Read through by Dorthe Kristensen
Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on June 20, 2024.
Table of contents
Are you tired of dull, lifeless hair? Then glossing is the answer to your prayers! Glossing not only adds color and shine, but also dimension to your hair. In this guide, I'll give you all the information you need about glossing - from how it works to tips for maintaining your shiny new mane. Read along here to discover the secret behind healthy and strong hair.
What is glossing hair?
Glossing hair is a color treatment that gives the hair more depth and shine. It is ideal for women who want to upgrade their natural hair color without changing it drastically. Glossing does not completely color your hair and usually lasts for approx. four weeks.
The benefits of glossing include a more natural-looking hair color with dimension and shine, as well as less damage to your hair compared to traditional coloring methods. Since it only tones the surface of the hair instead of penetrating the cortex (the inner part of the hair), you can achieve healthier and stronger hair with regular use of glossing treatments.
Glossing vs. coloring
Glossing differs from traditional hair coloring in that it adds shine and dimension to the hair, rather than changing the natural color. A gloss treatment typically lasts between 4-6 weeks compared to regular colouring, which can last up to 8 weeks. There are no risks associated with choosing a gloss over a traditional coloring treatment, as no chemicals penetrate the hair shaft during the process.
It is important to remember that while both glossing and traditional hair coloring can produce beautiful results, regular use of chemical products will degrade the health of your hair over time. If you want a more natural look and at the same time want dimension in your hair without the negative consequences of frequent coloring treatments, then glossing is definitely something you should consider!
Benefits of glossing hair
Glossing is a great way to give your hair new life and dimension. There are many benefits to this treatment, both when it comes to the health and appearance of the hair. By choosing glossing, you can achieve a beautiful glossy finish that gives a more polished look than regular coloring.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of glossing:
- Gives instant shine without damaging the hair
- Can help reduce damage from previous coloring treatments
- Different types of gloss can give different shades in the hair colour
- Lasts longer than regular dyeing
There are two main types of gloss: transparent and pigmented. Transparent Gloss is primarily used for styling and gives your hair extra shine, while Pigmented Gloss contains dyes that can change your natural hair color or adjust your already treated hair color.
Whether you want a more natural look or want to experiment with new shades in your hair color, there is a type of glossing treatment for you!
How does it work?
Glossing is a hair coloring technique that adds dimension and shine to your hair. It works by applying a semi-permanent color mixture to the hair, which envelops and seals the surface of the hair. Glossing products contain moisturizing ingredients that help restore strength to damaged hair while providing color shine.
To achieve the best effect of glossing, you should first wash your hair thoroughly and dry it with a hair towel so as not to dry it out completely. After that, the product should be applied evenly to the entire length of the hair from root to tip as well as between the sections in the different layers of your hair. Leave the product on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing, followed by styling according to the desired look.
Ingredients in glossing products
Natural oils and extracts are some of the most important ingredients in glossing products, as they give the hair shine and hydration. These ingredients may include argan oil, coconut oil and aloe vera extract, which also have anti-inflammatory properties to keep the scalp healthy.
Proteins such as keratin are another key ingredient in glossing products. Keratin helps strengthen hair from within by rebuilding damaged strands and protecting against future damage. It also reduces frizz and makes hair smoother.
Overall, you can see different ingredients in glossing products that work together to give your hair the desired dimension: Natural oils for hydration, proteins for strength and keratin for reducing frizz. By choosing the right products, you'll achieve healthier-looking hair with more vibrancy in no time!
How is glossing applied?
Wash hair thoroughly before applying glossing to remove all product residue and dirt. Apply the product evenly throughout the hair using a wide-toothed comb or your fingertips. Gently massage the product into each strand so that it covers the entire length.
Leave glossing products on for at least five minutes before rinsing to ensure the best effect on your hair. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and let hair air dry or style as usual. Do not use shampoo after using glossing as this can wash the product effect out of your hair.
Remember: Glossing is a great way to give your hair dimension and shine without damage from dyes or chemical treatments. It's also easy to do at home!
How to choose the right color?
Choosing the right color can be a challenge when it comes to glossing the hair. It is important to consider your skin tone and personal preferences to find the best shade. If you have warm undertones in your skin, golden or copper tones will look good on you. If, on the other hand, you have cool undertones, ash blonde or platinum blonde tones will suit you better.
It is also important to consider the maintenance of your new color. Glossing usually needs to be refreshed every 4-6 weeks to maintain its shine and depth. But with the right products and care routines, you can help extend the durability of your glossed hair between treatments.
Which shade suits my skin tone?
Consider your skin tone when choosing your hair color. Also consider your eye colors and natural hair colors to find the perfect tone. If you are unsure which color suits you best, you can always consult a professional stylist for advice. They will be able to help you choose the right shade and give your hair dimension with glossing, so it looks healthy and strong.
How often should you gloss?
Depending on the desired level of maintenance, it is usually appropriate to get a glossing every six to eight weeks to maintain the shine of the hair. Repeated treatments should be avoided as it can damage your hair. The best thing would be not to over treat your hair and give it time to breathe between treatments.
Glossing helps to revive hair color, but you also need to care for your hair at home using daily products and routines for optimal health and strength. Always remember hot styling equipment can damage the hair over time, so make sure you always use a heat protection product before styling.
Glossing vs. other hair treatments
Glossing is a great way to add dimension and shine to your hair without adding harmful chemicals. It is also more gentle than other hair treatments, such as tinting or balayage. With glossing, you can achieve a healthy and strong appearance, while giving your hair the extra glow it deserves.
Although both tinting and balayage can give you a beautiful hair color, they both require more maintenance and can dry out your hair over time. With glossing, on the other hand, you not only get the desired color effect, but also an in-depth treatment that protects your locks from drying out and split ends.
Glossing vs. toning
The difference between glossing and toning is primarily color intensity and duration of the effect. Glossing provides a more subtle color change, while tinting can be more drastic. However, a toning lasts longer than a glossing.
In addition, the treatments can have harmful effects on the hair, especially if they are carried out frequently or by an inexperienced hairdresser. It is important to consider the health of your hair and choose the best treatment for you so that you get the desired result without damaging your hair.
Glossing vs. balayage
Glossing vs. balayage
Hair coloring can give your hair a new lease of life, but it's important to know which technique best suits your needs. Glossing and balayage are two different methods with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Differences in the technique:
- Glossing: A semi-permanent color treatment applied to the entire hair or only to selected areas. The color gradually fades over time.
- Balayage: Hand-painted color that creates a natural gradient effect from darker roots to lighter tips.
The effect on the structure of the hair:
- Glossing: Contains no ammonia or peroxide, so it does not damage the hair structure.
- Balayage: The application of bleach can dry out the hair and make it more porous.
The price level for both treatments:
- Glossing is usually cheaper than balayage as the result requires less product and time to achieve.
- The price of balayage varies depending on the length of your hair and how much color you want applied.
Choosing the right treatment is all about personal preference as well as budget. Talk to your hairdresser to find out what suits you best!
Tips to maintain the shine
To maintain the shine of your hair, it is important to use a moisturizing shampoo. It helps to maintain the natural oil balance and gives the hair vitality and strength. Also use a conditioner for extra nourishment to the hair.
When styling your hair, avoid hot styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners. These can damage the hair structure and lead to dry hair and split ends. Instead, use an air drying product or try the cold air setting on your hair dryer.
The sun's UV rays can be harmful to your hair, so always make sure to protect it from the sun by wearing a hat or spritzing on a protectant specifically designed to protect hair from sunlight. This will help you maintain the color as well as keep your hair healthy and beautiful all year round.
Use a moisturizing shampoo
A moisturizing shampoo can be the key to achieving healthy and strong hair. Choose a mild shampoo without sulfates to avoid drying out the hair. For extra moisture, add a conditioner or hair mask after shampooing. And remember to avoid excessive use of dry shampoo, as it can strip natural oils from your hair and result in dry and damaged hair over time. With the help of these simple tips, you will be able to give your hair the optimal amount of moisture for a glossy result with the glossing technique.
At Yuaia Haircare, we have just the right set for you. Our Healthy Hair Kit consists of a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask, which is full of moisture and care for your hair.
Avoid hot styling tools
Allow your hair to air dry as often as possible to avoid damage from hot styling tools. If you must use a blow dryer, choose one with lower heat and speed. Also use a heat protectant product when using heat styling tools for added protection.
Take breaks from using hot styling tools and try other styles instead. For example, you can create braids or curls using hair ties or elastics instead of using a curling iron or straightener every day. If you are more interested, you can read our guide to curls without heat here.
Remember that it is important to take good care of your hair in order to achieve the desired effect of glossing. With regular care and consideration, your hair will become healthy and strong, which will give you better results with your glossing treatment.
- Let the hair air dry as often as possible
- Use a heat protectant product when using heat styling tools
- Take breaks from using hot styling tools and try other styles instead
Protect your hair from the sun
Healthy hair care also includes protection against the sun's harmful rays. To protect your head and hair, consider wearing a hat or bandana when you are outside for long periods of time. In addition, you can provide additional protection by spraying a UV protectant on the hair before outdoor activities.
It is important to avoid exposure to direct sunlight for long periods as this can lead to dry and damaged hair. Therefore, make sure to take breaks in the shade and cover your hair with a hat or bandana whenever possible. With these simple steps, you will be able to achieve healthy and shiny hair, even if you are enjoying the summer outdoors.
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