7 TIPS TO ACHIEVE HEALTHY, SHINY HAIR
Dull hair got you down? We get it. After all, everyone is after shiny hair, and glossy locks scream healthy and happy. But with all the products and advice out there, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we compiled seven simple tips to boost your hair from dull to dazzle:
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1. Wash Your Hair Less Often
It might seem taboo to cut down on the shampoo, but your hair really doesn’t need it. In fact, it actually has the opposite effect on your hair: too much shampooing makes your hair look greasy!
Constant washing strips the hair of its natural oils. It seems counterintuitive, but it’s true. How? Washing a lot sends your locks into panic mode and causes them to overproduce oils. Here’s the fix: shampooing less will stop this cycle. Over time your hair will settle down on oil production, preserve its natural oils, and stay more moisturized naturally.
How often you should wash your hair depends on your scalp condition and hair type. Here’s a general guide:
- Dry scalps and/or curly hair should wash their hair once or twice a week.
- Oily scalps and/or finer hair should wash their hair two to three times a week.
2. Use a Hydrating Shampoo
Undeniably, our hair can use a good cleanse here and there. Make sure you’re choosing healthy hair products like a hydrating shampoo.
In celebrity hairstylist David Stanwell’s opinion, “Shampoos can sometimes be over-drying. Ensuring you have the right one is so important — a moisture-based shampoo and conditioner is best.” We recommend a hydrating shampoo, especially for those with coarse, thick hair, as it can be more prone to dryness.
3. Avoid Heat
You might like it hot — but your hair does not. Heat removes moisture from your hair, removing that healthy shine and leading to brittle, broken strands. Something as simple as rinsing with cool water makes a world of difference, as it seals the cuticle and locks in moisture.
Heat removes moisture from your hair, removing that healthy shine and leading to brittle, broken strands.
We recommend leaving the hot tools for special occasions and air drying or testing out some heatless hairstyles for your day-to-day. When you do use heat, make sure to spritz on a heat protectant spray and start on the lowest setting.
4. Find the Right Hair Brush
Brushing while wet can wreak enough havoc on your hair, but doing it with the wrong brush can be especially damaging. In fact, trichologist Anabel Kingsley claims using the wrong brush is one of the most common causes of breakage.
Choose a wet brush or wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling and frizz control for wet hair. If your hair is dry, a boar bristle brush adds shine by distributing natural oils from your roots to your ends.
Once you have found the best hair brush for you, remove product build-up in your hair by washing it every few weeks with a gentle shampoo.
5. Use A Moisturizing Hair Mask
Looking for quick results? An intensive moisturizing hair mask is one of the best ways to repair damaged locks – and bonus – you can see results after just one use! It’s also a super easy addition to your hair care routine.
Ingredients vary from mask to mask, but keep your eye out for ones that include keratin or monoi oil, which transform brittle strands into that silky, naturally shiny hair you’re after.
6. Use A Gloss Treatment
If you’re looking for a hair-shining treatment to revive your overall color, a gloss treatment is a great option. Similar to a hair mask, gloss treatments seal in the cuticle, cutting down on frizz and overall dryness. It actually acts as a topcoat, restoring vibrancy and tone to your color, leaving you with that glossy “I just left the salon” look.
Like a hair mask, gloss treatments seal in the cuticle, cutting down on frizz and overall dryness.
You can try an array of gloss tints, but clear is a great option for all hair colors. For a mess-free, evenly distributed shine, you can even opt for an in-shower glaze!
7. Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Another great way to achieve hydrated hair is a high-quality conditioner to add shine. In addition to regular conditioning with a normal conditioner, you can also try deep conditioning.
A deep conditioning treatment differs from a regular conditioner because it penetrates the hair cuticle more effectively, providing a heavy dose of moisture to parched tresses.
Depending on your hair type, you can deep condition one to three times a week. Although you may experience revived hair after just one use, prolonged use will visibly improve your hair’s condition over time.
Depending on your hair type, you can deep condition one to three times a week.
If you have dyed hair, it is all the more important to condition your locks regularly. So whether you’re focused on shine, repairing damage, or split ends, a deep conditioning treatment is the perfect addition to your hair care routine.
Looking for brunette-specific hair care? Check out these tips on how to get glossy hair.
Or, if you have shine covered, find out our styling tips for how to get thicker hair.
