What a hair gloss does, and when it's worth booking one

A gloss at Hair Shak Salon Miami costs $78 to $158, depending on your hair. It changes the tone of the color you already have and brings the shine back. It does not lighten anything, and that one fact answers most of the questions people ask about it.

What a gloss does

Think of it as a sheer layer of color over what's already there. On blonde or balayage that has drifted toward yellow or orange, a gloss pulls the tone back to where it was. On brown hair that has gone dull, it can warm it up or cool it down. Some glosses are clear and only add shine.

Because nothing is being lifted out of the hair, it's a much gentler process than lightening.

What it won't do

It won't make dark hair lighter. If you want to go brighter, that is lightening, which means balayage or highlights. It also won't undo box dye or a color that went badly wrong. That is color correction, and it's priced at a free consultation once Shak has seen your hair.

A gloss also fades. It washes out gradually, so the tone it gives you softens week by week. How fast depends on how often you wash and what with, and here in Miami on how much time your hair spends in the sun and the water.

When it makes sense

The most common case is balayage that looked right the day you left the salon and has gone brassy since. When the problem is tone, a gloss is the tool for it, and it costs a fraction of a new balayage.

If the problem is how your hair feels, a gloss is the wrong appointment. Dry, rough ends that tangle need a repair treatment. Our hair repair treatment is $95 to $150 and the FUYA protein hair repair treatment is $258. Which one your hair needs, Shak tells you at the consultation.

Making it last at home

This is general advice rather than anything specific to our salon. Washing a little less often helps, and so does lukewarm water instead of hot. On blonde, a purple shampoo used now and then slows the yellow from coming back. After the pool or the ocean, rinse before the water dries in your hair.

Booking

Not sure if you need a gloss or something more? That's exactly what the free consultation is for. Call +1 305-494-7128, or leave your details on the balayage and color page and we call you back. The salon is at 300 Alton Road in South Beach, open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm and Friday 10am to 2pm, with free parking for salon clients.