Has your colour treated or damaged hair given a lacklustre appearance to it? The easy way to restore your hair’s lost shine is a hair gloss treatment.
While a hair gloss treatment can either be done at the salon or at home, you can also choose between chemical products and natural herbs. Scroll down to know all about this treatment and choose the type that best suits your needs.
Highlights:
What Is Hair Gloss?
Hair gloss is a demi-permanent colour that adds shine to dull tresses. Constant hair styling, hair colours, overexposure to the sun, hard water and pollution can damage hair strands and rob your hair of its natural shine. A hair gloss treatment helps to combat this damage. It smoothes and conditions your hair’s cuticle, restoring health and shine.
Hair glosses are available in different tints to match your pre-existing hair colour. Sometimes it is included as the last step in your hair dyeing process, to add extra shine or tone the dye to your desired shade.
If you have never coloured your hair before and desire a gloss treatment, clear or colourless glosses are perfect options. These tint-free demi-permanent colours treat and condition natural hair to give it a frizz-free, vibrant look. It works well on greys too.
Is Hair Gloss Damaging?
Hair gloss seals hair cuticles and conditions your hair, and is far less damaging than regular hair colours. Regular hair colours contain ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that open up the cuticle layer, allowing the dye to penetrate the hair shaft. Hair strands lose their natural oils and become rough and dry. This is why a hair dyeing process often ends with a gloss treatment.
However, frequent hair gloss treatments, especially with products high in chemical content, can damage your locks. Dimethicone, a type of Silicon [1], is a main ingredient in hair gloss and forms a glossy layer over your hair. Overuse can lead to silicon build-up on your hair and prevent nutrients and moisture from penetrating the shaft.
Certain hair glosses also contain Parabens, a carcinogenic chemical preservative. A good alternative are herbal glosses that not only boost the shine of your strands, but also nurture your tresses, with no side effects.
How To Do A Hair Gloss Treatment?
Whether you wish to condition and smoothen hair that is damaged or has lost its shine, hair gloss treatments also help to tone your existing colour. Below is a list of options to choose from.
1. At Home
- Choose a tone that matches your existing colour or go safe with a clear gloss.
- Choose a gloss that is free of harmful chemicals such as ammonia and parabens.
- Follow the instructions mentioned and wash your hair before applying the product.
- A conditioner is generally included in the kit to help deep condition your hair.
- Avoid hot showers, salt water and heat styling tools to make your gloss long lasting.
Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, “Healthy hair that is well nourished and hydrated is naturally glossy and smooth. Ayurveda believes that healthy hair reflects good health. Changing lifestyle and diet to achieve healthy hair has a dual benefit of making you healthy inside out.”
2. Herbal Glosses
Hair loses its shine when it becomes dry and damaged. Known as ‘Kesh Rukhshayta’ in Ayurveda, this occurs when the body’s Tridoshas or life energies, are imbalanced. Rukhshayta occurs mainly due to a Vata- Pitta Dosha imbalance.
Harmonizing Doshas can bring back the lost lustre of your hair. A gloss made from Ayurvedic herbs nourishes and treats your condition from the source. Herbal glosses are your best option if you are looking for a treatment devoid of side effects and harmful chemicals.
A. Japa (Hibiscus)
Hibiscus is an age-old herb often used to treat dull and damaged hair. The Vitamin A, C and amino acids in hibiscus strengthen your hair from its roots and bring back lost shine.
- Take about 10 to 12 hibiscus flowers, remove the pollen and grind into a paste.
- Add an essential oil of your choice or a few tablespoons of yogurt.
- Apply this mixture through the length of your hair and leave it for 30 mins before rinsing it off.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a week for enhanced shine.
B. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) and Methi (Fenugreek)
Rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals, amalaki [2] gives your hair health and lustre. It prevents hair fall and protects the hair from premature greying. Methi contains nicotinic acid and protein which strengthens your hair shaft, seals the cuticle and makes hair look smoother.
- Soak amalaki and methi overnight and grind it into a paste.
- Apply over your hair and leave it on for half an hour, before washing off.
C. Kumari (Aloe Vera)
Kumari or aloe vera [3] helps in deep conditioning and repairing hair that has lost its shine. Collagen present in kumari helps treat hair that has been exposed to sun or heat damage. Vitamins A, C, E and B12 promote cell growth and prevent split ends and frizz.
- Apply aloe vera gel on your hair and massage it on your scalp well.
- Its cooling effect balances the Pitta effect on your scalp and prevents dryness.
- Leave it on for an hour and wash off.
D. Henna
Used to colour and condition hair since ages, henna helps in restoring the pH balance of hair and seals the rough cuticle layer of damaged hair. This makes tresses soft and smooth. Henna contains tannin that promotes hair growth and shine.
- Soak henna powder overnight in water. You can also add yogurt or tea for better results.
- Apply the paste in the morning and wash it off after 30 mins.
E. Marigold
Flowers of this medicinal herb help in adding volume and improving shine and texture of your hair. It is used to balance Pitta and Kapha dosha effects on your scalp.
- Take about 8 to 10 dry marigold flowers and make a fine paste by adding some water. You can even add some honey to this for deep conditioning.
- Apply and wash off after 30 mins.
3. Salon Treatments
A professional hair gloss treatment takes only half an hour and its results can easily last about 6 to 8 weeks. Gloss is applied to your hair from root to the tips and allowed to settle. This is washed off using colour protectant shampoo and conditioner. The professional is likely to blow dry with a low temperature setting and set your hair professionally.
Hair glosses can also be used to darken or lighten your hair colour. They are often used on red hair to reduce brassy tones.
How Often Should You Gloss Your Hair?
Hair experts advise a gloss treatment every 4 weeks or just when your hair colour is about to fade. Whenever you notice problems such as frizz, dryness and split ends, visit your salon or do a gloss at home. Hair gloss extends the life of your hair colour and applying it at regular intervals keeps hair damage away.
How Long Does Hair Gloss Last?
A hair gloss is a demi-permanent colour and lasts about 6-8 weeks if done in a salon. Hair glosses meant for home use have a shorter effect, and may need to be used every two weeks. You can use a colour protectant shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair. Keep the water temperature to a minimum to extend your gloss’s life.
Is Hair Gloss Safe During Pregnancy?
Hair gloss contains certain chemicals, but these are usually mild when compared to hair dyes. Therefore, it should be safe to apply during pregnancy [4]. According to doctors, the first trimester is a sensitive time and it is advisable to stay away from chemicals or toxic substances during this time.
Also, pregnancy leads to various hormonal changes, making you more susceptible to skin allergies and hair damage. Glosses have a strong smell that can irritate you. After the first trimester, consult your doctor before your salon appointment. Choose a gloss that is low in chemical content or opt for a natural homemade gloss that is free of chemicals.
How To Remove Hair Gloss?
Your gloss should fade off in about 6 weeks. But if you want to remove it before that, use one of the below mentioned methods for desired results.
1. Hair Colour Remover
Opt for a good hair colour remover. A remover penetrates the shaft of your hair and removes the dye without damaging your natural hair colour. Go for one that conditions your hair and is free of harmful chemicals.
2. Vitamin C And Clarifying Shampoo
Powder some Vitamin C tablets and add this to a clarifying shampoo in a 1:2 proportion. Apply it through the length of your hair and gently massage to form lather. Leave for an hour, wash off and repeat the process if needed. Vitamin C’s acidic nature oxidizes the hair gloss in your strands and causes the colour to fade off.
3. Baking Soda
Follow a similar process by replacing Vitamin C with baking soda. Use a clarifying shampoo or an anti-dandruff shampoo to get back your natural hair colour. Also, condition your hair after this process as baking soda can be harsh for your tresses.
4. Detergents
Apply a considerable amount of detergent on your hair and wash a couple of times for the entire gloss to come off. However, detergents can leave your strands very dry. Deep condition your hair and apply a hydrating serum to restore your hair’s lost moisture.
5. Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Acidic properties of both these natural options strip your gloss without causing hair damage. Apply it on your hair and scalp and leave it on for an hour. Wash off using lukewarm water. You might need 3-4 washes to remove the gloss completely.
6. Hot Oil
A good hot oil massage can not only remove hair gloss, but will also benefit your hair and prevent damage. Simply heat the oil and massage it into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for an hour or overnight and wash off with lukewarm water.
What Is The Difference Between Hair Glaze And Hair Gloss?
Hair gloss and glaze often refer to a similar hair treatment that aims to add extra shine to your tresses. But while hair gloss is long lasting, hair glaze fades off in a fortnight. Hair glosses penetrate your hair shaft and coat your hair to create a frizz-free, smooth shine. Hair glazes merely coat your strands.
The Last Word
Your hair is exposed to many factors that may lead to dull, dry tresses. A hair gloss nourishes, conditions and smoothes your hair, adding shine and volume. You can choose to visit a salon for a gloss treatment, or do it at home. You can choose from herbal or chemical options. With a little maintenance and care your hair can stay glossy and beautiful for a long time.
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