What is a French Gloss Hair Treatment?
Image source: Getty / Edouard Berthelot
- A “french gloss” is a new in-salon hair color treatment.
- The service involves a combination of demi-permanent and permanent hair colors.
- Ahead, we break down everything to know about the popular low-maintenance treatment.
Most of you probably know someone with hair so luxurious that people stop them in the street to inquire. Whether because their hair is shinier than a naked mole rat covered in baby oil or because their color is blinding, it’s generally safe to assume keep their hair looking good requires a lot of maintenance. However, what if we told you that there’s a new treatment called “French gloss” that could make your hair look just as chic in half the time?
While popular trends like “dear brunette” and “cashmere blonde“produce beautiful results, they usually require hours in a salon chair. The latest trend in treatment is a quick service that promises to transform your hair color, tone and texture in just minutes.
Keep reading to learn all about French glosses, including how long it takes, who would benefit from the treatment, and what the interview looks like.
What is a French gloss?
Unlike a regular hair shine, which adds demi-permanent color from root to tip, a French gloss combines permanent and demi-permanent hair colors, taking the treatment one step further. The service, which is usually only performed in salons, begins with a stylist applying permanent color at the roots to cover gray hair. From there, an ammonia-free acid gloss is applied from mid-lengths to ends.
The gloss can be fully customized to suit your color needs, but typically has a faded finish with softer ends for the ultra-chic French girl vibe. It can be combined with other color treatments like balayage, or it can be completed on its own. Whichever way you choose to customize it, the process promises to transform dull, dry hair into hydrated, shiny hair. “This is a service that will extend the life of your color and also keep hair looking absolute shiny.” Min Kimsays the global ambassador of L’Oréal Professionnel to POPSUGAR.
Another advantage? it’s fast and efficient, so it’s an ideal service for people on the go. Processing time takes no more than 10 minutes, so depending on whether or not you’ve booked a haircut, you can usually be in and out of the salon in less than an hour. Plus, French glosses can work for all hair types. “All clients can benefit from this service, regardless of chemical history, hair length or texture type,” Kim says.
Since hair glosses work to balance hair color and reduce brassiness, this treatment would be a good option for anyone looking to combat these issues. Because of the extra root touch-up, it’s also the perfect service for someone who wants to cover pesky grays while adding life and shine to their hair.
If you are someone with “virgin” hair or hair that has never been colored before, you can still benefit from this treatment – just ask your stylist to “spot treat” your gray hair with permanent color , then apply a clear gloss to your ends, which will improve the overall manageability, look and feel of your hair.
It’s also a great service for someone who doesn’t want to deal with tons of upkeep as there is minimal upkeep. “A client can book a French gloss appointment independently of other chemical departments in the salon as often as every four to eight weeks, or with other salon departments and space it out every three to four months, by depending on your personal budget and hair needs,” says Kim.
One thing to note is that while permanent color usually lasts about eight weeks and demi-permanent color can last up to 24 shampoos, if you want to extend the life of your color, it is imperative to take care of it. at home. We recommend washing your hair with color-safe products like Moisturizing Shampoo Safe for Sexy Hair Color ($19). If you use heated tools, it is also important to use a heat protectant that will protect your hair from heat damage. We like it Biolage Strength Recovery Leave-In Repair Conditioner Spray with Heat Protection ($24). Kim also suggests using the The Metal Detox from L’Oréal Professional line, which she says will “protect your hair from the metals in your shower and provide the moisture your hair needs between salon appointments.”
