Claudia Winkleman’s go-to for glossy hair: what to know

Celebrity hair “secrets” have long fuelled beauty headlines, but the most useful takeaways usually aren’t about a specific bargain buy — they’re about the hair principles behind the shine. A recent Mirror shopping piece spotlights Claudia Winkleman’s “go-to” for glossy-looking hair in a £9 deal, with comments from a shopper who says it helped their hair feel smoother and look shinier after heat and pool time.

Rather than treating any single product as a magic fix, it’s worth understanding what creates a glossy finish in the first place — and what your hair actually needs if you’re battling holiday dryness, chlorine or sun exposure. Below, we break down the practical haircare lessons readers can apply immediately, with a UK salon-minded approach that works across hair types and budgets.

What “glossy locks” really means (and why it’s often about surface care)

In hair terms, “gloss” is mostly a light-reflection game. Hair looks shinier when the cuticle (the outer layer) lies flatter, allowing light to bounce evenly. When the cuticle is raised or roughened — from heat styling, colouring, UV exposure, hard water minerals, or chlorinated pools — light scatters and hair appears dull.

That’s why many stylists focus on:

• Cuticle smoothing (conditioning agents, film-formers, silicones or botanical oils depending on the formula)
• Moisture balance (hydration + sealing so hair doesn’t feel fluffy or straw-like)
• Gentle cleansing (so the hair isn’t left squeaky-clean and rough)
• Heat management (temperature control and protection to reduce surface damage)

In other words, a “glossy hair” product typically works by helping hair feel smoother to the touch and look more reflective — especially on mid-lengths and ends. For a lot of people, this is most noticeable when hair has been stressed by heat, summer weather, or swimming.

Holiday hair realities: heat, pool water and why shine disappears fast

The Mirror summary includes a very common scenario: hair that’s been through “heat and pool” and comes out feeling rough, dry or frizzy. Chlorine and frequent wetting/drying can leave hair feeling more porous, and sun exposure can increase fade and dryness — particularly for colour-treated hair. While everyone’s hair responds differently, it’s a familiar salon complaint at the end of summer or after a warm-weather break.

Practical steps that hairdressers often recommend to help preserve softness and shine during travel include:

• Pre-wet your hair before swimming, then apply a light conditioner through lengths (hair that’s already wet may absorb less pool water).
• Rinse immediately after and avoid leaving hair to dry salty or chlorinated.
• Use a weekly deeper conditioning mask (especially if you’ve been blow-drying more).
• Keep heat simple: air-dry where possible; if blow-drying, use moderate heat and finish with a cooler blast for surface smoothness.

What you can do next: if you’ve got a holiday (or gym swim) coming up, pack one conditioning “workhorse” and one lightweight finishing product — and commit to rinsing hair straight after swimming. It’s unglamorous, but it helps.

How to choose a shine-boosting product without falling for hype

Celebrity mentions and “deal” headlines can be fun, but a better way to shop is to match a shine product to your hair’s behaviour. If hair is fine and gets greasy easily, a heavy oil may weigh it down; if hair is thick, curly, bleached or naturally dry, a richer formula may be exactly what makes it look polished.

When scanning labels or product descriptions, consider these guideposts:

• If your hair feels rough after washing: look for conditioning agents and smoothing ingredients designed for slip and detangling.
• If frizz is the main issue: prioritise humidity-resistance and lightweight sealing on the outer layer.
• If hair is colour-treated: aim for gentle cleansing and consistent conditioning; many stylists also suggest minimising high heat to keep colour looking glossy.
• If scalp gets oily but ends are dry: keep heavier products off the roots and concentrate on mid-lengths to ends.

It’s also worth remembering that “shine” can be created in the styling step: a tidy blow-dry technique, the right brush tension, and finishing with a small amount of serum or cream can all make a bigger visual difference than swapping shampoos every week.

Salon-grade shine at home: the technique matters as much as the product

Glossy hair is often portrayed as an expensive result, but the day-to-day mechanics are surprisingly accessible. Many UK stylists teach clients to focus on application and rinse habits — because even an excellent conditioner won’t perform well if it’s not distributed properly or rinsed inconsistently.

Try this simple, repeatable “shine routine”:

• Shampoo twice if you use lots of styling product: first cleanse lifts build-up; second cleanse actually cleans the hair.
• Condition thoroughly from ears down; detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• Rinse well (lukewarm is fine), then finish with a brief cooler rinse if you like the feel — it can help hair lie flatter for some people.
• Blot, don’t scrub with a towel to reduce surface roughness.
• Use a pea-sized amount of finishing product on ends first, then whatever’s left on mid-lengths.

If you’re after a glass-like finish, the most reliable “pro” trick is controlled drying: direct airflow down the hair shaft, keep the nozzle moving, and avoid over-drying the ends. A shine serum at the end should look like a subtle polish — not a coating.

Key Takeaways

• Glossy hair is usually about a smoother cuticle that reflects light, not a single miracle product.
• Heat, sun and pool water can leave hair feeling more porous; rinsing promptly and conditioning consistently helps.
• Choose shine products based on your hair type (fine vs thick, oily roots vs dry ends) to avoid heaviness or greasiness.
• Application technique matters: condition properly, handle hair gently, and apply finishers only where needed.
• Your next step: build a simple two-product plan for travel or swimming—one for conditioning, one for finishing—then stick to it for two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do shine serums work on all hair types?
Generally, yes — but the best formula and amount varies. Fine hair often needs a lighter texture and very small quantities, while thicker or textured hair typically tolerates richer products better on the lengths.

Why does my hair look dull even when it feels soft?
Dullness can come from surface build-up (styling products, minerals in hard water) or from a raised cuticle. A clarifying wash occasionally, followed by a good conditioner, can help restore reflection for many people.

Is chlorine the main reason hair feels rough after swimming?
Chlorine can be a factor for some swimmers, alongside frequent wetting/drying and tangling. Many stylists suggest pre-wetting hair, rinsing immediately after, and using conditioner consistently on lengths.

Should I apply oils or serums to wet or dry hair for maximum shine?
It depends on the product. Many people find a small amount on damp hair helps with smoothness during drying, while a tiny amount on dry hair gives the most visible “polish”. Start with less than you think you need.

Can I get glossy hair without heat styling?
Yes. Smoothing results often come from gentle towel-drying, careful detangling, consistent conditioning and a light finishing product. If you do use heat, moderate temperature and good technique typically help hair look shinier.