How To Get Silky, Glossy Hair at Home​

It’s time to trade in your dull locks for sleek, shiny tresses.

As far as beauty goals go, achieving glossy hair is one many of us share. When your hair is shiny, it looks healthy and nourished – in short, it’s a sign that your tresses are well cared for. Unfortunately, achieving (and maintaining) glossy hair isn’t always easy, especially if you bleach, colour, or frequently heat-style your strands. These habits can be damaging, and over time, they can make your mane appear dry and dull.

If you’re wondering how to make your hair shiny at home - keep reading. Ahead, we’re spilling our top tips for shiny hair, plus details on our favourite shine-boosting products to add to your routine.

What Causes Dry, Dull Hair & Why Shine Fades

There are a range of different factors that can make your hair appear dull and lackluster, including exposure to certain stressors, damage, and an improper haircare routine. Here are some of the most common reasons your hair may not be as shiny as it once was:

 ● Heat styling: Overusing hot tools can dry out and damage the hair, which can make it appear flat and lackluster.
 ● Chemical processing: Bleaching and colouring the hair can lead to brittleness, breakage, and split ends, all of which can make the hair appear rough and dull rather than smooth and shiny.
 ● Improper hair care: Washing your hair too frequently can damage the hair’s outer cuticle, which impacts its ability to reflect shine. Regularly nourishing your hair with deep conditioning treatments or nourishing oils helps to maintain its natural glow and softness.
 ● Sun exposure: Frequent exposure to damaging UV rays can leave the hair dull, dry, and damaged.
 ● Dry air: Living in an arid climate may make you more likely to experience dry, dull hair.

Hair Gloss Treatments at Home

Gloss treatments are an easy and effective way to restore shine to dull hair, and now, with home-friendly formulas, you can achieve that salon-quality radiance without leaving your house. These treatments are designed to smooth the hair cuticle, allowing light to reflect more evenly, creating that stunning, glossy finish.

One key ingredient to look for in at home hair gloss treatments is glycolic acid. Our formulas enriched with glycolic acid help smooth the cuticle. By sealing the hair cuticle, glycolic-infused gloss treatments lock in moisture and prevent frizz, giving your hair a sleek, shiny appearance.

For a powerful shine boost, try the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo. Infused with glycolic acid, it gently cleanses the hair while restoring radiance. Pair it with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Conditioner to seal in nourishment, enhancing your hair’s natural shine and softness.

Expert Tips For Shiny Hair Everyday

Get the glossy hair you crave - discover how to get silky smooth hair at home with these handy tips:

Wash your hair with lukewarm water

Showering in ultra-hot water feels relaxing, but it can do a number on your hair (and skin). Specifically, scorching water strips away necessary oils that help keep your hair, scalp, and skin adequately hydrated, which can cause or exacerbate dryness.

To avoid drying out your hair and causing it to become dull, it’s a good idea to bathe in lukewarm water instead. It might not feel quite as soothing at the end of a long day, but the slight decrease in water temperature can help keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

Dry your hair with care

After showering, avoid the temptation to vigorously rub your head dry with a towel – doing so can subject your strands to unnecessary friction, which can lead to damage, breakage, and dullness. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair, then wrap your mane in a microfiber towel.

Protect your hair while you sleep

Protecting your hair at night is another way to help keep shine-dulling damage at bay. Consider swapping out your cotton bed sheets and pillowcases for a silk or satin alternative to help your strands maintain moisture and reduce the amount of friction your mane is exposed to while you sleep. If you don’t want to shell out on a new sheet set, you can also wrap your hair up in a silk scarf or bonnet before going to bed.

Choose your brush carefully

How you brush your hair can play a huge role in how shiny your hair appears. Some brushes can tug, pull, or cause friction on certain hair types, which can lead to damage and dull your hair’s luster.

For smooth, shiny hair, we recommend using a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair while it’s wet. If you’re brushing dry hair, meanwhile, reach for a boar bristle brush – they can help distribute your hair’s natural oils along the hair shaft for a sleek, shiny finish.

Embrace heatless hairstyles

When glossy hair is the goal, it’s a good idea to skip heat styling whenever you can. Exposure to high temperatures can damage your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and dull. Consider adding a few heatless hairstyles to your repertoire to help reduce how often you have to reach for the curling iron or blow dryer.

Avoid over-washing your hair

Most people don’t need to wash their hair every day – in fact, overwashing your hair can strip it of much-needed moisture, leaving it dry and lackluster. If your hair looks dull and flat, try cutting back on your existing wash schedule. For instance, if you usually lather up every other day, try two days per week instead. If needed, use a dry shampoo to keep oily roots at bay between wash days.

Protect your strands from the sun

Most of us know that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin and contribute to skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration. But what you may not know is that UV radiation can also damage your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and straw-like.

If you plan to spend time outdoors, it’s a good idea to cover your hair with a scarf or wide-brimmed hat. While this habit alone won’t immediately increase how shiny your hair appears, it can help prevent damage that makes the hair appear dull.

What is Hair Gloss and Who Should Use It?

Hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment designed to enhance your hair’s natural shine, tone your colour, and smooth the hair cuticle. Unlike hair dye, gloss treatments don’t change your hair colour – rather, they work by adding depth, enhancing your current shade, and giving your locks a radiant, glossy finish. Glosses help seal the cuticle, preventing frizz and adding a sleek, polished look.

So,  how to get shiny hair? Whether you prefer in-salon or at-home treatments, here’s the lowdown on how to achieve your hair goals:

Salon vs. At-Home Glosses

While both salon and at-home glosses deliver beautiful, shiny results, there are some key differences. Salon gloss treatments tend to be more customised and may offer a deeper, longer-lasting effect due to professional-grade products and application techniques. 

However, at-home gloss treatments, like L'Oréal Paris’ Glycolic Gloss range, provide an easy, accessible option for achieving that same glossy shine and smoothness in the comfort of your own home – without the need for a salon visit. 

Hair Gloss Benefits

Using hair gloss treatments at home can be an easy and quick way to revive dull hair, especially for those with colour-treated locks. Here’s some of the top benefits of hair glossing at home:

 ● Enhance shine, for a luminous glass-like finish
 ● Conditions hair, improving overall texture and appearance
 ● Boosts colour, by toning and adding depth and richness
 ● Extends colour longevity, helping your colour stay vibrant for longer
 ● Smooths hair, helping seal the cuticle and reducing frizz and flyaways

Whether you're looking to refresh your colour or simply give your hair a sleek, hydrated look, a gloss treatment helps bring your hair back to life without the need for a colour change or salon visit. For a quick and easy gloss treatment at home, try the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Rinse-Off Treatment.

Glossy Hair FAQs

How do I get shiny hair at home without going to a salon?
To get shiny hair at home, start by using products designed to enhance shine, like the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss range. These treatments smooth the hair cuticle, lock in nourishment, and restore radiance. To help maintain shine for longer, use a nourishing shampoo, conditioner, and finish with a leave-in serum for that extra glow.
What is the difference between hair gloss and conditioner?
Hair gloss and conditioner both help improve the appearance of your hair, but they serve different purposes. Hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that enhances shine, smooths the cuticle, and can tone hair colour. It provides a glossy, polished finish, often with added benefits like frizz control and moisture sealing. Conditioner, on the other hand, is primarily used to hydrate and soften hair, making it more manageable. While a conditioner can improve texture, it doesn’t add the same level of shine or colour enhancement as a gloss treatment. For best results, use both: conditioner to nourish, and gloss to boost shine!
How do I make my dull hair shiny again?
To make dull hair shiny again, start by using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner like L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss to restore nourishment and smooth the hair cuticle. Incorporate a gloss treatment into your routine, such as the Glycolic Gloss Rinse-Off Treatment, which helps seal the cuticle and enhance shine. You can also use a leave-in serum to lock in nourishment and add that glossy finish. For extra shine, limit heat styling and use a heat protectant. Regular treatments and a little care will bring your hair’s natural radiance back!
Can I get salon-level glossy hair results using affordable products?
Absolutely! You can achieve salon-level glossy hair with drugstore products like L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss. These products are formulated with ingredients like glycolic acid, which smooths the hair cuticle, boosts shine, and helps control frizz. With the right routine –using a hair gloss at home shampoo, conditioner, and treatment – you can get salon-like shine at home.