How to get glossy, shiny hair
Having healthy, shiny hair is definitely #goals. Shine adds dimension and movement to your hair, makes it look healthy, and enhances your colour. Read below to learn how you can get glossy, shiny hair.
First: what makes hair shiny?
On each strand of hair you have, there are rows of overlapping cuticles. These cuticles are the key to shine or dullness when it comes to your hair. When these cuticles are laying flat, your hair strands are smooth and look shiny. When the cuticles are dry or damaged and therefore not laying flat, your hair can lose its luster and appear dull. One of the number one ways to damage and dry out cuticles is applying too much heat to your hair. So, our number one tip on your quest for glossy, shiny hair is:
Protect your hair from heat
The main ways to protect your hair from heat are:
Use tools that have adjustable heat settings. This way, you can use the lowest temperature suitable for your hair.
Wash your hair less. Less washing = less blow drying and heat styling (and usually, less dryness overall).
Use a heat protectant. There are many products now to protect your hair from heat styling, so if you must grab that flat iron every day, be sure to use a heat protectant.
More ways to make your hair shine
Try shine-enhancing products
The best shine-enhancing hair products give your hair reflection and dimension, also hydrating and protecting your hair. This means that they not only boost shine for the short-term, they also help you maintain your hair’s health (and shine!) in the long run. One of the best shine-boosting hair products is Kevin Murphy’s Shimmer Shine spray. Made with moisturizing baobab seed oil, it helps repair damaged hair, increases hair strength, and hydrates dry hair. Overall, it creates greater manageability while also providing softness and shine. The golden shimmer is great on most hair colours, but if you’ve got blonde or white hair, try Kevin Murphy’s Shimmer Me Blonde instead. Shimmer Me Blonde is enhanced with lavender tone to optically brighten lighter hair.
Sleep on a satin pillowcase
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can reduce friction on your hair. Since one of the keys to shiny hair is keeping cuticles flat, a satin pillowcase is ideal. It will help cut down rubbing or abrasions to the hair’s surface, minimizing damage to the cuticles. Satin pillowcases also do not absorb as much moisture from your hair as cotton pillowcases, so they help keep your hair more hydrated as well. Try Aria Beauty’s Satin Sleep Set to boost hair shine while you sleep!
Avoid buildup on your hair
Whether caused by products, natural oils, or skin cells from your scalp, buildup can make your hair appear dull. Once or twice per month, try using a deep cleansing product in place of your regular shampoo. Deep cleansing will improve the health of your scalp, reduce buildup, and restore your hair’s natural healthy shine. One great option is Davines’ SOLU shampoo, which is specifically formulated to remove the build up and residue of styling products. It gives a rich, airy foam lather which leaves your hair refreshed and clean. If you’re looking for an even deeper clean, you can try a wash that also exfoliates your scalp. Kevin Murphy’s Scalp Spa Scrub is designed to gently buff away impurities from your scalp and hair follicle, which boosts scalp health, hair growth, and shine.
Don’t over-condition
Since dry hair is the enemy of shine, moisture seems like the answer. But the key is to get the right amount of moisturizing without overdoing it! If you use a conditioner that is too heavy for your hair, it can leave residue and buildup, and add dullness to your hair. Even though it doesn’t damage your hair, it still takes away from your hair’s shine. Using a salon-quality conditioner formulated for your hair type is key for optimal moisturizing and shine. If you have fine and delicate hair, a light conditioner like Davine’s DEDE conditioner has a light but moisturizing formulation. It is designed to untangle hair making it soft and light, without weighing it down. If you have medium hair, Davines’ OI conditioner is rich and buttery but light, rinses off well and gives your hair a beautiful shine.
Make a habit of brushing your hair
One of the best moisturizers for your hair comes from your own scalp. Sebum, the oil which comes from glands in your scalp, naturally enhances hydration and shine of the hair shaft. To help boost its benefits, brush your hair regularly to distribute the oil along the full length of your hair. By doing this, you’re avoiding buildup on your scalp as well as caring for the part of your hair that tends to dry out. When brushing your hair, don’t overdo it! Brush through all of your hair twice per day, but don’t spend too long on it. Brushing too much can actually cause hair loss, and scalp irritation. Also, make sure you’re using a good quality brush that will gently distribute the natural oils through your hair.
Rinse your hair with cold water
Since heat tends to flare out the cuticles of your hair, rinsing your hair with hot water is one fast way to make your hair look dull. To preserve some of your hair’s natural shine, try rinsing your hair with cold water.
(Tip: don’t worry, you don’t need to wash your hair with cold water! Just the rinse will keep the cuticles laying flat).
Eat foods that enhance your hair’s shine
Improve the shininess of your hair from the inside out! You can do this by incorporating foods into your diet that will boost the natural shine of your hair. Some of the best foods for improving hair shine are chia seeds, green tea, fish and seafood, spinach, and walnuts. In general, making sure that you are eating a balanced diet with enough protein and iron is also key for your hair’s overall health.