7 Shine Boosters: Tricks for Shinier Hair

Get In Condition

“Use conditioner every time you wash,” says New York City stylist David Evangelista. Worried that it’ll leave your hair looking lifeless? Preserve volume by applying it only from midway up the hair to the ends and avoiding the healthier roots. (Extra benefit: Conditioner cuts down on friction — and, in turn, breakage — as you brush.) In addition, do an at-home deep treatment once a week. Try Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Instant Repair Treatment ($7, drugstores) or Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque with Seasilk ($40, 888-425-8376).

Be Cool

“Do a cold rinse at the end of your shower, or blast your hair with cool air once you’re through blow-drying,” says Evangelista. “Both help seal the cuticle so it lies flat and stays shiny.”

Protect Yourself

Whenever you use a blow-dryer, curling iron, or straightener, be sure to apply leave-in heat protection, says Gretchen Monahan. These lotions or sprays go on before styling to form a barrier between your hair and the hot appliance, cutting down on damage. Try VO5 Extreme Style Heat Defense ($3.49, drugstores) or GHD Thermal Protector ($25, Sephora).

Brush Right

“Choose a brush with lots of tightly packed bristles to really smooth hair,” says Monahan. “Boar bristles are great for fine strands; a boar-plastic mix is best for medium to thick.”

Mist It

Give heavy serums a time-out, and switch to a lightweight shine spray instead. “It’ll give you sparkle and reflection without weighing hair down,” says colorist Louis Viel of the Miano Viel Salon in New York City. Our picks: Umberto Beverly Hills Shimmer ($9, Target) and Privé Flash Brilliance ($19.50, priveproducts.com).

Hit the Salon

Consider a gloss treatment, which coats hair in a shine-amplifying glaze for a few weeks. Viel suggests having one right after a color service, when hair is extra porous: “You’ll get the most benefit, and your color will last longer.”

Color Correctly

Ashy, mousy, or gray shades don’t reflect light well, says Viel. “Brighten and add brilliance with warm tones, either with allover color or highlights.” Bonus: Because dye swells the hair shaft, your hair will look thicker, too.

Try on a new hairstyle now.

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