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Glossing vs. Toner: What's the Difference?

If you're considering a hair color refresh, you might have heard the terms "glossing" and "toner" thrown around. While they both serve to enhance your hair color, they have distinct purposes and effects. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between glossing and toner, so you can better understand which option might be right for you.


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Glossing: The Ultimate Shine Boost

Glossing is a process that provides an all-over color treatment to add shine and enhance your hair's overall look. Whether you go with a clear gloss or a tinted one, the goal is to give your hair a glossy, healthy, and radiant appearance.

A gloss is a demi-permanent color, meaning that it will fade over time. Typically, after about 30 shampoos, a gloss will be almost completely gone, leaving behind shiny, refreshed hair without any long-term commitment. It’s perfect for anyone looking to boost the vibrancy and shine of their hair without drastically changing the color. It’s also a great option for adding a subtle tint to your natural shade or enhancing your existing color.


Toner: Perfecting Lightened Hair

A toner, on the other hand, is used primarily on lightened hair, such as highlights or balayage. When hair is lightened, warm and golden tones often emerge. A toner is specifically formulated to neutralize these unwanted tones, shifting the color to the desired shade.

This color adjustment is typically done the same day as your lightening service. The toner will help either combat warmth or adjust the shade to create a more natural or customized hue. Since the effects of toner can fade over time, it’s common to return for a refresh every 4-6 weeks to maintain that perfect tone.



Which One Should You Choose?

  • Go for glossing if you’re looking to enhance shine and vibrancy without altering your color significantly.

  • Choose toner if you’ve had your hair lightened and want to maintain or adjust the tones, keeping your highlights or balayage looking fresh and true to your desired shade.


Both glossing and toning are fantastic ways to keep your color looking its best, and the right option depends on your hair goals. Talk to your stylist about which treatment would work best for your unique needs!

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