11 Best At-Home Hair Glosses and Glazes, Reviewed by Experts
Boost your shade (and shine!) instantly.
Reviewed by Danusia WnekSenior Chemist
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It’s not easy maintaining fresh hair color. And no one—us beauty editors included—has the time for monthly dye jobs, whether you are going into the salon or doing DIY hair color. But we’ve got the secret to preventing brassiness and keeping your vibrant shade looking fresh: at-home hair glosses and glazes.
These fast-acting hair treatments are typically designed to boost shine and some even add a hint of temporary color via pigments. They are typically applied on wet hair and left on between 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the formula. Some products are applied before shampoo and conditioner, others are applied after conditioner, and a few are used in place of your conditioner, so be sure to read your product’s directions for proper application.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall Gloss: Kerasilk Hydrating Essence
- Best Overall Glaze: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Luminous Glaze
- Best Shine-Enhancing: eSalon Color Depositing Hair Color Balancer Treatment
- Best Clear: Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Clear Gloss
These shine (and sometimes color-enhancing) treatments are available at both the salon and for at-home use. To find the best and most effective hair glosses, GH Beauty Lab scientists tested five formulas both in the Lab and with 22 consumers testers who tried the formulas at home and then shared their feedback on what really worked. Check out our top picks for the best at-home glosses and glazes, including top-rated formulas from our Lab testing and editor and hairstylist favorites, plus more information about how to use the treatments at the end of this guide.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Leaves strands hydrated and soft
- Lightweight
Cons
- Strong floral scent
This lightweight GH Beauty Award-winning treatment can be used in place of conditioner to hydrate hair instantly without weighing it down. Our testers loved how easy it was both to apply the rinse and then detangle hair afterwards and raved that their hair felt more manageable generally after using it. It does have a strong floral scent that a few felt was polarizing.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: They felt that it made their hair feel moisturized and soft and look silky smooth. ”It really works,” one tester shared. “Made my hair look so much better—less frizzy and more manageable.”
| Number of shades | One |
| Formula | Liquid |
| Size | 5 oz. |
Pros
- Easy application and rinsing
- Appealing light scent
- Strong shine-enhancing effects
Cons
- Can stain hands
You don't have to spend a mint on a hair gloss to get professional-level results. John Frieda's formula received high marks in GH Beauty Lab testing for many reasons, including that the glaze adds noticeable shine.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: They loved the effortlessness of a no-mess application, enjoyed its fragrance, and thought it rinsed out easily. One shared a suggestion before applying: wear gloves when using, as this gloss can stain your skin.
| Number of Shades | One |
| Formula | Liquid |
| Size | 6.5 oz. |
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Provides uniform color distribution
- Doesn't stain
- Adds shine and enhances color
Cons
- Can be runny coming out of the tube
In GH Beauty Lab testing, eSalon's treatment ranked high for both uniform color distribution and being easy to apply. This gloss is an updated formula and offers a range of 12 shades, suitable for a wide variety of tones and colors.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: “I loved how easy the product was to apply," one tester said of the original formula. "It smells great and didn't stain my tub, shower curtain, or anywhere." Others raved about the results and its ability to revive faded color: “It provided shine to the hair and enhanced the color and left the hair soft and easily manageable.” One tester did note that the formula can be runny coming out of the tube.
| Number of Shades | 12 |
| Formula | Gel |
| Size | 3.9 oz. |
Pros
- Doubles as a conditioning treatment
- Works especially well for blondes
- Great for shine and body
Cons
- For professional salon use only
A go-to product for professional hair colorists, both Lorena Martinez, a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, and Giselle Luza, founder of Giselle Luza Studio in New York City, are big fans of Redken's gloss. "It is translucent and demi-permanent, which makes it perfect for creating a custom shade, canceling unwanted tones, or enhancing any existing color," Luza says. But take note: It's for professional use only, so you'll have to head to Redken's website to find a salon that carries it near you.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: "It doubles as a conditioning treatment, so hair always feels amazing after,” Luza adds.
| Number of Shades | Over 100 |
| Formula | Liquid |
| Size | 2 oz. |
Pros
- Conditioning benefits
- Comes in multiple shades of brown
Cons
- Not ideal if you have grays
Luza loves the variety of shades that dpHue's gloss comes in, including four brown tones. It's super hydrating, so it will leave your hair feeling smooth and healthy. FYI: If you are trying to conceal grays, this may not be the best pick; a few reviewers weren’t impressed with the gray coverage.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: "They have a clear formula to add shine, along with several shades to choose from that will enhance your natural hair color," Luza says.
| Number of Shades | 11 |
| Formula | Cream |
| Size | 6.5 oz. |
Pros
- Won't weigh hair down
- A little goes a long way
- Can be used on damp or dry hair
Cons
- May be heavy for super fine hair
Think of this balm as the perfect partner to an in-salon gloss treatment. GH Senior Beauty & Style Director April Franzino tried Goldwell's Colorance Gloss Tones in-salon hair gloss “which helped make my months old highlights look fresh and vibrant,” and felt that this at-home treatment was a great complement. One thing to note: Since it is a leave-in product, use sparingly on super fine hair, as it may be too thick for some.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: "Post-gloss, I extended the shine and smoothness by applying this lightweight leave-in balm on both my damp and dry hair,” says Franzino.
| Number of Shades | One |
| Formula | Balm |
| Size | 2.5 oz. |
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Natural-looking results
- Easy to use
Cons
- May be drying
Even black hair can benefit from a gloss, thanks to its shine-boosting benefits. You apply it in the shower—meaning less mess—and it enhances black color in a natural-looking way. While it’s known for adding glossiness, it can be drying for some.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: "Kristin Ess's Signature Gloss is my favorite at-home gloss for anyone who wants to enhance super dark brown or black hair," Luza says. "It’s affordable as well which is always a plus.”
| Number of Shades | Eight |
| Formula | Liquid |
| Size | 2 oz. |
Pros
- Works on all hair colors
- Conditions
- Gives noticeable shine
Cons
- Doesn't enhance color
Designed to be used for any hair color or type, this clear formula ups the gloss factor instantly and softens strands (although it doesn’t actually enhance color). Franzino recently tested this gloss and really noticed a difference in her hair's shine.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: "I love that it doesn’t alter my color and contains botanical conditioning ingredients like coconut and camellia oils," she says.
| Number of Shades | One |
| Formula | Cream |
| Size | 6.7 0z. |
Pros
- Delivers instant shine
- Easy to use
- Clear formula works on all hair colors
Cons
- Doesn't enhance color
If you're looking for instant shine and fewer flyaways, Color Wow's spray gloss is for you. The spray is heat-activated and also functions as an anti-frizz product by blocking moisture from getting into the hair, which is ideal for wavy and curly hair types. Plus, it doesn't contain color, making it ideal for any hair shade. Note: it won't enhance your color so keep that in mind if that is the goal when choosing a gloss.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: "It's an easy application and maintains shine in the hair in between color appointments," Martinez shares.
| Number of Shades | One |
| Formula | Spray |
| Size | 6.7 oz. |
Pros
- Softens and strengthens hair
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Strong scent
The blend of amino acids, lactic acid, and tartaric acid in this gloss can help strengthen strands, heal damage from color, and prevent fading. If you are scent sensitive, smell it before you apply—some feel that it has a strong, chemical-y fragrance.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: Martinez loves the ease of this clear gloss, as it is a "replacement for your conditioner and will make your hair feel shiny and soft" after just one use.
RELATED: Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
| Number of Shades | One |
| Formula | Liquid |
| Size | 7.1 oz. |
Pros
- Works on gray, silver, or blonde hair
- Moisturizes dry strands
- Extends color in between coloring sessions
Cons
- Doesn't boost shine
While designed for blondes, this Kérastase treatment masque—which acts like a gloss—"helps neutralize yellow tones, enhances gray or silver tones, and keeps color looking bright," Luza shares. FYI: It isn't designed to boost shine, moreso to brighten hair color.
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: “Since it's a moisturizing mask formula, it helps keep hair healthy," she says, as opposed to purple-toned shampoos, which can be drying.
| Number of Shades | One |
| Formula | Cream |
| Size | 6.8 oz. |
How we test the best hair glosses
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists test hundreds of the best hair products every year, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks, leave-in conditioners, and a wide range of hair styling products, including hair serums, mousses, hairsprays, dry shampoos, and more.
To test hair glosses, the GH Beauty Lab evaluated five formulas both in the Lab and with consumer testers. In the Lab, scientists tested the products on hair swatches for both shine retention and color revival. A panel of 22 women with different hair colors evaluated their assigned glosses for ease of use and overall satisfaction. Our recommendations include top performers from Beauty Lab testing and formulas recommended by GH editors and professional colorists.
What to look for when shopping for the best hair gloss or glaze
✔️ Choose a gloss if you want to freshen your color. "If you're interested in altering your color or need to get rid of unwanted tones, try a gloss," Luza advises, suggesting that you pick a shade that matches your existing color. A gloss can also be used to blend in gray hair. For those who color their hair at a salon, Martinez recommends asking your colorist to help you pick the right at-home gloss to use, especially when incorporating color.
✔️ Opt for a clear glaze if you're more interested in shine and moisture than a color refresh. "When it comes to a non-pigmented gloss or glaze that acts more like a shine and conditioning treatment, these work on any hair type," says Martinez. A clear glaze can boost shine for all hair colors and those who don't color their hair. Note that some brands use the words "gloss" and "glaze" interchangeably, so consult the packaging and instructions before applying.
What's the difference between hair gloss and hair glaze?
Think of hair gloss like lip gloss, coating hair in translucent color and shine. "A hair gloss is a demi-permanent treatment that helps seal the hair's cuticle [outer layer], neutralizes any unwanted tones, and enhances desired tones," Luza says. The effects of a good hair gloss "usually last about three to six weeks depending on the porosity of the hair," adds Martinez. "A gloss and a hair toner are the same thing, and can be used interchangeably," she adds. So if you hear the word "toner" at the salon, know that it serves the same purpose as a gloss for your color.
On the other hand, unlike hair glosses, glazes usually don't deposit color on strands. "A glaze is a milder form of a gloss, usually a clear formula or solely a conditioning treatment," Luza explains. While a gloss can neutralize brassiness and boost your existing color, a glaze is usually sheer and primarily delivers moisturizing benefits to your hair.
Are hair glosses good for your hair?
Good news here: "Hair glosses are great for all hair types," says Luza. "They don’t contain any ammonia or harsh chemicals and they seal the outer cuticle which helps the hair look shinier and healthier."
What are the disadvantages of hair gloss?
"Hair glosses are temporary, need to be reapplied consistently, and do not last as long as salon treatments," says Wnek. "They also differ from salon glosses because stylists can create a custom color formula based on your goals which allows them to have more control than with at-home products."
How long does a gloss last in your hair?
It really depends on the product used. "Hair glosses applied in the salon can last between six to eight weeks and hair glosses used at home can last between two and four weeks," says Luza. Because gloss is ammonia-free and doesn’t penetrate the cuticle, it's normal to fade within a few weeks.
A couple of factors that affect the length of time a gloss lasts are the porosity of the hair and the level of deposit of the gloss. Plus, "how often you shampoo and your day-to-day lifestyle including styling routine can also play a role," adds Martinez. You can help your gloss last longer by washing less frequently and using less heat.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price originally wrote and recently updated this article, adding new product picks and data.
For the most recent update, Dori consulted GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler, who provided new product picks and information about the best hair glosses and glazes.
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek also added her expertise to the article, sharing information about the pros and cons to hair glosses.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 15 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and performance testing. The number one skincare rule she lives by: never go to bed with makeup on.
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