like platinum and strawberry blonde are quite high-maintenance.

Hair gloss can also be useful for deepening the natural undertone of undyed, virgin hair.

• Reduces Brassy Tones

Have you noticed the change in the shade of your hair a few weeks after getting it colored? It is not uncommon to develop warm tones of yellow, orange, and red (brassiness) following a color job on your hair.

Bleaching agents in hair dyes can oxidize the natural melaninⁱ  XThe natural pigment that determines and restores the color of the hair and protects it from harmful UV rays. present in your hair. The lifting of natural pigments allows the dyeing agents in the hair color to deposit your chosen shade. Hair dye typically comprises three dye pigments blue, red, and yellow.

As the hair color transitions, the blue pigment fades faster, leaving behind warmer tones in your hair, causing brassy hair. A colored hair gloss can introduce the blue pigments back in your hair, thus correcting your hair tone.

• Enhances Shine

Hair gloss adds a coating to your hair to smoothen its texture and gives a uniform shape to each strand. It also allows light to reflect off your hair more easily. The end result is glossy, vibrant hair.

• Volumizes Your Hair

Hair gloss treatments be it colored or clear coat every individual strand of your hair generously. The chemicals from the gloss raise the cuticle of your hair. This allows your hair to look thicker. It not only adds volume to your hair but also strengthens it.

• Makes Your Hair Easy To Manage

Hair glossing can reduce the frizz in your hair. This means you will not need to spend too much time each day to style your hair. Also, you will no longer have to spend long hours on your hair care routine.

Now that you know all about the benefits of hair gloss, lets talk about how it works.

How Does A Hair Gloss Work?

A hair strand is comprised of three layers the outermost cuticle, the middle cortex, and the innermost medulla (4). The hair cuticles are prone to damage due to exposure to hair dye, heat styling tools, sun, chlorine, and saltwater (1). As the cuticle loses its structure, its ability to reflect light reduces, making your hair look dull and brittle.

Typically, hair dyes penetrate the hair strands to change their color from within. Hair gloss treatments involve treating the hair with chemicals that smoothen the raised outer cuticle. These chemicals coat and seal the cuticles to increase the thickness of your hair.

As the surface of the cuticles evens out, your hair becomes more reflective. This also reduces flyaways and frizz. Lastly, treatments with hair gloss extend the color life of your hair.

Hair gloss is available in tinted and clear forms. Colored hair gloss can add pigments to your hair to enhance its undertone. It delivers a natural hue that blends perfectly into your hairs base color. Even undyed hair, when treated with a gloss treatment, can add a subtle shade to your hair.

Wondering if there are certain hair types that benefit more from a hair gloss treatment? Find out in the next section!

Who Should Use A Hair Gloss?

Hair gloss is suitable for everyone irrespective of your hair color, texture, and type.

If you have colored, bleached, or highlighted hair, a gloss treatment can make your hair color look more vibrant. It can also help reduce the damage and dullness caused by chemicals from permanent dyes. Colored hair gloss can also help to even out the hues in your hair and make it look more natural.

You can use hair gloss on uncolored, virgin hair too. The clear gloss can add shine and volume to your hair. It can also add a subtle tint and enhance the natural undertone of your hair.

Confused between hair glaze and hair gloss? Find out which one you should go for in the next section!

Hair Glaze Vs. Hair Gloss Which One Should You Try?

Hair glaze and hair gloss are two different hair treatments. In the beauty industry, many people use these terms interchangeably. Both these treatments improve the shine and pigmentation of your hair. As they are both temporary, you can get either of these treatments.

Hair gloss treatment contains either peroxideⁱ  XA popular chemical that causes a reaction in the hair cortex, thereby changing the hair color and making the hair shinier. or ammoniaⁱ  XAn inorganic chemical compound common in many cosmetic products that is harmful for your skin and hair. . These chemicals penetrate your hair cuticles and last for about a month. Proper maintenance can prolong the effects of a hair gloss.

A hair glaze is like a coating it does not penetrate the hair cuticle but merely acts as a top coat and lasts for a couple of weeks.

So, if you are looking for a very temporary treatment for a special occasion, go for a hair glaze treatment. But if you want to add shine to your hair or revive your hair color between coloring sessions, hair gloss is a better option.

Now, lets answer another important question.

When Should You Get A Hair Gloss?

You can get a hair gloss any time you want, but it is especially beneficial between hair coloring sessions to enhance your hair tone.

Getting a hair gloss every 4-6 weeks is recommended. It maintains the natural look of your hair color. Alternately, you can get it done if you notice brassy tones in your hair and want to eliminate them.

Check out the next section to find out how hair gloss is applied.

How Is Hair Gloss Applied?

You can either get a professional hair gloss treatment at a salon or use a DIY hair gloss.

I. Professional Hair Gloss Treatment

If you are getting a professional hair gloss treatment, you and your stylist can decide whether you want to opt for a color or a clear hair gloss. Here are the steps that the stylist will follow:

1. The stylist will shampoo your hair before applying the hair gloss. Shampooing helps get rid of all the scalp build-up and residue on the hair. It allows the product to coat your hair evenly.

2. The stylist will then spread liberal amounts of hair gloss, applying it from the roots to tips.

3. They will comb your hair thoroughly following application to make sure the product coats every hair strand.

4. You can then rest back, relax, and wait for the product to process. This takes about 20 minutes.

5. The hair gloss is then washed out of your hair.

6. Conditioning and blow-drying conclude your professional hair gloss.

Quick Tip

The type of gloss your salon professional will select depends on your hair needs. A clear gloss is given when you only want to add shine to your hair. A color gloss is given when you want to change your hair color in addition to adding shine.

II. At-Home DIY Hair Gloss

If you have had hair gloss done before and want to skip out on a salon appointment, you can try a DIY hair gloss product. Note that experts advise avoiding at-home hair glossing if you are a first-timer.

Several at-home gloss products are available in the market. They all come with instruction manuals in the packaging. If you want the best results, follow the instructions carefully.

Wondering how to retain the effects of your hair gloss? Read on to learn some handy tips to make your hair gloss treatment last longer!

How To Maintain A Hair Gloss Treatment

• Invest In The Right Shampoo And Conditioner

Shampooing your hair can strip away the gloss. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically formulated for colored hair. These products are usually labelled as color-safe. It will help you prolong the effects of the treatment.

You can also invest in products suitable for your hair color and texture. Also, choose your shampoo and conditioner according to your hair and scalp condition.

• Use A Deep Conditioner And Hair Mask

Your hair care routine is incomplete without deep conditioning. A little bit of pampering your hair with a deep conditioner can leave your locks moisturized and soft (5). You can also indulge in weekly hair masks to nourish your hair.

Quick Tip

You can make your own hair mask by mixing 1 ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply it generously across your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse off.

• Use A Heat Protectant

Heat styling tools can cause damage to your hair (6). Skipping out on a heat protectant is a strict no-no. Using a heat protectant prevents heat damage to the hair cuticles. It also makes your hair gloss last longer.

Due to popular demand, several at-home glosses are now available in the market. We have listed the best hair glosses to use at home below.

What Are Some Good At-Home Glosses?

Hair glosses are currently trending in the hairstyling industry. Due to its temporary effects and various benefits, many people prefer hair gloss over permanent hair color jobs and hair smoothening treatments. If you are looking for a DIY hair gloss, you can check out these products:

1. John Frieda Luminous Glaze Clear Shine Gloss: This product can give your tresses a lustrous shine without looking greasy. This at-home hair gloss treatment is free of ammonia and peroxide and safe to use on all hair colors.

2. dpHUE Gloss+: This vegan product works as a semi-permanent dye and deep conditioner that makes your hair soft and shiny. It is also free of ammonia, peroxide, and sulfateⁱ  XDeep-cleansing agents that help remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup from your tresses and scalp. , making it safe to use on your hair.

Infographic: How To Do Hair Gloss Treatment At Home

Hair gloss treatment is a trending procedure in the hair care industry. Many prefer it since it is a semi-permanent treatment. Though trying it at home is not advised, you can use at-home hair gloss products. Following the steps and instructions mentioned on the product labels can yield good results.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to do hair gloss treatment at home.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you leave hair gloss on for too long?

The gloss should ideally be on your hair for 15-20 minutes. If it is let to sit for too long, it may overtone your hair.

What is the difference between a toner and a gloss?

While both are usually referred to as the same treatment, a gloss enhances your hair color while a toner helps balance out the yellow and orange tones on bleached hair.

Does gloss cover gray hair?

Yes, using a gloss can help cover gray hair and enhance the look of your hair overall.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Want to witness the incredible transformation of a hair gloss treatment? See the before and after results in this captivating video and be amazed! Watch now and be inspired to elevate your hair game!

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Dr. M. Khawar NazirMBBS

   

Dr. M. Khawar Nazir has 10 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan, and did his post graduation from Boston University, School Of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. He is also a member of the Pakistan Association of Dermatologists (PAD) and Hair...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more