Everything You Need To Know About Shine Spray [The Ultimate Guide]
If you’re tired of dull or lackluster hair, shine spray is your ticket to glossy, healthy-looking tresses. Shine spray illuminates your hair color, adds brilliant gleam and shine, and smoothes down flyaways and frizz.
Ready to transform your tresses from lifeless to luminous? Read on to find out how to make your hair shine like a diamond.
What is Shine Spray?
Shine spray is a frizz-fighting finishing spray. It gives styled hair an instant boost of light-catching sparkle and reflective shine. It also tames static, flyaways and frizz. The result is touchably soft, silky hair with a beautiful glossy sheen.
When it comes to shine-boosting products, you have tons of options to choose from. No matter your hair type, you can find the perfect shine spray to give you the glossy, glowy look you want!
What Is The Difference Between Shine Spray and Hairspray?
It’s easy to confuse shine spray and hairspray. Both products smooth flyaways, tame frizz, and give your hair glossy shine! The difference is the main purpose for each product. Hairspray is designed to keep your style in place for longer, while also adding some shine and gleam to your hair. Shine spray gives your hair a more intense boost of shine but adds minimal hold.
If you want to extend the life of your hairstyle, reach for hairspray. For an extra-shiny, polished finish, shine spray is your hair’s best friend! (If you want maximum shine AND hold, it’s okay to use hairspray and shine spray together-- just start with small amounts of each product to avoid weighing your hair down.)
What Is The Difference Between Shine Spray and Shine Serum?
Shiny hair is always on point… and there are hundreds of products designed to add shine to your hair. It can be tricky to tell the difference between serums, oils, glosses, sprays and other shine-boosting options.
Simply put, shine serums are oil-based, while shine sprays can be either alcohol- or oil-based. Serums are usually heavier, making them a great choice for people with curly, extra-dry or damaged hair. (Choose a serum with nourishing ingredients such as antioxidants and jojoba oil.) Shine serums can be found in spray form, or as a cream that you work into your hair with your hands.
Oil-based serums can take away volume from fine hair or make thin hair look greasy. For this reason, fine-haired people are better off choosing a weightless shine spray that lightly coats the hair with a delicate reflective mist.
Whether you choose a shine spray or a shine serum, don’t go overboard! Start with a dime-sized amount (for a creamy serum) or a light all-over spritz (for a spray). You can always add more product until you get the shine you want.
What Does Shine Spray Do For Your Hair?
Shine spray gives dull hair an instant boost of luminous, mirror-like shine. Reflective agents in the shine spray cause light to bounce off your hair. This makes your hair color appear brighter and more vibrant and gives your locks a healthier appearance.
Shine spray also smooths down flyaways, tames frizz and reduces static. It’s the perfect finishing touch for any style, from straight hair to Hollywood curls to a sleek ballerina bun.
Unlike oil-based serums, shine spray doesn’t weigh down hair or make it greasy. The weightless, airy mist leaves hair brilliant and glowing. This makes it a great choice for all hair types, including oily or baby-fine hair.
How Do I Use Shine Spray?
To use a shine spray, hold the can 6-8 inches away from your head and mist the product all over your dry, styled hair. You can also apply shine spray to your hands and pat it gently onto the surface of your hair.
Here are some of the best ways to style your hair with shine spray:
Get Swept Away
For a carefree wind-blown effect, use shine spray with your blow dryer to create depth and definition. Start with dry hair and roughly blow-dry it on the “cold” or “cool shot” setting while applying shine spray all over.
Don’t worry about being too perfect-- you want to look natural and slightly ruffled. The shine spray will give you a glossy finish and prevent fly-aways.
Pair your windswept hair with your favorite trench coat for a chic street-style look!
Add Polish to Ultra-Sleek Hair
Sleek, shiny straight hair adds a hint of sexy glam to any outfit, from ripped jeans to a cocktail dress. The key to nailing this versatile look? Apply a lightweight shine spray to your hair after flat ironing. This adds glassy shine to your style. If your hair is prone to flyaways, apply a small amount of shine spray to a clean toothbrush and gently smooth down any stray pieces.
Give Your Glam Waves Extra Gleam
Glossy, red-carpet waves are a perfect look for an evening event or dinner out. It’s important to add a boost of shine to your waves without weighing them down (and undoing all your hard work with the curling iron).
After curling your hair with a 1.5” barrel iron, apply an all-over blast of weightless, fine-mist shine spray. This will help your gorgeous waves catch and reflect light for a luminous, shimmery finish. Shine spray also fights frizz and flyaways to keep your curls smooth and flawless all night.
Rock a Slicked-Back Bun
Elegant and impossibly chic, a slicked-back bun adds polish to your outfit in just minutes. This style is great for bringing out your best facial features and drawing attention to your makeup.
To get this runway-ready bun, start by spritzing your hair with shine spray to add a luminous sheen. Then brush your hair straight back and secure it in a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. (Try leaning your head back if you need to brush out any bumps.)
Twist your hair around the base of your ponytail and pin your bun into place. Finish with hairspray for maximum hold or another spritz of shine spray for extra gleam.
Finish an Updo with Luminous Shimmer
A super-shiny look is great for daytime styles… but that may not be what you want for a chignon or curled upstyle. To add just a touch of light-catching sparkle (without making your head look like a disco ball), try misting shine spray onto your fingers instead of spraying your updo directly.
Gently brush your fingertips along the hair at the crown of your head and around your face, smoothing down any stray hairs as you go. Make sure to apply the product in the same direction as your hair is styled to avoid disturbing the final look.
Is Shine Spray Good for All Hair Types?
Shine spray is a must-have styling product for every hair type. Whether your tresses are prone to dullness, frizz or oiliness, shine spray can give you the healthy and radiant look you desire.
Here’s how to select and use a shine spray for your hair type:
Shine Spray for Fine Hair
Making fine hair shiny can feel like a balancing act. Fine hair becomes limp and lackluster easily… and oil-based products can actually make fine hair look duller.
Don’t worry, you can achieve a glossy sheen without making your fine hair limp or flat! Look for an alcohol-based (not oil-based) shine spray with an ultra-fine mist. The right product will feel weightless on your hair and create natural-looking shine with no wet patches.
Shine Spray for Oily Hair
If your hair tends to get greasy, you might be tempted to skip shine spray altogether and reach for your trusty can of dry shampoo. But oily hair can still look dull, and shine spray is essential to creating a look of all-over brightness.
Skip the heavy serums and oil-based sprays, and look for a weightless shine spray that contains quick-drying denatured alcohol. Choose a sheer, fine mist to lightly and evenly coat your hair.
Avoid applying shine spray directly to your roots. Instead, spray your hair from mid-shaft to ends, then apply shine spray to your crown with your fingers. This lets you control the amount of product you apply and focus it on the parts of your hair that catch the light.
Shine Spray for Dull Hair
Shine spray is the fastest way to make dull hair look glossy, shiny and healthy. It contains reflective agents that bounce light off your hair, creating a brilliant finish. If you struggle with frizz or static, shine spray also keeps your hair smooth and soft.
Shine Spray for Curly Hair
Oil-based sheen sprays or shine serums are the best choice for natural curls, especially if your hair is also thick and dry. Textured hair needs the moisture from heavier oils. Look for natural oils such as argan, coconut or jojoba to nourish and hydrate your strands.
Shine Spray for Wavy Hair
If your hair is wavy (or fine and curly), look for a lighter oil spray that will moisturize your hair without dragging it down.
Is Shine Spray Good for All Hair Colors?
Shine spray is an essential styling product that works for all hair colors! We all want glossy, healthy-looking hair, but certain hair colors are especially prone to dullness. If your hair is color-treated, gray, or blond, read on to discover the benefits of shine spray for your hair color.
Shine Spray for Color-Treated Hair
Bring out the luster in your beautiful hair color! The chemicals in bleach and hair dye can strip moisture from your hair, causing it to look drab and lifeless. Illuminate your color or bring out the light in your highlights with shine spray. Lightweight shine spray causes light to reflect off your hair for vibrant color and glossy shine. It also smooths down any flyaways or frizz that may be caused by damage from coloring your hair.
Shine Spray for Gray Hair
Yes, you can make your gray (or white) hair lustrous and shiny! Whether your hair is color-treated or all-natural, gray hair sometimes looks dry and dull. The right shine spray can transform your hair from lackluster gray to gleaming silver in seconds. Apply shine spray after styling your hair for a glossy, polished finish and frizz-free smoothness.
Shine Spray for Blond Hair
Brighten your blond hair and give it a luminous glow! Go for a weightless, non-greasy shine spray (especially if your hair is also fine). It’s the perfect way to finish off all your styles while fighting static and frizz.
Can I Use Shine Spray Before or After Straightening?
It’s best to use shine spray after straightening your hair. This adds polish and gleam to your hair for an ultra-sleek, glossy look. Shine spray also tames frizz and smooths down fly-aways to give you a perfectly straight and shiny style.
How Do I Make My Dull Hair Shiny?
Glossy, shiny hair is a huge confidence booster. It instantly takes any outfit up a notch and makes you appear polished and put-together (even on those mornings when you’re running to catch the bus).
A salon blowout or gloss treatment is one way to get shiny hair, but there are lots of ways to make dull hair shiny at home!
Causes of Dull Hair
Many different things can strip moisture from your hair: color treatment, heat styling, windy or hot weather, harsh chemicals in styling products, chlorinated water and more. When your hair is dry or damaged, the outer cuticles become rough and do not reflect light. This leads to a dull, lackluster appearance.
We often try to battle dullness by excessively using heat tools to create short-term shine. Unfortunately, this can cause even more damage over time. There are better ways to support long-term hair health and bring out your hair’s natural luster while also getting shiny hair fast. Read on to discover 7 easy tips for making dull hair shiny.
Lather, Rinse, Rinse
Luxurious, silky hair starts in the shower! Over-washing and under-rinsing are two major causes of dull hair. If you currently wash your hair every day, try extending the time between washes to 2-3 days. This lets your hair retain more of its natural shine-promoting oils.
When you do wash your hair, use a small amount of shampoo and rinse it out thoroughly. Shampoo residue is a secret shine killer!
Grab a Glossing Conditioner
Heavy, ultra-moisturizing conditioners can weigh your hair down. Instead, apply a glossing conditioner and keep it in your hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. A final rinse of cold water will seal your hair’s cuticle and reduce frizz. Finish off by gently patting your hair dry with a microfiber towel or soft cotton t-shirt. Avoid aggressive rubbing, which can aggravate your hair’s cuticle and cause breakage.
Remove Product Buildup
Residue from styling products, along with dirt and pollutants from your surroundings, can build up on your scalp over time and make your hair lackluster. There are two quick ways to deep clean your hair and remove product buildup: with an apple cider vinegar rinse or a clarifying shampoo.
Apple cider vinegar contains natural antioxidants and probiotics, and it’s easily found at your local grocery store. Just mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and pour it over your hair after shampooing. This not only removes product residue, it also boosts shine by smoothing the hair’s cuticle.
Another good option for removing product buildup is to use a clarifying shampoo once a week. This will deep clean your hair and scalp. Clarifying shampoos can be drying, so make sure to deep-condition your locks right after washing with a clarifying shampoo.
Note: If your hair is color-treated, check with your stylist before using a clarifying product to avoid stripping your color.
Always, Always Use a Heat Protectant Spray
Blow drying and/or flat ironing your locks temporarily flattens the cuticle for instant glossy shine. However, heat tools can actually cause damage and dullness over time. Heat protectant spray should always be the first step in your heat styling routine, as it minimizes the damage to your hair strands.
For a healthy and shiny blowout, apply a heat protectant spray to your damp hair and let your hair air dry 80% of the way before blow drying. An ionic blow dryer is best for maximum shine and minimum damage. Finish off with a blast of cold air to seal the cuticle for extra shine.
Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Hair Mask
Give your hair a boost of moisture and nourishment with a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning treatment. Simply apply the mask or conditioner, comb through your hair, and wait for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
For a natural at-home gloss treatment, massage coconut oil into your hair and leave it overnight. Wash your hair in the morning (no conditioner needed) and allow it to air-dry. You’ll be amazed by your silky-smooth locks!
Choose a Natural-Bristle Hairbrush
The best hairbrush to enhance your hair’s natural shine is an ethically sourced natural bristle brush. Brushing your hair distributes the oil from your scalp to the rest of your hair. This prevents greasy roots AND adds shine to your ends-- double win!
Get Shiny Hair Fast With Shine Spray
Shine spray is the quickest way to add brilliant, intense shine to dull hair. It coats the hair with a fine, weightless mist that reflects the light. This gives your hair a beautiful shimmer and radiant glow. As a bonus, shine spray also fights flyaways and frizz (two common problems for dull hair)! For an instant boost of shine, apply shine spray all over your dry hair after styling.
How Do I Make My Hair Shiny But Not Greasy?
Adding shine to your hair is a tricky balance. It’s tempting to load up on heavy oils and serums, but overusing these products can make your hair look dirty and greasy (especially if you have naturally oily hair to begin with).
Instead, use a natural bristle brush to distribute your scalp’s natural oils from your roots to your ends. If you choose to blow dry your hair, point your dryer downwards so that the air flows in the direction of your cuticle (from root to tip). This causes the outer cuticle to dry flat and smooth, giving you a beautiful reflective shine.
Finish off with a weightless, non-greasy shine spray. Look for an ultra-fine mist that lightly coats your hair. Alcohol-based shine sprays are better than oil-based sprays or serums for oily hair. Apply shine spray all over your hair after styling for a brilliant, shimmery finish.
Can I Use Shine Spray Every Day?
It’s totally okay to use a shine spray on your hair every day! Shine spray is the easiest way to get brilliant, sparkling hair. It’s the perfect finishing touch for every hairstyle, from curls to a sleek ponytail. Be sure to choose a quality product to avoid drying out your delicate strands.
Will Shine Spray Leave a Film In My Hair?
It depends. Most shine sprays are either oil-based or alcohol-based. Oil-based sprays are best for dry, curly hair that can absorb the extra moisture. If you use an oil-based shine spray on fine hair, you risk leaving a film in your hair.
Alcohol-based sprays dry and evaporate quickly, making them a better choice for fine or oily hair types. To avoid leaving wet spots or a greasy film in your hair, choose a fine-mist shine spray that lightly coats your strands. Apply shine spray sparingly until you achieve your desired effect.
Another way to get glossy (not greasy) hair is to mist shine spray onto your palms and use your hands to apply the product to the just the surface layer of your hair. This will help you control the application and make your hair catch the light in all the right places. For the most face-flattering effect, apply shine spray to your hair at the crown of your head and around your face.
Is Shine Spray Bad For Hair?
Shine spray is not bad for hair, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind. Using oil-based shine sprays on the regular can cause product buildup on your hair and scalp. This can actually lead to dull hair over time. If you use an oil-based shine spray or serum, make sure to balance it out with a weekly clarifying treatment.
Alcohol-based shine sprays leave less residue in your hair, but the alcohol can be drying. Make sure to avoid shine sprays containing Ethanol alcohol, which strips moisture from your strands and causes damage.
AIIR Shine Spray is a hair-friendly option for an instant shine boost AND long-term hair health. It contains mica for shimmer and Lion’s Mane mushroom extract for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Plus, it’s free of parabens, sulfates and gluten to keep your mane silky-smooth, glossy and healthy.
What Is The Best Shine Spray?
AIIR Shine Spray is the best shine spray. The weightless, ultra-fine mist gives your hair an instant boost of glossy, beautiful shine. It smooths down flyaway strands and tames frizz for a sleek, polished finish. Apply AIIR Shine Spray to dry, styled hair to make your locks shine like satin.
This mica-infused shine mist lightly coats your strands without leaving a film or greasy residue. Mica naturally attracts and reflects light, giving your hair a luminous veil of shine. AIIR Shine Spray is also infused with Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that supports brain health and emotional well-being.
Best of all, AIIR Shine Spray is vegan, cruelty free, and made without parabens or sulfates. AIIR Shine Spray is the best holistic shine spray for glossy hair, a joyful spirit and a healthier planet.
