dpHUE Gloss+ is a color-depositing conditioning treatment meant to be used in the shower, somewhere between a deep conditioner and a semi-permanent dye. The Black shade is aimed at people with dark hair who want to refresh faded color, deepen their natural tone, or temporarily tint lighter strands without committing to a salon appointment. It comes in a 6.5 fl oz tube, which is a fairly standard size for this category and roughly enough for several applications depending on hair length and thickness.
The product is not a dye in the traditional sense. It deposits pigment on the surface of the hair rather than penetrating the cuticle, and the effect is designed to fade gradually over a handful of washes. That distinction matters for setting expectations: this is a maintenance tool, not a transformation tool. Someone hoping to go from medium brown to jet black will be disappointed. Someone with black or very dark brown hair looking to restore depth and shine after color has dulled is closer to the intended user.
In practice, the application is straightforward. After shampooing, the gloss is worked through damp hair, left on for a set period, and rinsed. The thicker, cream-like texture makes it easier to distribute evenly than thinner tinted conditioners, though it still requires some care to avoid patchiness. Gloves are essentially mandatory; the pigment is strong enough to stain hands and nails, and it can also leave marks on light-colored towels, shower curtains, and grout. That cleanup consideration is worth factoring in before the first use.
Key functional details, stated plainly:
- Color deposit: Adds temporary black pigment that builds with repeated use and fades over washes.
- Conditioning base: Formulated with conditioning agents, so it doubles as a treatment rather than a standalone color step.
- Processing time: Left on for a short window (typically a few minutes, longer for more intensity), which fits into a normal shower routine.
- Format: 6.5 fl oz tube, applied in the shower and rinsed out, no developer or mixing required.
Results are realistic but not dramatic. On dark hair, the most noticeable change is usually improved richness and shine, with gray or lighter strands picking up a subtle tint that reads as refreshed rather than freshly colored. Coverage of grays is partial and temporary; it softens their appearance rather than concealing them the way a permanent dye would. On very light or heavily highlighted hair, the black pigment can grab unevenly, and porous or damaged sections may absorb more color than the rest, creating an inconsistent result. Anyone with bleached or double-processed hair should test a small section first, since the outcome is harder to predict on high-porosity strands.
The main trade-off is longevity. Because the color sits on the surface, it washes out within a few shampoos, and the effect is cumulative only if the product is used regularly. That makes it a recurring purchase rather than a one-time fix, and the cost per application adds up for people with long or thick hair who need more product per use. The fading is gradual rather than abrupt, which is gentler than a harsh grow-out line, but it also means the result is never fully locked in. Compared with a salon gloss or demi-permanent color service, dpHUE Gloss+ offers convenience and lower upfront cost but less depth, less durability, and less precision. Compared with a standard tinted conditioner, it deposits more visible pigment, though it also demands more caution around staining and timing.
The product suits people with dark or black hair who want to maintain tone between salon visits, stretch the life of a color service, or add temporary depth without a long-term commitment. It also works for anyone curious about darker hair who wants a low-stakes trial. It is less suitable for those seeking full gray coverage, a significant color change, or a result that lasts through weeks of washing. People with very light, bleached, or heavily compromised hair should approach it cautiously, and anyone unwilling to deal with gloves, timing, and potential staining may find the upkeep not worth the modest payoff.
Overall, dpHUE Gloss+ Black is a practical maintenance product with clear limits. It does what a color-depositing gloss is supposed to do, provided the user understands that it is a temporary refresh rather than a dye job. The results are subtle on dark hair, the fading is expected, and the staining risk is real. For the right user, that trade-off is reasonable; for the wrong one, it is an easy product to overestimate.