I Have Chronically Dull Hair—These 10 Shine Sprays Changed That
The glossiest finish ever, coming right up.
In college, my hair was so dull (lots of heat damage, honey). At the time, I tried oils and serums, but they just left my fine hair feeling weighed down. Now? My hair is the glossiest it's ever been—and it's strictly because I now know that shine sprays exist.
"A shine spray is really the finishing touch that makes hair look healthy, polished, and more expensive overall. It helps reflect light beautifully, smooth flyaways, tame frizz, and instantly gives the hair a softer, glossier look," explains celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh. "Even the simplest hairstyle can look more elevated with a little shine."
Seriously: If you want hair that looks like you've been taking your fish oil supplements, a shine spray is the way to go. It makes hair look healthier and stronger, doesn't leave any grit or residue behind, and more often than not, smells incredible.
Ahead, discover 10 of my very favorite shine sprays that'll help your hair catch the light.
The Shine Sprays I Always Reach For
My hair is pretty fine, which means less is more when it comes to product application. "I think almost everyone can benefit from a shine spray, it’s just about using the right amount for your hair type," Josh explains. "They’re especially great for anyone dealing with dullness, dryness, or frizz. If you have very fine or oily hair, I would just recommend applying lightly and focusing on the mid-lengths and ends instead of the roots."
A true refresher for lackluster strands, Sparkling Soda is an ultra-fine mist formulated with vitamin C to brighten dull hair, a UV-protectant complex to shield against environmental damage, and Brazilian pracaxi oil to promote resilience. I love that it can be sprayed right on dry hair for a boost of shine and UV protection before heading out into the summer sunshine. I recently spritzed before a baseball game and felt no need whatsoever for a cap.
Making its way from Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi line (the wild ginger has long been grown, hand harvested, and dried on the brand's farm in Hawaii), this smooth, lightweight mist is great for all hair types, adding luminous shine to finished styles for a healthy-looking finish (and tropical ginger-green tea mango scent!) any time you need it.
Expert-Approved Selections
Of course, Josh has some favorite shine sprays of his own. He has tips to use them, too. "I like to spray from a distance so you get an even mist rather than too much product in one spot," he explains. "Shine sprays are amazing as a finishing step after a blowout, sleek ponytail, or any polished style because they help the hair catch the light in a really beautiful way. I also love using them on second-day hair to bring some life and softness back into the style."
Josh "really loves" the Goldwell StyleSign Shine Spray because it gives hair a healthy, glossy finish without feeling sticky or heavy. "It keeps the hair soft, touchable, and full of movement while still making it look polished and smooth," he notes. "It instantly elevates the overall look of the hair and adds that effortless shine that makes a style feel more finished."
Another of Josh's favorites: KMS Allsmooth Weightless Anti-Frizz Serum. "It helps smooth frizz and flyaways while adding softness and lightweight shine without making the hair feel heavy," he says.
Heat-Activated Picks
While I love the "spray it whenever you need it" adaptability of most shine sprays, there is something about heat-activated versions that really up the ante. Spray these on your damp hair, then add tension while drying to see that gleam come to life.
This cult-favorite spray really is as great as everyone says. Color Wow describes it as a "water-repellent raincoat" for your strands, working to deflect humidity while it protects against heat. If you want glass hair, this is how to get it.
Last year, I had the pleasure of touring Maria Nila's Stockholm HQ. You would not believe the amount of great, shiny hair inside that townhouse. A newer launch from the iconic Swedish brand, Gloss Coat works best when activated with heat after a shower. It'll provide up to four days of shine, frizz, and humidity protection while protecting your hair from the very same heat that's gonna make it so glossy in the first place.
Drugstore Favorites
It is entirely possible to shine a ton while paying just a little. These drugstore buys really do the trick when it comes to shine spray styling power and cost $15 or less.
Did you know daily UV exposure can cause up to four times more hair protein damage than equivalent heat styling? Dove does, so they made you this spray to counteract it. You can apply it directly to damp or dry hair and appreciate the support and high-gloss finish.
Shine bright like a...you know the rest. Ringing up at less than $10, this blow-dry-to-activate spray provides up to 100 hours of frizz-free, sleek, and diamond-like shiny hair.
Time to Sparkle
Let's finish things out with some shine sprays that really, really bring the shimmer. Just remember Josh's advice: "less is definitely more" when it comes to application.
Davines' aptly named "This Is a Shimmering Mist" was originally a rec from Marie Claire Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender. Then, Beauty Editor Siena Gagliano tried it and called it a "miracle spray." A double sign off?! (Now triple, with me!) That, dolls, is how you know it's really good. Formulated specifically to help your hair reflect the light, it leaves strands super sleek and has a nice fruity scent. Yum.
"Glossing" is a great word, too. Unite's 7Seconds Glossing Spray adds tons of shine to your hair while also featuring UV protection via sunflower seed extract (which will also promote hair elasticity). Meanwhile, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins strengthen and condition your precious strands.
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Meet the Expert
Harry Josh is a world-renowned celebrity hairstylist, famous for working with icons like Gisele Bündchen, Cindy Crawford, and Karlie Kloss. His work has graced countless magazine covers, and he is recognized as one of the most influential stylists in the beauty industry.
