These Pro Tips Will Give You Gorgeous, Shiny Hair

Why Is My Hair Not Shiny?

Before dish on how to make hair shiny, let’s take a second to discuss why your mane might look dull or lackluster. As we mentioned above, shiny hair is healthy hair, so hair that lacks that shimmering, glossy quality is probably not in peak shape. 

Common culprits of non-shiny hair include: 

• Too much heat styling—especially without using heat protectant 
• Poor styling techniques, such as brushing aggressively 
• Over-processed from hair color, bleaching, and chemical processing 
• Dry hair that’s not being conditioned enough 
• Using low quality hair care products with harsh ingredients 
• Over washing or under washing your hair 
• Hard water and other environmental factors

How Do I Make My Hair Shiny?

Ready to get your shine on? These pro tips will help promote glossy hair. 

Good hair day by @colorbymarina.

Use high quality shampoo and conditioner 

If you’re serious about learning how to get shiny hair, take this first piece of advice to heart. (Or should we say to your head?) Salon-quality hair care products are one of the best ways to keep your hair healthy and shiny—even if you’ve dyed your hair or heat style it often. 

You’ve got lots of options, so choose the products that fit your needs best. For example, if your strands are feeling parched, try Redken All Soft Argan-Oil Enriched Shampoo for Dry Hair and All Soft Argan-Oil Enriched Conditioner for Dry Hair. Or if you’re dealing with damage, consider  Redken Extreme Strengthening Shampoo for Damaged Hair and Extreme Strengthening Conditioner for Damaged Hair. Never underestimate the wonders of an excellent conditioner and shampoo for shiny hair!

Indulge in a luxe, at-home hair treatment 

Another hair shine product to add to your at-home routine is a luxurious hair treatment. Again, it’s best to choose a product that addresses your specific needs. For example, if you want to protect your hair color, try the L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox Mask, which helps you maintain that post-salon vibrancy. Or if you’re trying to get long, shiny hair try Redken Extreme Length Triple Action Treatment Mask. It helps hair feel stronger and visibly reduces split ends by up to 68%.

Rinse your hair with lukewarm water.

If you’re not aware of this common shower mistake, it may be the one thing standing between you and super shiny hair. Not only can rinsing your strands in scorching hot water cause frizz, but it can also leave it looking dull. When possible, rinse your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot. You can also do a 30-second cold water blast. This can help seal the cuticle and create that mirror-like shine you crave. 

Protect your strands while you sleep.

Want to wake up every morning with shiny hair? The eight hours a night you spend sleeping might just do more damage than you realize. Standard cotton pillowcases can cause tugging and breakage while you toss and turn. We recommend swapping in a silk pillowcase. They’re designed to be gentle on your mane and help minimize friction while you sleep. 

Add a clarifying shampoo to your routine

Every once in a while, your mane craves a deep clean that’ll nix product buildup and residue. A clarifying shampoo—such as Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo—will help get the job done. This creamy formula nixes hard water buildup, excess oil, pollution residue, and product buildup—all without strapping your strands.The result is shiny hair that looks and feels like it got a reset. 

Pro Tip:While adding a clarifying shampoo to the mix is important, don’t overdo it! Clarifying formulas can be stripping—particularly for color or chemically-treated hair. Try swapping it with your regular shampoo once every few weeks. 

Try hair oils

Hair oils are one of the best products for shiny hair you can use. They help you achieve instant, intense brilliance while keeping your strands nourished. Searching for one to add to your routine? We recommend Redken Oil for All Multi Benefit Hair Oil Heat Protectant Spray The weightless formula fights frizz while protecting your strands from heat damage. At the same time, it locks in moisture for seriously glossy hair.

Good hair day by @alex.mercedesss.

Never skip heat protection

Hot tools zap the moisture from your strands which can cause them to look frizzy and dull. If you’re committed to your daily blowout or hair straightening session, however, be sure to use a heat protectant like Redken’s Iron Shape 11 Thermal Holding Heat Protection Spray every time you reach for your hot tools. This lightweight, thermal heat protection hairspray is perfect for use with flat irons and curling irons up to 450 degrees to protect your hair, add shine, and reduce frizz.

Good hair day by @hairmomo_.

Finish with a hair shine spray 

For a quick and easy burst of shine, add some hair shine spray to your strands after you’ve finished styling. For example, Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray is a lightweight spray that creates a glass-like finish on any hairstyle. Consider it your secret weapon against dullness! 

How Do Salons Make Your Hair Shiny?

Have you ever noticed how amazing your hair looks after a visit to the salon? There are a few reasons why that happens. First of all, these are pro stylists and colorists who are using high quality salon hair care products. They also are fully trained in how to style your hair so it’s as shiny and healthy as possible. 

That salon-like shiny hair is the ultimate goal, and you can help maintain the brilliance by following the above shiny hair tips. For the occasional salon pick-me-up, though, schedule a visit for a hair gloss or hair glaze in-between your hair color and cut appointments. 

These semi-permanent hair treatments coat and seal the hair cuticle to create a reflective shine that lasts from four to six weeks. Not sure which to get? A hair glaze is clear, while a hair gloss tones your strands to nix brassiness and help you recreate that “just had my hair colored” look. 

Best of all, these salon services don’t require a lengthy appointment, so they’re easy enough to squeeze into your schedule. It’s basically like an upgraded blowout, so schedule accordingly!

Seeking top-notch hair care products? Shop the best salon-quality products at Hair.com.