Healthy, Shiny Hair

Cheat Your Way to Healthy, Shiny Hair

If you were born with dead straight hair you're one of the lucky ones - as far as shine is concerned, you've hit the jackpot. However, if you're NOT amongst those genetically fortunate few, Michelle Aldridge, Creative Director of shuum in Brisbane, has a couple of tips on how to get healthy, shiny hair:

"Shiny hair has to do with the even reflection of light. Curly hair tends to have a porus, uneven surface so it doesn't reflect light as easily as straight hair." You can however improve the level of shine by following a few of these simple tips:

· Improve the condition of your hair by avoiding the use of heat styling tools.

· If you have straight hair and have to use a blow dryer, use one with a nozzle to directs the airflow and always dry from roots to ends. Michelle recommends using Liss Extreme to control frizz and Tec Ni Pli for volume, hold and extra shine.

· If you have curly hair Michelle recommends twisting Tec Ni Art Texturizing Gelee through your hair then blow drying with a diffuser on the lowest heat setting. Don't 'overwork' the hair, fiddling with your curls will lead to frizz.

· Don't tip your head upside down when blow drying as this can create frizz.

· Use a bush with boar bristles (these are naturally porous and will absorb and evenly distribute natural oils throughout your hair).

· Use a shampoo and conditioner recommended by a professional hairdresser. The right shampoo and conditioner will help seal and smooth the surface of your hair allowing it to reflect light. Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove product build up (which can make your hair look dull).

· Give your hair a final blast of cool water just before you jump out of the shower, this will seal the surface of your hair so it reflects light better. Remember, heat stimulates the scalp which encourages the production of oil. A cooler shower will help to control greasy hair.

· Slightly diluted vinegar is fantastic for shine. The easiest way to apply vinegar is in a spray bottle, then rinse out thoroughly.

· For people with straight hair, styling products that add gloss and shine should be used sparingly, as too much will way the hair down and make it look greasy.

· Michelle also recommends L'Oreal's Richesse Colour, a special in-salon colour treatment that instantly adds high gloss shine without affecting the condition of your hair. Richesse Colour lasts up to 30 shampoos depending on the porosity of your hair. "The shine can look amazing, like the reflection off a shiny surface like glass."

Hair that's straight, wavy, curly or kinky can look naturally shiny if the hair is in great condition.

Michelle Aldridge is the creative director of Shuum, Brisbane. If you have any question about shiny hair, email a Pro In The Know at shuum@powerup.com.au