If you’ve ever gotten your hair dyed, you know how much of a difference hair gloss can make to the look and feel of your resulting color. Yes, it adds shine, but the best hair glosses can be actually such an important step in your color routine—almost as important as finding, say, the best shampoo and conditioner or leave-in conditioner for your colored hair. Thus, we spoke to Olivia Casanova, a colorist at IGK in New York City, to find out exactly what to look for in a great hair gloss, how to use hair glosses and glazes to enhance the look of your color at home, and her personal favorites.
What Is Hair Gloss?
“Hair glosses are typically semi-permanent hair colors that can darken, richen, add shine, or change the tone of the hair,” says Casanova. “The only thing glosses can’t do is make someone lighter.”
Who benefits from hair gloss, you ask? Ideal candidates for gloss are those with color-treated hair that’s lost a bit of its luster. For instance, hair glosses can especially benefit blonde hair that’s gotten a little brassy or brunette hair that’s dulled or gone ashy.
The Difference Between Hair Gloss and Hair Glaze
Simply put, the main difference between a hair gloss and a hair glaze is the potency of each product. A hair gloss is what it sounds like—a product that only touches the surface of the hair—while hair glosses penetrate strands as a semi-permanent hair color. Casanova says that hair gloss “usually lasts around 28 shampoos,” while glazes tend to only last up to five washes or so.
Can You Use Hair Gloss at Home?
If you were looking for a super-simple way to keep your hair color in check without ever having to stop by the salon, I have some bittersweet news: Casanova recommends trusting a pro to do your hair gloss for you, explaining that it’s easy to “ruin your color or damage your hair” if you happen to mix the wrong products together.
However, if accessing a salon is impossible or prohibitively expensive, she recommends brands like dpHUE that have a range of hair glosses designed to be used at home and don’t contain peroxide or ammonia.
This just means that the glosses will fade out of your hair over time. But don’t worry–that’s actually a good thing, especially if you’re in the mood to try out one of summer 2023’s trendiest hair colors.
“If doing so, just remember to apply to clean and even sections of the hair starting from the roots to the ends,” Casanova advises. “Make sure to set a timer and thoroughly shampoo after.”
Can Hair Gloss Damage Your Hair?
When used correctly, hair glosses are unlikely to cause damage to your hair. Some forms of hair gloss—often used as a color depositing shine for salon use—that are not damaging at all. This is because as opposed to hair toners or other types of color-depositing mixtures, many hair glosses don’t require hydrogen peroxide or other types of chemical developers.
Best Hair Glosses and Glazes
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dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner
“I don’t like to mess with my color—I prefer to leave my fake blonde-ness to the pros. But when I’m need of a little extra shine and have no time to head to the salon, it’s always dpHue to the rescue. I love the Gloss + Sheer because it’s able to make my color look fresh and shiny without messing with the tone.”— Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“I try to get to the salon for fresh color every couple of months, but when my budget is especially stretched thin, I turn to this gloss instead. In just twenty minutes, my dye job is instantly refreshed for a fraction of the price at the salon, plus my hair is left shiny as can be. I’ve found that one bottle has at least four or five applications, too.” -Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: editor-approved; conditioning; generous amount of formula
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “I use a quarter size of this every other shampoo and my bottle has lasted forever. Even when I only leave it on for a few minutes, the color deposits quickly so it’s fine, and it doesn’t get on my shower (unlike other color conditioners I’ve used that stained my shower).” -Ulta
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IGK Color Depositing Mask
“As far as glazes go, I love the IGK color depositing masks, especially because they have ‘fun’ shades. They make it easy to experiment with color without any commitment,” says Casanova. You can shop IGK Color Depositing Masks in 12 shades, including a deep purple and a bright pink.
Pros: vegan; cruelty-free; works on all hair types
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “It works great on wet or dry hair. It gives the most beautiful shine. I have used many products like this over the years and this is by far my favorite.” -Ulta
Redken Shades Eq Hair Color Gloss
Redken’s beloved Hair Gloss, another of Casanova’s favorites, comes in a ton of colors, so you’re bound to find one that matches the hue you got in the salon. Say goodbye to constant trips to touch up your color.
Pros: affordable; contains ingredients like coconut oil
Cons: small container
Customer Review: “Easy on your hair, customizable and never fails to provide just the right shade.” -Walmart
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE. Color Gloss
If your hair color is fresh—or you’re just looking for enhanced shine—try Bumble and bumble’s clear formulation. Otherwise, check out the brunette, red or two shades of blonde (warm and cool) to intensify fading pigments. However, reviewers warn against using any clarifying shampoos in tandem with this product, as the former can strip the tone from your hair and undo the product’s work.
Pros: works on all hair types; enhances tone and shine; free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Cons: contains silicones; strong smell
Customer Review: “I LOVE the cool blonde gloss. This is my go-to before special occasions to make my color look new. Make sure your hair is coated in it. I have long hair and get probably 5-6 uses out of a bottle (but only need to use it every couple of months, so it lasts for a while).” -Sephora
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ORIBE Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold
Unlike most brands on this list, Oribe has a hair gloss for the curly-haired folks, with a gloss gel that reviewers attest helps define hair while coating softly for crunch-less curls. The hydrating ingredients of Passionflower Extract and Cupcuacu improve strands while in use—even after wash day.
Pros: silicone-free; works well on curly hair; fights frizz; lightweight
Cons: contains fragrance, which may be drying for some users
Customer Review: “I have fine, 3B curls – this provides definition without weighing my hair down. Definitely worth a try if you have fine, frizzy curls.” -Sephora
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IGK Expensive Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment
“I am obsessed with this treatment from IGK. Whenever I want to make my hair look extra, well, expensive, I apply this to the lengths of my hair for an extra boost. It’s like the healthiest hair treatment in an easy-to-apply cream. Pro Tip: Apply it in the shower and then leave it in in lieu of a leave-in-conditioner if your hair is fine or gets oily easily.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Writer
Pros: works on all hair types; enhances shine; editor-approved; reduces frizz; vegan; detangling
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “I have long waist length hair and deal with a lot of tangles. I have tried every hair mask I good think off and while nourishing did nothing for tangles. This product I keep coming back too as it is the only product, after a washing, that I can slide a comb through my hair. I also air dry my hair and I am not left with frizzy hair. For the tangles alone, this product is a huge win for me.” -Sephora
John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine
You can use this at the end of a shower for enhanced shine, whether your hair is color-treated, balayaged, or au natural. The other option is to work the gel into completely dry strands and leaving it on for 20 minutes. The effect? Luminous. Multiple reviewers love it for its quick, noticeable results, and for the softening effect it has on their hair.
Pros: easy application; noticeable results; softening
Cons: some customers find results aren’t long-lasting; contains fragrance and silicones
Customer Review: “This is the first product I used before I started dying my hair. It’s really simple to use, just apply , rinse & go. Overall I have always been happy with the results of the glaze. It left my hair very sleek & shiny. Only thing is I wish the results lasted a bit longer. I found I had to reapply quite often to still see results. It wasn’t as noticeable as a salon glaze treatment of course, but for an at home option it was a very pretty choice for my hair.” -Ulta
Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss
This has become a cult favorite among hair color fanatics for a reason: It’s that good. There are 11 deliciously named color options—winter wheat, anyone?—that are meant to be applied on shower-damp strands. Simply combine the two bottles and allow to set for up to 20 minutes. The brand promises results will last up to three to four weeks, but reviewers write that noticeable results can last up to even five weeks.
Pros: cruelty-free; inexpensive; color- and keratin-safe; silicone-free; boosts shine; long-lasting
Cons: some reviewers report a drying effect on scalp and hair growth, so may not be suitable for those with scalp irritation
Customer Review: “Having repurchased FOUR times, I can absolutely say that I LOVE this product. It’s perfect for in between my coloring appointments to give my hair an extra boost of tone and shine!” -Target
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Kenra Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss Brilliant Shine Polish
With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this gloss from Kenra is designed to smooth frizz and curls for a silky after-effect. ” have thick coarse hair that is always knotted no matter if I brush it. This stuff made my hair so soft, shiny and I could run my fingers through my hair,” said one glowing reviewer.
Pros: smooths frizz; protects hair from humidity; enhances shine; works well on curls
Cons:
Customer Review: “I added this product to my straight hair routine for my 4A/4B waist-length hair. It provides so much shine and smoothing power to my hair. I also love the smell and it’s weightless. I use it again and again for some of my styling and my hair still moves freely!” -Ulta
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Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Clear Gloss
If your color is getting dull, or if your hair just needs a pick-me-up, this light formula from Pureology works on various hair colors and textures. Coat hair with a thin layer while working in through strands to penetrate deeply. Whether you’re a blonde dealing with brassiness or have dark hair that needs shine, this vegan formula is for you. Plus, customers with curlies say that it added bounce and life to moisture-starved, dull curls.
Pros: soften hair; contains ingredients like coconut oil; vegan
Cons: some customers find the fragrance overwhelming
Customer Review: “I rarely write reviews but this product is great! It does exactly what it says. I have thick, curly, and coarse hair and it not only puts shine in my curls but softens my hair as well. So far it only seems to last for three washes, but I am nevertheless very happy with this. Will definitely purchase it again.” -Ulta
Strength ‘n Silk by Silk Elements Coconut Glossing Polish
Ideal for relaxed and natural hair, this coconut glossing polish tackles frizz and dullness without the excessive greasiness of an oil. No product build-up here—in fact, if you’re looking to use a heating tool, this gloss is a great heat protectant for curly and kinky hair.
Pros: enhances shine; great for natural hair; great for relaxed hair; works well for curls and thick hair; fights frizz
Cons: some users with thin, straight hair said it made their scalp look greasy; contains silicones
Customer Review: “I have been using it for close to two years already. It’s really good at controlling the frizz on my hair as well as protecting my hair from the heat when it comes to blow drying my hair and using a curling iron. I bought this product to help protect my hair from chemical damage due to bleaching and coloring my hair and it makes my hair look and feel smooth and shiny as well.” -Sally Beauty
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Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss
Keep in mind that, according to reviewers and the brand alike, this treatment isn’t made for weekly use. When uses properly, the gloss should last 6-8 shampoos with improved pigment that’ll give you the luxurious shine without a salon visit.
Pros: cruelty-free; sustainable packaging; free of parabens, ammonia, phthalates, SLS, and gluten; contains ingredients like castor oil
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “Definitely refreshed my hair, added shine, depth and smoothness.” -Ulta
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Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment for Color-Treated Hair
This one is for the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, so skip the roots when applying this product. It’s a treatment that works quickly in the shower. Just apply the gloss to damp hair and let it sit for 1-2 minutes as the water transforms the formula into a creamy texture that saturates strands to eliminate frizz and enhance your natural or salon-done hair color.
Pros: works on all hair types and curl patterns; hydrating; revitalizes damaged hair
Cons: strong smell; contains sulfates
Customer Review: “I wish I had discovered this years ago! The change in my hair was instant! I have thick, course, partially curly and partially straight hair. I have done everything to try to get the wave and frizz to cooperate. My hair has never been shiny… until now. 10/10 recommend.” -Sephora
Oribe Glaze for Beautiful Color
This pricey gloss from Oribe will last you forever—you only have to use it in the shower once a week. Simply put it on after shampoo, let it sit for up to five minutes, and then rinse out. Multiple reviewers advise that its frequency sweet-spot is once weekly—any more, and it could make your strands look greasy.
Pros: clinically tested; free of gluten, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and sodium chloride; vegan
Cons: contains silicones; expensive
Customer Review: “This will really extend the life and vibrancy of your color. It really makes such a big difference.” -Nordstrom
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BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Mini Everyday Hair Gloss Oil
This silicone-free oil is designed for all hair types and is lightweight enough to be used every day. It also contains kakadu plum, which is specifically designed to help curly hair look its best. Reviewers advise using it as a pre-wash treatment, and note that it’s gentle enough for regular use. You can also pick it up in a mini size if you’re taking a trip and want to take your gloss on the go!
Pros: clean; silicone-free; award-winning; works on all hair types; uses natural ingredients
Cons: some users dislike the scent; some users find it too thick
Customer Review: “This hair oil saved my hair. I have bleached my hair about 4 times in the last year and went through 6 color changes in the last year….My hair is so silky and shiny , it has made such a drastic improvement to my hair I will continue purchasing this forever!!” -Sephora
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Amika Flash Instant Shine Hair Gloss Mask
“As in the name, this gloss truly delivers instant shine. I use this in the shower when I’ve gone a particularly long time in between haircuts, and it restores my damaged hair. While it doesn’t fix any split ends, it does recreate that post-salon appointment shine. Plus, it smells amazing.” -Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: editor-approved; vegan; clean; enhances shine; works on all hair types
Cons: expensive
Customer Review: “I have tried everything and anything, and this stuff does it for me. Leaves my hair nice, soft, silky—even the next day, without washing my hair, it was silky smooth.” -Sephora
L’Oreal Paris One Step Toning Hair Gloss
Each tube contains up to three treatments of these low dose, ammonia dyes—there are eight colors to choose from—which deliver noticeably enhanced color for up to ten days.
Pros: affordable; easy to use
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “I use the clear Le Gloss a few times a month and it makes my hair so shiny and sleek. Like I went to the salon and had a deep conditioning treatment.” -Ulta
TRESemmé Color-Enhancing High-Shine Deep Hair Conditioner
While most of the options on this list deliver a bit of pigment, this is quite simply a high-powered conditioner formulated to deliver shine and shine alone. Just three minutes, as often as you like, will give you a mirror-like finish that’s not one big greaseball. Reviewers also say it’s a fool-proof formula that’s perfect to use during a hair-emergency.
Pros: affordable; produces fast results
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “My hair is perpetually tangled so I have tried so many Solutions. This stuff works. Tangled hair is now smooth and shiny. I have my normal hair back after tons of bleach.” -Target
Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss
Just the right amount of dye—there are formulas for brown, blonde, and red strands—is delivered alongside smoothing castor oil and coconut fatty acids in a satisfying mousse formula. Work a palmful of foam into damp strands and set a timer for five minutes. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use up to three times a week.
Pros: affordable; comes in options for brunettes, blondes, and all hair colors
Cons: contains silicones
Customer Review: “Great gloss! No smell. Rinses clean but leaves my hair much smoother and shinier.” -Walmart
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Color Wow Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum
While this isn’t a pigment-based product, you won’t get too far down the road of researching glossing treatments before some wise colorist or hair color fanatic throws this guy into the mix. A few drops worked into wet or dry hair delivers some of the most satisfying, oil-free shine out there, thanks to hydrating, sealing compounds. Users also say it’s easy to apply and makes a huge impact on shine.
Pros: reduces frizz; enhances shine and color; protects against heat and UV damage
Cons: some users don’t like the glittery finish
Customer Review: “I have super straight, fine, dry hair. I use one pump after showering and let air dry. It works much better than hair oils on my fine hair. Only use one pump even though it looks like a small amount!” -Sephora
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“I’ll be honest: At-home glosses and glazes scare me. I’m not the best at DIY treatments, so if I’m going to attempt an unsupervised hair refresh, I need a foolproof formula. Enter this dpHue gloss, which is designed to rinse out entirely in just three washes. It uses temporary pigments, alongside good-for-your-hair ingredients like ceramides and lemon zest, to give a soft color tint, added shine, and increase hydration to color-treated hair. It’s available in five shades, but Golden Blonde happens to be my personal favorite.” —Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor (you can also read her full review of dpHue’s Glossy Glaze.)
Pros: Editor-approved; Temporary; Hydrating
Cons: Doesn’t last long
Customer Review: “This is the best hair gloss I’ve ever used! My hair looks shinier and feels healthier than it ever has.” — dpHue
