16 Best At-Home Hair Gloss and Glaze Treatments in 2022

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly colored hair, is there? In my case, when I leave the hairdresser’s after a full head of highlights, my hair feels and looks brighter, shinier, blonder, and more brilliant than ever. But three or so weeks later, I'm back to square one. I’ll look in the mirror and be confused as to where my bright, shiny hair color went. It’s not that my roots have taken over yet—it’s just that the color has faded, the shine has disappeared, and my hair, in general, seems, dare I say, dull. Sure, there are purple shampoos that help to eradicate brassiness, but I’ve always found it’s not necessarily brassiness that’s the problem.

Up until recently, I thought it was just something I had to live with (like the fact that fake tan will always go a bit crusty if you don’t exfoliate well enough). However, I recently discovered a whole genre of hair treatments that actually stop your color from fading. Enter hair glaze (sometimes referred to as “hair gloss,” depending on the product). It’s a genius hair treatment that not only brings your color back to its original just-left-the-salon brilliance, but also adds megawatt shine and, in some cases, even adds a brand new hint of color. We spoke with celebrity hairstylist Michael Sparks and professional colorist George Waldron to get the low-down on how exactly hair glosses (and glazes) work.

Read on to learn the difference between the two as well as the best hair gloss and hair glaze at-home treatments.

What Is a Hair Glaze?

Sparks explains that a hair glaze is a non-permanent hair color treatment that adds shine to the hair and can help with reducing flyaways and frizz. "Hair glaze differs from hair color because it does not contain ammonia or peroxide," he says. "Therefore, hair glaze lasts up to around one week, will gradually fade out of the hair, and is [good for those who don't wish to have] a long-term commitment with the color." Hair glaze also prevents hair cuticles from tangling, which means, it's a great product to use on coarse, hard-to-manage hair types.

We know, we know. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, I can confirm it’s not. I stumbled across the hair glaze treatment while trying out Kevin Murphy’s brightening hair glazes for blondes, which was originally made to stop models’ hair from becoming heavy and dull throughout the day on photoshoots.

Shop the Best At-Home Hair Glazes

It’s not just Kevin Murphy who has mastered the hair-glaze treatment. There are a few on the market, and each offers a slightly different finish. Check out our picks of the best hair glaze treatments for fresh color and brilliant shine.

Kevin Murphy Sugared Angel Creamy Beige Colour

Kevin Murphy Sugared Angel Creamy Beige Colour $20.00

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Sugared Angel uses specially selected pigments to mute unwanted warmth while also helping to enhance and create vanilla, beige, and toffee tones. It leaves hair creamy, super shiny, and fresh looking.

Oribe Glaze for Beautiful Color

Oribe Glaze for Beautiful Color $58.00

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A perfect boost for both natural and color-treated hair, this glaze by Oribe acts as a high-gloss topcoat. It brightens color and leaves hair feeling exceptionally soft.

Clairol Jazzing Temporary Hair Color

Clairol Jazzing Temporary Hair Color $8.00

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Sparks deems this an oldie but a goodie for its ability to revive your hair color's shine and brightness.

Glaze Super Color Conditioning Gloss

Glaze Super Color Conditioning Gloss $18.00

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This easy at-home glaze works like a conditioner, healing the hair as it colors. It only requires a little time (just leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing and blow-drying) but the effects last up to 10 washes.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Deepening Treatment

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Deepening Treatment $9.00

Formulated specifically for brunettes, this at-home treatment helps deepen color (and can actually work on natural or color-treated hair).

Madison Reed Color Therapy Hair Mask

Madison Reed Color Therapy Hair Mask $22.00

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This color-depositing mask helps add smoky ash tones to hair, neutralizing the brassiness in brunette hair without completely dying the hair. It can be used two to three times per week, in place of conditioner, or as needed.

Four Reasons Color Mask Hair Toning Treatment

Four Reasons Color Mask Hair Toning Treatment $28.00

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This color-depositing conditioner helps maintain hair color all while adding shine and vibrancy.

Wella Color Fresh Mask

Wella Color Fresh Mask $27.00

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Wella's mask comes in a range of colors to help boost salon-dyed hair at home. It won't change the color of the hair overall, but it will keep it looking fresh and glossy.

What Is a Hair Gloss?

Hair glosses are semi- or demi-permanent colors that do not penetrate the hair shaft. Plus, Waldron notes that they won't leave a line of demarcation like permanent hair color does. "It’s a great tool to introduce someone to non-committal hair color, or to just enhance what someone has naturally—for example, a red-head that wants a touch more copper or a brunette that has lost its luster," he says. And though they're not as beneficial as a keratin treatment, Waldron explains that, in theory, they have the benefit of sitting on the top of the hair shaft, which can help to calm down excess frizz. Unlike hair glaze, hair gloss is typically done by a professional in a salon as the color needs to be deposited into the cuticle of the hair. "Hair glosses can be used to enhance your hair’s natural tones as well as help to evenly tone out unwanted warmth, blend grays, or just add extra shine," says Sparks.

Shop the Best At-Home Hair Glosses

Looking to do a hair gloss at home? Here are our top picks.

Redken Shades EQ Gloss Demi-Permanent Color With Bonder

Redken Shades EQ Gloss Demi-Permanent Color With Bonder $13.00

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This iteration of Redken's much-loved Shades EQ Gloss is boosted by built-in bonder—meaning you get demi-permanent hair toning and added shine and strength to your strands. (Always welcome when working with hair color.) It's available in shades ranging from platinum to opal and, as a note, requires a processing solution for application.

Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss

Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss $13.00

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Rita Hazan’s A-list clientele includes Beyoncé, so you know this is going to be good. Her True Color Shine Glosses (available in five shades) have a foaming texture, meaning it’s super easy to coat every single strand.

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray $27.00

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Slightly different from other hair glaze treatments, Color Wow’s doesn’t inject color but instead adds a mirror-like shine. Activated by heat styling, this hair glaze is truly like the Seche Vite topcoat for your hair, and all the hairstylists we know rave about it.

Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss

Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss $15.00

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This gloss neutralizes any brassy shades for a more natural finish, and lasts between three and four weeks. It also boosts shine and works on all hair types.

Drybar Liquid Glass Instant Glossing Rinse

Drybar Liquid Glass Instant Glossing Rinse $34.00

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This gloss won't target your hair's color, but will make it stronger thanks to amino acids that repair the hair shaft. Neroli Oil creates a high-shine, glossy topcoat finish.

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

Kérastase Chroma Absolu High Shine Gloss Treatment for Color-Treated Hair $53.00

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This rinse-out treatment relies on lactic acid to strengthen the hair, add shine, and preserve color. It works on all hair types, though those with damaged, colored hair will especially appreciate how it works its magic.

L'Oréal Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss

L'Oréal Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss $15.00

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L'Oréal's affordable quick gloss keeps hair healthy and shiny with enhanced tone, to boot. Evenly distribute to the ends of hair and leave on for 5-15 minutes before rinsing out. For an even deeper result, repeat the process again seven days after your first treatment.

dpHUE Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment

dpHUE Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment $37.00

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With a range of colors to choose from, there's something for just about everybody in dpHUE's line of glosses. The product requires no mixing, and works effectively in just three minutes—making it a prime choice for an at-home treatment.

Hair Glaze vs. Hair Gloss: Which One Should You Try?

Glosses typically last about four to six weeks, depending on how often you shampoo as well as environmental factors. "Sweating and sun exposure can also shorten the duration of them," advises Waldron. However, both experts agree that if you're shooting for the hair gloss route, visit your colorist, unless, according to Waldron, you're going for a clear gloss for some shine. Sparks adds that "while there are drugstore glosses available, they're less regulated and contain more chemicals—there’s nothing worse than having an at-home $30 color treatment turn into a $500 color correction." Enough said.