How to Get Shiny Hair

Dull hair normally lacks moisture, body, and that healthy glow we are all trying to obtain. It can be caused by a number of factors, including missing nutrients from your diet or the wrong products.

Speaking of moisture, you’ll notice it’s a common theme here. It protects the hair cuticle, or external layer of your strands, which prevent split ends. Moisture is the key to what makes shiny hair.

“Moisture protects the hair cuticle, or external layer of your strands, which prevent split ends.”

Fortunately, there are many ways you can ditch the dull locks and get that super shiny hair. In addition to regular use of a conditioner and leave-in treatments, you can also deep condition or use a hair mask once a week for optimal moisture retention and hydration. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair as they can–you guessed–strip your hair of moisture.

• Less is more. Product buildup weighs your hair down and gives your tresses a dull appearance, so avoid heaping on products. Overwashing is another threat to your hair’s shine because it can strip it’s moisture. For some, regular use of a lightweight conditioner can be beneficial for replacing lost moisture.


• Avoid heat! Heat bakes out that shine-inducing hydration, creating damage in its wake, so keep it to a minimum in order to protect hair health.


• Diet impacts everything. Drink lots of water and eat a well-balanced diet to supplement your hair shine. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be especially beneficial for your hair, and found in seafood–salmon specifically–nuts and plant oils. Remember: you are what you eat.


• Get frequent trims. Trimming gets rid of pesky hair damage and paves the way for shiny hair. Chopping off split ends ensures they don’t travel up the shaft, which encourages healthy growth and reduces frizziness.


• Avoid chemical processing. This includes getting a perm, coloring or bleaching your hair. If this is a part of your life you can’t part with just yet, see a hairstylist so they can keep damage to a minimum.

Salon and weekly treatments aside, there are short term tricks that can help you achieve super shiny hair. These are highly effective if used alongside long-term solutions for maximum gloss.

1. If you have colored hair, this may be a trick your hairstylist taught you, but a cold water rinse is a popular shine-promoting method. Cold water closes the hair cuticle, allowing light to reflect off of hair better. Thus, giving your hair that desired shine.


2. A clarifying wash is a great way to remove product buildup that can weigh your hair down and give it that dull appearance. Think shower soap scum. It can have the same effect on your hair!


3. Straightening your hair causes the cuticles to lay flat, which allows for better reflection of light. Just make sure to start with dry hair, use a heat protectant, and turn that temperature to LOW. Just don’t rely on this method too often, otherwise you’ll end up with heat damaged hair and compromised shine.


4. Hair glazes or oils are another quick way to get that salon-fresh look. They are formulated with shine boosters to increase your hair's depth and vitality, giving your hair a healthy, radiant glow. For maximum absorption and shine, consider adding oil to wet hair. Some recommended oils are jojoba, argan, avocado, coconut and almond.


5. A simple, yet effective short term solution is a silk pillowcase. This minimizes friction, decreasing the likelihood of frizz, tangles and breakage. So glamourize your hair, and your sleep - grab a silk pillowcase.


6. Lastly, if you have the itch for a new look and a brighter beam—go dark! Darker hair reflects light better, giving your hair an extra dazzle. To avoid this plan backfiring, just make sure you see a professional that can minimize damage from hair coloring.

Staying in for the night? Glam up your look from your couch and skip the salon price tag.

• If you have looked into personal care lately, you’ve probably seen apple cider vinegar come up. It has many uses, one of which being a hair rinse. This popular rinse couldn’t be easier. Just mix apple cider vinegar with water, apply after shampooing, leave on for a few minutes, rinse and apply conditioner. Viola! Inexpensive, easy shine.


• A popular method in Asia, the rice water rinse is filled with nutrients that do wonders for your hair. Start by washing your rice with water, reserving some of the cloudy water. Let this water ferment at room temperature for 12-24 hours. Apply rice water after shampooing, leaving it one for 20 minutes. Then re-wash, condition, and shine on.


• Hot oil treatments are a popular way to repair and recover super shiny hair. Microwave your oil of choice - avocado, argan, or coconut oil work great - for a few seconds. Test on your skin to ensure oil is a safe temperature. Wash your hair, apply oil, and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse and apply conditioner, and enjoy those silky smooth locks.

• Get shiny hair by focusing on moisture retaining methods such as deep conditioning and hair oil. Avoid heat and chemical processing and get frequent trims. Stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet and incorporate omega 3 fatty acids when you can.


• Fast tips for shiny hair include a cold water rinse, clarifying wash, straightening your hair, a glaze, silk pillowcase, or consider going dark.


• Home remedies for shiny hair are apple cider vinegar rinses, rice water rinses, and hot oil treatments.

Looking to enhance your shine some more? Check out how to get healthy-looking hair or get more tips on how to achieve that glossy mirror-reflecting look. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have that beautiful wavy hair, find out how to fight off frizz.