Which company gloss is best?

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 or leave-in conditioner for your colored hair. Thus, we consulted Marie Claire editors for their favorites and spoke to celebrity hair colorist Olivia Casanova to find out exactly what to look for in a great hair gloss and how to use one at home.

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 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 a new shade.

“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

Best Editor-Approved Hair Gloss

dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner

$38 at Ulta

$35

at Amazon

$38

at Nordstrom

This gloss from DpHue comes editor-tested and approved. “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,” says Beauty Editor Samantha Holender. I love the Gloss + Sheer because it's able to make my color look fresh and shiny without messing with the tone.” It comes in 12 shades including a clear shade for a boost of shine. Apply it to damp hair and leave on for anywhere from three to 20 minutes before you rinse. The formula is both vegan and cruelty-free to boot. 

Pros: Editor-approved; Conditioning formula; Can be used in the shower.

Cons: Formula 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

The Colorist's Pick

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment

$38 at Amazon

This newly-launched gloss from Redken claims to provide salon-like results at home. The clear formula is designed to be used one week after your color treatment for five-to-ten minutes and promises three days of high shine and controlled frizz. For continued results, the brand recommends using it once a week, so it's the perfect happy medium if you want to keep your hair looking like you're a salon regular without having to go in. The gloss is best if you have color-treated hair, but it can be used on non-color-treated hair, too, for a shine boost. 

Pros: Works quickly; Good for color-treated hair; Good for non-color-treated hair; Can be used once a week.

Cons: You have to use gloves to apply.

Best Hair Gloss for Curly Hair

Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold

$42 at Sephora

$42

at Amazon

$42

at Neiman Marcus

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-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 using this gloss won’t negatively impact your long term hair health.

Pros: Silicone-free formula; Works well on curly hair; Fights frizz; Lightweight formula.

Cons: Some reviewers found that the fragrance dried out their hair.

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

Best Hair Gloss For Fine Hair

IGK Expensive Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment

$32 at Sephora

$32

at Sephora

Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla uses this gloss on her fine, color-treated hair. “The formula is thicker than other glosses on the market and I find that it keeps my hair feeling smooth and shiny for days after I apply it,” she says. “I apply it in the shower and let it sit for the recommended two-to-three minutes and then rinse it thoroughly. I also don’t use conditioner when I personally use it—this is more of a replacement for me.” 

Pros: Works on all hair types; Editor-approved; Reduces frizz; Vgan; Can be used in the shower.

Cons: The formula 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

Best Hair Gloss That's Also a Weekly Treatment

John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine

$19 at Amazon

$12.59

at Target

$13.40

at Amazon

You can use this clear hair gloss option from John Frieda either daily or weekly.. It's best if you have dry, dull or damaged hair because the formula works to fight frizz and combat flyaways and split-ends. The formula is both 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.

Pros: Easy application; Softening formula; Can be used daily or weekly; Helps fight damage.

Cons: Some reviewers found the smell to be too strong.

Customer Review: "Easy to use, in-shower application after washing and conditioning hair squeeze out excess water, coat strands from crown to ends, and let sit at least 5 minutes, then rinse and style as normal. Gives dried tired-looking locks a much needed boost of glossy hydration and seems to help add volume to the hair. Use at least once a week to keep your hair looking healthy and fresh." — Amazon

Best Hair Gloss for Medium and Coarse Hair

Kenra Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss Brilliant Shine Polish

$27 at Amazon

$23.83

at Amazon

With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this gloss from Kenra is designed to smooth frizz and curls for a silky end result. "I have thick coarse hair that is always knotted no matter if I brush it,” reads one glowing review. “This stuff made my hair so soft, shiny and I could run my fingers through my hair.” For best results, the brand recommends pumping two to three pumps into palms before smoothing it onto hair in sections. Once applied, apply gentle heat.

Pros: Smooths frizz; Protects hair from humidity; Works well on curls

Cons: Some reviewers said the texture feels slightly sticky

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

Best Hair Gloss With a Pick-Me-Up Formula

Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Clear Gloss

$36 at Ulta

$36

at Sephora

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 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 curls say that it added bounce and life to moisture-starved, dull curls.

Pros: Softens your hair; Vegan formula; Good for all hair textures; Good for curly hair.

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

Best Hair Gloss for Relaxed Hair

Strength 'n Silk by Silk Elements Coconut Glossing Polish

$13 at Sally Beauty

$2.69

at Sally Beauty Affiliate Program

$7.29

at Amazon

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. 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?

Pros: 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; Formula 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

Best Hair Gloss for Occasional Use

Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss

$30 at Ulta

$25

at Amazon

$30

at Target

Keep in mind that, according to both reviewers and the brand itself, this treatment isn’t made for daily or even weekly use. 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.

Pros: Cruelty-free formula; Sustainable packaging; Free of parabens, ammonia, phthalates, SLS, and gluten; Formula contains ingredients like castor oil

Cons: Formula contains silicones

Customer Review: "Definitely refreshed my hair, added shine, depth and smoothness." — Ulta

Best In-Shower Hair Gloss

Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment for Color-Treated Hair

$55 at Sephora

$68

at Amazon

This formula by fan-favorite brand Kérastase is specifically intended for the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, so take care to 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.

Pros: Works on all hair types and curl patterns; Hydrating formula; Revitalizes damaged hair

Cons: Formula 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

Best Oil Hair Gloss

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Everyday Hair Gloss Oil

$24 at Sephora

$14

at Sephora

$18

at Amazon

This silicone-free oil hair gloss is designed for all hair types and is lightweight enough to be used every day. It also contains kakadu plum, which goes a particularly long way in helping curls 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!

Pros: Formula is silicone-free; Works on all hair types.

Cons: Some users dislike the scent

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

Best Quick-Fix Hair Bloss

Amika Flash Instant Shine Hair Gloss Mask

$30 at Revolve

$30

at Revolve

$30

at Sephora

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 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." For the best results, the brand recommends using it as a weekly treatment and to leave it on for only one minute. 

Pros: Works quickly; Editor-approved; Formula is vegan; Fights frizz Works on all hair types.

Cons: Some reviewers found it drying.

Customer Review: "My go-to hair product. I've been using it consistently for over a year, and it really has changed my hair. My hair looks sooo glossy even when I air-dry it (I have naturally wavy/frizzy hair). It also really helps with smoothing out the frizz imo. Def recommend! I just wish I could buy a bigger size since it only lasts me a few months per bottle" — Revolve.

Best Affordable Pigmented Hair Gloss

L'Oreal Paris One Step Toning Hair Gloss

$10 at Amazon

$6.49

at Amazon

$7

at Amazon

By far one of the most affordable options on this list, this formula from L’Oreal is made to support color retention for about 10 days, and each tube contains up to three treatments that get the job done in only 15 brief minutes. There are a whopping 15 color options to choose from, all of which work on every hair type and texture. They’re also infused with coconut oil and have no parabens, ammonia, phthalates, sulfates, or mineral oils, so you can color with confidence.

Pros: Easy to use; Lasts for 10 days; Works in 15 minutes; Comes in 15 colors Fights frizz.

Cons: Formula 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

Best Hair Gloss-Conditioner Hybrid

TRESemmé Color-Enhancing High-Shine Deep Hair Conditioner

Visit Site

$7.99

at Target

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.

Pros: Works quickly;

Cons: Formula contains silicones; Only comes in three colors.

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

Best Mousse Hair Gloss

Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss

$13 at Walmart

$26

at Amazon

$26

at Amazon

With this budget-friendly option from Rita Hazan, just the right amount of dye is delivered alongside smoothing castor oil and moisturizing coconut fatty acids in a satisfying mousse formula. Simple work a palmful of foam into damp strands, set a timer for five minutes, et voilà. Plus, it's gentle enough to use up to three times a week. It comes in brunette, gray, blonde, and red shades, and promises to revitalize hair shine and color on all hair, whether it’s dyed or completely natural.

Pros: 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

Best Serum Hair Gloss

Color Wow Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum

$20 at Sephora

$22

at Amazon

$22

at Sephora

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 delivers 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.

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

The Best Temporary Hair Gloss

dpHue Glossy Glaze

$29 at dpHue

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.” 

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

Best Hydrating Hair Gloss

OUAI Gloss In-Shower Shine Treatment

$34 at Sephora

Oaui's clear hair gloss is formulated with both hyaluronic acid and rice water to keep hair feeling hydrated and strong from root to tip. It lasts for 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 any extra time on your routine. If you have oily, curly, or coily hair, however, the brand does recommend using conditioner for added hydration.

Pros: Hydrating formula; Good for thick hair; Addresses damage; Works in five minutes.

Cons: Reviewers say that you should make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly as to not make your hair feel greasy.

Customer Review: "I bought this on a whim today and I love it already! it's so simple to use and I really like that you can use it in the shower. I have wavy hair and have been struggling with controlling frizz and trying to get my hair to do what I want and this product made my hair smooth and it smells great too! you only need to use a little bit so I think it's worth the price." — Sephora

Meet the Expert

Olivia Casanova

Hair Colorist

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.

Lip Gloss Guide

Lip gloss has become a staple of every woman’s makeup bag, but with such a wide variety to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin. Whether it’s your first tube of lip gloss or you’re just looking to add some variety to your collection, it can feel overwhelming trying to pick out the perfect color. With this buying guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect lip gloss for any look.

Color Selection

From natural shades like pink or peach to bolder colors like deep red or burgundy, lip gloss comes in a wide range of colors. If you’re just starting, choose a neutral color that will go with any outfit or occasion. The best part? Most lip glosses come in several shades, so you can mix and match them as needed.

Texture

A lip gloss’s texture can make all the difference in how your lips look and feel. Different textures offer different levels of moisturizing, stickiness, non-stickiness, shine, and long-lasting effects. Moisturizing lip gloss is great for those with dry lips and often features hydrating ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and Vitamin E.

Non-sticky lip gloss is more comfortable to wear in comparison, especially throughout the day, as it won’t leave any residue behind. For an extra glossy look, opt for a gloss with a glossy finish or a matte option for a more subtle look. The key is to find one that glides smoothly over your lips and doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable.

Formula

The lip gloss’s formula should be lightweight yet moisturizing, ensuring your lips are hydrated throughout the day. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, Vitamin E, jojoba oil, or coconut oil to keep your lips soft and nourished. Also, steer clear of products that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Shine/Luster

Make sure the luster or shine level suits your aesthetic. Some lip glosses offer more intense shine, while others provide a more subtle sheen—overall, your choice depends on what effect you’re after for your makeup look.

Many brands now offer specially formulated glossy finishes, so swatch test out different ranges until you find one that works perfectly with your skin tone and desired makeup results. When buying, choose a product that gives you the glossy look you want without looking too shiny or glittery.

Applicator

No one likes a product that requires too much effort when it’s time for application. That’s why you should look for products with doe-foot applicators. They glide onto lips easily with minimal effort and don’t drag too much around delicate areas like corners, which can cause discomfort if done too forcefully or roughly.

Wearability/Residue

When shopping for lip gloss, it’s essential to find one with long-lasting wear time so you don’t have to constantly reapply throughout the day. Look for formulas that claim they can last up to eight hours or longer without the need for touch-ups and won’t fade or crease on your lips, even after eating or drinking.