Shine On
How to get healthy, gleaming hair
by Wendy Schmid
The computer-generated iridescence seen in hair commercials is hard to match in the real world, but even the most lackluster locks can get a shine boost with the right treatment.
“Just as nails have a protective cuticle barrier, so does your hair, and the key to a healthy sheen is keeping the cuticle smooth,” says Michele Armstrong, regional salon educator for Ulta salons.
Under a microscope, a smooth cuticle looks like a roof with all the shingles lying flat, but day-to-day styling, heat processing, and coloring cause those shingles to lift. “Light reflects best off a smooth surface, so a roughed-up cuticle means dull hair,” says Robert Hallowell, who styles celebrities’ hair in South Pasadena, CA. Here’s how to get your hair to glimmer.
Eat right.
Hair is made of keratin, a form of protein, so don’t skimp on protein-packed lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and low-fat dairy products, says London-based scalp and hair specialist Philip Kingsley, author of The Hair Bible. Kingsley also recommends getting plenty of healthy omega-3 fats, which are found in salmon, avocados, flaxseed oil, Brazil nuts, and almonds. “Eating these can increase hair’s sheen over time,” he says. Nutrition interventions take time–expect to show off new shine in about 6 months.
Come clean.
If you’re a styling-product junkie, you’ll need to banish the buildup, which is a guaranteed shine squelcher. Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo such as Pantene Pro-V Purity Clarifying Shampoo ($4; drugstores), or try this tip from Hallowell: Once a month, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 2 tablespoons of your shampoo. “The sodium bicarbonate will remove any stubborn, sticky residues,” he says.
Condition often.
In fact, do it every time you shampoo. Choose nutrient-rich formulas with ingredients such as avocado oil, olive oil, and shea butter, which moisturize and fill in tiny cracks in the hair shaft. One to try: Clairol Herbal Essences Fruit Fusions Hydrating Conditioner with avocado ($3.50; drugstores).
Skip the cold-water rinse.
There’s no need to undergo the big chill. “Cold water may help close your pores, but it doesn’t affect the hair cuticle in the same way,” says Kingsley.
Tip
Gently squeeze and blot–don’t rub–hair when you towel-dry. “Wet hair is fragile, and any friction will rough up the cuticle,” says Armstrong.
Practice damage control.
Always use a heat-resistant product on your hair before drying. New formulations seal in shine and prevent damage from superhigh temperatures. Try Matrix Sleek Look Iron Smoother ($14; salons).
Tip
Occasionally use your blow-dryer’s cool setting to dry your hair.
Add comment February 8th, 2007