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.