Luscious, swishable locks dominate our Instagram feed, yet it’s no easy feat to achieve a mirror-like shine.
It always seems to take an inordinate amount of effort. We’re all guilty of lathering on overpriced conditioners, decadent hair oils and luxury serums in the hopes of replicating a Hollywood-style hair flip. But it needn’t be so complex.
Hair gloss is a must-have bathroom shelf staple to boost the lustre of your locks. The product is does more than leave behind gloss; it improves hair health and seals in colour and moisture. Got bleached blonde tresses? Hair gloss can also help to dial down brassiness and maintain your mane in between salon trips.
What type of hair glosses should I use?
There are many different types of hair gloss. Beth Kucic, founder and director of Queens Peckham notes: “At-home treatments work differently from in salon services. If you're looking to have your hair coloured with a hair gloss, I would always recommend using salon professional products and having this treatment carried out in the salon. There are also some really great glossing products out there on the market that you can use at home too. My ultimate favourite at-home gloss is OUAI Hair Gloss, it's a clear glossy cream that will restore hair back to its shiny happy self.”
How often should I use hair gloss?
Using hair gloss is a low-maintenance fix to helping your hair shine whenever you feel you need a refresh. Kucic adds: “I always advise my clients, if they’re using glossing as part of a toning treatment, that this could be done in between appointments at around weeks three to four. Always read the instructions and follow the guidelines. Always apply in sections and comb through - this will help spread the product evenly. Your comb is your best friend! I always recommend using a shower cap or cling film to wrap your treatment in with a warm towel on top. Always condition unless directions say otherwise”.
Discover the best hair glosses to guarantee a shimmering shine and shop the edit below.
OUAI Hair Gloss
You’ll want to add this nourishing product to your weekly routine if you’re looking for quick results. Hadid-approved hair stylist Jen Atkins’ label is one of the leaders of the haircare world and, with its understated packaging, the hair gloss is one of the sleekest products in its line-up.
Enriched with a blend of hyaluronic acid, rice water and panthenol, this in-shower gloss hydrates the hair to reduce the appearance of frizz and dryness while promoting lustrous, lengthy locks.
Buy now £30.00, Cult Beauty
Glaze Super Gloss
Tint your tresses with Glaze’s coveted Super Gloss. Apply to damp or dry hair, leave in for 5-10 minutes and rinse - it’s that easy. The formula acts as a tinted moisturiser for hair, so if you’re after a natural shine to reinvigorate your crop with a subtle new colour, this could be the one for you.
The bleachless product is also cruelty-free and blends gentle dyes with hydrating fatty acids to offer a deep condition.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Bread Beauty Supply Everyday Hair Gloss
Those of us with curly hair have been calling out for our daily Bread because this has truly blessed our coils with hydration and shine. It contains Kakadu plum which has the highest concentration of vitamin C than any other fruit, while Capryl capric triglycerides add lightweight hydration and shine. A tiny bit of this goes a really long way and I like to use it while my hair is wet so it can really absorb the hydration. Not a frizzy flyaway in sight.
Buy now £22.00, Cult Beauty
dpHUE Gloss
Another gloss to consider, dpHUE offers a semi-permanent, deep-conditioning treatment for those dreaming of darker hair. To use, hop in the shower and distribute evenly over your locks.
Leave on for 3-20 minutes, depending on the desired tint, and rinse well. If you’re itching for an easy breezy yet bold colour pop, dpHUE is a safe bet, especially for the indecisive.
Buy now £35.00, Cult Beauty
Josh Wood Treatment Gloss
You’re always in good hands with Josh Wood. A leading colour expert, Josh Wood Colour is a favourite among stars and designers to create colourbomb looks. The brand’s Treatment Gloss will help you do just that, but from the comfort of your own home. The semi-permanent dye will boost the pigment of your hair, while giving it a stunningly glossy sheen.
Buy now £19.00, Selfridges
Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish 55ml
Bid farewell to frizz and usher in a new reign of high-shine fabulousness. Color Wow’s Pop & Lock gloss is a brilliant addition to our hair care routine. The serum is saturated with deeply hydrating humectants to smoothen your hair and restore supple elasticity. Enjoy revamped hair cuticles, locks and ends, and revel in a high-end salon experience on a regular basis.
Buy now £21.50, Cult Beauty
Philip Kingsley Pure Colour Frizz Fighting Gloss 50ml
Another kingpin of the hair world, Philip Kingsley is a name to note. The brand’s Fighting Gloss promises silky smooth results, thanks to a soothing formula that conditions, protects and moisturises the strands. Apply from the mid-lengths down, gently blow dry and watch your tresses bounce back to life.
Buy now £27.00, Sephora
Innersense I Create Shine 50ml
Suitable for all hair types, this illuminating hair shine serum is a silicone-free option that protects hair from heat and locks in moisture. A lightweight blend of plant extracts such as smoothing macadamia and cranberry seed oils offers the tresses an antioxidant-rich coating that results in gloriously glossy hair flicks.
Lotus flowers will infuse your mane with a subtle floral fragrance wherever you walk.
Buy now £40.00, Naturismo
Oribe Curl Gloss
Indulge your mane with a botanical bomb of revitalising moisture. Oribe’s Curl Gloss is set to lift and define your ringlets for an easy, breezy look. Botanical goodness sourced from passion flower, lychee, edelweiss and watermelon aims to boost the natural keratin levels of your hair and exude a delicious scent. As for the gloss? We have the inclusion of super-smoothing Brazilian jicama to thank for that.
Buy now £42.00, Space NK
Paul Mitchell Gloss Drops 100ml
Vegan? Tick. Suitable for all hair types? Tick. So delightfully smoothening and shine-boosting that you simply must have it? Tick. Paul Mitchell’s Gloss Drops contain 100mls of hair health-promoting ingredients. From Hawaiian awapuhi to rosemary, aloe to jojoba and much more, there are several ingredients to help achieve the perfect polish. Use prior to blow drying and watch your locks cascade with shining style.
Buy now £25.05, lookfantastic
