Buzz
Do you want shiny, glossy hair? No matter your hair texture, there are plenty of ways to make your hair gleam. You can use a hair mask to boost shine, then style your hair to enhance its gloss. By following proper hair care routines and keeping your hair healthy, you can achieve your desired shine.
Steps
Use a Hair Mask
Use Eggs. It may sound unusual, but eggs can work wonders for your hair. The yolk nourishes the hair by adding moisture, preventing dullness. The egg whites cleanse your hair by removing buildup. Eggs also contain protein, which strengthens your hair. The result will be glossy, shiny hair after just one treatment. Here's how to do it:
- Beat one egg in a small bowl.
- Wet your hair.
- Pour the egg over your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to spread it from root to tip.
- Leave the egg on your hair for at least 15 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair as usual. Rinse with cold water for the best results.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, says: "To achieve shiny hair at the salon, ask your stylist to use shiny hair products. These products work similarly to temporary hair dye but without the pigments. They enhance the shine and smooth the hair cuticle for a sleeker look."
Try Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is rapidly becoming a popular, all-natural hair glossing conditioner. It balances the hair's pH, cleanses the hair, and leaves it feeling soft. The smell of vinegar will dissipate once your hair dries. Here's how to use apple cider vinegar for shiny hair:
- Shampoo your hair as usual, but skip the conditioner.
- Pour a mixture of 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water onto your scalp. Comb through from root to tip. For long hair, you may need 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar.
- Leave the mixture on your hair for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water under the shower.
Make an Avocado Hair Mask. Avocado's natural fats nourish and add shine to hair. Use ripe avocado for easier application. Try using an avocado mask when your hair is dry and needs moisture.
- Mash a ripe avocado until smooth. You can also use a blender or food processor to puree it.
- Wet your hair.
- Apply the mashed avocado from root to tip.
- Leave it on for at least 15 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair as usual, and rinse with cold water.
Use Honey. Honey has humectant and cleansing properties. Combining these two traits, honey can restore shine to dull hair. Fresh honey is the most nutrient-rich, but any honey will do. Here's how to make a honey hair mask:
- Mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of warm water.
- Wet your hair.
- Apply the honey mixture to your hair.
- Leave the honey on your hair for about 15 minutes or longer.
- Shampoo as usual and rinse your hair with cold water.
Deep Hair Conditioning. If your hair isn't shiny due to dryness, dullness, or frizziness, deep conditioning treatment can solve the issue. You can buy a professional deep conditioning oil or create your own using coconut or olive oil. Once a week, follow these steps for a hair treatment:
- Wet your hair.
- Apply 1-3 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil from roots to tips. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap.
- Let the oil penetrate for 30 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair. You may need to shampoo two or three times to remove all the oil. Rinse with cold water.
Hair Styling
Apply Leave-in Conditioner on Wet Hair. If you have dry hair, it may look dull once it dries. A good leave-in conditioner can prevent your hair from becoming dry and lackluster. While your hair is still wet, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner (about the size of a coin) and comb it through from roots to ends.
Allow Hair to Air Dry Naturally. While Brazilian straightening treatments can initially make your hair shiny and smooth, over time, heat styling tools will damage your hair, making it dull and rough. Air drying your hair can help prevent damage. After a few weeks or months, you'll notice a significant difference in your hair's texture: it will feel softer and shinier.
- Avoid using heat styling tools. Flat irons, curling irons, and similar tools may make your hair look great temporarily, but over time, they will cause your hair to lose its shine.
- For optimal results, you should twist your hair into loose buns or braids to avoid frizz as it dries. If you have curly hair, you can gently scrunch your hair and style it before it dries.
Use Hair Glossing Oil. Once your hair is dry, apply a hair glossing oil to the ends. A good product will make your hair shine instantly while protecting it from damage. Wait for your hair to dry completely for the best results. Less is more, so don’t apply more than a coin-sized amount, depending on your hair length. You can buy specialized hair oils or use one of the following oils:
- Olive Oil
- Argan Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Castor Oil
- Coconut Oil
Try Using a Hair Glossing Serum. This product is specially formulated to add shine to your hair. Hair glossing serums contain silicone and other ingredients that provide instant shine. Most of these serums can be used on both wet and dry hair.
- Using a hair glossing serum daily may have the opposite effect of what you expect. The silicone that makes your hair shine can build up over time, leaving your hair looking dull. It's best to save serum for special occasions.
- Look for a serum that doesn't contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out your hair.
Avoid Frizz. Frizz is the enemy of shiny hair. Frizzy strands can make your hair look dull and rough instead of soft and smooth. Whether your hair is straight or curly, here’s how you can tackle frizz:
- Wash your hair with cool water. Cool temperatures help smooth down the hair shaft rather than causing it to stand up. You’ll be surprised by the difference this simple tip makes.
- Avoid rubbing your hair harshly with a towel. Pat your hair gently and let it dry naturally. Rubbing your hair can cause it to frizz up and become unruly.
- Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a hairbrush. Brushes can cause breakage, especially with curly or wavy hair. Broken strands will stick up and frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it's still wet, starting from the tips and working your way up.
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Those with curly hair know this is a game-changer for frizz. Cotton absorbs moisture, leaving your hair dry and frizzy. Satin or silk helps preserve your hair's natural state without causing frizz.
Trim Your Hair Regularly. Cutting off split ends will make your hair look shinier. You should also ask your stylist to avoid using chemicals or heat styling tools on your hair.
Style Your Hair Without Heat. Many people think you can’t style your hair without heat. However, with a little effort, you can still achieve great results by letting your hair air-dry. Apply a light-hold styling product, part your hair with your fingers, and then comb it into the desired style. While your hair is drying, secure sections with twists or clips as you like. Once the moisture has evaporated, you can use your fingers to apply some hair oil for final touches.
Maintain Healthy Hair
Shampoo Less Frequently. Washing your hair too often strips it of natural oils that protect and maintain hair health. Once these oils are removed, hair becomes brittle, dull, and dry. To keep your hair shiny and healthy, limit washing to just one or two times a week.
- It may take a few weeks for your hair to adjust to less frequent washing. During the transition, you might need to tie your hair up to manage oil build-up.
- In between washes, dry shampoo can help freshen your roots without removing natural oils from your hair.
Use Natural Products. Shampooing and styling with products packed with chemicals can damage your hair over time. Many commercial shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain ingredients that harm your hair. Look for all-natural products that do not contain the following:
- Sulfates. These strong cleansers found in shampoos strip hair of its natural oils.
- Silicone. This ingredient in conditioners and hair serums can build up on hair, leading to dullness over time.
- Alcohol. Found in gels, hairsprays, and styling products, alcohol dries out hair with continued use.
Avoid Harsh Hair Treatments. Dyeing, bleaching, perming, and straightening hair can cause long-term damage. Altering the natural state of your hair will eventually lead to dryness and breakage. It’s best to avoid strong treatments when possible.
- Henna dyes can leave hair very dry, similar to natural bleach like metal salts. Opt for temporary hair dyes as a safer alternative.
- Try natural remedies like honey or chamomile tea for gently lightening your hair.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle. No matter how well you treat your hair externally, you can’t achieve natural shine without good health from within. Eating nutritious food and staying hydrated are key for beautiful hair. Try including these foods for the healthiest hair:
- Fish, beef, poultry, eggs, beans, and other protein-rich foods. Hair is made of protein, and it will suffer if you don’t consume enough. Pairing protein with energy-boosting carbs is particularly effective.
- Avocados and nuts. These foods contain healthy fats that make hair thick and shiny.
- Nutrient-rich vegetables. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are great for hair health.
Drink Plenty of Water. Dehydration can lead to weak and lifeless hair. To keep your hair strong and healthy, drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day.
- You can also hydrate by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables. Choose watermelon, berries, apples, cucumbers, lettuce, and cabbage.
- Herbal teas and other caffeine-free beverages are also great for staying hydrated.
Protect Your Hair from External Elements. Sunlight, extreme temperatures, and environmental pollution can damage your hair, leaving it less than its healthiest. Use these methods to shield your hair from harm:
- Wear a hat when it's sunny. Sunlight can be harsh and damage your hair if left unprotected.
- Put on a swimming cap when swimming in chlorinated pools. Chlorine can dry out your hair and leave residue. If you swim without a cap, be sure to shampoo your hair as soon as you exit the pool.
- Avoid going outside in the cold with wet hair. Your hair may freeze, leading to frizz and breakage.
Caring for Different Hair Types
Add Natural Shine to Your Hair. Curly and coarse hair tends to scatter light rather than reflect it. To boost your hair's shine, try using conditioners, dry conditioners, and shine serums. These treatments help enhance moisture, smooth the cuticle, and reflect light.
- Try rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar. This vinegar smooths the cuticle, giving your hair a shinier appearance. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water to rinse your hair after shampooing.
- Use dry conditioners for extra moisture. Aloe vera, coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil can all serve as effective dry conditioners. Rub 1-2 tablespoons onto wet hair and let it air dry with the conditioner.
- Finish off your hair care routine with a shine serum. Opt for a serum containing mineral oil for maximum shine. You can also use Moroccan oil or coconut oil to nourish and shine your hair.
Shine for Colored Hair. Dyed or bleached hair tends to become dry and brittle over time. Instead of just adding shine, focus on maintaining hair health to preserve the color. Good hair care also helps prolong the vibrancy of color-treated hair.
- Use shine products instead of colorants. These products don't just change the color; they provide a transparent layer that nourishes and protects hair from dryness. As the name suggests, they also add shine to your hair.
- Shampoo with cold water. This simple trick helps your hair color last longer (just like washing clothes in cold water preserves fabric color). Cold water smooths the cuticle and leaves your hair looking shiny.
- Avoid strong hair products. Shampoos, hairsprays, and other products containing sulfates and alcohol can strip your hair of moisture, color, and shine. Stick to natural products designed to hydrate your hair.
Restore Shine to Heat-Damaged Hair. Many people use hair dryers and straighteners daily to achieve shiny hair. Over time, these tools cause hair to break and become dry. To bring your hair back to life and restore its smoothness, it's time to stop using heat-based styling.
- Let your hair air dry for a few months. Put away all heat styling tools and give your hair the chance to recover.
- Focus on deep hydration. Use hair masks, deep conditioning treatments, and a boar bristle brush to restore hair health. This will reduce frizz and bring out shinier, healthier hair.
- Apply oils or shine serums to your dry hair. Oils and serums protect hair better than dry conditioners while providing that glossy finish. Try Moroccan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, focusing on the ends, which tend to dry out faster than the rest of your hair.
Restore Shine to Thinning Hair. If your hair is thinning, it's important to care for it gently to maintain its shine and health. The goal here is to enhance both the shine and thickness without causing further damage.
- Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible to avoid further thinning caused by heat styling tools. While drying, pin sections of hair around your head to lift the roots. This can add volume without using a blow dryer.
- Try no-heat curling. Use fabric to curl your hair instead of heated curling irons or hot rollers. This method helps add volume gently, avoiding hair damage or loss.
- Finish with a lightweight serum. Heavy dry shampoos, gels, or mousse sprays can weigh down thinning hair. To add shine and thickness, opt for light oils or serums. Aloe vera is a fantastic choice, and you can even create your own aloe vera spray.
- Only apply shine products to the ends of your hair, as applying them near your scalp can make your hair appear even thinner.
Tips
- Use oils to nourish and promote hair growth and shine. Massage the oil into your scalp an hour before showering, and wash it out thoroughly.
- Carry a small comb in your bag for quick fixes at work or school. Sneak into the restroom to tidy up your hair after wearing a hat!
- Apply conditioner at the very end of your shower to create a coating that smooths and enhances your hair’s appearance.
- After applying conditioner, leave it in for five minutes before rinsing with cool or cold water.
Warnings
- Avoid brushing your hair too aggressively to prevent split ends, headaches (and sore arms if you have long hair!).
- Be careful not to overuse shampoo and conditioner, as it can make your hair drier.
- When rinsing conditioner at the end, do so quickly, leaving just a small amount of conditioner in your hair. Otherwise, your hair may become tangled with clumps of conditioner, and it can make your hair feel stiff and dirty!
