There's nothing like shiny hair to make
you look healthy and well-groomed. This doesn't always come
naturally, so it may require a change in your beauty
routine.
High-maintenance hair usually incurs the
most damage because it takes more effort to achieve the
desired affect. For the best results, try out simpler
techniques and you'll find out what works for your hair
texture.
Keep it Conditioned
To cut down on split-ends, have it trimmed
on a regular basis and hydrate your hair with conditioner to
keep it in tip-top shape. Leave the conditioner in for
several minutes to give it a chance to absorb.
Dove "Intense Moisture" shampoo and
conditioner is surprisingly effective for dull, color-treated
hair. It smells great and leaves hair clean and shiny. For
about $3.20 a bottle, it's a bargain.
If your hair needs more attention, apply a
hot-oil treatment once a week. Don't overuse the treatments
because too much of it can cause hair to become dull and
lifeless.
Cut Down on the Frizz
Frizzy hair is often lackluster because it
doesn't reflect the light the way straight hair does. You
can get the shine back by controlling the frizz, but it's
not always that easy. Check out our Frizzy Hair page for
some great tips to get the upper-hand on this common
problem.
Give Your Hair a Rest
Our hair takes a beating with all of the
styling appliances and products that we use on an everyday
basis. Avoid using a hair dryer and let it dry naturally. If
you must use a dryer, keep it on the coolest setting and use
a diffuser.
Cut down on curling iron use and opt for
hot rollers when you insist on curls. This is a gentler
approach for luscious, wavy tresses. To prevent scorching,
don't spray your hair with hairspray before using any heated
appliances.
Avoid weighing down your hair with
numerous styling products. They can dry out your hair and
take away the shine. Stick to one or two products, and use
them sparingly. Over time, your hair will adjust and it will
take less effort to pull off your desired results.
Styling Products for Shine
Test a few styling products designed to
make your hair shiny. After washing it, pour some hair gel
or leave-in conditioner in the palm of your hand and gently
rub it in. Distribute it more heavily on the middle and ends
than you do the roots so your hair doesn't appear dirty or
oily.