Gorgeous glossy hair is the epitome of health and vitality and arguably one of the most desirable beauty traits ever. Happily, there are only three major steps to consider when it comes to restoring and maintaining sleek, silky strands: cleanse, hydrate and condition. Read on as we bring you a step-by-step guide to achieving your glossiest ever hair.
Why Does Hair Appear Dull?
Hair can appear dull for several reasons. One of the most common causes of lacklustre locks is the steady build-up of old hair products, oil and dirt which gets trapped in the hair follicle and starts to weigh hair down, making it appear lank and greasy. Excessively dry or dehydrated hair can also appear dull, this is because when hair is dry or dehydrated, the cuticle, or outer most layer, becomes rough and raised making it difficult to reflect light unlike a smooth surface area that allows light to bounce off. The drier the hair the more brittle it is and therefore more likely to break or split, resulting in frizzy ends that vary in length and stick up in different directions instead of the same, smooth direction.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Hair Properly
The easiest way to tackle the build-up of old hair product and daily dirt and grime is to invest in a good cleansing system. Make sure the shampoo you are selecting is best suited to your hair type, as fine hair will need a shampoo that is less dense and less moisturising than thicker or curly hair. If you’re unsure of what your hair type is, stick to a gentle formula that will remove dirt and impurities but without stripping moisture. Look for clarifying shampoos, such as Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo, a lightweight formula that is suitable for all hair types and works to balance sebum production, gently stimulate re-growth, exfoliate and cleanse. Overwashing hair strips away natural oils and hydration, so try to alternate washing your hair to every other day.
Invest in a deep cleansing scalp treatment once a week to lift away deep-set dirt, impurities and pollution. Look for scalp scrubs containing charcoal, which helps to draw out impurities, we love Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo used with the Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, which helps to stimulate blood circulation and encourage growth. Bumble and bumble Scalp Detox is an innovative, detoxifying, fizzing foam formula that uses cleansing micellar particles to draw out impurities and leaves your head feeling fresh and tingly. Salicylic acid works away at dead skin cells and pore-clogging debris.
Step 2: The Right Treatment For Your Hair
Damaged, dry or dehydrated hair equals dull hair, so it’s vital to replenish locks with moisture and nutrients. New to Space NK, Olaplex offers a patented, award-winning, at-home haircare collection that works to reduce breakage and dramatically improve the health and in turn texture of hair. We recommend incorporating No.3 Hair Protector into your weekly routine, this highly concentrated treatment helps to restore hair structure reducing the appearance of split ends and improving the strength and health of hair.
Hair supplements, which can be take orally, are an alternative way to breathing life into dry, brittle, dull hair. Ouai Dry Hair Supplement is rich in iron, vitamin E, silica and omega-3 essential fatty acids that work from within to hydrate and nourish hair follicles. Not only will you begin to notice a difference in the condition and quality of your hair, the supplement also promotes hair growth while preventing breakage and split ends.
Step 3: How To Condition Your Hair
Improving the condition of hair is a sure-fire way to increase its shine. Follow shampoo with a conditioner appropriate for your hair type. Finer hair is better suited to a lightweight formula such as IGK Hair 30,000 Feet Volume Conditioner whereas curly or more coarse hair can tolerate heavier, leave-in conditioners such as IGK Expensive Amla Oil Hi-Shine Topcoat without becoming greasy or weighted down. Always do a cold water rinse after your conditioner as this will help to seal in the conditioner and make it easier to add shine and style.
Before you heat style hair, always protect with a serum, oil or sealant to help smooth the cuticle and tame frizz. Direct heat from styling tools, such as a hairdryer of straighteners, are not good for the hair cuticle layer as they suck out the moisture and give a rough, raised, frazzled result. If your hair is fine, we suggest opting for a light mist spray formula such as Philip B Weightless Conditioning Water, which wont’t saturate hair. Be sure to apply to the lengths and ends only avoiding the root and scalp.
If your hair is more coarse or curly, oils and serums can be run through the lengths before styling. We love Virtue Split End Serum – a protective serum enriched with pea protein, hydrolysed quinoa and baobab seed oil, which help to protect and repair, improve moisture retention and deliver a lustrous shine.
Styling Tips
Reduce breakage when hair is damp and therefore delicate by gently towel drying with award-winning haircare towel Aquis, designed to protect the hair cuticle with a unique fibre called Aquitex.
Use a natural bristle brush on damp hair, which won’t tug on hair so will reduce breakage, but will also distribute hair’s natural oils evenly giving a glossy finish.
If your hair is curly, always separate curls using fingers when damp as a brush could add unwanted frizz.
