One of the more common things people say they want is shiny strands. To achieve high-gloss hair, there are a few care and styling tips to try. Here, seven of ’em: “Conditioner’s role is to increase the moisture content of the hair and improve its elasticity, smooth the cuticle, and soften the hair fiber,” writes hair expert, trichologist, and author Sarah Roberts. All of these things are beneficial for overall hair health, but when you’re talking about shine specifically, smoothing the cuticle does the most work. When your cuticle lies flat (or smoothed down), it is better able to reflect light—and thus, your hair shines. Here’s an explainer of the various types of conditioners, as well as how best to use conditioner. You can also find our favorite options on the market, here. “To understand damaged hair, it’s important to know how hair works2. Most hair is made of three layers: the inner fiber called the medulla, the middle layer called the cortex, and an outer layer called the cuticle,” hairstylist Josh Rosebrook explains. “When hair becomes damaged, the cuticle raises, chips, becomes fragile, easily tangled, and loses moisture, luster, and the shine that’s created when the cuticle is flat and smooth.” The issue, however, is that you can never truly repair damage—you can only cut off the damage or use products to help minimize the appearance. If your hair is shiny at the root but gets progressively duller toward the bottom, it may be a sign it’s time for a trim to snip off dead and split ends. If your damage appears all over (some people just have damage-prone hair; it happens), you’ll want to take every precaution to avoid worsening the issue and use repair-specific products, like protein-infused shampoos and conditioners. If your hair is thicker and runs dry, you can opt for a heavier cream or oil, as it will coat and nurture dry strands, but the weight won’t necessarily cause issues as the strands can take thickness. Those with finer, limp hair should stick to light mists, serums, or leave-in liquids, as too much product will look greasy, not shiny. There are even some sprays that have a dose of shine-enhancing particles, which superficially mimic luster if you’re looking for a more temporary (and playful) styling choice. We mentioned your hair is made of keratin; keratin is actually made up of amino acids, or the building blocks of protein. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are small chains of amino acids, so when they are absorbed by the body, they can help support your body’s natural hair growth. Another popular option is biotin. Thinning hair and hair loss are very common symptoms of biotin deficiency3 and can be supported with a supplement.* Additionally, biotin is believed to naturally promote healthy hair growth because it is involved in the production of keratin, the main component of hair.* In one small study, women with thinning hair reported significant regrowth when supplementing with biotin as compared to those given a placebo.* Not only is this bad for hair aesthetically, but prolonged buildup can actually lead to hair loss. “If buildup is really extreme, it can even pull the hair down because there’s so much inflammation around the hair follicle,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, M.D. To remove excess buildup, ensure you are shampooing your hair the right amount for your texture and lifestyle. If you really need a reset, consider a natural clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub. To do an at-home glaze, simply find a hue that matches your natural tone (or opt for clear), and apply it as you see fit, be that weekly or single-use before a big event. Glazes are temporary and will wash off with shampoos, making them a low-level commitment. It can also help lift off impurities and buildup without having to go do a full shampoo every shower. Remember how we said that it’s important to shampoo to remove buildup? Well, it’s equally important to not overdo it, as that can strip away natural oils and damage hair. “The biggest culprit in dull hair is over-shampooing, so I highly suggest using a rinse a few times a week to extend the time between your regular shampoo and conditioner routine to keep your hair bright, healthy, and vibrant,” says celebrity colorist Justin Anderson, co-founder and creative director of hair care brand dpHue.
