How to Use Hair Gloss

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: July 1, 2021 References

Hair gloss can benefit both natural and color-treated hair by improving shine, smoothing your strands, and adding life to your hair. It contains no bleach or ammonia and will last no more than six weeks, making it a perfect, no-commitment hair boost. Hair gloss treatments are available in both clear and color-depositing forms. For best results, start experimenting with temporary glosses and work up to demi-permanent gloss treatments.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Hair Gloss

1
Choose a clear gloss to add shine. If you want to improve the condition and shine of your hair without changing the color, opt for a clear gloss treatment. Color-free hair gloss provides intense conditioning by actually lowering the PH level of your hair. Purchase an at-home treatment or visit a salon for a professional clear gloss application.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Ramp up your current color with a tinted gloss. To boost your current color or give it a slight twist, check out hair glosses in color tones that are within the range of your current color. Note that rich, golden hair tones can improve the look of your skin tone and make hair look shinier. In addition, warmer tones can boost how bright your hair looks, especially during cold, gray seasons.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you have hair with brown tones, choose a tinted hair gloss that is within the brown family.
- If you are unhappy with your current hair color and want to use hair gloss to change it, it is best to visit a salon to leave the treatment (and coloring choices) to a professional.
Advertisement
3
Use a gloss to get rid of brassiness. Rescue your hair color from brassiness (due to factors such as sun exposure or hair products) with a balancing hair gloss. Purchase a shine gloss treatment in a cool color tone to minimize brass and add shine to your locks. Hair gloss is a cheaper and less-damaging alternative for repairing your hair color than frequent re-dyeing. Even a salon gloss treatment will be cheaper than a dye job.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Experiment with different glosses. Since hair gloss is a non-permanent hair treatment option, feel free to test different products to find the one that suits you best. For best results, start with clear, temporary glosses and work up to color-depositing, demi-permanent ones. Look for hair gloss in pharmacies, beauty supply stores, or online.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Temporary Hair Gloss

1
Shampoo hair and apply the gloss. Shampoo your hair as usual and rinse it thoroughly. Apply about 3 pumps of the product to your hair (unless otherwise stated in the directions) and distribute it throughout hair, making sure all of the strands are saturated with the gloss.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you have long or thick hair, you may need to use more gloss to cover your hair completely.
2
Leave the product in for approximately 3 minutes. Timing can vary from brand to brand, so make sure to read the label before you use it. Generally, you will leave the product on for 3 minutes. In the meantime, wash your hands to remove excess product from them. Rinse your hair thoroughly.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Condition and dry your hair. Apply your regular conditioner to your hair. Rinse your hair a final time. After stepping out of the shower, dry and style your hair as usual.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Repeat 2-4 times a week. Since temporary hair gloss is mild on hair and does not last as long as demi-permanent gloss, it can be used multiple times a week. As a general rule, the recommended use of temporary hair glosses is between 2-4 times a week. Make the product a part of your regular hair care routine by using it every time you wash your hair, or every second time if you wash your hair daily.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying a Demi-Permanent Hair Gloss

1
Choose a color within two shades of your own. If you opt for a demi-permanent hair gloss, make sure not to choose a color tone more than two shades lighter or darker than your current color. A more dramatic shift in color should be handled professionally. If you wish for a more dramatic change, book an appointment for a gloss treatment at your local salon.^{[9]
X
Research source}
2
Follow the directions precisely. When applying a demi-permanent hair gloss, follow the instructions exactly to ensure that you apply it correctly. Set an alarm on your phone to make sure that you leave the gloss on your strands for the exact recommended time. Follow directions about shampooing or conditioning hair (which may vary between products), which can affect how the gloss treatment works on your hair.^{[10]
X
Research source}
3
Take note of how long the treatment lasts. Once you've applied a demi-permanent gloss treatment, take note of how long the manufacturer says it will last. For instance, some treatments are specified for weekly use, while others may last through approximately 28 shampoos. Do not apply another gloss treatment until the duration of the current one has run out.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- At most, a hair gloss treatment will last six weeks.
4
Correct a bad dye job with a gloss treatment. If your recent hair coloring experience has left you with hair that is brassy, badly highlighted, or overly yellow or orange in tone, use a gloss treatment to even out your color. A color-depositing gloss can correct problem tones in your hair and make your color look more natural. For the best results, book an appointment at a hair salon to ensure that no further coloring blunders occur.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you decide to redye your hair, you can even use the hair gloss as a toner.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is a gloss treatment for hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A gloss essentially uses hair color technology to apply a long-lasting shine to the hair. Gloss may be tinted or completely clear.
Question

What is a hair gloss or glaze?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A gloss or glaze is a transparent, non-damaging semi-permanent color. It can also be colorless, but it still uses hair color technology.
Question

How long does a toner stay in your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Toner can last for only a few shampoos or for up to a month. The condition of your hair, the intensity of the tone, and how frequently you shampoo are all major factors in longevity.