When it comes to hair products, I’m usually sceptical of anything that promises "mirror-like shine" and salon results at home. After years of trialling various oils, serums, and shine sprays—many of which leave hair either too heavy, greasy, or worse, sticky—I’ve learned to be cautious. So when Living Proof launched their Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss, it caught my attention for two reasons. First, it's a rinse-out in-shower gloss treatment rather than something that sits on the hair post-styling. Second, it’s silicone-free, something that isn’t easy to find in a product that aims to add shine and polish. With Living Proof’s solid reputation for high-performance haircare backed by science, I put it to the test over the course of several months.
What It Is
Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss is described as a clear, in-shower glossing treatment designed to deliver brilliant shine, softness, and a vibrant finish. The brand claims that results are visible after just one use and can last up to three washes. It’s safe for colour-treated and chemically processed hair, is free from silicones, parabens, sulphates and phthalates, and is cruelty-free.
The product comes in a 200ml soft metallic tube that feels both functional and premium. The consistency is similar to a thick conditioner, so it doesn’t drip or slide off your hand while you're trying to work it through the hair. It has Living Proof’s signature clean, slightly citrusy fragrance—not overpowering, but pleasant and salon-like.
Key Ingredients
One of the more appealing aspects of this product is its ingredients list, which is surprisingly minimal and well thought out:
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Glycerin – A humectant that draws moisture into the hair and helps maintain hydration.
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Jojoba Esters – Naturally derived, these esters help soften and condition the hair without leaving a greasy residue.
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Sodium Hyaluronate – The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which helps bind moisture to the hair fibre, improving softness and manageability.
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Light Enhancing Technology – While the brand doesn't specify the exact mechanism, this proprietary tech is said to amplify light reflection without using heavy silicones or film-formers.
There are no silicones, and no heavy waxes—something that can be especially important for finer hair types that are easily weighed down. However, it does contain fragrance, including linalool and citronellol, which could potentially irritate those with very sensitive scalps.
How to Use
This product is designed to be used in the shower, after shampoo and conditioner. Here's how I used it:
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Wash and condition your hair as usual.
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Squeeze out excess water and towel-dry briefly so that the product doesn’t slide off.
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Apply a generous amount to mid-lengths and ends (avoiding roots), combing through for even distribution.
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Leave it on for five minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly.
I found it easy to apply and distribute through the hair. It doesn't feel sticky or overly rich, and rinses out cleanly without leaving a residue.
Results
Immediately after use, my hair felt smoother and detangled effortlessly. Once blow-dried, the shine was noticeable—less high-gloss lacquer, more a natural healthy sheen, which I personally prefer. It added softness and movement without sacrificing volume or bounce, which is a major win.
On thicker or coarse hair, this would work beautifully as a shine enhancer and softener. However, on fine hair, you do need to be more cautious with the amount you use. The first time, I applied a generous amount, and while the shine was there, I did notice that my hair felt a bit heavy at the roots the next day. On the second use, I halved the quantity and focused only on the lengths and ends, which worked much better—leaving hair glossy, swishy and clean-feeling.
After three washes, some of that initial glow does fade, but the underlying softness and manageability hang around a bit longer. It’s not a repairing treatment—it won’t fix split ends or reduce breakage—but it does make your hair look and feel healthier.
The Pros
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Noticeable shine after first use
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Softens hair without the heaviness of oils or silicones
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Lightweight texture and easy to rinse out
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Suitable for coloured and chemically treated hair
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Cruelty-free and free from sulphates, silicones and parabens
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Smells fresh and clean without being overpowering
The Cons
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Can weigh down fine or oily-prone hair if too much is applied
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Shine fades after a few washes, so requires reapplication to maintain results
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Not a deep treatment—more cosmetic than restorative
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Contains fragrance allergens that may not suit very sensitive skin
Final Verdict
If you're looking for a non-greasy, silicone-free shine booster that works quickly and smells great, Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss delivers exactly that. It won’t repair damaged strands, but it will make your hair look significantly healthier, glossier and better groomed—especially if your hair tends to look flat or dull. It fits neatly into a busy routine because it only needs five minutes and rinses out clean, leaving no product build-up. I wouldn’t call it a necessity, but for those occasional dull hair days—or when you want a little extra polish without visiting the salon—it’s well worth having on hand.
Would I repurchase? Yes—though I’d use it more as a special occasion gloss rather than a weekly treatment. Priced at £30.