How to Get Shiny Hair with 10 Tips for a Glossy Finish

There’s something brilliant about glossy, light-reflecting hair: it speaks of health, confidence and luxury. There’s something undeniably captivating about glossy, light-reflecting hair. It speaks of health, confidence, and understated luxury. Read on as Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf reveals how to get shiny hair using the best products, tools and tricks.

1. Use a shine spray

A high quality shine spray is the ultimate finishing tool and the key to radiant locks. This product works to reflect light, adding a deep, lasting shine that leaves your hair looking and feeling amazing. We’d recommend using a solution like our GLOW Super Shine Spray which can be sprayed all over dry hair to add gloss without weighing down your locks. This product is designed to deliver instant luminosity while taming frizz, making it a must-have for a polished, mirror-like finish.

2. Hair glossing

Hair glossing is the new trend set to revolutionise your look. It works by penetrating the hair cuticle and coating it with reflective colour, creating a luminous super shine. You can achieve hair glossing with our GLAZE Range, available across our salons. As well as delivering a mirror-like glaze, the True Demi Toner works as a colour corrector and refresher, using sugar-cane derived squalane to leave hair moisturised and hydrated. Learn more: What is Hair Glossing

3. Protect against heat

Heat styling can damage your hair’s cuticles, stripping away its natural shine to create dull locks. To counteract this, always use a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist is the perfect tool, speeding up drying time by up to 50% whilst adding moisture and protecting against heat damage. Shake well to activate, then spray on hair before using heat styling.

4. Blast hair with cool air

A very simple yet effective trick to achieve shiny hair - finish your blow-dry with a boost of cool air. This helps to seal the hair cuticle, encouraging light to bounce off the surface for a sleeker appearance. A Cool Shot Button is a key feature of many hair dryers, including our HERØ Ionic Hair Dryer - not only does it create shine, but also secures your blowout in place. Designed with professional stylists in mind, the technology is lightweight, easy to use and dries hair fast. Find out more: Your Ultimate Guide to Party Perfect Hair with our New Professional Hair Dryer

5. Sleep on silk

Your cotton pillowcase could be sabotaging your shine. Cotton absorbs moisture and creates friction, which can cause breakage and dullness. Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase, as these help to preserve your hair’s natural oil and maintain smoothness overnight. Silk can also be used day-to-day in scrunchies, scarves, hats and more, as an alternative to products like wool and polyester.

6. Have a cold water rinse

Nothing feels better than a hot shower, but for this tip you’ll need to turn on the cold tap. Cool water can help to close the cuticle, locking in moisture and smoothing the surface of your locks for enhanced shine. If you can’t do an entire shower in the cold, at least end your shower with a cool, refreshing finish - your hair will thank you later. For more tips on how to keep your locks nourished, read our blog: How to Hydrate Your Hair

7. Use hair oils

Hair oils are a luxurious way to nourish your strands - a few drops can instantly boost shine, whilst softening and strengthening your hair. Our VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil uses a blend of three natural oils to create smooth, healthy-looking locks, with a lasting natural-shine finish. To use, just apply a small amount  to clean, damp hair and style as desired.

8. Have regular cuts

Split ends and uneven strands scatter light, rather than reflecting it. Staying on top of your hair cuts can keep your hair looking healthy and ensure your hair is gleaming from root to tip. Layered haircuts are one of the best styles to show off your new, radiant locks, as these catch the light to add a layer of depth and dimension. Read more about this style: 5 Reasons to Choose Layered Hairstyles with Curtain Bangs

9. Use moisturising products

Hydration is key to radiant hair. Moisturising shampoos, conditioners and hair masks help to replenish moisture, keeping the cuticle smooth and reflective. Our HYDRATE Moisture Mask combines ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein with crambe abyssinica seed oils to help retain moisture, add shine and give the appearance of healthier-looking locks. View our full range of nourishing products: HYDRATE Moisture Collection

10. Brush hair with a round brush

Using a round brush helps to smooth the hair shaft and add volume and shine. This is particularly important when blow-drying hair to create a sleek, salon-quality finish with a high-gloss effect. We’d recommend using a boar bristle brush, as these distribute your hair’s natural oils across your locks, creating a shine that flows through your locks.

Shiny hair isn’t just about appearance - it’s a reflection of health and care. By incorporating a few steps into our routine, you can transform dull strands into glossy, glowing hair. Browse our haircare solutions for dull hair: Hair Shine Products