Chances are, shiny and glossy hair is on your list of must-haves. Here are 20 of the top tips for getting (and keeping) shiny, healthy hair.
Tip 20 – To Brush, or Not to Brush
Never brush wet hair. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb which will reduce stress and damage to hair (hair is most fragile when wet.)
Tip 19 – Speaking of Brushes
For dry hair, invest in a brush with boar bristles. Boar bristles smooth hair and aid in distributing natural oils; whereas plastic can break and damage hair.
Tip 18 – Shampoo and Conditioner
There are hundreds of different shampoos and conditioners on the market. Find one that fits your hair and lifestyle, as no products are “one size fits all.” Just because it works for your best friend does not mean it will work for you.
Tip 17 – Skip the Shampoo
Speaking of shampoo. If you can handle it, avoid shampooing your hair every day. Shampoo can strip the natural oils in your hair, leaving it dull and lifeless.
Tip 16 – Cleansing
Though skipping daily shampoo can help create shiny hair, it may be necessary to clean hair with a cleansing shampoo either bi-weekly or monthly to reduce product build-up, which can leave hair dull.
Tip 15 – Everything Changes
Hair needs change from season to season. What works in the summer heat might not work in the winter cold, so be sure to alter your routine as needed.
Tip 14 – Shine Serum
Shine serum is an easy way to get shiny hair in a pinch. However, the results are not long-term. Take care of your hair for permanently healthy, shiny hair.
Tip 13 – Deep Conditioner
A weekly deep conditioner can help make hair shiny and improve the overall health of your hair. However, not everyone needs a deep conditioner, so always choose hair products that suit your needs.
Tip 12 – Pat, Don’t Rub
Just out of the shower? pat your hair dry rather than rubbing it with a towel. Rubbing can cause damage to the hair.
Tip 11 – Hot Oil Treatments
Hot oil treatments are known for creating super shiny hair. Just be sure to follow the instructions on whatever product you choose.
Tip 10 – Downward Drying
When blowdrying, always point the dryer down the length of your hair, which helps create sleek, smooth and shiny hair.
Tip 9 – Protect Your Hair
When using heated styling products, consider investing in a heat protecting spray, serum or other product. Your hair will thank you.
Tip 8 – Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is known for creating shiny, silky hair. Just be aware that those with darker hair may find it also lightens their hair, especially when out in the sun.
Tip 7 – Mayonnaise
You’ve heard it before, you’ll hear it again. Mayonnaise leaves hair silky and soft. Gently massage the mayonnaise in, wrap your hair in plastic and let sit for as long as you can tolerate. Then, wash out and style as usual.
Tip 6 – Hydrate
Eating healthy? Great, but if you’re not drinking enough water, it can translate to dull, frizzy and less-than-shiny hair. Be sure to stay hydrated.
Tip 5 – Snip, Snip!
That’s right. Get your ends trimmed regularly to remove split ends. If left alone, split ends can split all the way up to the root, causing damage that will take years to undo.
Tip 4 – Eat Right
Eat healthy and exercise. No explanation needed.
Tip 3 – Invest
Invest in high quality heated hair styling products. Look for keywords like ceramic and ionic.
Tip 2 – Cold Water
Debate is on-going about the benefits of cold water. However, excessively hot water can cause frizzy hair and dry skin. So, rinsing your hair out after conditioning using cold water can help to close the hair cuticle, reduce frizz and create shine.
Tip 1 – Go Natural
Embrace your natural hair. Too many products can cause a dull appearance. Embrace your hair’s natural state and work with it, rather than working against to achieve the latest hair trends.
