Ever looked in the mirror and felt like your hair was just... tired? Not necessarily damaged or fried, but sort of flat. Like a photograph that’s lost its saturation. We’ve all been there, especially after a few weeks of heat styling or when that expensive salon color starts to look a bit "dusty." That is exactly where the igk clear gloss top coat (officially known as Expensive Amla Oil Hi-Shine Topcoat) is supposed to save the day.
But honestly, people are using it wrong.
It is marketed as a "top coat for your hair," which sounds incredible. We use top coats for nails to lock in color and add a glass-like finish, so why not for our strands? The reality is that this isn't just a shiny serum you slap on before running out the door. It is a formulaic treatment that sits somewhere between a deep conditioner and a professional glaze. If you treat it like a regular conditioner, you’re wasting your money.
The Science of "Expensive" Hair
What makes this stuff actually work? It isn't just silicone—though, let's be real, there are silicones in here to give you that immediate slip. The heavy lifter is Amla Oil. If you aren't familiar, Amla (Indian Gooseberry) has been used in Ayurvedic hair care for centuries. It’s packed with Vitamin C and fatty acids that actually penetrate the hair shaft rather than just sitting on top.
Then you’ve got Sea Kelp and Sunflower Seed Oil.
The goal here is a "prism-like" shine. By sealing the cuticle (the outermost layer of your hair), the igk clear gloss top coat creates a smoother surface. Smooth surfaces reflect light better than rough ones. Simple physics. When your hair cuticle is blown open from hard water or heat, it absorbs light, making it look dull. This gloss acts like a sealant to fix that.
Why Some People Hate It (And How to Avoid That)
If you scroll through Sephora reviews, you’ll see some people calling it a "holy grail" and others saying it did absolutely nothing. Why the divide?
✨ Don't miss: Instant Hair Colour Touch Up Stick: Why Your Roots Still Look Fake and How to Fix It
Hair texture matters more than the brand admits.
If you have very fine, thin hair, this can feel heavy if you don’t rinse it like your life depends on it. On the flip side, if you have super coarse, curly hair (think 4C textures), this might feel too lightweight to replace your deep conditioner. The "sweet spot" seems to be medium-to-thick hair that has some degree of color damage.
Common Mistakes:
- Applying to soaking wet hair: If your hair is dripping, the water acts as a barrier. The product just slides off. Wring your hair out first. Better yet, microfiber towel-dry it for a second.
- Using it every day: This is a treatment, not a daily wash. Once or twice a week is the max. Overusing it can lead to buildup, which—ironically—makes hair look dull.
- Skipping the "Working It In" phase: You can't just glob it on. You need to massage it from mid-lengths to ends to ensure the Amla oil actually hits the cuticle.
IGK Clear Gloss Top Coat vs. Salon Glazes
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Is this as good as a $60 salon glaze?
Sorta. But not really.
A salon glaze (like Redken Shades EQ) is often acidic and can be customized with pigment to cancel out brassiness. The igk clear gloss top coat is clear. It won't fix your "orange" blonde or make your brunette less "red." What it will do is provide that UV protection and shine that mimics the finish of a salon visit.
It’s the difference between getting a professional gel manicure and using a really high-end Sally Hansen top coat at home. Both look great, but the professional one has more "structural" integrity and lasting power. The IGK version usually lasts through about 2–3 shampoos, whereas a salon glaze might go for 4–6 weeks.
The Reality of the Ingredients
Look, we have to be honest about what's inside. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is great. It’s also sulfate and paraben-free.
- Glycerin: A humectant that pulls moisture into the hair.
- Dimethicone: A silicone that provides that "glass" finish.
- Heat Protection: It actually offers a layer of protection against your blow dryer, which is a nice bonus you don't get with many other glosses.
The scent is also a major talking point. It’s got notes of bergamot, lemon zest, and black amber. It smells "expensive" (hence the name). If you’re sensitive to fragrance, be warned—it lingers. Personally, I think it smells like a high-end hotel lobby, but if you hate "perfumey" hair, this might annoy you.
How to Get the Best Results
If you want that "glass hair" look you see on Instagram, follow this specific workflow. Don't deviate.
- Double Cleanse: Use a clarifying shampoo first to get rid of any gunk or dry shampoo buildup.
- The Squeeze: Get as much water out of your hair as possible.
- The Application: Use about a quarter-sized amount (more if your hair is long) and work it through.
- The Wait: Leave it for at least 3 minutes. I usually shave my legs or do a face scrub while I wait. Time is key for the oils to settle.
- The Rinse: Use cool water. This helps "close" the cuticle further and locks in the shine.
- The Blowout: You won't see the full effect of this gloss if you air dry. The heat from a blow dryer helps "set" the finish.
Is It Worth the Price?
At roughly $30–$34 for a 4.2 oz bottle, it isn't "cheap." However, since you're only using it once a week, a single bottle should last you three or four months. Compared to a $60 salon visit every month, the math starts to make sense.
It's a "low effort, high reward" product.
If you’re someone who colors their hair frequently, you’ve probably noticed that the first thing to go is the shine. Your color might still be there, but the "vibrancy" is gone. That's where this product shines—literally. It breathes life back into old highlights without you having to spend three hours in a stylist's chair.
Final Takeaway
The igk clear gloss top coat is a bridge. It’s the bridge between your last salon appointment and your next one. It isn't a miracle cure for fried, snapped-off hair, but for dullness and frizz? It’s one of the most effective over-the-counter options on the market.
To maximize the value of your bottle, ensure you are using a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks. This prevents the silicones and oils in the gloss from layering into a "film" that eventually weighs the hair down. Focus the product only from the ears down if you have oily roots, and always, always finish with a cool rinse. If you do that, you'll actually get the "Expensive" look the bottle promises.