How to Get Claudia Winkleman‑Style Shine Without the Frizz

Claudia Winkleman’s glossy, swish-ready hair is practically a character in its own right. So it’s no surprise that a recent retail story spotlighting a “secret” shine-and-frizz product—reported as heavily purchased over the last month—has prompted a familiar question: what actually makes hair look shiny and behave better in humidity, and how can you recreate that finish without relying on hype?

While celebrity hair often benefits from skilled blow-dries, careful heat styling and the right finishing products, “shiny, frizz-free” results usually come down to a few repeatable principles: a smoother cuticle, balanced moisture, less friction, and smart heat protection. Below, we break down what “shine sprays” and similar finishers can (and can’t) do in real life, and the salon-grade habits that make shine last beyond the first five minutes of leaving the house.

What “shine” really means (and why frizz happens)

Hair looks shiny when it reflects light evenly. That tends to happen when the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) lies flatter. If the cuticle is raised or rough—often due to dryness, over-styling, bleaching, or even aggressive towel-drying—light scatters and the hair reads as dull.

Frizz, meanwhile, is typically a texture-and-humidity issue. Many stylists explain it as hair seeking moisture from the environment: if the fibre is dehydrated or porous, it’s more likely to swell and lose its smooth shape when the air is damp. Porous hair (common after colour, highlights, or frequent heat) is also more prone to flyaways and a “halo” of fuzz.

• Smooth cuticle = more shine: achieved by gentle cleansing, conditioning, and controlled heat styling.
• Lower friction = less frizz: reduced by better drying habits, silk/satin at night, and careful brushing.
• Humidity management: helped by film-formers (often found in anti-frizz products) and good finishing technique.

Shine sprays and finishing mists: what to expect (and what to watch for)

The Mirror story highlights a shine/frizz-finishing spray as a “secret” behind a sleek look, noting strong recent sales. In beauty terms, this category usually works by laying down a very fine veil of light-reflecting ingredients (often silicones, lightweight oils, or conditioning polymers) that make strands appear smoother and glossier.

Used well, a shine spray can be a brilliant finisher—the last step after styling to reduce static and add radiance on camera or under indoor lighting. But it isn’t a substitute for conditioning, nor is it a permanent fix for damage. Many pros also caution that applying too much too close to the roots can make hair look limp or greasy, particularly on finer UK hair textures that are easily weighed down.

Practical next step: If you use a shine mist, spray into the air and “walk through” the cloud, then smooth lightly over mid-lengths and ends with your hands—this simple technique helps avoid patchy, oily spots.

A UK stylist’s playbook for shiny, frizz-resistant hair

To get that “TV-ready” sheen (Claudia’s fringe included), focus on preparation and technique first—then finish with the product of your choice. Here are the habits many salon professionals recommend, adapted for real life.

• Swap rough towel-drying for gentle pressing: Use a microfibre towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to squeeze out water rather than rubbing. Rubbing can roughen the cuticle and increase frizz.
• Condition with intention: Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends; detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb in the shower. Rinse thoroughly so hair stays buoyant.
• Use heat protection every time: Heat protectants don’t just help reduce breakage; they also improve slip and can support a smoother finish. Many stylists see them as non-negotiable.
• Blow-dry direction matters: Aim airflow down the hair shaft (roots to ends). This encourages the cuticle to lie flatter—one of the simplest ways to boost shine.
• Use a nozzle attachment and finish cool: A concentrator nozzle gives control; a brief cool shot can help set the style and reduce flyaways.

If you straighten or wave, take smaller sections and avoid repeated passes. Fewer, slower passes at a sensible temperature typically produce a sleeker result than multiple quick passes that dehydrate the hair.

Fringe and flyaways: small tweaks that make a big difference

Claudia Winkleman’s signature is, of course, the fringe—and fringes are prime territory for frizz because they sit front-and-centre, get handled more, and can be affected by forehead warmth and humidity.

• Dry your fringe first: Many stylists recommend drying the fringe as soon as you’re out of the shower to stop it drying in an unwanted direction.
• Use a small round brush or paddle brush: Brush side-to-side while drying to get that smooth curve, then finish with airflow downward.
• Choose the right amount of finisher: For flyaways, a tiny spritz of shine spray (or a drop of lightweight serum emulsified in palms) on the surface can help—less is more.
• Mind the build-up: If you’re finishing daily, clarify occasionally (or use a deeper cleanse) to keep hair light and reflective.

Key Takeaways

• Hair looks shinier when the cuticle lies flatter and reflects light evenly.
• Frizz is often linked to dryness, porosity, friction and humidity—so technique matters as much as products.
• Shine sprays and finishing mists can enhance gloss and tame flyaways, but work best as a final step, not a fix for damage.
• For a smoother finish, dry hair with airflow directed from roots to ends and use heat protection every time.
• Try a simple upgrade today: microfibre towel-dry, condition mid-lengths to ends, and “walk through” a light mist for an even finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do shine sprays actually reduce frizz?
They can help reduce the appearance of frizz by adding slip and lightly coating the hair, which can calm flyaways. For long-lasting frizz control, pairing a good blow-dry technique with a humidity-aware styling product tends to be more effective.

Will a shine spray make my hair greasy?
It can, especially if sprayed too close or applied heavily near the roots. Use a light hand and focus on mid-lengths and ends; spraying into the air and passing through helps distribute more evenly.

What’s the difference between a serum and a shine spray?
Serums are usually more concentrated and can be heavier, making them ideal for thicker or very dry hair in tiny amounts. Shine sprays are typically lighter and designed as a finishing touch for gloss and flyaway control.

How can I make my blow-dry shinier at home?
Use a nozzle attachment, keep tension with a brush, and direct heat down the hair shaft. Finishing with a cool shot and a light mist on the lengths can make the end result look more polished.

How often should I clarify if I use finishing products daily?
It varies by hair type and how much product you use. As a general approach, many people find an occasional deeper cleanse helps remove build-up and restore bounce—especially on fine hair.