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15 best hair glosses and colour glazes for 2026 | Tried, tested and reviewed
Say farewell to dull, dry hair
An at-home hair gloss can be a lifesaver for when you’re in-between hair appointments or if you’re in need of some extra shine or hydration. They’re a speedy solution that won’t damage your bank account (or your hair) and they can be used from the comfort of your own bathroom – yay!
If you’re not fully familiar with a DIY gloss or glaze, let me explain. They not only deliver glossy hair (clue’s in the name) but can also temporarily give your current colour a boost or can be a subtle way to tone your natural hue.
If you’re tempted to check them out, did all the dirty work for you (quite literally, some of these were pretty messy) and put the best at-home hair glosses and glazes to the test to see which really delivered the glossy locks they promised.
Best best hair glosses and glazes, at a glance
Best hair gloss for colour
Wella Professionals Care Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask
Read review
What are the benefits of a hair gloss?
Hair glosses are great for when you want to spread the cost of those salon appointments out a smidge. Even if you don’t get highlights or colour your hair, these glosses and glazes can help smooth and soften your strands.
“At-home hair glosses and glazes are basically fancy words for hair toners or products that refresh and adjust your hair colour”, says Felicia Dosso, lead colourist at Nunzio Saviano Salon in NYC. They’re also about as low maintenance as it gets, as they’re semi-permanent and gradually fade each wash day. Better yet, many are formulated with hydrating ingredients that nourish and improve the overall feel of the hair.
If you’re not already using one, we tested and reviewed some of the best hair glosses and glazes on the market – here are the ones we truly rate. Plus, we also consulted hair experts – including Jonathan Colombini, a celebrity hairstylist and colourist to Kendall Jenner; Meri Kate O'Connor, a celebrity colourist and stylist based in West Hollywood; Felicia Dosso, colourist at Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York; and Frank De Chiara London-based hair colourist with clients like Ariana Grande.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination
Pros
- It boosts shine and keeps the hair feeling soft and hydrated
- It's affordable
- You see results after just one wash
Cons
- The shiny finish doesn't last as long as it says on the tin
I know what you're thinking 'Glycolic acid... on my hair?' but trust us, it makes sense. Our go-to skincare ingredient for sloughing away dead skin cells penetrates the hair fibre to seal the hair cuticle, boosting shine and silky smoothness. Plus, it lasts for up to five washes.
Leave it on for five mins to wait for the magic to happen and wash off – you'll see results in just one wash, trust me. So much so, that I can't believe it's under £16. What a bargain.
THE REVIEWS: "I’ve used this quite a few times now, it truly does leave my hair really shiny, I have fine bleached hair, which is hard to get a good shine on. Using this alongside the shampoo & conditioner has transformed my hair! I totally love this, the smell is the same as the rest of this range and it’s so nice! I really love it, and I will continue to use it, a little goes a long way, and it lasts for ages!"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Glycolic acid |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Pros
- Like all Davines products, it smells absolutely beautiful (like flowers)
- The liquid is lightweight so it won’t weigh down fine strands
- It smooths out knots and improves manageability
Cons
- No notes from me
This gloss isn’t designed to enhance colour, but what it will do is deliver softness, mirror-like shine and nourishment after just a few seconds – yeah, that’s right, seconds. After shampoo, squeeze out excess water and apply one-two doses of the liquid. After a few seconds, rinse out. It is as easy as that.
Once blow dried, sit back and admire how glossy your hair looks and how silky it feels. And, in true Davines style, it’s packed with natural origin ingredients – including roucou and cardoon oil – to protect hair against daily aggressors (like UV rays) and improve its manageability. Polished, silky hair doesn’t seem so hard to achieve all of a sudden.
THE REVIEWS: “Davines’ Oi Liquid Luster is a game changer for dull hair! This serum adds incredible shine and smoothness without weighing hair down. It takes frizz, leaving hair soft, silky, and radiant.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Roucou oil, cardoon oil and alpha hydroxy acids |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Pros
- After one use, hair is left very soft and shiny
- You only need to leave it on for 10 minutes
Cons
- The packaging is difficult to squeeze out the product
- The darker shades can stain towels and fingernails
If you’ve not seen this bottle in your local Superdrug, you would have certainly seen it on TikTok. The Glaze Supergloss Conditioning Gloss is one of the best, affordable glosses for a mirror-like shine that lasts. You only need to leave it in for 10 minutes before rinsing it out, and it leaves hair feeling super sleek n’ soft once dried — almost like you’ve applied a hair mask.
It also has many coloured iterations which deliver bold and rich pigment. Just be careful as the pigments can stain towels or even under your fingernails, but it comes off after a good scrub.
THE REVIEWS: “This stuff is incredible! Leaves my hair silky, smooth and wonderfully shiny. Will be repurchasing and using for the foreseeable future! The shine is amazing.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Babassu oil (to condition) and shea butter |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | 16, across multiple retailers |
Pros
- It's an in-gloss shower treatment that only needs to be left on for five minutes
- The shine lasts for around three-four day after
Cons
- It requires a lot of product to ensure even distribution, so the bottle may be used up pretty quickly
Living Proof is a trusted professional brand – and for good reason. This lightweight, silicone-free treatment works by smoothing the cuticle and aligning hair fibres to create an ultra-glossy, mirror-like finish.
Although lightly scented, the refreshing smell lingers for days following initial application. Delish.
THE REVIEWS: "My hair was looking pretty dull, so I bought this on a whim and this stuff worked wonders. After just one use, my hair looked super shiny and healthy, without feeling greasy or too heavy. The product itself is really light, easy to apply, and washes out with no problem. The shine lasts for at least 2-3 days, even after a wash! It also made my hair feel super soft and smooth."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | A ceramide-like emollient to smooth |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Wella Professionals Care Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask
Pros
- It delivers colour as well as nourishing ingredients like avocado and argan oils
- It works in only 10 minutes
- The pigments are vivid for rich colour
Cons
- It fades off after two-three washes
This Wella Professionals Colour Mask isn't technically dubbed a gloss or glaze, but it works just the same – and with added benefits, too!
If you're looking to upkeep colour between salon appointments but are also after a non-damaging, shine treatment, look no further. Working in just 10 minutes, the mask is packed with conditioning ingredients such as Avocado oil, leaving your tresses feeling smooth and moisturised, at the same time as depositing a semi-permanent colour that fades gradually. Think: no harsh grow-out lines, aka, the perfect low-commitment home transformation.
Whether you want to tone blonde hair, add depth to brunette or copper hues or even restore the vibrancy of your rainbow hair, Wella has you covered with a number of different shades.
Combining conditioning care with semi-permanent colour. Winning!
THE REVIEWS: "I was recommended this by my hair dresser and it's perfect for keeping my colour fresh between salon visits. I've also found it helps cover the odd grey meaning I can go longer between root touch ups. Smells lovely and makes my hair soft and shiny, nice thick products so it doesn't splash everywhere. It does take a while to rinse though but I see that as a good thing= lots of pigment!"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Avocado oil |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | 14 |
Pros
- Gives instant shine and a sleek finish after one wash
- It's a 60-minute treatment
- It's free from sulphates and parabens, so it is a colour-safe formula
Cons
- The shine doesn't last as long compared to others in this edit
This at-home hair gloss mask is for anyone who refuses to spend more than 60 seconds refreshing their colour and boosting shine. It’s all thanks to a fast-acting combo of amino acids, flax seed, and antioxidants, which revive natural and colour-treated hair in literally one minute.
THE REVIEWS: "What a rare find! I have coarse, wavy, unruly hair. Shine is a thing of the past due to chemical processing. I have tried everything and I don’t typically write reviews but I had to because I truly have tried it all and nothing compares or ever works anymore," one tester writes. "My friend sent this as a bday gift. I’m now ordering three more. It really worked for me. Love it."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Amino acids, flax seed, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Pros
- It has a very lightweight texture that doesn't leave any residue
- It works in only 60 seconds!!
- It boosts shine and also helps to repair damage
Cons
- The shine isn't as glossy compared to others
- It's a little spenny
Just when we thought we had it all, none other than JVN (Jonathan Van Ness, Cosmo cover star, hair legend, comedian, Queer Eye star, the list can go on...) has developed this 60-second gloss that delivers sensational shine while helping to repair damaged bonds. So if you've ever bleached your hair or you style frequently with hot tools, this one's for you.
As the last step in your shower routine, generously slather it through your lengths and once dried, they will flow with a mirror-like shine, plus your split ends will appear smoother to give your hair a healthier appearance. But know – it is also working on this inside by repairing those damaged keratin bonds, so over time you'll notice stronger hair.
THE REVIEWS: “The JVN Hair Revive Rapid Repair Bond Gloss is a lifesaver for damaged hair. From the very first use, I noticed how much stronger and shinier my hair looked. The 60-second application is so convenient, and the silicone-free formula feels lightweight and natural. It’s perfect for keeping my hair healthy and vibrant, even after heat styling or colouring. I absolutely love it!”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Hemisqualane and the brand’s ProPlex+ to deliver shine |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Banana Hair Drink Liquid Conditioner
Pros
- It has a conditioning, slightly oil-like texture but without leaving a residue
- It hydrates and detangles instantly
Cons
- Some may not like the strong banana aroma
- It can leave fine hair feeling extra moisturised
Calling out to anyone with dry lengths – this one's for you. Literally a drink for your hair, the treatment sinks into brittle ends to deliver instant moisture while the fine lamellas bring that envious level of shine once dried.
And the best part? The 10-second gloss (yerrp, you only need to leave it in for 10 seconds) can be used in replacement of your conditioner, so it cuts down your shower time too.
THE REVIEWS: “Saw a few reviews about this and can honestly say this was absolutely worth it and will be ordering again! My hair actually felt silky smooth after and it lasted me a good 2-3 times and I have very long thick hair, smells unreal too.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Banana water, coconut oils, lamelles |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment
Pros
- Gives a salon-like, mirror shine and enhances the look of your hair colour
- It's a quick, in-shower treatment
- It doesn't feel heavy or greasy
Cons
- It's expensive
There’s something magical going on with this smoothing, glossy hair treatment because with what feels like an effortless application, the lightweight formula instantly detangles and hydrates parched lengths, leaving a mirror-like shine behind.
What sells it for us (and makes the hefty price tag worthwhile) is the little time needed to work. The in-shower treatment can be applied in replacement of conditioner and only needs to sit in the hair for one minute before rinsing out.
Plus, the shine lasts up to 15 washes, meaning you get more bang for your buck in comparison to other glazing products that you may need to repurchase more often.
THE REVIEWS: "The Oribe Supershine Rinse Mirror Treatment is a game-changer. My hair feels incredibly soft and looks glossy after every use. It detangles effortlessly and adds a brilliant shine without any heaviness. The luxurious formula smells divine, and I appreciate the instant boost in shine and smoothness it provides. It’s a bit pricey, but the results are definitely worth it for a touch of luxury in your haircare routine."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extracts (to retain moisture) and the brand's signature Gloss Hair Technology |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Pros
- It acts like a conditioning mask while depositing rich colour
- It's affordable
Cons
- It needs to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off
When renowned hair colourist Josh Wood, announced he was launching his own at-home hair range, we knew it was going to be good but this gloss is another level. This not only smells amazing – which says a lot, as hair dye products usually smell like warm vodka (yuck) – but it also provides the perfect ashy tones to any blonde or brunette who is looking to add some dimension and zhuzh up their colour.
Leave it on for up to 20 minutes and it will last up to six washes. It will not only perfectly tone your shade but it also leaves strands with so much shine, that you'll be able to see your own reflection (well, almost).
THE REVIEWS: "Having tried most purple shampoos and toners on the market, with varying results, I decided to try this. It seemed a little overpriced and I was wary of it being 'semi-permanent' rather than just a shampoo that I could wash out if it looked awful. Working all through lockdown in a school setting, I also knew that I wouldn't have the luxury of a couple of days to sort it out. I need not have worried and my only regret is not using it sooner. It has completely toned down my brassy blonde hair and bands from previous colours are no longer obvious. I have some grey and it has blended well with this. It's not a miracle but it's pretty close. I used half a tube and left it on for a full 20 minutes, once all my hair was coated."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Shea Butter and pequi oil |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | 12, across multiple retailers |
Pros
- Smooths and boosts shine while keeping the hair hydrated
- It helps to detangle
- It has a fresh, floral scent
Cons
- It can feel slightly greasy if not rinsed out properly, especially on fine hair
The entire Cosmo beauty desk raves about this stuff, so you know it's got to be good. If you want all the deets, you can read our in-depth review here, but I'll give you a quick rundown if you're tight on time.
Founded by Jen Atkin – AKA, The Kardashians' go-to hair guru – OUAI's product line not only smells incredible, but the proof is also in the pudding too. This aims to deliver smooth hair for up to three days after washing, thanks to its rice water and hyaluronic acid-packed formula and can be used on all hair types. I couldn't stop swishing my hair after one wash of this stuff and was pleased to see it added life back to my three-month-old colour.
THE REVIEWS: "Yet another Ouai product I absolutely love - smells divine, rescues my dry damaged hair in a few minutes. Noticed a difference after one use - easier to get a brush through my hair and detangle, hair felt silky soft and manageable."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Rice water and hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
Pros
- It acts like a semi-permanent hair colour and conditioner
- It’s one of the most long-lasting in this edit
- It comes in a wide range of shades
Cons
- It's advised to keep it on for three-20 minutes
This two-in-one at-home hair gloss combines semi-permanent hair colour and a deep-conditioning treatment. Each of the 14 shades (ranging from bright copper to jet black) contains colour-boosting pigments that coat the outside of the hair shaft for up to 10 washes while delivering intense shine and moisture.
THE REVIEWS: "I’m a natural redhead but as I’ve aged, my colour has faded a bit," writes one tester. "This brightens it, and it looks like my natural colour. It's easier to maintain and less expensive than getting my hair coloured at the salon. Leaves my hair feeling healthy and looking great."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Polyquaternium‑10 (conditioning agents) |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | 14, across multiple retailers |
Pros
- It helps to tame frizz and deliver short-term shine
- It helps seal split ends
- Offers protection against UV rays
Cons
- The shine isn't as impactful as others in this edit
- It can feel slightly sticky
Think of this hair serum as a two-second gloss that you can use on your hair anytime, anywhere. Just smooth a tiny bit over your mid-lengths and ends to add shine, boost colour vibrancy, and protect your dye job from fading.
THE REVIEWS: "I've been using this for a long time now, and it's a must-have for me. I have a lot of little unruly hairs' that do not cooperate when I have my hair up. This smooths them and holds my style very well," writes one reviewer. "It also does protect from heat damage as well, which is a huge plus. It's fantastic for flat-ironing."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Propylene glycol and butylene glycol (humectants) |
|---|---|
| Type: | Serum |
| Colour: | One (clear) |
Pureology Colour Glaze
Pros
- Helps to enhance brown hair, keeping it rich and vibrant
- Can also minimise brassiness in blondes
- The treatment works in five minutes
Cons
- It's a little spenny
Sure, all hair glosses tone to some degree, but this one is seriously magical for brunettes, thanks to blue pigments that minimise orange tones in brown hair (similar to how a blue shampoo works). The colour-correcting and shine-boosting effects last for up to eight washes, too.
THE REVIEWS: "This product is amazing! Completely took brassiness out of my platinum blonde hair and left it soft and shiny. I was looking for something a bit more powerful than a purple shampoo/conditioner since my bangs tend to get brassy faster than the rest of my hair. I just used it for a second time on my whole head of hair, and it worked wonderfully," writes one tester. "My hair looks as bright as it does when I first leave the salon. If you are platinum looking for a boost between appointments..this is the answer! Better than purple shampoo/conditioners."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Oat milk, olive oil, camelina seed oil |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid |
| Shades: | Three |
Pros
- Works as a hair mask to condition, while also adding a glossy shine
- You only need to leave it on for five minutes
- It has the signature Moroccanoil scent
Cons
- It may be too rich for super fine hair
If you’re familiar with the sweet, musky smell of Moroccanoil’s products, know that this mask is no different. Not only does it smell unbelievable, it also does a stellar job at conditioning the hair (thanks to argan oil and amino acids) while delivering smooth shine. The treatments locks down frizzy strands so the overall finish, once dried, is enough to think you’ve just stepped out the salon. The swoosh speaks for itself.
THE REVIEWS: “This really does what it says it will do. Long lasting shine and excellent condition. Would highly recommend.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Amino acid blend, hydrolysed quinoa and the brand's ArganID™ technology (to ensure a soft finish) |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cream |
| Shades: | One (clear) |
What are at-home hair glosses and glazes?
Rather than just adding colour and shine, Frank De Chiara, London-based colourist to Ariana Grande, explains that they do more than that. “Glosses can also work as a treatment too, with conditioning ingredients that moisturise and improve the overall feel of the hair,” Frank says. “And unlike bleach or dye, glosses are ammonia-free, so they won't damage or dry out your hair,” adds Felicia.
“In general, the professional glosses and glazes that you get at the salon are the best option (your colourist will know the exact colour and formula to use and how long it should be left on your hair), but when used correctly, at-home glosses and glazes are a great option too”, says Felicia.
What's the difference between hair glosses and glazes?
The terms hair gloss and hair glaze are often used interchangeably, but there’s actually a very clear difference between the two. “Both hair gloss and hair glaze are conditioning treatments that add shine and enhance hair colour. However, hair glosses last longer by penetrating the hair's outer layer (the cuticle), allowing for longer-lasting colour enhancement and shine,” says Frank.
Meri Kate O'Connor, a celebrity colourist and stylist at Cooper in West Hollywood, adds that gloss tends to last two-four weeks while a glaze will last around a week.
What should you know before starting an at-home treatment?
“Before buying, know what you want for your hair,” says Jonathan Colombini, a celebrity hairstylist and colourist whose list of clientele includes Kendall Jenner and Olivia Culpo. "If you’d like a quick colour pick-me-up and to get rid of some minor frizz, then use a glaze. If you have lacklustre colour and want longevity, use a gloss.”
Can hair glosses and glazes cover greys?
Technically no, hair glosses and glazes won't cover greys (you’ll need real box dye or a single process at the salon to fully hide them), but you can “stain” them by using a gloss.
On clients who have minimal grey hair, I will sometimes leave a gloss on for up to 30 minutes so that the greys are more camouflaged. Staining them won’t give you 100% coverage, but it can make grey hair almost look like a very subtle highlight,” says Felicia.
How to choose the best hair gloss or glaze
Consider your hair colour concerns
If your lightened hair or highlights are looking a little brassy (think warm orange or golden tones), choose a hair gloss or glaze that’ll neutralize them by depositing cool-toned pigments. And hi, brunettes with unwanted warm tones, you can use these too!
Decide if shine is important to you
We've also got a few clear options on this list. So if you don't colour your hair—but still feel like it could use a little zhuzh—choose a shine-enhancing or smoothing hair gloss.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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