You know when someone has really great hair? I mean the kind of hair that is so great that it doesn’t matter if the eyeliner they applied on the Piccadilly line is super wonky or if there’s toothpaste down their jumper, they still somehow look totally put together. Every single one of these people has had glossing (obviously I don’t know that to be true but I can’t think of a single other explanation). Let me present the facts.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 What is glossing?
It’s like lip gloss for your hair (except, like, less sticky). If your hair is dry – from too much bleach or your lifelong GHD addiction – then it’s probably also pretty dull. Glossing is the answer – it adds advert-worthy shine, makes hair look nourished and enhances colour. Basically, it makes your hair look expensive.
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2 Are there different types of glosses?
Yep. There are two kinds – clear and tinted. Clear glosses add shine while tinted glosses also finetune your shade. Go with tinted if you want to brighten, deepen or tone your colour – or if your colour has faded. Good news if your hair is natural: glossing ain’t just for coloured strands. A gloss can bring out natural undertones too.
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3 What's the application process?
Glosses are applied just like a hair mask, straight onto damp hair. They’re also pretty quick (having once endured a 7-hour salon stint for a colour correction, this is music to my ears). The exact time depends on your hair’s porosity but processing normally takes no longer than 30 minutes. Bonus.
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4 How long does glossing last?
Between 4 and 8 weeks. Again, this depends on your hair’s porosity (as a rule of thumb, bleached hair is generally more porous than virgin hair). Keep your glossing looking, well, glossy by turning down the temperature on your shower and throwing out any products that contain sulphates.
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FAQs
What does a hair glossing treatment do for your hair?
A hair glossing treatment adds shine, enhances colour and makes hair look nourished. It helps dull or dry hair appear glossy and expensive, refreshing your overall style. The treatment is suitable whether your hair is coloured or natural.
Are there different types of glossing treatments you can choose from?
Yes, there are two types: clear and tinted glosses. Clear glosses add shine, while tinted glosses can brighten, deepen or tone your hair colour. Tinted glossing is also ideal if your colour has faded or if you want to highlight natural undertones.
How is a hair gloss applied and how long does it take?
A hair gloss is applied like a hair mask onto damp hair and is quick to process. The exact time depends on your hair’s porosity, but it usually takes no longer than 30 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for those looking to boost shine with minimal time at the salon.
How long does hair glossing last before you need a refresh?
Hair glossing typically lasts between 4 and 8 weeks. How long it stays glossy depends on your hair’s porosity—bleached hair, which is more porous, may show changes sooner. To maintain shine, use sulphate-free products and reduce the temperature of your showers.
Can you get a glossing treatment if your hair is not coloured?
Absolutely, glossing treatments work for natural hair as well as coloured hair. A clear or tinted gloss can bring out the natural undertones in your hair, enhancing shine and making it look healthier, even if you have never coloured your hair.