To ask about shiny / glossy hair 👩🏻‍🦰

[AnaDay]

I wondered if anyone can recommend a not too expensive product to use on hair to make it shiny or glossy?

i have shoulder length dark hair and it just looks so dry and dull

What do you currently use? How thick/fine is your hair?

If it's not fine and you don't currently use any products then I'd recommend an argan hair oil and either olaplex no3 every few weeks or something like loreal dream lengths wonder water.

If you're currently using products that contain protein, or thickening/volumising/strengthening products, it might be that your hair is over-proteined which is making it weak and dry.

I use argan oil and it does make it glossy, I gradually reduced how often I wash my hair. So

There are loads of hair oils about, some extremely expensive but I just use a few drops of Bio Oil rubbed between my palms and “stroked” on to my hair (wet or dry, doesn’t matter). Bodycare sell some really nice and cheaply priced hair products: I especially like SCHWARZKOPF Gliss Liquid Silk Express Repair Conditioner 200ml from there.

Eat plenty of B vitamins.

Oops so often I'll use water to wash it then spray in some argan oil, over the past couple of years it's definitely become healthier. Also don't ever use heat on it !

The culprit for my dull (wavy, thick) hair was a massive amount of build up from living in a hard water area (and using dry shampoo!).

I now use a good quality clarifying shampoo and a moisturising conditioner but only on the ends. Initially I tried to use loads on moisturising products and it just made it worse.

When the character played by Kim Marsh was a barmaid in Corrie few years ago, the other staff were envious of her shiny, swishy locks and wondered out loud, behind her back, how she managed it.
Gaffer Liz Mc Donald was fed up with not being the limelight and cattily replied 'Dunno, perhaps she brushes it with a pork chop'
Funny how these things stick in ones mind.
Don't try this at home. 😂

I've noticed that my hair is shinier since taking an omega 3 oil capsule every day.

This has really tickled me 🤣

For the most part, it’s not about products. You need to stop using any heat on your hair and stop washing so often. Don’t colour it. Don’t brush when wet. Keep pleated when you are not going out, to prevent tangles.

The only product I would recommend is a very thick conditioner such as the Aussie SOS deep repair conditioner (but any brand will do). Leave a generous amount in your hair for about 10 mins and rub your hair between your palms.

If your hair is not naturally straight, you can get Japanese permanent straightening when your hair is in better condition. Unlike Brazilian straightening, only the regrowth needs to be done.

I wash it twice a week, using Head and Shoulders Smooth and Sleek (Silky??) shampoo and matching conditioner, and I add Frizz Ease Tropical Oil to the ends while it is soaking wet.
I have very long, thick hair and it is in great condition, despite not having had a cut in several years. My hair is really shiny and healthy yet I use heat (dryer, straighteners) at least 50% of the time I wash and dry it and I have always brushed my hair whilst wet 🤷.

Not sure why you decided to reply to my post without quoting.

Fwiw, your hair is thick (and more resistant to damage) and yet you’re still having to use oil on it.

Coconut oil as a hair mask.

I've ordered some of the Glaze product which looks good.

I use Lush henna and it gives my hair a brilliant shine. I have really fine hair so oils and stuff just weigh it down and make it look greasy. The henna is a faff to do but so worth it.

Thinking about it, I've only ever seen shiny/glossy hair when it's freshly coloured or when a light shine mist/oil is applied. Can't think of anyone I know who has naturally shiny hair... I'm sure these people do exist, just not in my circles!

Should add Olaplex is great x

I second this. Coconut oil mask on, wrap in cling film, leave for a while (I do minimum 30 mins but you can go way longer) then wash and condition as normal. For reference I use tresemme silky smooth, nothing special at all. But I only use conditioner on the ends (I have waist length hair), if I condition the roots it doesn't stay 'clean' as long. Doing it this way I can get away with twice weekly washes at the most. I have a fringe too which stays non greasy by not conditioning at the root

@HousePlantNeglect - which clarifying shampoo do you use?

I get loads of compliments on how shiny my hair is. It's probably my best feature.

I wash it every day and I dry it with a hot hairdryer. I also brush it through with a Denman wet brush when it's wet. I don't really use any products other than shampoo and sometimes conditioner (not treatment products, anyway; occasionally a texturising spray when I want it to look a bit messier). So I think it's really just more down to natural hair type than anything else.

OP, my sister has straightened, colour-treated blonde hair and she swears by Lee Stafford Shine Spray for a quick fix - you just mist it on after styling I think and it gives a nice glossy finish. I don't know what the texture of it is like, but it didn't look oily or heavy on my sister's hair when she used it, just glossy and smooth and polished.

Cold water rinse helps with shine too

@Cleopatra67 have tried loads!

The Paul Mitchell one is about the best balance between cost and outcome. I double wash it but only wash twice a week.

I use one of these when I want extra shine. Temporary hair colour conditioner

Glaze does work well.