If you’ve ever searched for Gleam Oil from the old Killer Strands blog, you probably already know what a rabbit hole DIY haircare can be. Years ago, I became completely absorbed in learning everything I could about hair coloring, bleaching, porosity, and damage prevention.
It may sound funny coming from someone who now lives a very organic, low-tox lifestyle, but I started going grey young—and before I knew any better, I used box dye like everyone else. Once I learned what was in those products, I stopped… but then I was left trying to manage early greys on my own.
When balayage and gray blending became popular, the creative side of me wanted to try it myself—so I dove into learning.
Discovering Killer Strands & Gleam Hair Oil
That’s when I found the Killer Strands blog. The author had already passed away, and her products—especially Gleam Hair Oil—were no longer available. Her writing style could be quirky and intense, but the information was truly valuable if you were willing to dig.
Thankfully, her community stayed active and incredibly generous. One longtime follower still had an authentic bottle of Gleam Oil — and she kindly shared the exact ingredient list printed on the label. That ingredient list is what made recreating the concept possible.
How I Recreated the Gleam Oil Concept
I purchased the top six oils from the original Gleam Oil label and tested them one by one for weight, absorbency, greasiness, and how they performed on hair. (One of the oils was coconut oil, which I chose not to use.)
The top-listed oils are the ones that contribute the most to performance. Based on those tests, I created two blends inspired by the intent of the original Gleam formula: lightweight slip, real nourishment, and a silicone-free feel.
No one has the original percentages—those were never published—but because I did have the actual ingredient list, these blends are my best interpretation of what Gleam Oil was designed to achieve.
My Modern Interpretations of Gleam Oil
1. A Daily-Use Dry Oil (Lightweight, Non-Greasy)
Perfect after styling—absorbs fast, adds shine, and won’t weigh hair down.
2. A Richer, More Nourishing Oil (Great for Overnight or Pre-Bleaching)
More cushion and slip for stressed or processed hair.
Bonus Discovery: Amazing for Skin, Too
While working through the oils from the original Gleam ingredient list, I realized they’re also wonderful for skin—especially mature or dry skin. That led me to create a version enriched with rose de mai:
Final Thoughts for Killer Strands Fans
If you're here because you're searching for Gleam Hair Oil or trying to stay loyal to the old Killer Strands method: welcome. I’ve been there, dug through the archives, and learned so much from that community.
These blends are my personal interpretation of what Gleam Oil intended to be—lightweight, protective, additive-free, and made from oils your hair truly loves.