How to get shiny hair

Shiny hair is usually a sign of healthy hair. When strands start looking dull or flat, something is interfering with how light reflects off the surface - and figuring out what that is makes fixing it much easier.

Why hair loses its shine

Every hair strand is covered in overlapping scales called the cuticle. When these scales lie flat and smooth, light bounces off cleanly and hair looks glossy. When they're lifted or damaged, light scatters in all directions. Dull hair.

According to research published in Dermatology Times, disrupted cuticles become "fragmented and rough, resulting in less light reflection from the hair surface." This is why damaged hair almost always looks duller than healthy hair, regardless of colour or texture.

A few things commonly rough up the cuticle, and heat styling is probably the most obvious. Hot tools like straighteners and curling irons cause microscopic cracks in the cuticle layer, and without a heat protectant each session just compounds the damage from the last one.

Sun damage works more gradually but does something similar - UV exposure degrades the outer hair layers and causes cuticle cells to lift over time, which is why hair that's been through a few summers often looks duller than it used to.

Product buildup is one that often gets overlooked. Residue from styling products, dry shampoo, hard water minerals - all of it can coat the hair shaft and physically block light from reflecting properly. Your hair might be perfectly healthy underneath and still look dull because of what's sitting on top of it.

And then there's simple dehydration. Dry hair doesn't hold its cuticle flat the way moisturised hair does, so it tends toward that rough, matte look almost by default.

Finding the right shampoo and conditioner

Your wash routine sets the foundation for shiny hair. A shampoo that strips too aggressively leaves hair dry and dull. One that doesn't cleanse properly lets buildup accumulate. The right shampoo balances both - cleaning effectively without removing the natural oils your hair needs.

Our EVERYDAY SHINE Shampoo and Conditioner were formulated with shine specifically in mind. Vitamin C helps boost radiance and protect against environmental stress, Vitamin B5 adds moisture, and coconut oil provides deep nourishment without weighing hair down. Clinical testing showed the duo boosts hydration by 8x after just one use - and well-hydrated hair holds its shine far better than dry hair.

Curly and coily hair works a bit differently. The spiral shape means light reflects at more angles, so curls can appear less shiny even when perfectly healthy (it's just geometry, not damage). Our CURL-DEFINING Shampoo and Conditioner address this - sulfate-free, with shea butter, cocoa butter, and glycerine to smooth and define while locking in moisture. Clinical studies showed a 70% increase in shine when used together. For coily hair? 104%.

If buildup is the problem, adding a clarifying shampoo to your hair care routine once a week can make a real difference. Our CLARIFYING Shampoo removes residue from styling products and hard water without stripping hair dry.

The role of natural oils

Natural oils have been used on hair for centuries, and for good reason. Oils smooth down the cuticle and create a light-reflecting layer on the surface. Argan oil, coconut oil, and similar ingredients all do this to varying degrees.

The key is using the right amount - too much weighs hair down and makes it look greasy rather than glossy. A small amount applied to damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends where hair tends to be driest, usually works best. Our conditioner bars contain concentrated plant butters that serve a similar function, smoothing and sealing without that heavy feeling standalone oils can sometimes leave.

Protecting your hair from heat and sun

If you use hot tools regularly, a heat protectant isn't optional - it's essential. Heat styling without protection causes cumulative damage to the cuticle, and each session adds to the problem.

Sun damage builds up more gradually but can be just as dulling over time. Wearing a hat when you're outdoors for extended periods, or using products with UV filters, helps preserve shine. Air drying when possible gives your hair a break from heat altogether. It takes longer, but it's an easy way to reduce daily wear on the cuticle.

Quick fixes that actually help

Sometimes you need shine now, not in six weeks.

Cool water rinse at the end of your wash. Helps seal the cuticle flat. Not a miracle fix, but it helps. A boar bristle brush distributes natural oils from scalp to ends - adds shine to mid-lengths that don't get much sebum naturally. And really saturating hair with conditioner, letting it actually absorb rather than rushing through, makes an immediate visible difference for a lot of people.

For glossy hair that lasts though, there's no shortcut around the basics. Products that hydrate without building up. Protection from heat and sun damage. Periodic clearing of residue. Paying attention to what your hair responds to - and adjusting when something's not working.

Making it work for your hair

The path to shiny hair comes down to keeping the cuticle smooth and hydrated, and avoiding the damage and buildup that get in the way. Start with a shampoo and conditioner that prioritise moisture and cuticle health. Protect against heat styling and sun damage. Clear buildup when needed. The rest tends to follow.