A few months ago, as I approached my thirtieth birthday, something unexpected started happening: my white hairs, which once poked out occasionally like harmless party crashers, began appearing with alarming frequency. I used to just tuck them away into ponytails, not thinking much of it. But lately, they’ve been gathering with intent—especially around my temples. Every time I tie up my hair, it’s like flashing a neon sign that reads: “Silver in session.”
And here’s the thing—I’m not quite ready to commit to permanent dye. I want something that blends those silvery strands more gently, something I can do from home, on my own time, without the drama of an all-out salon session. That’s when I stumbled across hair glosses.
Hair gloss is one of those underrated beauty secrets that deserves more attention. It’s not a dye, not a conditioner, but sits perfectly in between. It gives your hair shine, can subtly adjust tone, and helps everything look a little more finished—even if your last haircut was months ago. Whether you’re dealing with dullness, brassiness, frizz, or fading color, there’s a gloss out there that can make your hair look instantly healthier and more vibrant.
Below are the 13 best hair glosses I’ve tested and loved, categorized by their specialty. I’ve included everything—from clear glosses that boost shine without pigment, to color-depositing treatments that revive faded tones or subtly enhance what you’ve already got.
1. dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner
Price: \$29
Where to Buy: Ulta, Dermstore, Amazon
Let’s kick things off with what I now call my “Sunday Savior.” The dpHUE Gloss+ is like a mood ring for your hair—bringing color, shine, and hydration back all at once. I use the shade “Light Brown” to subtly enrich my natural brunette without looking dyed. It’s got a cream-like texture that applies easily in the shower—no gloves needed.
Tip: Leave it in for 10-20 minutes once a week and follow up with a leave-in conditioner for serious salon-level results.
2. Dae Stargloss Shine Treatment
Price: \$38
Where to Buy: Amazon, Sephora
This one’s for the frizz fighters among us. Dae’s Stargloss has a thick, balm-like consistency that feels like a spa mask for your hair. It’s glittery (yes, literal glitter), which I was skeptical of at first, but I’ve grown to appreciate the subtle sparkle it leaves behind in sunlight.
I apply it to dry hair before I wash—20 minutes is great, but overnight? Magic. My hair feels noticeably softer, and the shine lasts even after multiple washes.
Caution: If you’re not a fan of glitter, this might be more of a weekend treat than a regular fix.
3. Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment
Price: \$60–\$62
Where to Buy: Amazon, Sephora
This is my go-to gloss when I want to feel… expensive. It smells like luxury—floral with a musky undertone—and feels like a serum when applied. Designed for color-treated hair, it contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates product buildup and seals the hair cuticle, giving that signature Kérastase silkiness.
My Use: I skip conditioner entirely when I use this, and my hair feels smoother and more lightweight than ever.
4. Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner
Price: \$14
Where to Buy: Amazon, Ulta
Redken doesn’t play around when it comes to color-safe formulas. This acidic gloss conditioner works beautifully to lock in the tones from your last dye session. I like to layer it under my usual conditioner as the brand suggests—it leaves my hair with the “glass” look I’m obsessed with.
Bonus points for the compact size—it’s perfect for travel and surprisingly affordable.
Pro Tip: If you’ve just dyed your hair, this is what you want to pack for a weekend trip.
5. R+Co Ultra Shine Glossing Treatment
Price: \$38
Where to Buy: Amazon, Nordstrom
This creamy gloss from R+Co smells like a tropical dream—notes of coconut and a hint of citrus—and it works fast. After shampooing, I slather it on damp hair and let it sit for five minutes. It leaves behind a silky layer without needing a separate conditioner.
It also provides UV protection, which is crucial in my California sun-drenched routine.
6. Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment
Price: \$64
Where to Buy: Dermstore, Amazon
If your goal is a literal mirror-like finish, look no further. This rinse-out gloss from Oribe is the closest I’ve come to that red carpet shine. It has a water-like texture but feels deceptively rich. After one use, I saw an immediate boost in reflectivity—especially under indoor lighting.
Note: It’s pricey, but a little goes a long way and the results last through three washes easily.
7. Amika Flash Instant Shine Hair Mask
Price: \$30–\$32
Where to Buy: Sephora, Amazon
Sixty seconds. That’s all it takes. When I’m rushing out for a dinner or photoshoot and realize my hair looks flat, I use this. The nozzle makes it super easy to coat even thick hair (mine’s shoulder-length and dense), and the shine payoff is instant.
What I Love: It doesn’t weigh down fine hair and rinses out quickly, making it perfect for last-minute plans.
8. Davines Heart of Glass Sheer Glaze
Price: \$41
Where to Buy: Amazon, Davines
Made specifically for blondes, this lightweight, clear gloss doubles as a heat protectant. I used this during a trip to Palm Springs where I was styling my hair daily—it kept my ends from going straw-like.
Texture: Feels like a watery serum, and you apply it before styling.
For Fine Hair: It’s weightless and leaves no residue—just shine and smoothness.
9. Kevin Murphy Cool Angel Color Enhancer
Price: \$48
Where to Buy: Amazon, Kevin Murphy US
I stumbled onto this one after a stylist recommended it for cooling down brassy undertones in my friend’s blonde balayage. I ended up trying it myself on some faded highlights and was shocked—my hair looked brighter, cooler, and refreshed.
Scent: Herbal, almost spa-like, thanks to the olive-leaf and green tea extracts.
Fun Fact: It’s so nourishing that I’ve used it as a deep conditioner in a pinch.
10. dpHUE Glossy Glaze In-Shower Conditioning Glaze
Price: \$29
Where to Buy: Nordstrom, Amazon
This in-shower version of the dpHUE gloss is tinted and super effective if you want a no-fuss routine. I’ve used the “Medium Brown” shade to add warmth and depth to my natural color. It’s buildable—so you can use it once a week or more for richer results.
Application: Smooth and creamy. Apply after shampooing, wait 5–10 minutes, rinse, and go.
11. Glaze Super Gloss in Chocolate Gleam
Price: \$18
Where to Buy: Amazon, Glaze
This was my unexpected favorite. At \$18, it’s one of the most affordable on this list, and I didn’t expect salon-level results—but that’s exactly what I got. It adds depth to darker hair and makes it shine like polished wood.
Star Ingredient: Babassu oil for softness and healthy texture.
12. Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss in Copper Penny
Price: \$15
Where to Buy: Target
TikTok made me buy it—and I’m not even mad. This warm-toned copper gloss is perfect if your natural hair leans golden or auburn. I used it when my balayage started looking washed out, and it brought back the warmth without making my hair look orange or brassy.
Time: Leave it on for up to 20 minutes for full saturation. I usually aim for 15.
13. Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss
Price: \$36
Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta
If you’re rocking red—or want to enhance warm brunette shades—this is a game-changer. I used the “Copper” tone over a faded red dye job and was stunned by how much it brought my color back to life.
Moisture Bonus: It’s infused with oat milk and camellia oil, so my hair felt nourished and not just coated.
Where to Buy Hair Glosses in the U.S.:
For anyone just starting the journey, here are my favorite places to shop for these products online:
- Amazon – Great for variety and fast shipping
- Sephora – Best for samples and return policy
- Ulta Beauty – Often has exclusive deals and haircare points
- Nordstrom – Carries luxury brands like Oribe and R+Co
- Target – Budget-friendly picks like Kristin Ess
I’ve come to think of these glosses as my wardrobe for my hair—there’s one for every mood, every need, and every season. Whether you’re deep in color maintenance or just craving a little extra shine, trust me—there’s something on this list that will make you feel a little more radiant.
Let your hair glow. You’ve earned it.
