WHAT IS HAIR GLOSS? YOUR SECRET TO SALON-WORTHY SHINE
Longing for lustrous locks with a mirror-like shine? Cue: hair gloss.
With an 819% increase in Google searches over the past year, it’s no secret that the TikTok-trending tress treatment is the latest buzzwords in the hair care space. But what is hair gloss and how can we use it from the comfort of our own homes?
Join us as we take a deep dive into the social-approved strand saviour and reveal everything from what hair gloss is to the best formulas on the market right now. Smooth, strong and shiny strands, incoming…
WHAT IS HAIR GLOSS
Before we get into the best at-home hair glosses, it’s important to answer the most commonly asked question of ‘what is hair gloss?’ Enhancing natural colour, reviving dull strands and even taming unwanted frizz, hair gloss can come in various forms. You can choose from clear glosses for a shine boost or tinted versions to subtly enhance your hair’s hue.
A semi-permanent hair treatment designed to increase the colour, shine and overall appearance of locks, hair gloss works by coating strands with a thin layer of colour or conditioning agents. Like a spa day for your mane, it’s best described as a topcoat for your lengths – acting just like your favourite nail polish that adds some extra gleam.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAIR GLOSS
Now we know the answer to ‘what is hair gloss’, it’s time to reveal what benefits it boosts. Offering a plethora of advances, it can improve both the appearance and health of your strands. Below are just *some* of the reasons as to why we should treat our tresses to hair gloss…
ADDS SHINE
Through coating, smoothing and hydrating your locks, hair gloss reveals some serious shine once it interacts with hair cuticles. Formulated with silicones and other conditioning agents that coat the strands, it creates a smooth surface that reflects lights – resulting in a supremely shiny sign off. If the gloss is tinted, it can also increase vibrancy, making it appear more luminous. While clear glosses can add depth to natural colour too.
MAINTAINS COLOUR
Using a hair gloss regularly can help maintain the look and longevity of colour-treated tresses – no salon appointment necessary. By coating the hair shaft and smoothing the cuticle layer, it locks in colour and prevents the risk of fading.
TAMES FLYAWAYS
By smoothing the hair, a gloss is a great way to maintain a sleek, polished look. Not only does the additional weight of the blend prevent locks from lifting and creating flyways, but most formulas also contain moisturising ingredients that hydrate – ensuring fewer stray strands day to day.
SHIELDS FROM UV & HEAT
Many hair glosses contain UV filters – AKA specific ingredients like coconut, argan and jojoba oil that absorb or reflect harmful rays, before they can hit the hair shaft. This minimises damage (we’re talking dryness and split ends) as well as preventing colour fading. As for defending against heat, the hybrid hero forms a protective barrier over your mane to defend against environmental stressors, heat styling and chemical treatments. Clever, we know!
NOURISHES AND CONDITIONS
And as if all the above wasn’t enough, regular use of hair gloss can lead to the improvement of overall hair health. Infused with vitamins and proteins, the formulas naturally strengthen, nourish and hydrate from root to tip.
WHO SHOULD USE HAIR GLOSS
The good news is that anyone can reap the benefits of a hair gloss. Suitable for a wide range of hair types, it can add sheen to straight, wavy and curly manes, boost the richness of coloured and natural lengths and last but certainly not least, is a great way to experiment with colour for those thinking about a subtle change.
HOW TO USE HAIR GLOSS AT HOME
Depending on the type of at-home hair gloss you’re using, application instructions can differ, but they’re typically the last step in your shower routine and applied after shampoo. The application process is quick, often taking just about 10-30 minutes and the results can last several weeks. Simply follow the steps below to start your glossy hair journey…
- Start by choosing the right gloss for your hair goals. Pick a potion that’s designed for your hair hue and desired results. For example, if you’re looking to enhance shine opt for a clear solution, or if you’re wanting to tint your tresses select a coloured gloss.
Prep your hair by washing it with a gentle shampoo and conditioner duo, then towel-dry your locks so they’re damp, not dripping. - Always read the instructions on the product you’re using as different formulas will have varied application methods.
- Before applying the gloss, section your hair to ensure even application.
Now for the main event, apply the gloss using either with your hands or a hairbrush (if you’re using a tinted gloss you may want to wear gloves). Apply the gloss evenly, starting from the root and working your way down. - Leave the formula on for its recommended time.
- Follow by rinsing your hair thoroughly with cool water to help seal in the gloss.
- Finally, condition your hair if desired then style your locks as usual.
Yes, it really is that easy!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE HAIR GLOSS
Like many hair care treatments, the frequency of using hair gloss depends on your hair type, colour and most importantly, condition. If you’re wanting to increase shine every 4-6 weeks will help maintain a healthy gleam without overloading your hair. For a colour refreshing, we recommend using a tinted gloss no more than every 4 weeks.
BEST HAIR GLOSS
3
£30.00
Living Proof’s Day High-Shine Gloss grants a mirror-like shine, without weighing down your tresses. Enriched with lightweight polymers, the famed formula forms a protective layer around each strand to boost vibrancy while reducing flyaways. Ideal for both damp and dry hair, simply apply a small amount to achieve that salon-fresh glow – from the comfort of your own home.
98
£30.00
Calling on hyaluronic acid, rice water and panthenol, OUAI’s Hair Gloss serves up smoother, slicker swishes after every use. Flooding your follicles with hydration while protecting your mane’s tone, it not only nourishes from root to tip, but acts as a heat protector too – shielding your locks when working on your new ‘do.
13
£42.00
Designed for curly and wavy hair, Oribe's Curl Gloss delivers hydration and definition. Supercharged with hydrolysed vegetable protein, it adds structure to each and every curl helping them to maintain their natural shape and bounce from day to night. What’s more, a treat for your swishes and senses, it’s infused with the brand’s signature luxury scent too.
125
£21.50
Bursting with hydrating humectants, Color Wow’s Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish unlocks smoother hair from the inside out. Whether you're looking to finish a blowout or add shine to your natural texture, this luxury styler offers both UV and thermal protection and is fortified with multi-reflective technology where shine-enhancing agents capture and reflect light for a high-gloss finish.
50
£35.00
Available in not one, but eleven shades, to complement various base colours, dpHUE’s Gloss+ boosts the hue of to natural or colour-treated hair. Ideal for those looking for a customisable experience, the semi-permanent blend last for up to ten washes. Plus, it not only imparts pigment but features argan oil to intensely hydrate too.
WHAT IS HAIR GLOSS FAQs
What are the disadvantages of hair gloss?
Not necessarily a disadvantage, but hair gloss is generally designed to enhance or refresh existing colour, rather than provide a drastic change. So, if you're looking for significant alterations, a full dye may be necessary over gloss.
Is hair gloss the same as toner?
In short, no. While hair gloss and toner share some similarities, they’re not the same. Containing pigments that target specific undertones, toners are primarily used to neutralise unwanted tones, especially after bleaching. As for hair glosses? They’re created to enhance shine, add depth and improve hair texture.
Is hair gloss better than hair colour?
Hair gloss treatments are a good alternative to traditional hair dye for those looking to make a short-term tonal or colour change to hair without the damage.
So, there you have it, now you know what hair gloss is and how to us it, it’s time to level up your shower session and bask in some supreme shine.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
