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Serge Filimonov / Stocksy
Finding the ideal routine to lock in shiny hair year-round can be a battle, and the solution isn't always simple. Getting shiny hair doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach and varies depending on a number of factors, including hair type, your individual haircare routine, and overall hair health. To properly address dull hair, it’s important to understand what causes it in the first place. According to celebrity hair colorist Abby Haliti, dull hair can result from several factors, including dryness, product buildup, environmental factors, chemical damage, nutritional deficiencies, and improper color application. While this may feel a little overwhelming, the good news is there are ways to fight each of these. Ahead, we spoke to Haliti as well as dermatologist Marisha Garshick, MD, to get their 12 best tips on how to get the shiny hair of your dreams.
Meet the Expert
- Abby Haliti is a celebrity hair colorist, a world-renowned master of the contemporary European technique of French balayage, and the founder of Abby Haliti Color Studio.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
Stop Over-Washing
Over-washing your hair means different intervals for different people, but no matter what it means to you, it can lead to a significant lack of moisture resulting in dull and lifeless hair. In order to restore the natural oils that are vital to hair health and shine, it’s important to wait enough time between washes. Basically, that just means not washing your hair every single day, but for all our thin-haired friends out there, we know that's easier said than done. To help stretch the time between washes, try adding some dry shampoo, embracing a fun baseball cap, or even taking advantage of the oily look with a slicked-back bun.
Use a Heat Protectant
One of the main causes of dull hair is the excessive use of heat tools, but we understand wanting to keep your trusty blow-dry routine, especially in the unruly months of summer frizz. This is especially important for people with fine hair, as Haliti says it “can be more prone to damage from heat styling or chemical treatments, which can further contribute to dullness.” A middle-ground solution we endorse is to apply a heat protectant each time you style with heat tools, keeping your hair smooth and protected. In the long run, this supports overall hair health, which means your shine will return and your blowouts will last that much longer.
Refresh with Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo once or twice per month can help cleanse your scalp and hair shaft of dirt, oil, product buildup, and anything else that’s detracting from shiny hair. “Using excessive amounts of styling products or not properly rinsing them out can lead to product buildup on the hair, which can make it look dull and lifeless,” Haliti explains. If you work a clarifying shampoo into your hair-washing routine to combat this, your scalp will surely thank you.
Take Your Vitamins
Taking any necessary vitamins (and/or ensuring you get them in your diet) is important for helping your body get all the nutrients it needs and laying a strong foundation for radiant, shiny hair. “Taking a multivitamin can also help ensure adequate supplementation,” Garshick explains. Your multivitamin can prove vital to promoting hair growth, skin health, and nail strength.
Reduce Chemical Treatments
“Frequent use of hair dyes, relaxers, or perms can damage the hair cuticle and cause it to lose its natural shine,” Haliti tells us. It’s important to keep in mind how often you may be putting your hair through these treatments to ensure you're not overdoing it. “Stretching out the time between treatments, when possible, can help limit any damage to the hair which can result in dryness,” Garshick adds. An easy way to care for your hair between chemical treatments is using a moisturizing hair mask to replenish any nutrients that may have been stripped.
Use a Hair Oil
A simple cosmetic way to get shiny hair is to incorporate a hair oil into your routine. “Some ways to improve the appearance of the hair include using a hair oil, which can help to nourish the scalp and hairs, leaving them shinier and healthier,” Garshick says. We recommend trying coconut oil or argan oil to help condition your hair, leaving it looking shiny and feeling strong.
Try a Professional Color Service
Haliti describes the power of professional color application in getting shiny hair: “With the advancements in haircare, it's easier than ever to achieve shiny hair through expert color application,” she says. “Seeking the guidance of color experts can help create stunning shine simply through hair coloring techniques.” This solution to shiny hair is a quicker cosmetic solution, but it’s vital to consult a colorist who understands how to choose the right color based on hair density, texture, and length.
Eat More Superfoods
At its core, the best way to get shiny hair long-term lies in giving your body the nutrients it needs to promote healthy, strong strands. “Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, and protein is important for overall hair health,” Garshick explains. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, avocado, and almonds, are key to unlocking your shiniest hair ever. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly through a nutritious diet, is the primary foundation for achieving shiny hair,” Haliti adds. On your next grocery run, try picking a few new items to mix in so you can start your glow from the inside out.
Sleep with a Silk Pillowcase
If you're trying to achieve shinier hair, it may be time to upgrade your sleeping arrangements with a silk pillowcase. “Silk tends to be gentler on the hairs, so it may contribute to less breakage and frizz and won’t be as drying for the hair,” Garshick says. This is an easy way to help your hair shine without adding any steps to your styling routine. Silk pillowcases also can help your skin retain moisture to avoid dry and itchy skin, so you’ll be boosting more than just your hair by converting to silk.
Get a Deep Conditioning Treatment
At your next hair appointment, consider trying a salon-grade conditioning treatment to bring life back to your strands. “Services such as deep conditioning treatments and glosses are extra effective at the salon services,” Haliti says. These can be extra effective in giving your hair the love it needs, especially if it just went through the stress of fresh highlights or another chemical treatment.
Try Out a Humidifier
The key to getting (and keeping) shiny hair is to lock in the moisture, and a humidifier is a great way to keep your environment from getting too dry, especially during winter. “For someone who experiences dry skin or hair, which can also lead to dullness, using a humidifier may help to reduce dryness and leave the hair looking shinier,” Garshick explains. It’s worth noting that humidifiers do more than just stimulate shiny hair—they can support your overall wellness by promoting better sleep, alleviating seasonal allergies, and reducing snoring.
Get Regular Haircuts
Even if you don’t have color-treated hair, it’s important to stay on schedule with your haircuts. The basis for shiny hair is strong hair, and the best thing you can do to support this is keeping split ends at bay with regular trims. Staying on track will prove vital in keeping your hair shiny and glossy over a long period of time.
The Final Takeaway
While there are many potential reasons you may be experiencing dull hair, luckily, there are just as many solutions. Some options, like hair oils and professional color services, provide a quick cosmetic fix, while others—from taking supplements to investing in your haircare routine—are all about fostering long-term hair health so your strands get softer and more radiant over time. No matter which method(s) you choose, with some knowledge of what's causing any dullness and a dedicated approach, it's more than possible to get shiny hair and enjoy the luscious look and feel.
