This Is How to Get Shiny, Silky Hair Instantly

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You’ve seen sleek, glossy hair in just about every shampoo ad on the planet. Not to mention, the shiny, bouncy curls that are all over the red carpet and the runways during fashion week. And even though there are plenty of hair products and tools out there that promise to deliver this kind of hair straight to you—no professional styling required—one question remains: why aren’t you stepping out of the bathroom each day with runway-ready hair?

There are plenty of small everyday habits that can lead to the kind of hair damage that can affect how shiny and silky your hair looks. Heat styling, chemical processing (like coloring or perming), sun exposure, and even tight hairstyles can lead to breakage and frizz. Diet, stress, and medical conditions can come into play, too.

But if it’s silky hair you covet—and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?!—stylists say there are plenty of tricks to tap.

Meet the experts: Becca Raziuddin is the director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar. Dawna Jarvis is a master hairstylist based in Los Angeles. Aura Friedman is a celebrity hairstylist and colorist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Kenna Ehman is the co-owner and master hairstylist at Kenna Kunijo in Charlotte, NC. Cody Renegar is a master barber and hairstylist in Los Angeles.

1. Wash strategically

It all starts with how—and when—you wash your hair. To keep things shiny and healthy, limit washing to just two to three times per week, says Becca Raziuddin, director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and avoid using very hot water, she says. Once you’re done lathering, finish with a cold rinse, says master hairstylist Dawna Jarvis. “This simple step helps to close the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and leaving your hair looking glossy and smooth.”

2. Don’t reach for the blow dryer right away

Wet hair needs more time under the blow dryer, and prolonged heat leads to damage. Instead of rushing to dry hair immediately after showering, wrap strands in a microfiber towel turban—like AQUIS—after showering. “It helps get the hair about 80 percent dry without any frizz or use of heat to keep the hair super shiny,” says celebrity hair colorist Aura Friedman.

3. Turn down the heat

“You have to use less heat on your hair; the lower you can go, the better,” says Kenna Ehman, co-owner and master hairstylist at Kenna Kunijo in Charlotte, NC. You can—and should—use a heat protectant, which does help but isn’t a cure-all. Think of it kind of like your favorite cooking pan, says Ehman. A pan that gets used repeatedly (exposed to heat), eventually loses its shine. “The more heat we apply (even with a protectant), the duller hair will appear.”

4. Finish with a shine-boosting serum

When you get a salon blowout, you’ll notice they typically apply a finishing serum. For an instantly high-gloss look, you should too. Look for silicone-based serums, says Raziuddin, who recommends Color Wow’s Pock and Lock.

5. Brush your hair every day—the right way

You may not be washing every day, but you should be brushing daily. If your hair is wet, make sure to use a wide-tooth comb instead of a standard brush, says Cody Renegar, a master barber and hairstylist in Los Angeles. And, whether hair is wet or dry, always brush from roots to ends to ensure your natural oils are evenly distributed throughout your hair, says Ehman. “That will help you not to have to wash your hair as much, which can lead to excessive dryness and dull hair,” she says.

6. Add in a weekly hair mask

For smoother, softer hair, occasional deep conditioning treatments are key. A weekly hair mask is a good goal, says Raziuddin. Anything more can weigh down strands, making them look limp and greasy rather than bouncy and shiny. When shopping for the right product, look for high-quality hair products free of sulfates, parabens and sodium chlorides, she says.

Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

A29 Shine Activator

Signature Moisture Masque

Pro Youth Hair & Scalp Mask

Hair-Mask Deep Conditioner

Mane Magic 10-in-1 Shine Mask

7. Use a silk pillowcase

Sleeping with a silk pillowcase or bonnet helps avoid hair being tossed around while you sleep, causing friction and damaging the hair's cuticle (which is exactly what makes your hair look smooth and shiny), says Ehman. “I also recommend not going to sleep with wet hair, especially tied up, as tying hair up when wet will cause the cuticle to shrink while drying and cause breakage.” Not to mention, when you go to sleep with a wet head, you’ll likely have to do a lot of correcting with heat products to combat the bed head, which increases dullness.

8. Get regular trims

To avoid split ends, keep up with your salon visits. Aim to get a solid trim every six to eight weeks, says Renegar.

9. Re-evaluate your diet

If you’re following all of these stylist-approved home remedies for shiny hair and still struggling with dull locks, think about what you’re putting into your body. “Silky, shiny hair starts within and flows out,” says Ehman. “Eating a lot of healthy fats—like fatty omegas, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, fish, etc—will help your hair be shinier.”

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