These Are The Very Best Hair Syrups For Ultra Glossy Hair

In need of a hair hero? Whether you’re struggling with dry strands, frailness and breakage or just plain old dull-looking hair, a deeply nourishing hair syrup could be just what you need to get your beauty goals back on track. And to help you find the best one for your hair type, we’ve enlisted the help of hair experts to share their top advice and product picks.

What Is Hair Syrup?

‘Hair syrup is essentially a pre-wash oil treatment that helps nourish, hydrate and protect the hair before shampooing,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio23. ‘It’s designed to prep the hair so that it doesn’t get stripped of its natural oils during washing, while also delivering targeted benefits like moisture, shine and scalp stimulation.’

What Are The Benefits?

Prep and protection are the major benefits associated with using hair syrups – and this all comes down to how it interacts with the lipids that cover each hair. ‘A hair syrup will help to nourish strands and replace the lipid layer,’ highlights Anabel Kingsley, the Brand President and Lead Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. ‘The lipid layer is the outermost protective layer of the hair’s cuticle protecting it from damage. It is eroded by daily heat styling and chemical and mechanical processing. Certain hair syrups can help replace the hairs’ lipid layer, protecting the cuticle scales and inner cortex containing the bonds that keep our hair strong. The result is more resilient hair, with improved manageability and shine and reduction in frizz.’

‘Think of it as skincare for your hair: it’s all about feeding it what it needs before you cleanse,’ adds Jason. ‘Many hair syrups contain powerful botanical oils and actives that can help repair dryness, soothe the scalp and even strengthen the hair shaft. The result? Improved manageability, enhanced shine and long-term hydration.’

How To Apply It

Typically used s a precursor to your usual routine, hair syrup is applied before stepping into the shower and wetting the hair. ‘Start with dry hair, as this allows the syrup to penetrate more effectively,’ confirms Jason. ‘Section the hair and apply the syrup from roots to ends, massaging it gently into the scalp and combing through to ensure even distribution. You can use your fingers or a scalp brush for this step.

‘Once applied, leave it to work for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing as normal. (If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you can leave it a little longer, but always follow up with a good double cleanse to remove any residue.) I’d also recommend wrapping your hair in a warm towel for deeper penetration as this will help the oils absorb better.’

You can also use hair syrups at other points within your routine, notes Anabel. ‘Different hair oils will be designed to be applied in different ways, however they can commonly be used as a pre-wash (just make sure you double shampoo), pre-styling on wet hair and post styling on dry hair,’ she says. ‘Depending on what stage you are using a hair oil will determine how much you use. For example, as a pre-wash you would saturate the hair, whereas when styling you would use sparingly.’

What To Avoid

While a hair syrup can provide some great results, it’s important to apply directly to the scalp – especially if you are prone to conditions like dandruff. ‘Our scalps secrete oil, which keeps the skin supple but should be regularly cleansed,’ explains Anabel. ‘This is so that we can avoid a build-up of oil on the scalp, which can create an environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive. Once cleansed, our hair follicles (which each have an oil gland attached to them) simply continue to secrete oil or sebum. Dandruff is a result of an oily scalp and those “flakes”, contrary to popular belief, are not “dry” flakes – they are dead skin cells that have clumped together with oil.’

So try not to douse your scalp with syrups and oils – and make sure to give both hair and scalp a thorough wash in the shower after applying.

Can You Leave Hair Syrup In Overnight?

If you find yourself time poor in the morning, you’ll be pleased to know that you can leave in your hair syrup overnight. ‘Leaving hair syrup in overnight can be a game-changer for very dry, coarse, or curly hair types,’ says Jason. ‘Just make sure to use a silk or protective hair wrap, and don’t forget to shampoo thoroughly in the morning to avoid buildup.’

How Often Should You Use It?

Depending on your hair needs, our experts recommend using hair syrup treatments once or twice a week. ‘If you’re using heat styling often, colouring your hair, or have a dry scalp, you might benefit from more frequent treatments,’ adds Jason.

What To Look Out For When Shopping

And when picking out a hair syrup, the emphasis should be on the ingredients. ‘Check the formula and ingredients won’t exacerbate your scalp, choose serums and tonics over oils,’ warns Anabel.

‘Look for nutrient-rich oils like castor, coconut, rosemary, or argan, as they’re great for strength, shine, and scalp health,’ adds Jason. ‘If you’re prone to sensitivity, avoid formulas with synthetic fragrance and opt for essential oils instead, but always ensure these are diluted to avoid irritation.

‘Also always match your syrup to your hair goals: growth, shine, hydration or scalp soothing. That should help guide your search.’

Tried & Tested: The Best Hair Syrups For 2025

Best for hair growth: Hair Syrup Rapunzel

Best for dry hair: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Best for damaged hair: Bond Builder Lipid Shield Oil

Best for frizz: OUAI Hair Oil

Best for multiple hair types: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

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