Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Hair Gloss Treatment, According to Experts
Shiny, healthy hair is in your future.
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If shiny hair that catches the light and doesn’t fall prey to humidity is your end goal, keeping it healthy and strong is priority number one. In addition to weekly deep conditioning and cooling it with the hot tools and chemical processing, you can also indulge in hair gloss treatments. Unfamiliar with the term? No sweat. We’re covering all the ins and outs of this game-changing treatment, which you can have done professionally or complete at home.
What Is a Hair Gloss Treatment?
Hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that lends lots of shine and a hint of color to your strands. It’s often applied as the finishing touch to a professional color treatment, to enhance natural color, or in-between color appointments for a nice refresh.
“While getting a hair gloss treatment, the hair color molecules coat the strands of the hair as opposed to going deep into the cuticle, which helps prevent damage to your hair,” explains celebrity stylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor. “Your stylist will wash your hair first as the gloss needs to be applied to wet or damp hair from the root to tip. The gloss will sit in your hair for around 20 minutes and then will be washed out.”
The result is soft, shiny, glossy hair. Celebrity hairstylist Bernardo Vasconcelos says that spring and summer are a particularly good time to get a hair gloss treatment in order to “combat sun damage, such as brassiness.” You can technically get them anytime, though.
Anyone can benefit from using a hair gloss treatment. Blondes may find that it’s a nice way to combat year-round brassiness, redheads may enjoy the subtle color boost, and people with dark-hair can enjoy the dimensional sparkle they add.
Benefits of a Hair Gloss Treatment
Conditions: This treatment gently conditions your strands so they’re stronger, shinier, and softer.
Tones: “Not only does a hair glossing treatment add shine to your hair, but it is a low-commitment hair coloring treatment that provides a subtle wash of color while improving your hair,” says Taylor. It also nixes unwanted tones of brassiness or dullness.
Seals the Cuticle: It creates a protective seal around your strands, which can help minimize frizz and prevent damage from hot tools or the sun.
Boosts Shine: Sealed cuticles and toned strands naturally look shinier.
Adds Dimension: “Hair glosses help give your hair richness, depth, and also add dimension to your locks,” Taylor notes.
Best Hair Gloss Treatment at Home
For many years, salons had a hold on hair gloss treatments. Now, more hair care brands are developing at-home hair gloss products that you can use yourself.
Taylor says she’s a fan of the at-home products, but stresses the importance of following label instructions to a T. She also recommends consulting with your colorist to see what they might recommend for your hair color and type.
Here are a handful of at-home hair gloss treatments to try:
dpHue Glossy Glaze ($29, Ulta)
Pureology Color Fanatic Topcoat + Shine ($36, Sephora)
Kristin Ess Hair Signature Hair Gloss ($15, Ulta)
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss ($30, Ulta)
Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment ($55, Sephora)
How to Use a Hair Gloss Treatment At Home
To prepare for a hair gloss treatment, start by shampooing your hair to nix any dirt, oil, and product buildup, then gently towel try.
“Next, apply the glossing product carefully, ensuring complete coverage from roots to ends,” says Jennifer Korab, a professional hairstylist based in New Jersey. “Leave the gloss on for the specified amount of time, which is typically around 20 to 30 minutes.”
After, rinse the gloss out with water and apply a conditioner to further nourish and hydrate your strands.
How Long Does a Hair Gloss Treatment Last?
Hair gloss treatments generally last for about four to six weeks, though some of the at-home products may not last quite as long.
If you’re going the professional route, consider penciling one or two in between your usual color appointments to keep hair looking shiny and healthy. (Pro tip: plan it for a day when you want great hair since this treatment doubles as a blowout!) If you’re going the at-home route, use the treatment whenever you could use a boost, but never more than the label instructions indicate.
To help the hair gloss last longer, Taylor says to nurture your strands by using high-quality products and avoiding damage.
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