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Why a Gloss is an Essential Hair Service
Getting a gloss is one of the most important parts of your salon appointment. Even if you don't color your hair, a gloss can be beneficial.
In this post, I'll be breaking down what a gloss is, why it's essential, and how your hair benefits from a gloss, even if it's a clear one!
What is a Gloss?
A gloss (aka, toner or glaze) is a service, not a product. It describes what we’re doing, not what we’re using. We use a demi permanent color to neutralize or enhance tones in your hair. It does not lighten hair.
Why do I Need One?
Do you like the look of an icy blonde? Or a golden champagne tone? Or even a bronde brunette? When you show your stylist an inspiration photo, these looks were achieved with a gloss.
Lightening alone will not give you your desired color. Bleach removes pigmentation in your hair as it lightens, leaving you with exposed pigments. These pigments go from red to orange to yellow. Every single person has underlying pigments in their hair! The darker your natural hair is, the more red you will have.
That's where a gloss comes in. When your hair looks "brassy" or "too gold or yellow," you will need to neutralize those tones. If your stylist thinks your hair looks beautiful in the sink, we enhance those tones.
Your stylist will customize a gloss to suite your needs, and leave it on your hair anywhere from 5-20 minutes.
A common misconception is that when you hear the word "gloss" or "toner" it implies the stylist did something wrong that they now have to fix. Please get this thought out of your mind!! Glossing is necessary to deliver the results you're looking for.
What are the Benefits of a Gloss?
Here are my 3 favorite benefits of a glossing service.
---> When you add a gloss after coloring your hair, you'd be amazed at how much it strengthens the hair strand, and how much easier it is to detangle at home.
---> A gloss is not permanent. This is great for seasonal changes. I have guests who like one tone in the spring and a different tone in the fall.
---> It allows you to experiment with color. Glosses aren't just for blondes!
What if I Don't Color My Hair?
You can absolutely treat yourself to a gloss if you do not color your hair! A clear gloss will give your hair incredible shine. This sounds simple...but hair can turn dull or matte looking. Have you ever noticed other women when you're out and about and thought, "their hair looks so shiny, why doesn't my hair look like that?" A clear gloss will make you feel renewed.
A gloss will also seal the cuticle of your hair to reduce frizz. This is wonderful for those of us who abuse our heat styling tools (I know I'm guilty of that)!
Do you have gray hair that yellows? You may have mineral build up in your water. A violet based gloss will help to counteract those tones.
What Will the Maintenance Be?
Glosses typically last 4-6 weeks depending on how often you wash your hair. Ashier tones last less than that. You may not be ready to refresh your color that soon, but to maintain the tone you're loving, you should visit the salon every 6-8 weeks for a glossing service.
Also, water temperature plays a major role in the longevity of your gloss. We all love a hot shower, but your hair color does NOT! Blasting hot water onto your locks will reopen your cuticle, causing your color to slip away faster than it should. If you use hot water, your gloss will only last a few washes.