The 6 Best Hair Glosses For An Instant Glow Up

There’s a reason shiny hair is at the top of everyone’s beauty wish list—it adds instant polish to your look. Glossy locks have long been synonymous with health, wealth and status. Case in point: A-listers have whole teams of people dedicated to styling and smoothing their hair to create a mirror-like reflective finish before they step out on red carpets. But you actually don’t need a glam squad to get the shiniest, softest and healthiest hair of your life. 

Whether you’re between salon visits or just need a boost, a gloss treatment is as close as you can get to an instant hair makeover without mixing dye or cutting your own bangs. You’ve probably heard of hair glosses as an add-on at the salon, but a new crop of products now bottle up the experience for at-home use. 

What is a hair gloss?

A hair gloss is a temporary fix to just about any hair woe, with results that last anywhere from one to several washes. It’s formulated to condition, seal the cuticles and coat strands for instant, eye-catching luster and a smooth, frizz-free finish on all hair types. A gloss can be clear, or tinted to add vibrancy and neutralize unwanted tones in coloured hair. 

How it works depends on the product. Some help “fill in” the damaged part of the hair, much like a lamellar water or bond-repair treatment, and coat the surface of the hair in reflective agents. Other hair gloss formulas work by having an acidic pH, which allows the product to penetrate deeper and seal the cuticle, boosting shine from the inside out.

At-home hair glosses are typically applied to wet, clean hair in the shower and rinsed out after a few minutes. (Depending on your hair type, you can use gloss in place of your conditioner, or after conditioning.) According to Nicole Pidherny, the owner of Pomme, a hair salon with locations in Kelowna, B.C. and Toronto, the best way to ensure that the product is evenly distributed is with a brush. “Apply the liquid in sections through the mid-lengths and ends of the hair,” she recommends, “and then brush it up to the root.”  

Shop our editor-approved hair glosses for instant shine

L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Gloss 5-Minute Lamination Rinse-Off, $12

This budget-friendly line also includes a shampoo, a conditioner and a serum, all formulated with glycolic acid for glass-like shine and incredibly smooth hair. The rinse-off treatment is a standout—it left my colour looking more vibrant and my hair sleeker. It's perfect for colour-treated hair that needs a little extra love.

JVN Revive Rapid Repair Bond Gloss, $49

If you're after stronger hair, try this two-in-one bond-repair treatment and gloss hybrid that works in under a minute. It features hemisqualane—the brand's signature ultra-hydrating ingredient—and a blend of rice protein and algae-derived sugar that amps up shine. It's easy to use, lightweight enough for fine hair and a great pick for anyone looking to save on time with a product that does it all.

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss, $84

Lactic acid and centella asiatica are the star ingredients in this salon-worthy treatment. Pidherny swears by it. "It gently exfoliates the hair surface and then softens, repairs and seals the hair fibre to reduce porosity, which helps maintain colour and shine. It also improves the hair over time—it makes it extra soft."

Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment, $80

This luxe gloss ticks all the boxes: the water-like formula is easy to apply evenly throughout the hair, it works in just 60 seconds and it's long-lasting (up to 15 washes!). It contains a softening blend of polymers, as well as plant-derived oils and extracts—like watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower—to make hair healthier, shinier and bouncier.

TRESemmé Lamellar Gloss Shine Spray, $11

Using lamellar technology, this delivers a sleek, high-shine polish that lasts for up to 72 hours. It can be used on wet hair or as a finishing touch. It comes in a spray form, which makes application a breeze. I used it for the first time on dry, freshly curled hair and was blown away by how glossy my locks looked. One note: Use it sparingly to avoid weighing hair down.

L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths 8-Second Wonder Water, $17

This longtime Chatelaine fave kickstarted my obsession with rinse-off treatments, and it still lives up to the hype. Though it can replace conditioner, I personally prefer using in combination with my usual haircare routine for extra hydration. The lamellar formula forms layers on strands to patch up damage, leaving hair easy to manage and beautifully glossy—all in eight seconds!