Would you try the new hair gloss trend?

Glossy, shiny, bouncy and refreshing – hair gloss treatment is all about making your hair look healthy and decked up at all times. It is a demi-permanent coating treatment that adds shine to the hair, enhances its tone, and smooths the cuticle, leaving hair looking healthier and more vibrant. Highlighting the reasons behind the treatment’s popularity, Rajesh Kumar Lakher, a creative director who is credited with artistic vision and trendsetting in hairstyles, says, “People today are seeking low-commitment, damage-free ways to maintain vibrant, healthy-looking hair, especially in an era where minimal chemical exposure is preferred.”
It is a demi-permanent coating treatment that uses ammonia-free formulas with conditioning or moisturising agents, light-reflecting silicones, and sometimes tinted pigments to enhance the hair’s shine and vibrancy. Sneha J Jhaveri, a hair expert and hair stylist, says, “With summer approaching, many turn to gloss treatments to revive dull strands and tame frizz without a drastic change.”

According to Jhaveri, “The treatment can refresh faded colour, neutralise brassiness and add high-impact shine. It also seals the cuticle, which helps in reducing frizz, making it perfect for India’s humid climate.” Additionally, Lakher says, “What makes it more appealing is that it delivers these results without harsh chemicals, making it a gentle and effective option for most hair types.”
According to Swati Gupta, hair expert and creative director at a salon and spa, “While a glossing session in a salon offers polished results, at-home kits with customised formulations too, have improved a lot. If you’re doing it yourself, pick a reputable brand, follow the instructions carefully and always do a strand test. For a perfect finish, it is best to visit a salon.”

Salon: ₹2,500 - ₹10,000
(depending on the salon, location, hair length and product used)
At home: ₹800 - ₹1,500
(Price varies from brand to brand)

Hair gloss treatments are generally safe. According to Dr Shareefa Chause, a dermatologist, “The treatment is known to be less harsh than traditional hair dyes. However, some formulations containing chemicals can cause scalp irritation, dryness and hair fall, especially if the product or treatment is overused or fails to suit the hair. It is crucial to check for any allergic reactions by doing a patch test.” You must consult an expert before trying out any hair-based treatments.
For the effect to last long, Gupta advises against frequent hair wash. She says, “Washing your hair thrice a week is ideal. Use a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo. Add a deep conditioning mask to your routine once a week and reduce heat styling to prolong the results.”
While the appearance of both is almost similar, Gupta mentions subtle differences. “Hair gloss penetrates slightly into the hair shaft but a glaze simply coats the surface and fades within a week or two. Gloss offers more deeper and lasting results, while glaze offers a temporary shine boost.”
There are mainly two categories of hair treatments – straightening and keratin. Jhaveri says, “The straightening category involves treatments like rebonding and hair smoothing. These involve chemically straightening the hair and can be damaging. The keratin category involves treatments like kera smoothing (moderate to high chemical levels), cysteine (low to moderate) and hair botox (very low) that offer temporary smoothness lasting for up to 4–6 months.”