Many fashionistas dye their hair, and as we all know, continual dyeing can do a lot of damage to a girl’s coif. A new product sparked my interest recently: John Frieda's Luminous Color Glaze. It's an in-the-shower glaze (without the expense and chemical damage of a dye-job touch-up) available through John Frieda. You can purchase it at most drugstores for $9.99 and it is available in six ravishing shades (two variations each of blonde, red and brunette). It is suitable for both virgin and dyed hair.

A few of the claims:

• It’s an easy-to-use gel-creme formula that adds a hint of glossy color and boosts shine right in the shower.
• Recharges faded hair with a dose of vivid color, supple texture and blazing shine
• Delivers the results of a salon glazing treatment – reviving color and adding a high-gloss finish to hair – right in your shower. Now, just shampoo, condition…then glaze!
• Essential in maintaining a fresh, healthy “right from the salon” look and feel, all the time
• Ammonia and peroxide free
• Will not lift or lighten hair color

For the most part, the claims hold true. I tried it and loved the glossy shine it gave my hair. I used the darkest brunette shade offered (“chestnut to espresso”) for one week after every shampooing and my hair looked and felt shinier, healthier and…brunette-ier, although with a bit more red than I am accustomed to.

Unfortunately for you environmentally-conscious fashionistas, the product was packaged in a plastic outer casing that, while eye-catching in the store, was completely useless and quickly thrown away. Also, the glaze will stain the scalp and forehead if it is not thoroughly rinsed; usually a gentle scrubbing with soap and water will remove it. You also must be sure to not leave any of the glaze drippings on your sides of the shower or the curtain; these will stain as well and won’t be removed as easily.

The glaze is supposed to be left on for three minutes after shampooing and conditioning your hair. It may take a little flexibility to keep the water on and stay warm while keeping your head out of the water. (All the better to practice your yoga poses, perhaps?) The product's scent was not altogether unpleasant, but it reminded me of self-tanner--not exactly a lovely fragrance.

I give it an “A-” as a glaze. It is an excellent value for the price; I will probably continue to purchase it in between dyeing my hair in order to maintain its color and luster.