Tricks for Shinier, Glossier Hair

Kiyah Wright, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Muze Hair, says to look to your hair texture to determine what products can help boost your shine. 

“If you have natural hair or your tresses air on the drier side, oil sheen sprays are your best bet,” she says. “These hair types can tolerate a heavier amount of oil without looking oversaturated or weighed down.”

On the other hand, if you have fine hair, then Wright says you might want to consider a sheen spray that emits a fine mist.

Wright says her favorite shine sprays are light and emit a fine-mist spray.

“The best oil-sheen spray for all hair types to achieve smooth and frizz-free strands is Wella Professionals EIMI Glam Shine Mist,” she says. “Besides smelling divine, this mist evenly coats your hair, leaving it glossy, and touchably-soft.”

Hair that’s both light and dark reads shinier to the eye than a flat field of one shade, says colorist and salon owner James Corbett. If your base is dark, ask your colorist for thin ribbons of a lighter hue. If you’re a blonde, consider low-lights. At home, try Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice ‘N Easy, a single-process treatment that delivers three subtle tones of a single shade.

Similar to the logic behind the flatiron, your hair is smoother and shinier when you seal the cuticle. Look for a product like Color Wow’s Dream Coat, which cloaks each strand of hair in a waterproof formula that is resistant to frizz and flyaway-causing humidity. Best part: It lasts up to three shampoos.

If your hair is in need of some serious gloss and shine, Wright says there’s one particular trick she favors, and she’s even used it on celebs like Kerry Washington.

“Try a shine-enhancing pre-treatment like Clairol Professional Jazzing in Clear,” she says. “This is a temporary hair color and sealant that goes on clear and locks in shine for strands from root to tip.” 

Want to add maximum gloss? Wright says you should apply the product before your shampoo and conditioner in order to “enhance your hair’s radiance, shine, and overall feel.”

Shiny hair is nourished hair, and hardy strands start at the roots. “I have my clients break open vitamin E capsules and rub the gel directly on the hairline,” says Softsheen-Carson stylist Johnny Wright, who works with First Lady Michelle Obama. The antioxidant increases circulation, which stimulates growth. An even easier option: using a vitamin E serum (available at drugstores).

Wright says the Tancho Tique Stick is an oldie-but-a-goodie product she always has on hand for celebrity clients.

“Perfect for smooth ponytails and sleek edges, this pomade in a stick is great for letting flyaways know who’s boss but it also keeps your hair looking shiny and perfectly styled,” she says. “Not only is it conveniently travel-friendly, but is also made with natural ingredients like lavender, which makes hair smell heavenly.”

Aggressive tugs with nylon bristles can actually increase breakage. Instead, use natural bristles — they distribute the oils in your hair, making it glossier. Try the pro-beloved Mason Pearson Brush, made with boar bristles.

Wright says sprays, oils, and sealants aren’t the only ways to achieve glossy hair.

“Hot tools can add some shine, too,” she says. “Whether your hair is fine or coarse, my top must-have tool for glorious, glossy strands is a Le Angelique 1″ – 2″ Flat Iron.”

Wright says she favors the flat iron because the tool’s rounded titanium bevel plates allow you to get close enough to your roots without burning your scalp. She added: “Like a magic wand, it’s the perfect tool to straighten and curl hair in just one swipe, but also leaves strands smooth and shiny.”

Because the word “gloss” is in the name, it seems remiss to not pick up the Kristin Ess Hair Signature Gloss Temporary Hair Color, right? The treatment comes in Crystal Quartz, meaning it goes on clear and is suitable for any hair color. Bonus: It’s silicone-free, ammonia-free, and lasts four to six weeks.