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These are the best at-home hair glosses for recreating that mirror-like salon shine
7 months ago
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5 min read
Hair gloss treatments are the easy way to get salon-worthy shine at home. Here are the ones we really rate…
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of the hairdressers with glossy, healthy-looking hair. But what do you do when your next appointment is weeks away and your hair is starting to look a little lacklustre? The answer is simple: at-home hair gloss treatments.
Glossy hair oozes health and vibrancy, so it’s easy to see why hair trends like ‘mirror shine’ and ‘glass hair’ are doing the rounds on TikTok. But with daily styling, environmental stressors and the natural fading of colour over time, our hair can quickly lose that shine. Which is where at-home hair glosses come in – offering a quick and easy solution to restoring moisture and shine to your locks between salon visits.
Hair gloss treatments are different from your weekly hair mask or conditioning treatment. Whereas hair masks are typically designed to deeply condition and repair, glosses work on the outer layer of your strands to create a smooth, reflective surface. They also help to seal the hair cuticle, which not only enhances shine but also helps lock in moisture and enhance colour vibrancy without adding any pigment (although pigmented formulas are also available), making them ideal for all hair types and colours. Whether you’re dealing with dry ends, dull strands or simply want that salon-fresh finish, a hair gloss will give you an instant before-and-after transformation that will last for around three washes.
How to use a hair gloss treatment?
Hair gloss treatments are generally applied after shampooing and used in place of your conditioner (although the time it takes for each formula to work varies, so it’s important to read the instructions before use). Start by shampooing your hair as usual to remove any product build-up and dirt, then towel dry your hair to remove excess water before applying the gloss. Distribute the treatment evenly through your hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends where the shine can fade faster.
Depending on the formula, you may need to leave the gloss on for a few seconds or a few minutes. Some treatments work quickly to deliver instant shine, while others may require a longer time to fully penetrate the hair cuticle. Once the treatment time is up, rinse thoroughly and follow up with your usual heat styling routine. Heat helps to seal the cuticle, locking in moisture and boosting the reflective shine for that glassy, mirror-like finish.
Ready to give your hair a boost of vibrancy, shine and a healthy-looking finish? Here are eight at-home hair gloss treatments our beauty team really rates…
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss Treatment
This lightweight, silicone-free treatment works by smoothing the cuticle and aligning hair fibres to create a glossy, mirror-like finish. It’s great for all hair types – it won’t weigh down your strands and gives a real high-shine finish that lasts for several washes, making it ideal for a quick and lasting boost between salon appointments.
Shop Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss Treatment at Space NK, £30
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment
Designed to restore shine and enhance colour vibrancy, this acidic gloss treatment from Redken works by balancing your hair’s pH levels, sealing the cuticle for that mirror-like shine effect. It’s especially suited for those with colour-treated or dull hair.
Shop Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment at Boots, £32.50
Glaze Super Gloss
Glaze Super Gloss delivers a high-shine finish while conditioning your hair, making it look instantly healthier. With a semi-permanent, sheer formula, it’s perfect for all hair types and can be used weekly to boost shine without altering your natural colour – although there are also pigmented options if you also want a boost of colour vibrancy.
Oribe Glaze for Beautiful Colour
Formulated with colour-treated hair in mind, Oribe’s Glaze for Beautiful Colour offers a high-gloss finish while enhancing vibrancy and softness. It’s packed with watermelon, lychee and edelweiss extracts to not only smooth hair and add a glossy shine, but also protect from environmental stressors and oxidation. The result? Salon-fresh shine that lasts up to a week.
Kerastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss
This speedy in-shower treatment works in just eight seconds and utilises the benefits of lactic acid to trap dulling minerals and boost colour vibrancy. It works by sealing the hair cuticle, making your colour pop while adding mirror-like shine.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Lamination Rinse-Off Treatment
This rinse-off lamination treatment uses glycolic acid to smooth and add a glossy finish to dull hair in just five minutes. It seals the hair cuticle, leaving it smooth and mirror-like. Perfect for anyone with dull or dry hair, this affordable gloss treatment delivers a salon-worthy shine that lasts for up to a week.
Shop L’Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Lamination Rinse-Off Treatment at Boots, £15.99
DpHue Gloss
Available in 10 different hair shades (including ‘Sheer’ to suit all) DpHue Gloss adds both shine and semi-permanent colour, making it perfect for anyone looking to refresh their hair colour and vibrancy in between salon visits. The formula is packed with conditioning ingredients which leave your hair soft, smooth, and shiny. With results lasting up to 10 washes, it’s a great option for prolonging the life of your colour.
Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask
Amika’s Flash Instant Shine Mask is a quick, in-shower treatment that works in just 60 seconds to deliver a silky, shiny finish. Enriched with amino acids and UV filters, it smooths and protects hair from environmental damage. Suitable for all hair types, this mask provides an instant boost in shine and hydration that lasts for several days.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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