Cellophane Hair Treatments

Cellophane hair treatments will make dry, coarse hair shine.

Cellophane hair treatments are designed for dull or damaged hair. Contrary to what the name may suggest, cellophane hair treatments do not require you to wrap your hair in plastic wrap. However, the hair is chemically "wrapped" to keep the moisture locked in and to give the hair shine.

Definition

A cellophane treatment is actually the process of applying a semipermanent hair color, without the pigment, that is combined with a glossing agent. Some salons may also offer a color-tinted version. This process can be done in the salon or the gloss can be purchased and applied at home.

Process

The glossing agent is applied to damp hair and allowed to set for 20 or 30 minutes. In this time, the gloss wraps around the hair follicle and absorbs into the shaft. The agent seals the cuticle layer of the hair, locking in moisture and increasing shine. The hair is then rinsed thoroughly to remove the gloss, although its effects remain.

Hair Types

Cellophane treatments are ideal for women with dry or coarse hair. If hair is thick and wavy or curly, it may be especially dry and could therefore benefit from the glossing treatment. Cellophane treatments also work well for women who have damaged hair from chemical coloring, straightening or permanents.

Care

After receiving a cellophane treatment, home care generally doesn't differ much from a regular hair care routine. Avoid using clarifying shampoos, which are a little too harsh for the treatment and can prevent the effects from lasting as long as they should. With a typical daily hair-washing routine, the shine will fade slightly with each wash and, overall, it will last about four to six weeks.

Alternatives

There are a variety of shine enhancers that can be purchased in a drugstore or online to add shine to damaged hair. Some of the best products have a slightly higher price tag but will achieve quality results. CHI Thermal Polishing Spray or CHI Silk Infusion is available for around $15 to $25. Got2B also sells a lower-cost shine serum, which costs around $5 to $10. These types of products will leave your hair shiny without feeling weighed down or greasy and may be a cheaper and easier alternative to a cellophane treatment.

References

• Hair Finder: Pros and Cons of Cellophane Treatment
• Hair Styles Secrets Revealed: Cellophane Hair Treatment