Imagine what it would be like to never have to worry about brassy browns, fading reds, or yellow tones of blonde. Not to rush your next salon appointment because of the harsh regrowth line. Never have to worry about lifeless locks lacking volume and shine. We are going to uncover the hair industry’s heavily-guarded secret of how to achieve that incredibly soft hair and color enhancement. And the name of the secret is a hair gloss treatment.
What is a Hair Glosser?
A hair gloss is a speaking name because it does what it promises. A hair gloss treatment lends hair a glossy shiny finish we are all after. But it can do so much more than that. It can provide tonal enhancement, color correction, or refresh your natural hair color. That is why it is also known as a ‘toner’, ‘rinse’, or ‘overlay’, as a beauty expert and celebrity colorist Norma Blaque explains.
Instagram / @beautylaunchpad
Types of Hair Glosses
With the range of hair glosses on the market, you are sure to find the one that is right personally for you. You can choose between semi- or demi-permanent treatments depending on how long you want your color to last. We asked Norma to break it down for our readers and help them make an informed choice.
“Semi-permanent hair treatment is formulated to last through several shampoos. The pigment molecules are small enough to partially penetrate the hair shaft and stain the cuticle layer. Depending on the hair condition, this color can last 8 to 12 washes,” Norma points out. It also doesn’t lighten the hair and doesn’t contain ammonia or other harmful chemicals. Because it doesn’t penetrate the hair, it is safe to use regularly. With each wash, more and more pigment will be washed out until it’s all gone.
Instagram / @hair_dortmund
“Demi-permanent is similar to semi-permanent hair color, but it has smaller tint molecules that are able to penetrate the hair at a deeper level that allows this color service to last a bit longer. This color process can sometimes last over two months,” says Norma. Unlike semi-permanent colors, demi-permanent ones are oxidative, which means they interact with the hair fiber and last longer. This type of hair gloss fades over time to ensure no harsh root regrowth line that is typical for a permanent color.
Instagram / @feinschnitt_friseure
But wait, there’s more. You can choose between clear and colored hair glosses. Clear glosses are formulated to add shine and enhance the existing color of virgin hair. So if you love your natural hair color and aim to boost shine and definition, opt for a clear gloss. Color gloss is perfect if you need to refresh color-treated hair and give it a much-needed lift and intense shine.
Instagram / @painthatmane
When Should You Use Hair Gloss Treatment?
From amping dull hair to low-commitment hair coloring, a hair gloss can be anything you want it to be.
1. Deep Conditioning Treatment
Sometimes your hair needs just a soupçon of care and loving. Whether you’ve colored your hair or not, a clear gloss acts as a deep conditioner, giving your hair a noticeable shine and elasticity and leaving you with healthier-looking hair.
Instagram / @feinschnitt_friseure
2. Color Correction of Brassy Tones
An overabundance of yellow tones and orangey tints is a curse of color-treated hair. Brassy tones appear because chemicals used in some hair dyes lift your natural color to make room for a new one. With a hair gloss, a colorist can correct the tricky warm tones. The best part? A glosser is more concentrated and truer to a desired tone and can last 8-12 shampoo services, while a toning shampoo lightly stains and washes out in 2-3 shampoo services, Norma points out.
Instagram / @hairzstueckchen_sally
3. Refresh Color Between Color Appointments
Miss that vibrant color you enjoy right after the dye job? There is a way to make the impact of a salon treatment last longer. Getting your hair glossed will boost color will even the tone and add shine.
Instagram / @allygerrityhair
Instagram / @saras_suitemood
4. Try a New Hair Color Without a Serious Commitment
For those who want to try a new shade without a dramatic change of color, a hair gloss offers a new tint that gradually fades over time. Try fresh ashy tones on blonde hair, experiment with yummy espresso and chocolate hues on dark brown or black hair, give red hair a fiery appearance, or softly blend gray hair.
Instagram / @lrnbeautynyc
How to Do Hair Gloss Treatments at Home?
Professional colorists stress that they don’t recommend at-home glosses because “the formulation is different for everyone and we don’t all have the same tone.” However, the haircare product industry begs to differ. With an impressive array of hair gloss products and simple application routines, at-home treatment is quite an option.
When applying at-home hair gloss, shampoo your hair to remove any excess product or build-up. Make sure you use a hair gloss on towel-dried damp hair to avoid diluting the formula. Smooth the product through the hair from root to tip. You can comb your hair through with a wide-tooth comb to provide even coverage. Leave for no longer than 5-10 minutes and then rinse. You are ready to dry and style your hair to let yourself shine.
Here are several at-home hair glosses to try:
Kristin Ess The One Signature Hair Gloss. In-shower treatment formulated to enhance color and shine. A colorless hair gloss that works on all hair types.
Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye. Semi-permanent at-home gloss in 20 vibrant colors, including bold shades like hot pink or teal.
dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color & Conditioner. A hair gloss that endows you with shine and keeps your hair soft in one simple application. All 11 shades can be mixed with other Gloss+ products to create an ideal shade for you.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural hair color or add a touch of vibrancy to your locks, there’s a hair glosser out there that can help you achieve your desired look. Even better, it can help protect your hair from damage and other environmental factors. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of using a hair glosser for yourself!
