WHAT IS A HAIR GLOSS?

It’s a professional salon service that applies a semi-permanent colour that’s specially designed to repair the hair fibre and give it shine. “It stays on the surface, unlike a permanent colour, which penetrates the capillary cortex,” explains Didier Lachapelle, stylist and colourist for Goldwell and owner of Avenue Atelier Coiffure salon in Trois-Rivières, Que.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Gloss is like an extension of the toner usually reserved for blondes; it neutralizes unwanted highlights in all shades, but it also makes the hair darker. “You can refresh your colour, change the tone, hide the appearance of grey hair and correct highlights,” says Darky St-Cyr, Redken stylist and owner of Volt Face salon in Victoriaville, Que.

The formulas contain proteins and lipids that restore softness and suppleness to porous and damaged hair, making it easier to style. Using a gloss instead of a traditional toner also promotes the health of the hair and adds shine and strength. “It goes far beyond colour maintenance,” says Farhana Premji, Redken ambassador and owner of The Beige Label in Calgary. “The gloss does not impact the colour permanently, so you can have fun with trends without making a long-term commitment,” says Lachapelle. “For example, [you could] enhance brown with golden or caramel highlights or incorporate golden pink or pastel into blond.” Natural hair colours can enjoy the same benefits by using a clear gloss.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

“Depending on how porous your hair is and your hair-care routine, the effects last for up to 20 shampoos,” says St-Cyr. The good news? Because of its acidic properties, a gloss doesn’t have the ability to lift the natural base colour. “It’s a softer, smoother transition as [the hair] grows and [the colour] fades away,” says Premji.

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