Glosses, a type of demi-permanent hair color, use a mixture of direct and oxidative dyes to glaze, refresh, and correct your current color without over processing or drying out strands.
Yes, hair gloss is another marketing term for hair toner. Typically, the ones you get at the salon are using a toner/demi-permanent hair dye.
A hair gloss—sometimes called a “glaze” or “demi-permanent color”—adds a translucent layer of pigment or shine to your hair. Unlike permanent dyes, which penetrate deeply into the hair shaft and alter its structure, a gloss sits more on the surface, sealing the cuticle and adding luster.
No, hair gloss isn't typically damaging—in fact, most formulas are designed to help reduce the appearance of damage. However, as with any haircare product, it's important to choose the right formula and use it as directed to achieve your desired results.
Now a gloss is a great way to cover the greys. Translucently does give 100% coverage. if you kind of under 50% grey. If you're over that. and it's quite dense. and it's coarse. and might be slightly translucent, a fantastic way of covering your grays. so it still feels coloured. but it's more natural looking.
Root sprays and root powders offer a quick and temporary way to cover up gray hairs: simply choose a shade that matches your natural color and apply to the roots.
Gloss sits on the outside of your hair follicles, so it's giving us ~nothing~ in terms of hair lightening. If you wanna go drastically darker, reach for a semi-permanent or permanent hair dye, instead!
So not only are they safe to use on all hair types (straight, curly, wavy, thin, even damaged), but all the experts we spoke with agree they're actually recommended for folks struggling with heat damage and flyaways (since again, the main selling point of a gloss is boosting shine).
Gloss is a wonderful thing—it can refresh color between dye jobs and give it loads of shine. However, if a gloss is left on too long, it can alter your shade and get too dark. Fortunately, glosses are temporary and will lighten up with shampooing, says Tardo.
How often should you use a hair gloss? Your hair gloss schedule depends on personal preference, but Javier says that every four to six weeks is a good rule of thumb. If you color your hair, Javier says that the more you gloss, the more longevity your hair color can have.
If you choose to make an in-salon gloss appointment, Kandasamy says that it typically costs between $50 and $100 based on location, the salon you go to, and the colorist who applies it.
"You can put [a gloss] on wet or dry hair," Olsen explains.
A gloss is the same thing as hair dye, right? Short answer: no. There is some truth in this that a hair gloss is considered hair dye. However, in the traditional sense of dying your hair, most hair dyes are permanent, while glosses are demi-permanent.
Because gloss is shiny and designed to be hard-wearing, painting straight over it won't work, and the paint won't stick. But with the proper preparation, gloss is easy to paint over.
Hair Gloss Is the Popular, Low-Commitment Approach to Dye—Here's Why It's Worth Trying, According to Experts. The semi-permanent treatment enhances your hair, but won't damage it.
Since it's a form of demi-permanent haircolor, a hair gloss fades gradually over time. This means you won't get any of the harsh root regrowth that comes with permanent haircolor. A gloss will last anywhere from 4-6 weeks, the perfect amount of time to try out a new shade while achieving shiny, healthy-looking hair.
Wash Hair With Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are designed specifically for hair dyed too dark. They help remove buildup and unwanted color. Wet your hair and apply the clarifying shampoo. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Glosses can tone or enhance existing color, provide a darker color change, lowlight your hair, cover up grays, and give your strands a reflective shine. They can also help blend overgrown roots to diminish harsh lines of demarcation between permanent touch-ups.
Best Professional-Level Gloss: Redken Color Gloss Treatment
Redken has been a mainstay in Covington-Bowers's salon for years. In fact, the brand's professional color is her preferred hair dye to use, and she recommends this pro-level acidic glossing treatment for her clients' at-home routine.
Hair glossing is a demi-permanent treatment that adds shine, color, and smoothness to the hair without drastically altering your natural hair color. It works by closing the hair cuticle, providing a reflective surface that enhances the hair's natural color and adds a glossy finish.
A gloss also coats your hair, filling in the gaps in the strands' cuticles (the scaly, outermost layer of each hair), which can reinforce it against damaging UV rays, prevent color from fading, and even make hair appear thicker.