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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

A clear gloss is the most efficient way to mimic the salon-finish shine at home.