Sometimes the best way to test haircare is to give it a serious challenge: after a 16-mile run during a Los Angeles heatwave.
After hours of running in the heat, my hair had seen better days. Between the sun, sweat and inevitable tangles, it felt fried, dry and difficult to manage. Forget perfect bathroom lighting; this was a real-world beauty test and the perfect opportunity to put Pureology’s new Smooth Gloss collection to work.
The verdict? After shampooing, treating and styling, my hair was, in fact, smooth. And, my hair smelled incredible with this product. I actually wish the treatment mask scent was a fragrance!
There is science behind the Smooth Gloss transformation. Founded in California in 2001, Pureology built its reputation around professional haircare created specifically with color-treated hair in mind. The brand pioneered ZeroSulfate formulas and today its products are 100% vegan, with its patented Antifade Complex designed to help protect color vibrancy.
The new Smooth Gloss range takes a targeted approach to one of the biggest enemies of polished hair: humidity.
When dry or porous hair encounters moisture in the air, water can penetrate the hair fiber, affecting temporary hydrogen bonds and causing the cuticle to swell and lift. The result is the frizz we see on hot, humid days. Creating a smoother surface and a barrier against excess atmospheric moisture can help keep strands more controlled.
That is where Pureology’s Smooth Gloss technology comes in.
Inspired by the protein structure of silk, the collection features a Silky Amino Acid Blend of serine, glycine and alanine, along with biotin. According to Pureology, serine helps retain moisture, glycine helps create a smoother hair surface and alanine helps repel excess moisture.
The complete Smooth Gloss system is designed to deliver up to 72 hours of frizz control, 8x smoother strands and 50% glossier shine, according to Pureology’s instrumental testing. It is also formulated to protect against up to 90% humidity.
Step One: Smooth Gloss Shampoo
The Pureology Smooth Gloss Shampoo ($38) starts the process with a rich lather that cleanses color-treated hair while targeting frizz and improving manageability.
Rather than leaving already dry hair feeling stripped, the creamy formula is designed to smooth the cuticle while preparing strands for the treatment that follows. The shampoo also features Pureology’s Antifade Complex and ZeroSulfate technology.
After a long, hot run, the difference in manageability was immediately noticeable.
Step Two: Smooth Gloss Treatment Mask
Next came the Smooth Gloss Treatment Mask ($45), an ultra-rich five-minute treatment designed for frizzy, color-treated hair.
This is where dry, tangled lengths get some extra attention. The mask uses the same biotin and amino acid technology and is designed to condition the hair from mid-lengths through the ends, helping smooth the cuticle and improve shine and manageability.
Paired with the shampoo, Pureology reports up to 44% shinier hair and up to 24 hours of smoothness and curl definition.
Step Three: Silkmorphose™
The standout finishing step is the Pureology Smooth Gloss Silkmorphose™ Spray ($36).
The ultra-fine, heat-activated leave-in is remarkably lightweight. It is designed to melt into the hair without leaving the sticky or heavy feeling that can sometimes come with anti-frizz products.
The spray provides heat protection up to 450°F and is designed to reduce frizz with each use while instantly increasing gloss. Pureology says the Smooth Gloss system can withstand steam-room conditions and deliver up to 72 hours of frizz-defying performance.
For hair that had just endured 16 miles in the Los Angeles heat, that was quite a challenge.
Yet once my hair was dried and styled, the rough, tangled texture was gone. It felt softer, looked shinier and, most importantly, actually lived up to the name of the collection: Smooth Gloss.
