A Gloss, a Glaze, a Toner?

Welcome back, you lovely humans. Now that you are well versed in Balayage, Ombre and Highlights v Lowlights, it’s time to get those thinking caps back on. Let’s get you ready to dive a little deeper into the color pool. 

You got your highlights, you're feeling bright and fresh. Take a good look in that mirror, notice anything you missed? Anything wiry? Anything...unwanted? You see your greys, and they aren't pretty. Shooting out from your root like lightning in the sky, these pesky little pieces don't belong on your fresh new canvas. But don't you worry! We have it all handled. Let's discuss your options, remember these services are for any man, woman, him, her, they, them and any soul in between. All you need is to mature and get those greys going, fun, isn't it?

In addition to lightening services your colorists may choose to incorporate a root touch up, to cover any greys or add a gloss to enhance or diffuse your color. These additions are also stand alone services, used to create the color of your dreams. So, a root touch up, a gloss...who are they and what do they do? Allow me to break it down for you.

Root Touch Up

@styled.by.m

@styled.by.m

A root touch up is considered one of the most common salon color services. Popular amongst all ages and genders. It includes the process of using a custom color formulation to permanently cover grey hair. Using oxidative color that penetrates the hair shaft to chemically alter the hair. What is oxidative color? It’s science for the process of adding a hydrogen peroxide developer to a coloring agent, creating a permeant color. Non-Oxidative colors are temporary and will not permanently alter the hair color. This service can be applied at the same time as highlights, allowing for less time in the chair. 

  • Achieves full grey coverage

  • Desired result includes one session

  • Applied using a bowl and brush or a bottle, concentrating on the outgrowth 

  • This service typically takes 15-20 minutes to apply, depending on hairs density and texture

  • Processing time is between 30-45 minutes, dependent on manufactures suggestion

  • A gloss is recommended with this service to enhance the overall tone of the hair

  • Your stylist will coordinate a schedule for you based on your lifestyle, needs and percentage of grey. Maintenance for a root touch up is routinely every 4-6 weeks

  • Pricing starts at $68 and can move up to $122

Also known as a Touch up, at refleKTions we use the terms “Color Retouch” or “Touch Up”. Always refer to the salon webpage for an in depth description and available level  pricing. 

Gloss

@thecassmos

@thecassmos

A gloss, a glaze, a toner? We hear these terms everyday in the salon and feel grateful to have the opportunity to explain. They are all the same. Terminology changes from stylist to stylist,  at refleKTions we refer to it as a gloss. It is a non-oxidative hair color service, meaning it isn't fully permanent- but it also isn't going to wash out of your hair after one shampoo. Used to achieve several outcomes, including: blend greys, create shine, seal the cuticle of the hair to enhance color longevity, to go darker, add warmth or cool tones, to tone highlights and cancel out unwanted pigment.

  • Applied using a bowl and brush or a bottle, this service can be performed in the chair or after additional services in the shampoo bowl

  • Application time is determined on the complexity of the service, you can expect 10-30 minutes to apply

  • Processing time never exceeds 20 minutes. Each process is unique based off your intended color

  • Prices start at $42 and can move up to $102

  • This service can be a stand alone service or as an add on. Your colorist will make create a color plan and schedule your next appointment based to ensure color longevity

  • Maintenance is determined based off your lifestyle needs, typically this is a add on service that will be part of your touch up, high light, balayage or cut service. Your stylist will always pre book your next appointment based off your hair goals and timing. This is the perfect service to keep a grown out balayage looking fresh between move ups.

Technique Gloss

@meganbinder

@meganbinder

Think of technique glosses as the sister to the gloss. They are similar but not entirely the same. The technique requires a multilayered gloss ensuring a seamless blend to your color. Often used in addition to a balayage service, this service adds that extra step to truly gorgeous, lived-in color. 

  • A demi permanent color, used to blend pre existing or newly lightened hair

  • Applied using a bowl and brush for a precise artistic application

  • Application time will vary on artistry and desired outcome. Expect 10-30 minutes

  • Processing time will not exceed 20 minutes

  • Maintenance for a technique gloss is determined based off any other color service, same as the gloss

  • Prices start at $62 and can move up to $122

Our Naperville Colorist, Megan, says “a technique gloss is a two step gloss process. Typically with a darker root leading to brighter ends creating an effortless lived in dimension. Sometimes it can be created to make fun bold colors such as bright reds and rich brunettes”. 

There you have it, more color knowledge in that beautiful brain of yours. We hope these quick explanations will help you continue on your journey to great hair. Remember, we are your friends, call us if you ever have any questions and don’t be afraid to ask questions during your consultation. 

Join us bi- weekly for all things hair, beauty and sustainability!

At refleKTions, all are welcome.

We’ll talk next time

Tracy