The Difference Between Hair Gloss And Hair Color
Hair gloss and hair color are two commonly used hair treatments that can enhance the appearance of your hair. However, they serve different purposes and have distinct effects on your locks. Hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that adds shine and smoothness to your hair, while hair color involves changing the natural color of your hair completely or just covering up grey hairs.
Both treatments use different ingredients and techniques to achieve their desired results. It's important to understand the difference between these two treatments in order to make an informed decision about which one is best for you. In this guide, we will discuss the key differences between hair gloss and hair color, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
The Purpose of Hair Gloss
Hair gloss is a popular hair treatment that adds shine and smoothness to your hair without changing its natural color. It works by coating the hair strands with a layer of semi-permanent color, typically in shades of clear, gold, red or copper. This creates a reflective surface that gives your hair a healthy-looking sheen.
The main purpose of hair gloss is to enhance the appearance of your current hair color and add dimension to dull or damaged hair. It also helps seal the cuticle, making your locks appear smoother and less frizzy. Unlike traditional dyes, which penetrate the hair shaft and change its natural pigment, hair gloss only coats the outer layer of each strand.
The Purpose of Hair Color
Hair color, on the other hand, involves changing the natural color of your hair completely or just covering up grey hairs.
This can be achieved through permanent, semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes that contain chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients open up the hair cuticle and allow the dye to penetrate and change its natural pigment.
The purpose of hair coloring is to achieve a desired shade or tone, whether it's a subtle change or a dramatic transformation. It also offers full coverage for greys and allows for more control over the final result compared to hair gloss. However, it requires more maintenance as new growth will need to be touched up every few weeks.
Main Differences Between Hair Gloss and Hair Color
There are several key differences between hair gloss and hair color that should be considered before choosing one over the other. These include:
Purpose
The main purpose of hair gloss is to enhance the shine and smoothness of your natural hair color without altering it. It revitalizes dull or damaged hair by adding a reflective sheen and sealing the cuticle. Conversely, the purpose of hair color is to change the natural hue of your hair or cover greys.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle shift or a drastic change, hair color allows for greater customization. This process penetrates the hair shaft and permanently alters its pigment for a lasting color transformation.
Ingredients
Hair gloss formulas are usually composed of gentle, semi-permanent colorings that coat the hair's exterior. They typically include conditioning agents that improve hair gloss and manageability, making them suitable for enhancing shine without causing damage.
On the contrary, hair color formulations contain stronger chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that work to alter the hair's natural pigment.
These ingredients open the hair cuticle, enabling the color to penetrate deeply, which can lead to lasting changes but also requires more careful maintenance due to its chemical components.
Technique
The application technique for hair gloss involves coating the outer layer of the hair to enhance its appearance. It is typically a simple process, often applied just like a conditioner. Hair gloss doesn’t penetrate the hair shaft, emphasizing its role as a superficial enhancement.
On the other hand, hair coloring techniques require a more involved process, including the application of dyes and bleach to alter the hair’s internal structure. This often requires sectioning the hair and ensuring complete coverage to achieve full color transformation and consistency.
Color Outcome
Hair gloss enhances the natural color of your hair by adding depth and shine, resulting in a richer appearance. The outcome is subtle and enhances the existing tones without drastically altering them.
In contrast, hair color can provide a complete transformation in shade, from subtle tones to vibrant changes, depending on preference.
Whether you want to camouflage greys or achieve a dramatic new look, hair color allows for significant alteration of hair pigmentation, offering a broader spectrum of possibilities compared to hair gloss.
Maintenance
Hair gloss requires less upkeep, as it fades gradually over time and typically lasts around four to six weeks. There is minimal root regrowth to manage since gloss only affects the surface of the hair.
Alternatively, hair color demands more frequent touch-ups, especially as roots grow out and greys reappear.
Permanent color requires periodic maintenance every four to six weeks to retain consistent coverage and vibrancy. This ongoing attention is crucial to counteract noticeable root differences and maintain the intended hair color outcome.
These are the main differences between hair gloss and hair color. Both treatments offer unique advantages depending on your desired results, making it essential to understand the purpose, ingredients, technique, color outcome, and maintenance required for each before deciding which one is right for you.
How Long Does Hair Color Last From A Salon?
This depends on the type of hair color used, how well it is maintained, and your natural hair growth rate. Permanent hair color typically lasts 4-6 weeks before new growth needs to be touched up, while semi-permanent and demi-permanent colors last anywhere from 4-12 washes.
A professional salon may also use techniques such as balayage or ombre that allow for a longer-lasting color effect, with less noticeable root regrowth. It’s crucial to consult with a hairstylist about your desired outcome and choose a color option that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
How Long Does Hair Gloss Last?
Hair gloss is a shorter-lasting treatment, typically only lasting up to 6 weeks before it fades. However, the exact duration can vary depending on your hair type and how well you take care of your hair.
To prolong the effects of hair gloss, it’s important to use color-safe products and avoid excessive heat styling or exposure to chlorine and saltwater. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help maintain the shine and smoothness achieved from a hair gloss treatment.
Does Your Hair Need Gloss or Color?
So, which treatment is better for your hair? The answer depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're looking to enhance the natural beauty of your hair without making a drastic change, then hair gloss may be the best option for you.
On the other hand, if you want to completely transform your look or cover grey hairs, then opting for hair color would be more suitable. Keep in mind that both treatments require maintenance and proper care to keep your locks looking healthy and vibrant.
Ultimately, it's essential to consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess the condition of your hair and help you determine which treatment will best achieve your desired results while keeping your hair healthy. So, whether you choose hair gloss or color, you can rock a luscious and vibrant mane full of shine and personality.
FAQs
What is the main difference between hair gloss treatments and hair dye?
Hair gloss treatments are designed to add shine and enhance the natural color of your hair without altering the underlying pigmentation, while hair dye changes the hair color more permanently. Hair glosses can be clear or slightly tinted, offering a subtle enhancement compared to the stronger pigment changes achieved with permanent dye.
How do permanent hair color and demi permanent color differ from hair glosses?
Permanent hair color penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, providing long-lasting color changes, whereas demi permanent color offers a less intense option with more gradual fading. Hair glosses, on the other hand, are a surface treatment that works on towel dried hair to add shine and improve the appearance of the hair without significant color alteration.
Can at home glosses be as effective as salon treatments for various hair types?
At home glosses can be effective for adding shine and enhancing color for many hair types, but the results may vary depending on the product quality and application technique. While salon hair gloss treatments might provide more consistent outcomes due to professional application, at home solutions are convenient and can still offer noticeable improvements.
Why is it important to consider your hair types before using permanent dye or hair glosses?
Different hair types respond differently to treatments like permanent dye or hair glosses. Fine hair may require less product, while thicker hair might need more for even coverage. Understanding your hair type helps ensure that treatments like clear gloss or demi permanent color achieve the desired results without causing unwanted damage or unevenness.
Conclusion
Hair gloss and hair color are two popular options for achieving a desired look, but they offer distinct differences in terms of ingredients, technique, color outcome, and maintenance.
Understanding these variations can help you determine which treatment is best suited for your hair goals and lifestyle.
Ultimately, it’s essential to consult with a professional hairstylist who can guide you in choosing the right option for your specific needs while keeping your hair healthy and beautiful. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and techniques to find the perfect look for you!
Salon Haze is an award-winning hair salon in Vancouver, Kitsilano area. We are specialists in colour and style. If you are considering a new colour or style for your hair, contact us, and we’ll talk you through all the options to ensure your choice of colour reflects your personality and complexion.
Call today for a free consultation with one of our stylists. We have the best hairdressers and the best hair colourists in Vancouver. Call now at 604-620-9986 or email us at service@salonhaze.com.