Discover The Secrets to Ensuring Every Day Is a Great Hair Day.
If you’re looking to revitalize lacklustre and fragile hair prone to breakage, it might be time to introduce some changes into your hair care routine. Whether it involves altering your styling practices, experimenting with different products, or prioritizing your hair’s protection, a few adjustments, combined with expert insights, can significantly enhance both the appearance and health of your locks.
Hairstylists reveal 10 lesser-known tricks that can elevate your hair’s strength and shine to salon-worthy levels. Read on to uncover their recommendations.
Table of Contents
10 Best-Kept Secrets to Strong and Shiny Hair
1. Guard Against Sun Damage
Just as you wouldn’t expose your skin to the sun without protection, the same principle applies to your hair. Shield your strands from UVB and UVA rays by using a protective product like SunPotion. This finishing product not only safeguards the hair’s protein but also enhances shine and gloss. For an additional protective measure, consider wearing a hat when stepping out without a dedicated hair product.
2. Incorporate a High-Quality Hair Mask
When your regular hair care routine falls short, and your hair appears dull, a high-quality hair mask can be a game-changer. While conditioners are excellent for sealing the cuticle during regular styling, a quality mask, such as In Minutes Silkening Mask or Aveda’s Botanical Repair Intense Strengthening Masque, ensures thorough hydration, leaving your hair silkier and shinier.
3. Lower the Heat on Styling Tools
Reduce the temperature of your heat-styling tools, especially flat irons and curling irons. Instead of maxing out the heat to 450 degrees, hairstylists recommend starting at 250 degrees. Moving or spinning the iron prevents prolonged exposure to one area, minimizing damage to your hair’s structure.
4. Opt for Cold Blow Drying
Complement heat reduction with a cold air setting when blow drying. This not only limits long-term damage but also contributes to a high-shine finish by closing the cuticle. Finish each section with the cold air setting until your strands feel cool to the touch.
5. Balance Protein Products
Avoid using multiple protein-based products simultaneously, such as a protein shampoo and conditioner. opt for a moisture-nourishing conditioner instead to prevent excessive protein that can lead to hair shaft hardening and breakage.
6. Embrace a Boar Bristle Hair Brush
Choose a boar bristle hair brush for a gentle pull that enhances shine without added heat. This type of brush is particularly effective for achieving a super shiny blowout look, replicating salon results.
7. Stay Hydrated
Hydrate your hair from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. Maintaining overall hydration positively impacts hair health, preventing dryness and promoting strength. Consider your hair as the first area to dry out and the last to be replenished.
8. Understand Product Ingredients
Be aware of the ingredients in your hair products. Avoid hairsprays with alcohol or ethanol, as they can cause dryness. Look for ingredients like vitamin E, which protects the cuticle and boosts strength, promoting a shiny-soft hold without stiffness.
9. Prioritize Pre- and Post-Washing Protection
Integrate products like Olaplex No. 3 as a pre-shampoo treatment to enhance strength and reduce breakage. For post-washing, use Olaplex No. 7 bonding oil to repair damage and add shine. Matching your products to your styling goals prevents over-styling and minimizes heat exposure.
10. Align Products with Styling Goals
Ensure your wash products align with your styling objectives. If you use volumizing or clear shampoo but style for smoothing or straightening, switch to a shampoo that facilitates the styling process. This minimizes work, reduces heat styling, and leaves your hair softer and healthier.
