How to Boost Your Hairs Shine

We all want gorgeous shiny hair, but with product build up it can be hard to achieve it. It is important to regularly clarify your hair as well as clean the items you use for styling your hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Look at your flatiron, curling iron or other item you use for styling. If it has a filmy finish on it then it is a sign that you have
   
   buildup on your hair. Clean these items by making a mixture with water and baking soda and wiping them down while they are
   
   unplugged of course. Simply dip a cloth in water and place some baking soda on it so it forms a pasty consistency. Then wipe it down with a clean side of the cloth.

2. 

   You should do a shine rinse for your hair about once every three weeks or so. An easy and cheap shine rinse can be made at home by
   
   using the following recipe.
   1/4 cup of vinegar
   1 cup cold water
   Pour this over dry hair and allow it to sit a few minutes.
   Then take a cool shower and wash your hair as you normally do.
   This works great because the acid in the vinegar breaks down all the pollutants like cigarette smoke, normal pollution, smoke, and dirt, etc. and helps your hair to look shiny and refreshed.

3. 

   Another simple step is to wash your hair without water. Excess products in your hair is the number one reason for dull hair. Apply shampoo to dry hair and then rinse it out as you normally do. This helps your hair because when your hair is wet it forms a barrier between your hair and your shampoo. When you wash your hair before wetting it there is no barrier in the middle so it gets more buildup out of your hair.

4. 

   Look for shampoos with a natural botanical called cassia. Just read the ingredients and see if it is listed as one. This natural
   
   botanical helps your hair to lie smoothly and appear shiner. There are also other natural botanicals to look for in shampoos. Just read the list of ingredients and see if your shampoo contains any. Many hair care products will emphasize it when they do contain these botanicals like Pantene's Nature Infusion line.

[DesireeAmber]

on 6/18/2009 Great ideas.

[sixstring2slim]

on 5/23/2009 Hi Natalie.. Sweet routine goin' on with Step #3 and #4, hitting home the most for me. I learned to highlight/color my own hair for "Ralph Lauren" gigs a few years ago. I can't use a "daily clarifier" shampoo, cause I would lose the color quicker... So I use a hair conditioner (Humectrus) to re-hydrate it. I do appreciate your article! 5*starz C'ya later ~ Carson

[slphilbrick]

on 5/23/2009 Some new ideas here for me. Thanks !