This is a legacy post that I’ve given a facelift because who doesn’t want shiny hair? I’ve done this four times now, including on my highlights – and it looks great. Opinions are the same, but is formatted and edited for easier reading and flow.
I shared a tutorial on how to DIY Hair Gloss in May 2014. It’s been a while, and it’s time to do it again – mostly to refresh the shine, and partially to make the process easier.
DIY Hair Gloss Supplies
Supplies
Supplies needed are the same as before, with a couple additions:
- Hairbrush – (Original Draft? My Denman. Since? The Wet Brush.)
- Clairol Professional Radiance Colorgloss in Clear Shine
- Clairol Professional Radiance Color Infuser
- Conditioner – L’Oreal Feria Professional ($9) and Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle ($3-4) are great choices.
- Gloves – vinyl, latex, or nitrile, whatever works.
- Two combs – A wide-tooth one and a fine one.
- Section Clips – You will thank me; they are worth it.
- Graduated Salon Mixer/Applicator bottle – this one is from Sally Beauty.
- A color mixing bowl and brush (NOT METAL).
I picked up a lot of this stuff from Sally Beauty when they had some sales and I had a 20% of, but a lot of that stuff can be found on Amazon, too. Instructions after the jump.
Before
Here’s what we’re working with (photos are HTC M8 pictures because I don’t bring the DSLR in the bathroom, period):
Process
- Start with clean, dry hair. I was a rebel and did this on second-day hair, but you’ll have better results with just-washed tresses.
- Throw on a shirt that either won’t get messed up or that you can live with having product on it.
- Detangle, then section your hair off with clips. I go about this as I would for blow drying – 3 horizontal tiers broken into 2-3 sub-sections.
- Mix a 1:1 ratio of developer (infuser) to product (colorgloss) in the graduated mixer bottle to help you measure and ensure an even mix.
- Dispense into your color mixing bowl for easier application.
- Hastily pull on your gloves. Don’t rip them!
- Starting from the bottom sections, paint glossing mix onto the hair shaft as high up as your heart desires. Ensure the section you’re working on is detangled before you start painting it! Paint both sides of the section and ensure it is saturated with product.
- Run through that section with a fine-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product.
- Gently lay the completed section down; no need to foil, paper, or saran-wrap between layers. Repeat throughout remaining sections.
- Let process for 15-20 minutes depending on the condition of your hair.
- Rinse your hair with water as lukewarm as you can stand water; combing as you go will prevent your hair from tangling, so rinsing should be easy.
- After your hair feels like it is free of product (you will be able to tell), gently squeeze it to remove excess moisture.
- Apply a crazy amount of deep conditioner and use the wide-tooth comb to distribute. Let process 5 minutes.
- Rinse, gently squeeze the moisture from your tresses again.
- Twist your hair up in a Turbie Twist.
- After 15 minutes or so, blow-dry and style as you wish.
After
So this is my hair 24 hours later – no product, no flat ironing; I just blow-dried it. You can get results from this!
After – DIY Hair Gloss Treatment
The Bottom Line
This DIY Hair Gloss treatment is nice to boost your (natural or acquired) color. I did it before my wedding and feel that it made an impact; if you’re a bride wanting to try this, I’d do it at least a month out if you haven’t done it before (just in case!); might be fun to get the ladies of the bridal party together to do. It can be fun for young ladies at sleepovers – and because it doesn’t deposit any color, you don’t need to worry about mistakes.
What about you – will you treat yourself to a DIY Hair Gloss treatment? Or will you switch from expensive salon procedures to do it in the comfort of your home?