TL;DR – Which gloss actually worked?
- ✅ L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss gave noticeable shine by Day 2, worked better for fine or frizz-prone hair, and felt lighter overall.
- ⚠️ Living Proof High-Shine Gloss felt richer, but results were mixed some strands were soft, others felt dry or coated.
- 🧪 After 5 days of real-world testing, L’Oréal delivered the most consistent shine and softness for under $10.
Now here’s the full breakdown of what I used, what I saw, and which one is really worth your money.
Glossing products often include active ingredients like glycolic acid (L’Oréal) or esters and humectants (Living Proof) designed to improve surface shine and manageability. While these ingredients can temporarily smooth the cuticle, their effect varies by hair type, porosity, and product pairing.
🧪 Hair Gloss Ingredient Comparison Table
| Product | Key Ingredients | Primary Function | Fragrance | Potential Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss | Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine | Shine boost, acid exfoliation, surface sealing | Peony + Bergamot | Yes (due to glycolic acid + fragrance) |
| Living Proof PHD Gloss | Jojoba Esters, Hyaluronate, Mushroom Extract, Fructose | Humectants + conditioning esters for shine | Parfum (unknown profile) | Yes (fragrance, multiple botanical extracts) |
🧴 Product Links + Shine Test Details
| Product | Price / oz | Ideal For | Real-World Results | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Paris Glossing Mask | ~$2.13 | Dull, fine, mildly dry or frizzy hair | Noticeably softer after 3 uses, but frizz control was minimal | Buy on Amazon |
| L’Oréal Shampoo + Conditioner Set | ~$1.50 | Color-treated, mild dullness, no sulfates | Soft, easy to brush, smells great | Buy on Amazon |
| Living Proof PHD High-Shine Gloss | ~$3.76 | Occasional shine boost on already healthy hair | Mixed: some felt soft, others dry or coarse | Buy on Amazon |
| Living Proof Restore Shampoo + Conditioner | ~$3.50 | General repair & shine for all hair types | Strong formula, expensive | Buy on Amazon |
Affiliate Disclosure: AS an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through some inks on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every tool I recommend has been tested in real studio conditions.
🪮 Recommended Brush Pairings
| Brush | Use Case | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Brush Shine Enhancer | Gentle detangling, works great with gloss | See on Amazon |
| Sam Villa Boar Bristle | Smoothing, distributes gloss evenly | See on Amazon |
✨ Test Notes: 5-Day Real Results
| Day | What I Did | What I Saw |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Used L’Oreal glossing mask (small amount, damp hair) | Ends felt smoother, light shine appeared |
| Day 2 | Used Wet Brush after glossing | Frizz reduced, hair was softer |
| Day 3 | Skipped wash | Shine faded slightly, frizz crept back |
| Day 4 | Used shampoo + conditioner set only | Softness maintained, light gloss return |
| Day 5 | Reapplied gloss before blowout | Smoother finish, shine lasted all day |
🧪 Gloss Finder Quiz
Answer these questions to find your best match:
📌 Final Verdict
If you want:
- A stronger acid-driven shine booster – Go with L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss
- A gentle, oil-based gloss with botanical actives – Try Living Proof
But… If you’re prone to scalp irritation, start slow. Patch test first. This isn’t magic. But it might be the easiest way to unlock a solid shine boost for under $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss safe for color-treated hair?
Yes, it’s formulated for color-treated hair and works well on mildly dry or dull strands. However, patch testing is still a good idea due to the glycolic acid content. - Does Living Proof High-Shine Gloss contain silicones?
No, it’s silicone-free. It uses botanical esters and humectants for shine and moisture instead. - Can I use either gloss every day?
Daily use isn’t necessary. 1–2 times per week is usually enough for most hair types, especially if you’re using gloss as a finishing treatment. - Which gloss is better for fine hair?
L’Oréal’s formula works better for fine or frizz-prone hair thanks to the lightweight glycolic base. Living Proof may feel heavier on fine hair.
Hello, I’m Ed Shears, Editor and Author at HairBrushy.com and your trusted guide on the journey to healthier, more vibrant hair. At HairBrushy.com, I utilize my extensive expertise in research of hairbrushes to curate and create educational, dependable content that empowers readers to take control of their hair care routines.
Hello, my name is Stacey Bee experienced research analyst. I specialize in hairbrushes for adults with over 30 years experience. As we get older, our hair changes and so do our hairbrushes needs. What worked while we were young may not work as we get older. For than 30 years I have researched and tested hundreds of hairbrushes and contributed to just as many or more hairbrushes articles. I am about providing sound advice to help people look their best.
Hello, my name is Meesh Switch, I am a contributing editor and hairbrush product analyst. I am focused on hairbrushes for young adults. I have enjoy writing, testing, and analyzing hairbrushes. I have contributed to hundreds in-depth articles and provided sound advice on hairbrushes based on testing and research.