Do You Want Shiny Hair?

by Valerie Gladstone — November 2, 2007

Who doesn't? That's why almost every hair product promises just that. While some actually might help, so will a few good habits. Try the following tips from top hair stylists, with nothing to sell but results, and let me know what happens:

• Brushing--Change your plastic brush for one with natural (boar if possible) bristles, which redistribute oils throughout your hair as you brush, increasing shine. Natural brushes are also less likely to break hairs.
• Avoid Products with Alcohol--Most mousses contain alcohol; so if your hair is dry, try a cream or serum instead. Good choice: Aveda's Brilliant line ($12 to $23 at Aveda.com.
• Washing--Wash only a few times a week. You'll find skipping shampoo helps your hair shine--but leaves it limp. If you do wash every day, apply conditioner first, keeping it away from the roots. Then, without rinsing in between, apply shampoo just to the roots, lather and rinse out. Your roots will be lifted but the rest of your hair will retain its shine. Good choice: L'Oreal Paris Pro Nutri Gloss Conditioner ($4.99 at drugstores)
• Rinsing--Rinse with cold water to close the cuticle and leave a smooth, shiny surface. The same holds true if you blast with cold air after a blow dry, and most hair dryers have a cold setting for this purpose.
• Frizz--To avoid frizz, make sure your hair is dry before you head outside; any water left on your locks can lead to frizzing later.
• Heat Treatments--Stylists put clients under heat during deep conditioning treatments in order to open up the cuticle, which allows a mask or oil to penetrate the hair shaft at a deeper level. If you want to try it at home, apply a mask or hot oil treatment once a month. After you've applied the product, wrap a really hot towel around your head. Good choice: Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nutrition Oil ($36 at Sephora.com)
• Curly Hair--Curly Hair tends to be duller and drier than straight hair. If your hair has some natural wave, make sure you get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, and always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. After styling, apply a serum like TIGI S-Factor Dream Drops Shine On! ($36 at Shopping.com)
• Glistening Waves--Curly hair looks shinier when it's all going in the same direction, which is why big, smooth, structured curls reflect more light than lots of ringlets. Wrapping curls around a barrel curling iron for a few seconds will align them. Good choice: Conair BaBylissPro Tourmaline Ceramic One-Inch Curling Iron ($100 at www.haircuttersstore.com/babyliss.html)