Healthy hair cuticles are flat and smooth, so that light easily reflects off the surface, creating a natural shine. But every day, our hair is exposed to a variety of factors that damage the cuticles and make hair appear dull and lifeless, whether its the harsh environment (air-conditioned office, the humid weather etc) or our own doing (too many harsh chemical treatments, heat styling damage etc). The good thing is, you’re not alone, and there are many ways to get back fabulous, silky tresses.
Here are 11 easy ways to restore a healthy shine to dull, lacklustre hair:
Ensure that you’re using the most suitable shampoo for your hair type (dry, oily scalp, thinning etc), as the wrong product can strip away the natural oils in your hair and leave it lacklustre. Find out the best shampoo to suit your hair type here!
Wash your hair with cool or cold water and this helps close the cuticles, leaving the surface of strands smooth and shiny.
If a cold shower is not for you, then heed this tip: Blowdry with hot air followed by a blast of cold air. “This helps to lock in moisture, thus creating shine,” says PREP Luxe’s Creative Director, Maurice Chee.
See also: 8 Blow-Drying Dos And Don’ts
After blow drying, Maurice advises, “apply hair serum at the end” to strengthen your hair. Click here to find out the best hair serums for your hair type!
Don’t skip the conditioning step, especially if your hair is very dry and damaged. One trick is to condition the ends before you start shampooing, as this helps protect your hair even more. Another method is to use leave-in conditioners which you can apply before leaving the house on those busy mornings!
Click here to find out the best conditioners and here for the best leave-in treatments to nourish your hair!
Achieve glossy hair by massaging natural oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, argan oil and jojoba oil into dry ends. For something more targeted to your hair concern, check out this list of award-winning hair oils you can buy right now.
Don’t towel off wet hair vigorously as this creates friction, causing breakage and frizz. This includes making a “towel turban” after your shower! Instead, squeeze out excess moisture by gently pressing hair between a towel.
Swap a brush with plastic bristles for one with natural bristles, like boar, which will be much gentler on your scalp and hair and ensuring that natural oils are spread evenly.
See also: Hair Awards 2016: Smart Styling Tools For Salon-Worthy Results
Apply a hair mask to hair ends once a week to strengthen and give it a healthy sheen. Click here to discover the best hair masks you should get as seen in The Weekly‘s Hair Awards 2016!
Go for a trim at your salon regularly to get rid of split ends. Sign up for a treatment that helps repair damage that’s been done and restore balance to your hair and scalp.
See also: Hair Awards 2016: Best Salon Treatments To Repair And Pamper Your Hair
“Ask your stylist for quality hair care products most suitable for your hair type/texture. Using the wrong products for your hair type will strip off moisture and shine, leaving your hair looking dull and lifeless”, says Sue Liew, Director at Salon Vim 313.
For more hair care tips, read 3 Common Hair Problems And Foods To Combat Them and 10 Ways You’re Damaging Your Hair Without Realising It!