Fashion + Beauty

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

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Make Your Hair Shinier in 2 Easy Steps

QUESTION: What can I do to make my hair look shinier?

ANSWER: That depends on your hair type. If your hair is curly, chances are it's dull because of dryness. Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and apply four to six drops of a silicone-based shine serum to your wet tresses.

If your hair is wavy, lather up with a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse well, then spritz a silicone-based shine-enhancing spray from ends to roots. Dry hair using a blow dryer with a tapered nozzle to direct air down the hair shaft and seal the cuticle.

If your hair is straight, it could be accumulating shine-dulling grease, since straight hair hangs flat against the scalp, where oil is produced. Be sure to use a deep-cleaning shampoo daily and a clarifying gel treatment, like J.F. Lazartigue's Propolis Jelly Scalp Treatment, weekly.

Every hair type needs plenty of moisture to stay glossy and light-reflective.

Step 1: Use a shine-enhancing, hydrating shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment. Try: Freeman Real Shiny Hair Shampoo and Conditioner. An intensive moisturizing hair mask applied once a week, for about 10 minutes, can also dramatically improve the condition of your hair, especially if it's damaged from being colored.
Try: Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm.

Step 2: Use a glossing product, which is the key to instant low-effort sheen. Choose whatever formula you like best for your hair type. Shine-enhancing serums, hairsprays and gels all coat your hair cuticle with lacquerlike ingredients that make even dull, drab locks look vibrant and healthy. Apply after blow-drying, but use sparingly if your hair is fine or limp, as these products can weigh your hair down.
Try: L'Oréal Studio Senses the Shiny Look Hairspray.
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 30
  • Mikaela's Avatar
    Posted by Mikaela Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:53pm PST

    SHINE NOW!!!!

    Report Abuse
  • Pinksparklegirl's Avatar
    Posted by Pinksparklegirl Mon Feb 9, 2009 4:13pm PST

    I love Sunsilk Thermashine for my wavy, kindy frizzy hair. Helps it shine and makes straightening so much easier.

    Report Abuse
  • TraceyN's Avatar
    Posted by TraceyN Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:27pm PST

    Only use professional hair products from the salon. Crap from the retail stores will only give you crappy hair.

    Report Abuse
  • JuliP's Avatar
    Posted by JuliP Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:52pm PST

    You don't have to spend money: for quick easy shiny hair, rinse in cold water after washing This closes down the cuticle, and hair is shinier and smoother.

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  • Romars's Avatar
    Posted by Romars Sun Mar 1, 2009 12:19am PST

    For me i used coconut juice/milk (fresh coconut)as hot oil once a week to maintain my hair healthy.And also twice a week the lemon juice (fresh lemon)i massage on my scalp up to the tips of the hair and leave for 10 to 15 min.then after rensing put shampoo and conditioner.my hair shines and straight.

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  • frank's Avatar
    Posted by frank Sun Mar 1, 2009 2:58am PST

    Silicone-based conditioners don't address the root problem; they're a short-term fix with potentially troubling side effects. I'm sorry, but who every is recommending this doesn't know what they're talking about.

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  • frugalshopper's Avatar
    Posted by frugalshopper Sun Mar 1, 2009 3:49am PST

    I agree with the various shampoo recommendations but, I also follow a couple other steps for shiny hair. After shampooing, rinse hair with cold water as opposed to hot and towel dry for as long as time will permit, at least 20 minutes prior to blow drying. I changed my routine to washing hair first thing, so it has time to start drying natuarally while I do other things. I've had more compliments. Try it and see for your self.

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  • Spirit Sparks's Avatar
    Posted by Spirit Sparks Sun Mar 1, 2009 4:35am PST

    My advice is the same as Juli and ereeves. A cold rinse at the end of a shower closes your pores and allows the moisture to hydrate your hair. It akso helps your hair to withstand the drying effects of Blow dryers and other heated devices used in styling. Another added benefit to a cool water rinse at the end of your shower is that it helps your body to acclimate more quickly when going from the warmth of your steamy bathroom to the chill of the rest the house.

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  • Connie's Avatar
    Posted by Connie Sun Mar 1, 2009 4:45am PST

    As a hair stylist I disagree with the recommendation for straight hair. You cannot use a clarifying shampoo daily. this is going to strip your hair of essential oils that it needs and make the hair very dry. And if you color your hair it will cause the color to fade 3 times faster. A clarifying shampoo should only be used on a weekly basis to cleans the hair of product build up. You want to use a ph balanced daily cleansing shampoo for straight hair unless it is oily. then you would want a tea tree shampoo. For shine use a spray on glosser with a silicone base to prevent oil build up. Look at the ingredients also. Most grocery store brands have a high wax content that coats the hair and scalp causing breakage, slow growth and dry hair and scalp. If you cannot afford the salon brands go to a beauty supply store that caters the the general public.

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  • Alden a's Avatar
    Posted by Alden a Sun Mar 1, 2009 5:30am PST

    This author is walking advertisement for the cosmetic industry.

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Comments 1-10 of 30

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