We all know that one of the key factors that makes hair appear healthy is the shine. Not only does it enhance your hair colour, but it's also exactly what keeps it looking full of life, and don't even get me started on how it can absolutely transform the way your hair looks in photos.
Of course, ultimately, your hair's natural shine usually depends on various factors, like the extent to which it's been damaged or the way you choose to style it. But what if I told you that there's a whole other product category that can help give it an extra boost? Meet shine sprays—AKA, the conditioning and gloss-boosting formulas that are usually applied over-the-top of freshly styled hair. Personally, I like to call them the 'unsung heroes' of my haircare routine, the kind that gives my hair a little oomph in a matter of seconds.
In fact, I'd even go as far as to say that, since using them consistently over the past month, my hair has never looked better. Case in point: just last week, my friend was quizzing me whether or not I'd treated myself to a keratin treatment.
So, in the spirit of putting a stop to gatekeeping our beauty secrets, I've put together an edit of some of my go-to formulas. Below, you'll find the shine sprays that I've repeatedly waxed lyrical about and have personally been recommended to use by some of the top hair stylists in the game.
Plus, I've also taken the time to interview Samantha Cusick, hairstylist and founder of her namesake London salons, to share her insight on how to find a formula that suits you best.
What Are Shine Sprays?
"I always think of shine sprays like the topcoat on my manicure. They give the hair that instant gloss that makes everything look more polished and expensive. They definitely up the shine, but only if the hair underneath is healthy," says Cusick.
"If someone is struggling with dullness from hard water at home, even the best shine spray has its limits," she adds.
With that in mind, she recommends investing in a quality shower head filter: "I always remind clients that a Hello Klean shower head makes the biggest difference because it stops mineral build-up from sitting on the hair and stealing that light-reflecting glow."
How Do Shine Sprays Work?
"Most styling products [like hair serums, hair oils or volumising products] focus on hold, moisture or texture. Meanwhile, shine sprays are all about light reflection. They usually contain lightweight silicones or smoothing ingredients that sit on the surface of the hair and create a glossy, mirror-like finish without weighing it down," she explains.
"A good shine spray should enhance the finish without making the hair look greasy or heavy. I always say that shine sprays work best on hair that already has a smooth base. When the hair is repaired, the ingredients in a shine spray can really do their job," Cusick says.
How to Use a Shine-Boosting Spray
Below, Cusick shares a comprehensive step-by-step process on how to make sure you're using the shine spray correctly.
Start with hair that is fully dry, as shine spray on damp hair can make it look flat.
1. Always prep the hair first. If you live in a hard water area, use a shower filter so you are working with the cleanest canvas.
2. If your shine spray is meant to be used on damp hair, apply it after using a leave-in conditioner.
3. Style your hair as usual.
3. If your shine spray is meant to be used on dry hair, hold the shine spray about 30cm from the head and mist lightly. Think a fine veil (never a heavy coat).
4. Use your hands to gently polish the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the roots unless you want a very sleek look.
5. For maximum glow, finish with one drop of a hair oil on the ends. It seals everything in without adding weight.
Best Shine Sprays, Tried and Tested
- Best Overall: Colorwow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, £27
- Best for a Glossy Finish: TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Ultra-Gloss Spray, £10
- Best Multi-Tasking Formula:
1. Colorwow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Every in-the-know beauty lover associates Colorwow Dream Coat Spray with shine, and with good reason. Formulated to coat your damp hair before blow-drying, it helps prevent frizz and leaves it looking nice and shiny post-styling. The best part? It doesn't weigh your hair down at all, and it's an absolute must to have at hand during the rainy season.
2. TREemmé Lamellar Shine Ultra-Gloss Spray
When it comes to affordable yet high-quality haircare, TRESemmé products are unmatched. My favourite range has to be the Lamellar Shine line-up, which does exactly what it promises on the bottle: delivers high-gloss shine and a silky smooth finish. This spray, in particular, is a great multitasker, thanks to its ability to smooth the surface of your hair while locking out humidity and frizz, all while offering heat protection.
3. Beauty Works 10-in-1 Miracle Heat Protect Spray
After a spray that acts as both a quick treatment and a heat protectant spray? Say less. This 10-in-1 formula from Beauty Works does exactly that and more. Infused with argan and macadamia oils, it helps condition the hair with ease, as well as encourages shine and creates a sleek finish. And if that wasn't enough, it's also quite reasonably priced, too.
4. Colorwow Money Mist
While it's technically a leave-in conditioning spray, trust me when I tell you that apart from making your hair feel silky-smooth, it doesn't compromise on the shine. Unlike other formulas I've tried, this formula genuinely feels like water and doesn't make your hair feel sticky or greasy as a result. On the contrary, it's incredibly lightweight, making it a great hybrid product.
5. got2b Got Gloss Hair Spray
I've tried my fair share of budget-friendly haircare, and one brand that never lets me down is got2b. I'm already a huge fan of the original hairspray, but trust me when I tell you that one of the brand's most underrated gems is this gloss-enhancing spray. Apart from helping fix your style, it also delivers heat protection for hair from up to 230°C, making it perfectly suitable to use alongside any hot tool.
6. Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray
In the world of haircare, Moroccanoil is a brand that's become synonymous with nourishment, and for good reason. Featuring a featherlight formula, this spray in particular has been formulated to offer lasting shine and a smoothing finish. In keeping with the rest of the brand's products, it's boosted with a plethora of hardworking antioxidants, vitamins and argan oil, making it especially handy for damaged hair.
7. GHD Shiny Ever After
As someone who's tried just about every GHD product, I can confidently say that the Shiny Ever After spray may be my most re-purchased one to date, and deservedly so. This finishing spray goes on like a fine mist, helping smooth any flyaways, control static and enhance your hair's natural shine. Personally, I opt for it whenever I'm recreating bouncy Hollywood waves or any voluminous 'do.
8. Colorwow Mist-ical Shine Spray
This might be the third Colorwow product on this list, but this is a brand that really does know shine. I'm very particular about finishing hairsprays; however, as far as shine-boosting formulas go, I always find myself going back to the Colorwow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray. I love that it doesn't make my hair feel crunchy or dry at all. Rather, it only adds to the nourishment while enhancing the glossy finish. Like most Colorwow products I've tried, it feels incredibly lightweight too, which is always a plus in my book.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
