Whether your hair is naturally dry or has become dry due to chemical processing, you can add softness and shine with the right conditioning treatments, hair care regimen and styling products. Both short and long hair can benefit from shine-enhancing care and treatments. You may even find that the same things that make your hair shinier make it healthier as well. Shinier hair is not only prettier and more manageable, but it also can make you look younger.
Step 1
Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo formulated for dry hair. Apply shampoo to the scalp rather than the length of the hair. Shampoo hair less often, using a light conditioner in place of shampoo some of the time.
Step 2
Condition your hair with a daily conditioner for dry and damaged hair every time you wash it. Apply conditioner to the ends and work up toward the roots of your hair. Look for a conditioner without alcohol. Replace your daily conditioner with an intensive conditioner at least once a week.
Step 3
Apply olive oil to your hair. Work the oil through your hair and wrap it in plastic wrap. Sit in the sun or apply heat from a hair dryer to warm the oil. Allow the oil to sit on your hair for 20 minutes, then wash it out over the sink or bathtub.
Step 4
Use mayonnaise as a protein treatment to increase shine in your hair. Work mayonnaise or a mixture of mayonnaise and beaten egg into your hair. Pile your hair on top of your head and wrap your head securely in plastic wrap. Leave the mayo on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Step 5
Apply a small amount of a silicone-based shine enhancer to your hair once it is dry and styled. Silicone adds shine and can hide dryness and breakage. If you have curly hair and prefer to avoid silicone, try shea butter or coconut oil to add shine to your hair.
Tips and Warnings
- Dry hair is individual. Note whether your hair is softer and shinier after a mayonnaise treatment or an oil treatment. Avoid chemical treatments and heated styling tools to limit additional dryness and damage.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo for dry hair
- Daily conditioner for dry hair
- Intensive conditioner
- Mayonnaise
- Egg (optional)
- Olive oil
- Plastic wrap
- Hair dryer
- Shine-enhancing sprays or creams
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