Claudia Winkleman’s £22 gloss — how to get shiny hair

When a celebrity mentions an affordable product, it often sends shoppers searching — and for good reason. Recent coverage noting that Claudia Winkleman relies on a £22 glossing product has prompted questions: how do such modestly priced formulas deliver salon-like shine, and how should they be used to avoid limp or greasy results? This guide breaks down what shiny hair really needs, offers a simple routine for different hair types and explains what to look for in a glossing product.

Why shine matters — and what creates it

Shine isn’t just cosmetic; it reflects the condition of the hair surface. Smooth cuticles lie flat and reflect light, while rough, raised cuticles scatter light, leaving hair dull. Products that boost shine do one of three things: smooth the cuticle, coat the hair shaft with refractive ingredients, or add moisture to plump the hair so it appears healthier.

Common shine-enhancing ingredients include lightweight oils (argan, jojoba), conditioning polymers and silicones (such as dimethicone) that form a glossy film, and humectants like panthenol that increase elasticity and smoothness. Many modern formulas balance these actives to add immediate gloss without heavy residue.

How to use a £22 glossing product — step-by-step routine

How you apply a glossing product will determine whether it flatters your hair or weighs it down. Follow these simple steps for a polished finish:

• Start with clean hair: A light clarifying wash once a week removes product build-up so glossing treatments shine brighter.
• Towel-blot gently: Remove excess water — damp hair holds lightweight serums well; heavy oils are best applied to dry hair sparingly.
• Dispense sparingly: For mid-lengths and ends, use a pea-sized amount for short hair, or a couple of drops for longer hair. Warm between palms before application.
• Apply strategically: Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness. Work from mid-length to ends, smoothing the hair surface with your palms or a wide-tooth comb.
• Use heat to seal (optional): A quick blast from a hairdryer or a low-temperature flat-iron can seal the product into the cuticle and amplify shine. Always use a heat protectant first.
• Style lightly: Finish with a shine spray if you want extra gloss for events — choose alcohol-free formulas to avoid dryness.

For fine hair, stick to water-based serums or sprays and avoid heavy oils. For thicker or frizzy hair, lightweight oils and silicone-based serums can tame flyaways and add long-lasting shine.

Choosing the right glossing formula

When a product lands in the mid-price bracket — around £22 — manufacturers often balance effective actives with pleasant texture and fragrance. To choose a formula that suits your hair, consider these pointers:

• Hair type: Fine hair benefits from sprays or light serums; coarse or chemically treated hair can handle richer oils and silicone blends.
• Ingredients to favour: Panthenol for shine and elasticity; lightweight oils (argan, marula) for nourishment without heaviness; polyglyceryl esters and dimethicones for smoothness and light reflectivity.
• Ingredients to avoid: High concentrations of heavy mineral oils if you’re prone to limp hair. Also be cautious with denatured alcohols that can dry over time.
• Use-case: Consider whether you want an everyday finish, a pre-styling serum, or a treatment gloss for weekly use; many products are designed specifically for one of these roles.

Salon gloss treatments and demi-permanent glosses provide a different effect — they can alter tone and deliver longer-lasting shine but are best performed professionally. Home glossing serums and sprays are a quick, cost-effective way to mimic that smooth, reflective finish.

Takeaway

Celebrity endorsements can highlight a product, but shine comes down to the right formula and correct application. Use a targeted amount on mid-lengths and ends, choose a product matched to your hair type, and combine with regular clarifying and protective routines for the best results. A well-chosen £22 gloss can indeed lift dull hair — if used with technique.