Last Updated on: 17th September 2023, 11:03 pm
Having hair that naturally glows with a healthy shine is a universal desire, signifying the pinnacle of hair health.
Regrettably, attaining this shimmering gloss can be quite challenging, especially given the frequent exposure of our hair to various damaging factors such as pollution, hair styling products, and heat tools. These elements can strip away the hair’s natural oils, leading to dull, lifeless strands.
Moreover, our hair’s inherent texture and color can influence its shininess. Some hair types naturally reflect light better than others, contributing to an enhanced shine. However, regardless of your hair’s natural state, the good news is that there are numerous haircare and styling products designed to cater to each specific hair type. These products can aid in restoring or boosting your hair’s shine, ensuring that no hair type is left behind in the quest for glossy locks.
Here are a few strategies to help you amplify the natural shine of your hair:
1) Washing hair according to your scalp type
In order to get shiny hair, it is important to be mindful of how often you are washing your hair. Curly or textured hair can benefit from washing hair less but fine flat hair requires the opposite as the scalp produces more oils on straight hair. Once you are in the shower, make sure to shampoo your hair twice.
The shampoo you choose also makes a difference as you should choose one that suits your scalp rather than your hair type. Dry scalps can benefit from hydrating and moisturizing formulations whilst oilier scalps can use shampoos that focus on reducing oil. When washing your hair, the first shampoo is for cleansing the scalp and hair of buildup, and the second works as more of a treatment.
Additionally, you should give yourself a gentle scalp massage as the movement stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which brings new blood cells to the area and helps rejuvenate the hair’s roots and hair follicles.
2) Incorporate a clarifying shampoo
Clarifying hair is important to avoid build-up, which stifles hair growth and reduces hair shine. Consider adding a clarifying shampoo into your rotation once a month. If you have an oilier scalp, you can use it more often. When it comes to picking the right formula, it is important to steer clear of chemicals and sulfates, which can strip the hair as well as open the hair cuticle.
It is also good to rinse off the shampoo with lukewarm water instead of cold water to remove any grime from the scalp and hair.
3) Avoid chemically-laden hair products
Chemicals in your hair products can cause hair shaft damage which causes dull hair. Between the products we apply, oil-releasing glands, and the grime we pick up in our everyday lives, our hair could definitely use a little extra help in the cleansing department. However, sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, which then leaves it looking dull, especially if you have dyed or chemically treated hair.
4) Use an apple cider vinegar rinse
An additional technique to boost the shine in your hair is by integrating an apple cider vinegar rinse into your hair care routine. Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its multiplicity of health benefits, with one of its lesser-known advantages being its ability to improve hair health. It works by balancing the scalp’s natural pH level, which is crucial for maintaining the overall health of both the scalp and hair. When the scalp’s pH is balanced, the hair cuticles lay flat, making them better reflect light, thus leading to shinier hair. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar can help clear up residue left by hair products, contributing to a cleaner scalp and healthier hair. Over time, consistent use of an apple cider vinegar rinse can significantly enhance the shine of your hair, leaving it looking not just shinier, but also healthier and more vibrant.
5) Massage your scalp with oils
Argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil and even vitamin E oils are great to keep your scalp and hair healthy. You can use it on dry hair to act as a leave in conditioner or a hair mask to get shiny hair. To encourage the oils to work better, you can heat them up and wait for them to cool to a comfortably warm temperature before you start massaging them on the scalp. By applying them topically to our hair, it can also make it stronger, healthier, and shinier over time.
6) Do a hair gloss treatment at the salon
For those yearning for an extra boost in their hair’s luminosity, considering a gloss treatment at your next salon visit might be the perfect solution. This professional treatment, often incorporating a clear gloss with a hint of gold color, can significantly enhance your hair’s shine, creating a radiant, lustrous appearance. The magic lies in how the light interacts with your hair post-gloss, reflecting off the strands and making them look incredibly shiny. However, if you’re interested in a more natural approach, you might want to consider a herbal hair treatment.
These treatments often use a blend of nourishing herbs like aloe vera, chamomile, or rosemary, which are known for their hair health-boosting properties. Not only can these herbal treatments improve shine, but they can also fortify the hair, promote growth, and improve overall hair health. So, whether it’s a professional gloss treatment or a herbal alternative, incorporating such methods into your hair care routine can greatly enhance the shine and health of your hair.
7) Minimize heat styling
Excessive heat can strip hair of extra moisture. This will reduce hair’s shine as the hair cuticle becomes dry, frizzy, and breakage-prone. Try allowing your hair to air dry and if heat styling is necessary, remember to apply a heat protectant beforehand to ensure hair strands remain protected.
8) Invest in an ionic blow-dryer
The world of hair dryers is vast and varied, with different brands introducing cutting-edge technology to deliver not just dried, but shiny hair. A prime example of this innovation is the ionic hair dryer. This revolutionary tool operates by generating negative ions which interact with the water molecules in your hair, allowing it to dry faster while minimizing static, resulting in sleeker, shinier hair.
In addition, nozzle attachments play a significant role in the final outcome of your hair’s appearance. Using the correct nozzle can make all the difference, smoothing strands and enhancing shine. These attachments often come in different shapes and sizes to cater to a variety of hair types and styling needs.
However, even with the best tools, technique matters. To optimize your blow-drying process and mitigate potential heat damage, it’s recommended to hold the blow dryer a few inches away from your head. Aim to dry your hair from the roots to the ends, following the direction of the hair cuticle. Consistently moving the brush while doing so is equally important. This continuous, fluid motion aids in smoothing and flattening the cuticle, leading to a radiant, shiny finish.
Lastly, for a standout product recommendation, consider Dyson’s hair dryer. Known for their innovative design and advanced technology, Dyson’s hair dryers are designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage, while promoting fast drying and precision styling. Its powerful digital motor combined with its heat control features ensures an efficient drying process while enhancing your hair’s natural shine, making it a worthy investment for anyone on a quest for shiny, healthy hair.
9) Use protective products
Just like our skin, our hair also needs to be hydrated, nourished, and protected. External pollution and UV rays also damage hair but using the right formula can shield against heat and environmental damage. Examples of products that can moisturize and protect hair include:
- aloe vera gel
- essential oils
- deep conditioners
- keratin treatments
- hair masks
- hair sprays
10) Up your omega intake
Certain nutrients are shown to improve hair health and this includes fatty acid such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. You can load up on fish, like mackerel and sardines, or consider a fish oil capsule supplement into your daily intake. Other plant-based omega-rich foods include walnuts, flaxseeds, avocado, and tofu.
11) Use a boar bristle brush
Boar bristle brushes seal the cuticle, enabling maximum shine by creating a completely two-dimensional surface for maximum light reflection.
For best results, you’ll need a 100% wild boar hair brush.
These stiff, rough-feeling brushes will draw natural oils from your roots to the ends of your hair, promoting natural gloss and shine.
Plus, they also help to increase the volume of fine hair.
12) Sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Certain fabrics, like cotton, possess high absorbency properties which can inadvertently strip your hair of its essential moisture. This, in turn, can lead to dry, lackluster hair, diminishing its natural shine. Moreover, traditional pillowcases often create a significant amount of friction against your hair as you sleep. Over time, this friction can lead to hair breakage, further impacting your hair’s health and shine.
To combat these adverse effects, consider treating yourself to a silk pillowcase. Silk, with its smooth texture, causes much less friction and doesn’t absorb moisture like cotton, helping to maintain the hydration and integrity of your hair. Thus, a simple switch to a silk pillowcase can go a long way in preserving your hair’s luster and promoting overall hair health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enhancing your hair’s natural shine requires a combination of the right hair care practices, products, and even lifestyle changes, like upgrading to a silk pillowcase. However, if you’re still struggling to achieve the lustrous hair you desire, it may be helpful to consult a professional. In Singapore, you can seek advice from a trichologist, a specialist in hair and scalp health. Trichologists can provide a thorough analysis of your hair condition and offer personalized advice and treatments to improve its health and shine. Remember, the journey to shiny hair is a continuous one, but with the right guidance, your dream hair is well within reach.
