Hair that shines!

Q. My hair just never looks shiny. I see some girls with great shine in their hair. How do I get that? I have blonde highlighted hair.
A. Super glossy hair is something anyone can achieve with the right help. Here are 5 ideas from Harris Publications, Inc. trade magazine for hair stylists. Keep your hair in good condition. Split ends and over processed color can zap you hair of its natural shine and leave it really dull. Use a high quality conditioner on your hair every shampoo and use a deep conditioner or hair masque at least once a week. If you’ve already done some damage to your hair and it’s looking frayed or over done visit a salon and get a professional conditioning treatment or a semi-permanent hair gloss treatment. The gloss color treatment won’t use any damaging peroxide and will actually help mend the split ends and will add shine. Second, try some at home styling products like shine drops or silicone sprays. The rule to remember with these great tools is a little goes a long, long way. Too much will leave your hair looking oily, but the right amount will add killer shine. The third rule to remember is also about product use. Go easy on the gel or hairspray. Too much will gum up your hair and leave it looking dull. Fourthly, avoid the heat. Blow dryers and flat irons can stress out over dry hair. Since you told me you do have color in your hair I strongly suggest you use a thermal protector product in your hair every time you blow dry and flat iron. These products are really effective at limiting the damage done by heat. Lastly, talk to your stylist about color. Be sure you are getting the color highlights that will add shine and reflect light. You may want to consider getting a clear gloss or a semi-permanent color. Both of these will seal you hair’s cuticle and add shine. For the readers who currently don’t have color in their hair but want shine I suggest some professional color. A boost of highlight adds brightness and shine to any style. Dark hair absorbs light but if you add a few panels of a lighter shade you’ll get reflection of light which adds shine. Love your dark color and don’t want any light color added? Dark hair really benefits from the clear gloss treatments. It can leave it looking like glass. Try these steps and you are sure to find the shine you are looking for.