My ultimate guide with top tips to looking after your jet black hair.
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Who doesn’t want shiny, glossy hair? Shiny hair is often a sign of healthy hair, however, when it comes to jet black hair, it’s often a whole different story, and results can be difficult to achieve.
If your hair isn’t as shiny as you’d like it to be, don’t worry. With the right plan in place, and a some consistency – you can achieve your glossy look in no time!
This is your time to shine, girl! Scroll on down for the ultimate (yet simple) tips and tricks to glossy hair.
Causes for Dull hair
Dull hair consists a lack of shine, bounce and sleekness. Often your hair becomes tiered-looking, coarse texture to touch, and may look flat, frizzy or heavy.
Here are some of the causes:
- Lacking essential hair boosting nutrients in your diet.
- Using too much product, product buildup, or the wrong product for your hair type.
- Harsh hair care routines, such as towel drying or excessive brushing.
- Over colouring your hair or using harsh chemicals.
- Air con or central heating drying your hair out.
- Regularly using styling tools such as straighteners, hair dryers and curling tongs.
- Avoiding salon trips to get your hair cut.
- Washing your hair too much.
- Stress or hormonal imbalance.
Tips and Tricks to Help You Get Shiny Black Hair
Invest in clarifying shampoo: Excess build up of product is one of the major contributors to dull hair. Using a high quality clarifying shampoo will help strip away the unnecessary product, without striping the natural oils. Avoid using products with sulphate.
Apple cider vinegar: Can be used to remove excess product build up or residue from the hair.
Gloss Conditioner: sometimes our hair is already in good condition, however, it just needs a boost from time to time. Try investing in a conditioner designed to add gloss
Repair your hair: dry or sensitised hair will lead to your hair looking dull. Using a shampoo and conditioner suited to dry or damaged hair, will help bring your locks back to life.
Hair masks: Hair masks or treatments are an excellent way to repair your hair and bring back the shine. Once you have shampooed your jet black hair, wring out the water, and apply the mask, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Heat helps to intensify the treatment, Try covering your hair with a shower cap for better results. I use this Kerastase mask and it gives amazing results!
Rinsing your hair with cold water: not only this helps the scalp retain its moisture to avoid drying out, but it also seals down the hair cuticles and helps lock moisture into the strands. Therefore, leaving your hair healthier, bouncier and glossy!
Use a hair serum: serum products usually consist of silicones that provide a protective layer over the hair fibre, not only it helps to smooth out frizz, but the smoothness then reflects off the light to give you a shiny look. Only apply the serum to the mid to ends of the hair. Applying the product to the roots can cause your hair to look greasy.
Split ends: It’s crucial to get your hair cut every 6-8 weeks, if you want your hair to be healthy, shiny and to grow. You can also conceal your split ends at home using natural products such as argon oil or almond oil.
Protect your hair from the sun: Sun damage is primarily caused by the removal of moisture in the hair. You can invest in a sun care shampoo, conditioner, or a leave in conditioner spray. There are also products you can apply to your hair before exposing your hair to the sun or a wear a cap!
Smooth pillow case: using a silky smooth pillowcase of either silk or satin pillowcases, allows your jet black hair to slide across the surface more easily. This will help reduce damage and frizz, leading to shiny hair.
Micro towel: Can help prevent friction when towel drying your hair. Usual towels can damage the hair cuticle, causing breakage. A micro towel is much softer on the hair.
‘Straightening free days’: pick a couple of days where you can go without straightening, or curling your hair. The heat from the tools can cause your hair to damage and lack shine. You can invest in a high quality heat protector, but be careful never to straighten your hair while wet.
Dry shampoo – This is an excellent way to prolong your hair washes, applying dry shampoo can help you avoid damaging your hair by washing it so often, it will also reduce the need to use a hairdryer and/or heated styling tools.
Wide comb: Try using a wide comb to brush your hair, this will help you tame your hair in a more gentle way. When combing, always start from the bottom of your hair, and work upwards, this will help you reduce the tugging which can damage your hair.
Let your hair down: Pulling and tugging your hair can cause damage, using hair bands and harsh brushes can also add friction, that can lead to brittle hair and split ends. Try to keep your hair down at least once a week, and avoiding tight ponytails, as this will cause tension and stress to your hair.
Exercise: meditation and yoga are known to relieve stress. This may help keep your hair healthy.
Supplements: Vitamins such as A, E, C, D, Zinc, Iron, Keratin, Biotin and B, are all essential for healthy hair maintenance.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is crucial for healthy hair.
For shiny hair: Omega-3 is essential for healthier hair. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are loaded in healthy fats. Chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts are all high in omega 3.
For thick hair: A lack of protein will cause your hair to go into a resting state. Eating plenty of protein, such as lean chicken or turkey will help your hair remain in a healthy growth state, leading to shine.
For Stronger hair: Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin b, iron and biotin, all nutrients are responsible for healthy and shiny hair. Not having enough biotin in your diet, can lead to hair loss. You can also purchase biotin supplements to help strengthen your hair.
For Healthier hair: Cinnamon helps circulate oxygen and nutrients around the blood vessels and boosts blood flow to the scalp. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, helping to Improve density, growth, and prevent hair loss. All leading to healthier and shinier hair. Try adding cinnamon to your coffee, sprinkle over your breakfast or add it to a herbal tea.
To combat dull hair: Sweet potatoes are filled with an antioxidant called beta carotene. Your body turns beta carotene into vitamin A. That helps protect against dry, dull hair.
For bouncy and thick hair: Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Try adding nuts, seeds, shellfish, dairy and whole grains to your diet, these are all rich in zinc. Zinc can also reduce the risk of hair loss not only for your head, but also the risk of your eyelashes falling out.
Perfect Jet Black Hair – Be patient
While all these remedies will help you achieve your shiny hair goals, it doesn’t happen over night. The process can take time, however, committing to your plan and keeping consistent, will yield results in no time.