If you’ve ever had your hair colored in a salon, you’re familiar with the ultra-glossy finished look, which happens to be a 2025 hair trend. You leave the salon with a radiant shine, but after the first few washes at home, that reflective quality can start to dull. If you’re looking for a way to keep your hair looking its best without booking another appointment, I have good news. The Marie Claire team tried and tested the best hair glosses at home and chatted with a roster of expert stylists to vet and deliver you the best options to recreate that salon shine.
Yes, they add luminosity, but the best hair glosses can also be an important step in your color routine—almost as crucial as finding the best shampoo or leave-in conditioner for your colored hair. And no, they’re not all sticky, mix-it-yourself formulas that require too many extra steps. Many modern gloss formulations can be used in place of a conditioner, work quickly, and are supercharged with hydrating ingredients that smooth frizz and fight the look breakage. As Lucille Javier, a colorist at the Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, puts it,“[the gloss] helps maintain your unique color and the vibrancy of the colors.” They’re basically the cherry on top of any good dye job.
To prove it, the team tested 14 of the top products on the market for a few weeks to give you our official list. We also chatted with expert stylists to discuss what to look for in the best gloss. Keep scrolling for real-life reviews, a breakdown of the key ingredients to look out for in each formula, and the best tips for achieving healthy, high-shine hair (no matter your texture) every time you wash.
The Best Hair Glosses and Glazes
- Best Overall Hair Gloss: dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner
- Best Hair Gloss For Fine Hair: IGK Expensive Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment
- Best Hair Gloss for Curly and Wavy Hair: Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold
- Best Silicone-Free Hair Gloss: BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Mini Everyday Hair Gloss Oil
The Best Hair Glosses
This hair gloss from dpHUE comes in 14 shades, including a clear shade, for a boost of shine. Apply it to damp hair and leave it on for three to twenty minutes before rinsing. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free. The consistency feels like a lightweight conditioner—smooth, creamy, and not at all sticky—and smooths over your strands without adding weight. The formula is ammonia-free and doesn't have a smell. Its texture makes it easy to apply evenly throughout the hair, and it works in less than five minutes to add shine.
What We Love: Editor-approved; Conditioning formula; Can be used in the shower
What We Don't: Formula contains silicones
Number of Shades: 10
Bottle Size: 6.5 fl oz
How to Use: Apply to clean, damp hair and leave on for three to 20 minutes, as needed, and rinse
Review for MC: "I used this gloss a few different ways to see which was best. First, I applied roughly half a pump to towel-dried hair after shampooing and let it sit for five minutes. I didn't follow up with a conditioner—my hair is pretty thin and can get weighed down—because I wanted to test how hydrating it felt without any extra product. The second time I tested it, I let it sit for five minutes again and then applied my normal amount of conditioner. Both times, my hair felt so much smoother, looked shinier, and didn't feel heavy at all. I used it about once a week when I remembered, and my hair has not only looked healthier since I started but also feels softer. My damaged ends appear more alive, too, which means I can go a little longer in between my haircuts." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Marzovilla found that dpHUE's Gloss+ Gloss is the secret to hair that looks healthier (even when you're in desperate need of a trim).
The consistency of this gloss is thicker than others on this list—it's more akin to your in-shower conditioner—but it's not sticky or heavy. The texture is slippy thanks to the inclusion of silicone, and it can be used in the shower to boost shine in less than five minutes. Key ingredients like amla oil and sunflower seed oil are the secret behind its fast results. However, our tester found that the oils in the formula don't weigh your hair down, making it the best option for fine hair.
What We Love: Works on all hair types; Editor-approved; Reduces frizz; Vegan; Can be used in the shower
What We Don't: The formula contains silicones
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 4.2 fl oz
How to Use: Appy to clean, wet hair and leave on for two to three minutes and rinse
Key Ingredients: Amla Oil (to nourish and add shine); Sea Kelp Extract (prevents future damage); Sunflower Seed Oil (for hydration and frizz control).
Review for MC: "For some reason, I expected IGK’s Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment to feel like a sticky gel; however, to my surprise, it had a creamy, lightweight texture (sort of like a conditioner). I applied the gloss after rinsing my hair with shampoo and conditioner as instructed. After using the gloss once a week (for three consecutive weeks), my strands appeared considerably shinier. Not only was my hair practically glistening, but it was super soft. I have textured hair, and my curls are naturally on the drier side, so I was pleased by how silky and smooth my hair felt. The gloss is packed with amla oil, sea kelp extract, and sunflower seed oil, which explains why my hair seemed so hydrated and supple. Also, I didn’t experience any greasiness or oiliness after using the gloss, and there wasn’t a trace of residue. That said, I was expecting the product to eliminate frizz and flyaways, but I didn’t really notice much of a difference there. To be fair, though, I probably should have applied more than a dime size of the gloss. My hair is extremely thick, so whenever I’m using any type of product (whether it be shampoo, conditioner, detangler, etc.), I always use more than recommended. Overall, I was thrilled by the results. I haven’t used the gloss in about two weeks and I can already feel my hair beginning to dry out a bit, so needless to say, I’ll be returning to IGK’s Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment again soon! — Lauren Tappan, Fashion Editor
Lauren says her hair looked considerably shinier after using the IGK Expensive Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment despite only using a dime-size amount.
Unlike most brands on this list, Oribe has a gloss specifically for curly and wavy hair, with a gloss gel that reviewers attest helps define hair while coating softly for crunch-free curls. Its hydrating ingredients, which include passionflower extract, Brazilian jicama, and cupcuacu, keep strands soft and curls defined on wash day and beyond. It’s also free of potentially drying agents like silicones, parabens, sulfates, SLS, and SLES, so you can rest assured that this gloss won’t negatively impact your long-term hair health.
What We Love: Silicone-free formula; Works well on curly hair; Fights frizz; Lightweight formula
What We Don't: Some reviewers found that the fragrance dried out their hair
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 5.9 fl oz
How to Use: Apply to damp hair, diffuse to style
Key Ingredients: Brazilian Jicama (smooths hair); Passionflower Extract and Cupuacu (supplies amino and fatty acids and vitamins)
Review for MC: "I have always had a suspicion that my hair was wavy, and was curious if Oribe Curl Gloss would hydrate and hold enough for me to skip the gel step in my wavy hair routine or my routine altogether. Marketed as a gel, the consistency in hand is almost like a thicker skin serum (think Korean skincare à la Snail Mucin), though less sticky. It has a fresh aquatic scent from the bottle, which dissipates once you’ve applied it and dried your hair. The curl gloss gave my wavy hair a shine, and with a diffuser, it resulted in a soft look and hand feel without having to 'scrunch out the crunch' as I would need with other gels. With this gloss, my waves held their shape throughout the day. This has found its place as a refresher gel in my routine to keep frizz to a minimum and add shine on days I don’t want to wash." — Pang, a Marie Claire tester.
Pang now uses the Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold in between wash days to freshen up her curls.
This silicone-free oil hair gloss is designed for all hair types and is lightweight enough to be used daily. It also contains kakadu plum, which helps your hair look moisturized, bouncy, and well-defined. 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!
What We Love: Formula is silicone-free; Works on all hair types
What We Don't: Some users dislike the scent
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 1.69 fl oz
How to Use: Apply to wet hair after shampooing and conditioning or apply to dry hair in between wash days
Key Ingredients: Kakadu Plum Oil (rich in vitamin C for hair health); Capryl Capric Triglycerides (provides shine); Safflower Oil (contains fatty acids for overall hair health)
Review for MC: "I have naturally fine, straight hair and tend to get a dry scalp. I also recently dyed my hair, so it feels a bit damaged. What intrigued me about the Bread Everyday Gloss Oil was that it could be used daily and double as a scalp treatment. When I used it as a pre-shower scalp treatment, it didn't leave my hair greasy, and I could fully wash it. I noticed my scalp didn't feel as dry as it usually would after a wash day. I could go longer between wash days because my scalp wasn't flaking as much. Between wash days, I would use the oil to make my hair look smooth and shiny again, like before I colored it. I enjoyed this product's versatility, and I will be incorporating it into my weekly hair routine." — Jonelle Afurong, a Marie Claire tester.
Jonelle enjoyed BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Everyday Hair Gloss Oil's versatility, using it as both a scalp treatment and hair oil.
Other Hair Glosses I Love
This clear hair gloss option from John Frieda can be used daily or weekly. It's best for dry, dull, or damaged hair because the formula fights frizz and combats flyaways and split ends. The formula is ammonia and peroxide-free for a salon-like finish at home. For the best results, apply this gloss to dry, unwashed hair before you shower and leave it on for 20 minutes.
What We Love: Easy application; Softening formula; Can be used daily or weekly; Helps fight damage
What We Don't: Some reviewers found the smell to be too strong
Number of Shades: Two
Bottle Size: 6.5 fl oz
How to Use: Squeeze out excess water and apply to your hair. Leave on for at least three minutes, then rinse.
Review for MC: "I have wavy, curly, processed blonde hair. John Frieda’s luminous glaze clear shine gloss was a pleasant surprise for me! Over several weeks, I tried both ways they recommended on the bottle: a three-minute in-shower treatment and a 20-minute mask treatment. The product has a liquid texture with an iridescent sheen from the mica added to it. This is a fragranced product but not overwhelming. It’s not heavy on the hair and washes out easily, which is a huge plus to my curls because I love volume. The bottle it comes in is easy to squeeze, but the product's slip makes it a bit tricky to get from your hand to hair. This glaze claims to intensify smoothness and shine, and it definitely does just that! My hair is so smooth, and the curls pop with extra shine after a treatment. I didn’t find much difference between a three-minute treatment and a 20-minute treatment. The results were about the same, so go with the in-shower treatment. The only downside I have to this glaze is that it is a bit drying to my hair, so I had to go in with an additional conditioner after rinsing in the shower before going in with my regular styling products. Overall, I think this was a great step to my hair care routine to give my blonde hair an extra added boost in appearance." — Adrianne, a Marie Claire tester
After testing the John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine, Adrianne found it to be effective in as little as three minutes.
If your color is beginning to look dull, or if you're simply in the market for a little pick-me-up, this light formula from Pureology works wonders—no matter your hair color or texture. To use, coat hair with a thin layer while working through strands. Whether you’re a blonde with brassiness or have dark hair that needs shine, this vegan formula is for you. Plus, customers with curls say that it added bounce and life to moisture-starved, dull curls.
What We Love: Softens your hair; Vegan formula; Good for all hair textures; Good for curly hair
What We Don't: Some customers find the fragrance overwhelming
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 6.7 fl oz
How to Use: Apply to wet, shampooed hair. Leave on for five minutes and rinse
Key Ingredients: Oat Milk (to smooth and soften); Camellia Oil (to condition and nourish)
Review for MC: "I have highlighted long, wavy hair that had become fairly dry and frizzy due to summer’s heat, humidity, and sweat. I tested the product a few times over several weeks. From the first application, I was shocked at the immediate payoff in my hair's shine, texture, and softness. I typically blow-dry my hair, and with the gloss, my hair dried to a beautiful silky straight. With each use of the Pureology gloss, there was an intensification of the 'glossing' effect, and I honestly couldn’t stop running my fingers through this new, crazy, soft hair! My hair has stayed soft even when traveling after several washes when I couldn’t reapply it. It’s a pretty straightforward application—I coated the hair in the product after shampooing and waited five to 10 minutes before rinsing out. I loved that the product went a long way, even with the length and thickness of my hair. The biggest challenge was that the gloss was pretty runny, so I had to be careful in the shower to ensure it all got applied to the hair and didn't run off my hands and wash away. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical of an actual difference, but I can confidently say that the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Clear Gloss did what it promised to do." — Katarina, a Marie Claire tester
With every use of the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Clear Gloss, Katarina says her hair became softer and silkier.
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. Its water-based formula is infused with coconut oil for maximum hydration, smoothing, and shine, and users say it’s easy to work into hair of all lengths and levels of curliness. And at less than $15, who can refuse?
What We Love: Great for natural hair; Great for relaxed hair; Works well for curls and thick hair; Fights frizz
What We Don't: Some users with thin, straight hair said it made their scalp look greasy; Formula contains silicones
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 6.7 fl oz
How to Use: Apply to damp hair before styling or on dry hair before and after styling, as needed
Review for MC: "I have short, fine hair that gets oily easily, so I used a dime-sized amount of this gloss. It was the consistency you’d expect—slightly sticky and thick in texture. After applying it, I washed my hands and found the product did not leave a sticky residue. I am pleasantly surprised with how well it works—it didn’t make my hair look or feel oilier. Upon first use, my hair was shinier and more workable than it had been with other products, and it was softer than normal. Over the testing period, I also noticed a decrease in frizz and a lasting softness that I had not had with my hair before. While using this product, I did not need to wash my hair more than usual (I wash it every other day) so I know it did not make my hair oily. I also didn't notice increased product build-up in my hair over time. Normally I wouldn't say I like the smell of coconut in products. Still, this scent was not overpowering when I was applying it to my hair, and after my hair was dry, it left a subtle tropical scent in my hair that did not overpower perfumes and scented lotions. Overall, this is an approachable hair gloss that delivers on what it promises." — Olivia, a Marie Claire tester
While testing the Strength 'n Silk by Silk Elements Coconut Glossing Polish, Olivia says her hair was smoother, softer, and easier to manage.
Remember that this treatment isn’t made for daily or even weekly use, according to both reviewers and the brand itself. It’s a semi-permanent gloss meant to be applied all over hair as a temporary means of maintaining color until you can make it to the salon for a proper touch-up. The package contains one to two applications, each of which is meant to last six to eight weeks, and the formula can be applied from mid-lengths to ends or from root to tip, depending on your needs.
What We Love: Cruelty-free formula; Sustainable packaging; Free of parabens, ammonia, phthalates, SLS, and gluten; Formula contains ingredients like castor oil
What We Don't: Formula contains silicones
Number of Shades: Five
Bottle Size: 4 fl oz
How To Use: Wearing gloves, apply evenly on dry hair and leave on for 20 to 35 minutes for maximum shine. Rinse, and follow with conditioner
Key Ingredients: Keratin (to strengthen hair). Argan Oil (to restore shine and nourish); Ginseng Root Extract (softens hair and repairs split ends)
Review for MC: 'The Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss gives hair a beautiful, shiny, and smooth finish, making it great for styling. While the thick, slightly sticky formula was tricky to apply on dry hair as instructed, applying it to damp hair and focusing on the ends worked best for my fine hair. Though it made my roots look greasy after a day, using it primarily on the ends helped maintain a smooth, sleek look. After styling with a blow-dry brush, my hair felt incredibly silky and soft. While it didn’t have a noticeable impact on color or brassiness, the gloss is perfect for adding shine, especially for those with thicker or coarser hair. Despite some packaging issues on squeezing the gloss out, the product overall delivers a sleek, polished finish when styled." — Emily, a Marie Claire tester
The Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss added noticeable shine to Emily's hair.
Associate Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger is a personal fan of this gloss from Amika. “This gloss truly delivers instant shine,” she says. “I use this in the shower when I've gone a particularly long time 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." For the best results, the brand recommends using it as a weekly treatment and to leave it on for only one minute.
What We Love: Works quickly; Editor-approved; Formula is vegan; Fights frizz; Works on all hair types
What We Don't: Some reviewers found it drying
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 6.7 fl oz
How To Use: After shampooing, apply to wet, not sopping, hair. Leave on for one minute, then rinse
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Flax (for moisturization); Red Wine Extract (for an antioxidant boost); Amino Acid Complex (to smooth your hair and support lasting color)
Review for MC: "As a first-time hair glosser user, there’s no going back! It left me feeling like I stepped straight out of the salon, and it was a quick and easy step to add to my regular shower routine. The formula is super light and almost feels like water, and it applies seamlessly to my roots thanks to the well-designed nozzle. Not only did it smell AMAZING, but the next day, my hair was silky and bright. I didn’t notice much of a difference on day 2, but it was an easy application to repeat if you want the look to keep up. Overall, it was an extremely approachable hair gloss as a starter." — Rachel, a Marie Claire tester
Rachel says Amika's Flash Instant Shine Hair Gloss Mask is an approachable find for those new to hair glosses.
While most of the options on this list deliver a bit of pigment, this is simply a high-powered conditioner formulated to deliver shine and shine alone. A mere three-minute application process, done as often as you like, will give you a mirror-like finish that looks expensive rather than greasy. Reviewers also say that applying it is so quick and easy that it should be on hand for all beauty lovers in case of a hair emergency. Shop it in three colors.
What We Love: Works quickly
What We Don't: Formula contains silicones; Only comes in three colors
Number of Shades: Three
Bottle Size: 7.7 fl oz
How To Use: After shampooing, apply evenly to damp hair and leave on for three minutes. Rinse
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating)
Review for MC: "I was so excited to try this product as I’ve always loved Tresemee’s other items. I found the texture like most conditioners, though a little less thick than the one I use. It didn’t have a strong smell and did not leave my hands feeling sticky or filmy after. I LOVED the shine I got from this product and got so many compliments on my hair! It brought out my natural red and added a glossiness that lasted through several waves. " — Winnie, a Marie Claire tester
With a conditioner-like texture, TRESemmé's Color-Enhancing High-Shine Deep Hair Conditioner gave Winnie's hair a boost of shine and color vibrancy.
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 option into the mix. A few drops worked into wet or dry hair deliver a satisfying, oil-free shine. Plus, the formula is packed with hydrating ingredients that promise to seal the hair follicle and protect your mane from UV damage. Users also say it's easy to apply and great for use before braiding.
What We Love: Reduces frizz; Enhances shine and color; Protects against heat and UV damage
What We Don't: Some users don't like the glittery finish
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 1.8 fl oz
How To Use: Apply a few drops to wet hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends, style as normal. Or, apply a few drops to dry hair and style as usual
Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Salicylate (to protect hair from UV damage)
Review for MC: "I have naturally thick, curly hair that tends to frizz, especially in the summer heat/humidity, so I tested out Color WOW’s pop & lock hair serum for heat protectant and frizz control. I put a pea-sized drop of the serum in my hair after washing and then blew it out as usual — as you can see, the humidity was already putting up a fight. Overall, the serum lasted better than expected, considering the New York City August weather, but my roots definitely started to frizz after a few days. On day four, I ran more pumps of the serum through my ends and roots so they felt less dry. I liked that the serum felt lightweight and didn’t leave a thick residue on my hair (although the shimmer lingered on my hands for a while). " — Sydney, a Marie Claire tester.
Sydney's hair stayed smooth for a few days in the New York humidity after using Color Wow's Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum.
Oaui's clear hair gloss is formulated with hyaluronic acid and rice water to keep hair feeling hydrated and strong from root to tip. It lasts up to three washes and only requires a five-minute wait time in the shower. It's used instead of conditioner on most hair types, so you don't have to spend extra time on your routine. If you have oily, curly, or coily hair, however, the brand does recommend using conditioner for added hydration.
What We Love: Hydrating formula; Good for thick hair; Addresses damage; Works in five minutes
What We Don't: Reviewers say that you should make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly as to not make your hair feel greasy
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 6 fl oz
How To Use: After shampooing (or after conditioning if you have drier hair) apply a pea-sized amount to each section of your hair. Wait five minutes, then rinse
Key Ingredients: Rice Water (to protect hair); Hyaluronic Acid (to promote hair health); Sugar Beets (to protect your color)
Review for MC: "I love OUAI and have been curious about the general buzz around hair glosses, so I jumped to try this product. Featuring hyaluronic acid and rice water, which are regularly touted by beauty experts for their abilities to add strength and shine to strands, the product delivered on what it promises: softer hair with a subtle luster. The problem? My hair is very fine and naturally on the softer side already, so this ultimately just weighed my hair down. I tried it twice: Once, I had to style it for an event afterward, and my hair struggled to keep a curl or any volume. The second time, I kept the product away from my roots, focusing on the heat-damaged ends, and let my hair air dry—I noticed less frizz and healthier strands overall. But unfortunately, I wouldn't use this product regularly enough to add to my haircare rotation—though I'd recommend it to my #blessed friends who have thicker (or coarser) hair." — Neha Prakash, Entertainment Director
Prakash noticed "less frizz and healthier strands overall" when using the OUAI gloss on the ends of her hair.
This formula by fan-favorite brand Kérastase is specifically intended for the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, so avoid your roots. Conveniently, it’s meant to be applied in the shower and works in just one to two minutes after being slathered evenly along damp hair. According to the brand, the water transforms the product into a creamy texture that saturates the hair follicle with moisture, eliminating frizz and enhancing your natural or salon-born hair color.
What We Love: Works on all hair types and curl patterns; Hydrating formula; Revitalizes damaged hair
What We Don't: Formula contains sulfates
Number of Shades: One
Bottle Size: 7.1 fl oz.
How To Use: Apply to wet hair after shampooing and leave on for one-to-two minutes. Rinse
Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Amino Acid, and Tartaric Acid (to help hair recover from color-related damage)
Review for MC: "I've been coloring my hair for nearly a decade, and while I try to keep it hydrated and healthy, it occasionally needs a little boost. I've tried many hair glosses in my six years as a beauty editor, but this Kerastase formula will always remain my favorite. Not only does it smell amazing, but in just one to two minutes, it leaves my hair with a gorgeous, mirror-like shine. Even the clear gloss tones down any brassiness and leaves my hair with a champagne finish. One use gets me through another few weeks so that I can push off my salon appointment—something my wallet thanks me for." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
The Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment creates glass-like shine in as little as two minutes.
Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender wrote a whole review of this gloss from DpHUE, so it’s safe to say she loves it. “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,” she says, “It's available in five shades, but Golden Blonde happens to be my personal favorite.”
What We Love: Editor-approved; Hydrating formula
What We Don't: Doesn't last long
Number of Shades: Six
Bottle Size: 4 fl oz
How To Use: After shampooing, apply from mid-lengths to ends until saturated. Leave on for 2-3 minutes, and rinse
Key Ingredients: Mullein Flower Extract (protects against UV rays); Ceramides (to nourish hair); Upcycled Sugar Cane and Lemon Zest (to soften hair)
Review for MC: "DpHue was the first hair gloss I ever tried—and I truly credit it for taking the fear factor of at-home color away. I never want to distort the tone or finish my hair colorist gives me, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that this gloss simply enhances and refines what was already there. I use shade light to medium brown—squeezing the nozzle to coat the mids and ends of my hair. I'm very conscious about setting my timer with this one as I don't want to deposit too much pigment." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
According to Samantha, dpHue Glossy Glaze's doesn't mess with your dye job.
What to Look for in the Best Hair Gloss
- Color Selection: The glosses on this list were all tested in clear shades, but that doesn't mean that you can't buy a tinted version if you need it. Glosses aren't meant to radically change the color of your hair—they can boost your color or give your natural shade a shiny boost. Consider your preferred shade before you buy: if you're looking to adjust the color of an existing dye job, buy one or two shades that you think will work for the best results.
- Ease of Application: There are several ways to apply hair glosses, so make sure to find one that will fit seamlessly into your routine. Many options on this list are designed to be applied in the shower, left on for a few minutes, and then rinsed out thoroughly. Others are made to be applied to dry hair to boost shine and reduce frizz instantly.
- Key Ingredients: In addition to their shine-giving properties, many of the formulas on this list include ingredients that soften, moisturize, and protect hair. Consider your hair's needs before you buy one.
Who Should Use Hair Gloss?
Who benefits from hair gloss, you ask? "Anyone, honestly," says Travis Ogletree, a stylist based out of Los Angeles. "It’s a perfect, fairly affordable service that can add shine and impact with little commitment."
Ideal candidates for gloss are those with color-treated hair that's lost some 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. However, your hair gloss should not be used to cover grays. If that is a service you're looking to have done, Ogletree recommends talking to a professional and asking for "brightness around the face frame area since that’s a common area for grays first to appear," he says. "That way, when the gloss fades and your gray comes in, it will look much less harsh and buy you a bit of extra time before you feel you need another gloss."
Hair Glosses vs. Hair Glazes
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 hair's surface—while hair glosses penetrate strands as a semi-permanent hair color.
Hairstylist Olivia Casanova says that hair gloss “usually lasts around 28 shampoos." Assuming you wash your hair four times a week, your gloss will last around seven weeks before you need a re-up. However, this varies depending on the product you buy—make sure to carefully read the application directions to get the best outcome.
Is Hair Gloss Good For Your Hair?
Yes—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—are not damaging. This is because, unlike hair toners or other color-depositing mixtures, many hair glosses don’t require hydrogen peroxide or other chemical developers.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, bringing a decade of experience to this story. She is also a regular hair gloss user after dying her hair several times in the last year.
We also tapped three experts to find you the best, safest hair gloss recommendations from across the internet. They include colorists from top salons in New York City and Los Angeles and our team of makeup-savvy editors who try and test the best new launches in every category.
How We Tested
After chatting with our experts and doing our own independent research, we selected 14 testers to test our hand-picked hair glosses in one shade: clear. Our independent testers (plus several Marie Claire editors) then reviewed their glosses based on their application process, how long the results lasted, and how each affected the health of their hair. Our testers reviewed the products over three weeks and shared their feedback with us to compile this list.
Meet the Experts
Olivia Casanova is a master colorist and stylist with over ten years of experience. Born and raised in New York City, she travels between NYC and Los Angeles, having worked with the likes of Maluma, Pauline, Ducuret, the Princess of Monaco, and more. Her work has also been featured in fashion magazines all over the world.
Travis Ogletree is a Los Angeles-based colorist and founder of Treehouse Studio. He earned his cosmetology license specializing in color at Paul Mitchell, and apprenticed at top celebrity salons including Andy LeCompte and Salon Benjamin. As a third generation colorist, he developed an interest in hair and beauty at a young age. His artistry is deeply tied to an appreciation for music, fashion and design, all of which are reflected in his style and sensibility.
Travis specializes in all techniques of coloring, including his trademark viral “California brunette” and “California blonde” processes. As a content creator, he has collaborated with major brands including Oribe, L’Oréal, Davines, K18, Matrix, IGK, Tresemme and Briogeo.
Lucille Javier credits her ability to customize the perfect color for each client due to her delicate and thoughtful consultations. She specializes in color corrections, double processes, creative color and in free-hand painting. Her color techniques utilize her keen eye for shade and color definition combined with traditional painting techniques.Lucille has completed rigorous assisting programs in Los Angeles and in New York, 15 years of experience and she proudly calls herself a Creative Colorist. In this time she was able to build her expertise in hair paintings, while working with top celebrities, models and influencers that’s has built her extensive portfolio. Lucille has a diverse skill set along with her natural artistic ability to paint customized color for her clients. Whether natural or creative color, her goal is to suit their own taste and needs that exceeds expectations.
