No matter what hair trends we’ve seen over time, whether it be layered cuts to asymmetrical lobs or babylights, there’s one “trend” that has always stood the test of time: shiny hair. No matter the look you’re going for, shiny hair screams healthy, luxurious and I’ve got everything under control. If you’ve been looking a little dull lately, dive into the tips below to get a glassy finish asap.
Sleep on Silk
“Fabrics like cotton and linen cause friction on the hair. It can rough up the cuticle which can cause breakage,” says L.A. hairstylist Reece Walker who works with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Miranda Kerr. Swap your cotton sheets for a silk pillowcase instead, which allows creates less tension on hair and helps it look shinier. “Silk is very soft and it minimizes static as well, explains Walker. Try Slip Pillowcase, which uses long mulberry silk threads for smooth sleeping.
Cleanse Gently
No one is expecting you to wash your hair with a bottle of Evian but tap water could be a culprit if you’re missing out on some sheen. When your hair is wet, “the minerals from hard water can penetrate your hair shaft. Over time, it can create a residue which can lead to dull hair more prone to dryness and damage,” says Walker. Change out your showerhead for one that specifically helps remove minerals from hard water like AquaHomeGroup Luxury Showerhead. Walker also recommends Malibu Crystals, a treatment that helps remove mineral deposits from hair. Also note that even styling products can cause buildup, if you’re guilty of using dry shampoo on the regular, you may need a deep clean. Try using a clarifying shampoo weekly along with a detox scalp treatment. We recommend Sunday Riley Clean Rinse which includes salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and rose clay, an astringent clay that dissolves oils and grime.
Brush It Out
We know you’re probably discerning about your styling products but what about your hairbrush? If you’re using the same brush you’ve been using for the last two decades, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Skip the plastic bristles and look for natural boar-bristle brushes instead, they tend to be more gentle on strands and help distribute your natural oils. Try the celeb stylist-favored Mason Pearson brush if you really want to make an investment.
Turn Down the Heat
Sure, we’re all busy but blasting your dryer at the highest setting is probably not the best bet for shine. Heat damage can dull strands fast. “Keep the hair dryer off your hair and point the heat concentrator facing down the cuticle,” says Walker. This may also mean giving those brush style attachments a break if you’re noticing a lot of dullness or breakage. If you use a curling iron or flat iron, be wary of cranking up the heat past 400 degrees or work through each section quickly so you’re not scorching your strands.
Switch Up Your Color
If you’ve been loyal to foils, you may start to see some dullness as over-processed hair can be stripped of shine. Often when hair is bleached, the cuticle of the hair gets damaged. As you go lighter and lighter, over time, hair can lose its shine altogether. Switching to a darker tone or even asking your stylist for some lowlights can help add dimension and radiance to hair.
Get Your Omegas
Studies have shown that eating foods high in fatty acids can help increase overall shine. It’s safe to say that beauty does really come from the inside. You can check with your doctor about taking a supplement or simply add in more foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet to get that glassy effect.
Up Your Hydration
When your hair is thirsty, it’s usually dull. Like a plant that goes limp when dehydrated, a boost of moisture can help give life and shine back to hair. Walker recommends looking for plant-based oils which are clean, yellow tints can stain the hair, he explains. He also recommends avoiding sulfates, parabens, hexachlorophene, and phthalates. His favorite instant fix? Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, which contains a blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, and argan extracts to help add moisture and shine. Add a few drops after your blowout to get an immediate glassy sheen. For a long-term shine boost, add in a weekly hair mask to your regimen. Look for hydrating oils and antioxidants, we like Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask which includes prickly pear seed oil and cocoa seed butter to give hair a mega dose of moisture.
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