A Guide to Refreshing Highlights with Gloss
Highlights often lose their initial brilliance after several weeks of washing. A clear gloss acts as a temporary topcoat for the hair cuticle, sealing in moisture and reflecting light. This process does not alter the underlying color of the hair but rather enhances the current tone.
Perform this treatment when your highlights appear dull or feel rough to the touch. The goal is to smooth the hair surface and improve manageability.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Total time
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low
- Cadence
- Every 6 weeks
Ingredients
- Clear Gloss Solution: Provides the reflective seal without tint
Tools List
- Non-metallic mixing bowl
- Professional tint brush
- Plastic sectioning clips
- Nitrile gloves
Step by step
Clean and detangle
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove existing product buildup. Ensure no styling agents remain on the strands. Comb through with a wide-tooth tool to remove all knots before beginning the application.
Tip: Apply to damp, towel-dried hair for even distribution.Prepare the solution
Follow the manufacturer instructions provided with your gloss product. Combine the gloss with the specified activator in a non-metallic bowl. Whisk until the consistency is smooth and uniform.
Tip: Use a plastic bowl to avoid chemical reactions.Divide for coverage
Part your hair into four manageable quadrants. Secure three sections with clips to keep them isolated. This ensures you do not miss any patches of hair during the application.
Tip: Small sections lead to more uniform results.Apply from root to ends
Using a tint brush, paint the solution onto the hair starting from the mid-lengths and working toward the ends. Massage the gloss through each section with gloved hands to ensure saturation. Avoid scrubbing the scalp as the gloss is intended for the hair shaft.
Tip: Work quickly to maintain consistent development time.Let the gloss develop
Check your watch and allow the product to sit undisturbed. Do not cover your hair with plastic unless specified by the manufacturer, as heat can sometimes alter the desired tone. Rinse the product out thoroughly with cool water until the stream runs clear.
Tip: Use a timer to prevent over-processing.
Trouble
My hair feels sticky after rinsing.
You may have applied too much product or not rinsed long enough. Rinse with lukewarm water for an additional three minutes.
Can I use this on non-highlighted hair?
Yes, a clear gloss works on all hair types to add shine. It provides the same benefits to virgin hair.
Will this cover my grey hair?
No, a clear gloss is not a dye and does not contain the pigment necessary to cover grey hair. It is strictly for shine and texture.
How often can I repeat this?
Every six weeks is the standard interval. Over-using gloss can lead to a build-up that makes hair appear heavy.
A clear gloss is the most efficient way to mimic the salon-finish shine at home.
Gloss is a maintenance tool, not a transformation tool. Keep your expectations managed.