Do you want shiny hair?
What can I do to make my hair more shiny? I hear this question so often from my guests and DM’s. Shiny hair is one of the marks of healthy hair. Healthy hair reflects light which makes it shine. SOOO what does one have to do to make sure their hair is healthy? I am so glad you asked and here we go.
First of all the texture of your hair will determine how much light your hair can reflect. So super coiled and naturally curly hair will look less shiny naturally. Even if it is super healthy. And very straight and fine hair will naturally look more shiny. So what can we control to bring on the shine?
Remove Buildup
The use of drug store brands, infrequent shampooing, dry shampoo, chlorine and medications can also lead to buildup. No matter how you try to style your hair it will look dull. Professional shampoos like Kevin.Murphy’s Maxi.Wash or for more intense buildup an in salon treatment like Malibu C’s Crystal Gel treatment maybe needed.
Healthy ends of your hair with frequent trims
When you hair is frayed and broken it will not reflect light. So consistent trims will ensure your hair is the healthiest it can be. How often should you be getting a trim? Well that totally depends on the type of cut, amount of heat you use on your hair and frequency of washing. But the average is every 6-12 weeks.
Conditioners
Next is the hydration level in your hair. When hair is dry it will look dull and feel rough. What causes dryness? Dull hair due to aging hair, coarse hair, over processed hair and heat damage. And you can especially tell when you try to comb or brush through your hair when it is wet. Hydrated hair is silky, easy to comb with wet and is shiny.
All hair needs to have conditioner…yes even you ladies with super fine hair that want volume. If you are not conditioning your ends it will add to static and breakage.
So what kind of conditioners should you have in your arsenal? A light weight conditioner for every wash, a mask, and to really amp the moisture an in-salon treatments (I have a few examples of the treatments in my salon). If you are not receiving a trim with your color service in my studio I include an intensive treatment to ensure your hair will remain in optimal condition until your next service.
Smoothing treatments
So you have done all the at home and in-salon treatments and your hair is still frizzy or lacks shine. What other options are there? The next option is a Brazilian blowout or Keratin treatment for locking down your cuticle and removing up to 98% of the frizz.
A Gloss
Another option to add shine is a semi permanent gloss or clear toner as it was called in the past. The clear gloss will not alter your natural color at all and add shine for 4-6 weeks with the use of professional products and depending on frequency of shampoos.
Styling products
The products you use can also make or break how your hair reacts to the heat of your hair dryer and lock out the humidity in the air as well. For fine hair a styling oil like Kevin.Murphy’s Young.Again Immortal oil maybe all you need. For coarse or wavy hair you will need to add more deep hydration like Kevin.Murphy’s Smooth.Again anti-frizz treatment or Killer.Curls. Asking your stylist for the best cocktail of products is the best! Products are not a one fits all.
Those are a few of the main ways to ensure your hair is the best shape of its life and will bring on all the shine! IF you still have questions feel free to shoot me an email at tabitha@charlottehair.com.
