Image: Getty.
Q: How to get shiny hair?
A: It’s easy! Really.
All you have to do is the following: use heat protection, get gloss treatments, eat Omega-rich foods, don’t over-wash, apply shine products, use clarifying shampoo and brush daily.
Of course, there’s a little more to it than that so scroll down for all the details and get ready for the shiniest, sexiest hair of your dreams.
Here’s the truth of the matter. Shiny hair is healthy hair and as such it looks good on everyone.
Hair with glass-like gloss is also stronger, meaning less breakage and fewer split ends too.
The really good news – you can make this fantasy hair a reality if you follow the seven simple steps mentioned above.
1. Brush daily
You don’t need to overdo it – the old brush your strands 100 times before bed is definitely not necessary, but brushing daily is a good idea.
Brushing encourages natural oils from the scalp into the hair, says stylist Anthony Nader, of RAW.
“My clients often ask ‘How to get shiny hair’ and this is what I tell them. This acts a natural moisturiser,” he adds.
Anthony recommends you use a brush with natural or boar bristles such as those made by Mason Pearson.
2. Use a clarifying shampoo
Shiny hair products are easy to come by. But they won’t work half as well if your hair is covered in build up.
To remove build up add a clarifying shampoo into the mix. Most stylists suggest you use one once a month but no more.
Over-doing it can dry strands which will decrease shine, says Anthony.
Try R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo, $36.
3. Wash less
Shampooing strips hair of its natural oils and you know what that means? Less shine. This is one of the reasons why Julia Roberts’ mane is so gloriously glossy – the actress has been quoted as saying she does not wash it more than two to three times a week.
If you want to give that a try but fear grease, try a little dry shampoo. It works plus, if you choose right, they can be the best hair shine product too.
For example, Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo, $31, sucks up oil and grime while helping maintain moisture – ie: shine!
4. Eat this
If you want hair with mirror shine, you need to tuck into certain nutrients especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Shiny-haired Gwyneth Paltrow tells her fans wanting strong, shiny manes to tuck into oily fish such as mackerel and sardines or a little cold-pressed flaxseed oil.
Not into fish but still want to know how to make hair shiny? Consider a hair supplement. These won’t improve hair overnight, but if you take them regularly you’ll see an improvement naturally.
Try Grown Alchemist Hair Complex, $90.
5. Get a gloss
Next time you hit the salon, ask for a clear glossy treatment.
These work like a semi-permanent colour, but instead of providing hue, add shiny, glass-like gloss. How to get silky smooth hair? Get one of these babies and regularly.
They not only boost shine like nobody’s business they condition and treat too. And while we’re on the topic of salons, steer clear of bleach. It dries and damages hair meaning it’s impossible to shine.
If you’d rather do it yourself, try Bumble And Bumble Bb. Colour Gloss, $52.
6. Apply this before heat
If you’re wedded to blow-drying and heat styling your hair then ensure you apply a heat protection spray or serum beforehand.
This handy little products will keep your hair from over-heating and becoming dry and frizzy – or even breaking. Pro stylists also suggest you let your hair air dry at least two or three times a week.
Try Models Prefer Treat It Heat Protective Spray, $7.99 (exclusive to Priceline).
7. Use shine boosters
If you want seriously gorgeously glossy hair then you’ll benefit from using hair products that are designed to boost shine such as a soft mask or an oil shampoo.
You can find these at your hair salon (your stylist will recommend the right one for you) or at your hair supplies store.
You might like to try a quality hair shine spray or shine serum too. There’s plenty around, but we love Noughty Rise & Shine Hydrate & Shine Serum, $14.99.
Celebrities who shine
If you need a little shiny hair inspiration, have a look at these Hollywood A-Listers and their crowning glories.
Julieanne Moore, one redhead who rocks (see below).
Julia Roberts, beauty queen curls and then some.
Hailey Bieber, blonde today, lilac tomorrow.
Gisele Bündchen, those blonde highlights …
Zendaya, very long and very lush (see below).
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