Don't ever doubt it, your hair is your crown. And yet, many of us tend to let it get a little, uh, tarnished from time to time. Dullness induced by overprocessing and over-styling or an overall lack of nourishment can leave strands looking less than lustrous. But there’s good news: It’s easy to restore your hair to its glory. Keep reading to discover five invaluable tips, along with product picks, to help your hair shine.
Use a hair gloss
Quick science lesson: The beautiful sheen you see on healthy hair is due to the external layer of each strand called the cuticle. A healthy cuticle has an even texture and lies flat, which refracts light. When you’re not taking care of your hair (or are processing it with certain treatments that alter the color or texture), the cuticle is damaged and uneven, giving the appearance of dull, frizzy hair. Unlike permanent hair dye, which lifts the cuticle to go within strands to change their color, “the pigment in hair gloss sits on the surface of the hair,” says Dr. Yadav. This is a good thing, adds Manzone: “Glosses help seal the cuticle of your hair, which can prevent frizz and add shine.” Whether you have color-treated or virgin hair, Glaze Super Gloss Color Conditioning Gloss gives your hair color a boost of vibrancy and depth. Just choose the right shade from their 9 color-matching range, or opt for the transparent Sheer Glow Super Gloss that works for any hue under the sun. Check out these results!
Glaze Super Gloss Clear Conditioning Gloss
Glaze Super Gloss Clear Conditioning Gloss
It’s important to consider that all hair glosses are not created equally—so you want one that nourishes your strands, and is free from ammonia, peroxide, parabens, silicones and sulfates like Glaze Super Gloss. “Glaze Super Gloss contains babassu oil, a smoothing and softening oil, rich in fatty acids, that gives this hair treatment conditioning mask-like properties,” says Dr. Yadav. “After rinsing off this product and styling, you can expect your hair to be so much softer and shinier.” And for a major bonus, you can save 20 percent when you use promo code GLAZE20. :Adds to cart:
Detangle like a pro
Who among us hasn’t gotten frustrated when trying to brush snarled strands? But patience will go a long way during this crucial prep step. “Many [people] tend to be rough with their hair when detangling, which can lead to breakage, especially with hair that's already weak or damaged,” explains Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Science Dermatology, a medical skincare center in Toronto. Though it may feel awkward or unnatural, start detangling towards your ends, brushing or combing downwards, then continue to the mid-shaft, working your way up towards your scalp with each pass. Otherwise, you risk turning small tangles into a major rat’s nest.
You should also be strategic about when you detangle. “[If you have] softer, finer hair, you can do it in the shower while your conditioner is in using a wide-toothed comb,” says Sarah Manzone, a stylist at NYC's Spoke & Weal salon. If your hair is coarse and curly, combat knots when your hair is dry with a detangling cream, which can help reduce breakage of hair that is naturally prone to being brittle. Plus, "hair is more fragile when it’s wet,” adds Manzone.
Get your beauty sleep on
Slip Silk Pillowcase - Standard/Queen
Slip Silk Pillowcase - Standard/Queen
Even if you’re buying ultra-luxe, high-thread-count sheets, your pillowcase is not as soft as you think it is. “Fabrics like cotton are actually coarse and rough, which lifts the cuticle of your hair and makes it easier for strands to tangle,” says Dr. Yadav. When you use a silk pillowcase, wrap your hair with a silk scarf, or use a satin-lined cap, your hair glides across the soft material as you toss and turn in your sleep, which means no tangling or breakage. The fabric also prevents moisture loss: “Silk pillowcases absorb less moisture than cotton, so your hair—and your skin—will stay hydrated longer, leaving hair shinier and skin looking healthier with less noticeable fine lines,” says Dr. Yadav.
Give heat-styling a rest
Whether you’re deeply attached to your curling wand, obsessed with the sleek results of your flatiron, or simply can’t go a day without a blowout, you can bet that your hair is begging for you to chill a little bit. “Heat breaks down your hair cuticle and causes breakage,” explains Manzone. “It’s good to take breaks [by] air drying your hair whenever you can, even if it’s a few times a week or a few times a month.”
Don't skimp on deep conditioner
No matter the texture, your hair can crave intensive care from a deep conditioner or mask. “All hair types can benefit from doing one every month or so to maintain health, whether it be for moisture or repair,” says Manzone. As Dr. Yadav explains, “Deep conditioning treatments promote healthier, more manageable hair that's less prone to breakage and damage.” She recommends formulas that are rich in plant-based oils like avocado, argan, and coconut. Apply to clean, damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends of your strands, then leave it in for at least 20 minutes (or even overnight—just protect that new silk pillowcase with a clean towel or old t-shirt!) before thoroughly rinsing.
shu uemura Urban Moisture Deep Hydration Treatment Mask for Dry Hair
