Glossy Hair Tips

Throughout the year, there are various factors that zap the shine right out of your hair. During winter, cold weather and a lack of humidity dries out hair and causes it to become brittle, while the summer months subject the hair to heat, chlorine and sun-- leaving it damaged and frizzy.

While you should take care of your hair to keep it healthy, there are a few things you can do to help it look glossy and sleek. In addition to tips that help your hair look as shiny as possible, keep a natural shine in the hair by using a deep conditioning masque at least once a week, trimming split ends every 6-8 weeks and use leave-in conditioner if you constantly use heated styling tools.

Here are 5 ways to make your hair look even more glossy:

1. Smooth it out!

Whether you use a flat-iron or blow dry it straight, keeping hair sleek reduces frizz and attracts light. When using a flat-iron, make sure the hair is completely dry before straightening, and add a shimmer serum to the hair to increase a glossy appearance.

2. Add your own light.

Instead of doing a one-color process on your hair, mix it up and add shimmer by including highlights if you have dark hair and lowlights for lighter hair. Breaking up the color will add dimension to your hair--thus attracting more light.

3. Keep it Clean.

After days of using products, anyone's hair appears a bit dull. If you have light-colored hair, wash it frequently to keep it naturally glossy. Those with darker colors are more prone to having a glossy look when washed every other day. Is your hair color treated? Use appropriate shampoos and conditioners to extend the life of the color between touch-ups.

4. Add a Glossing Mist.

If your hair tends to be more coarse or prone to flyways, add a silicone based serum to the hair before drying. Not only will the silicone keep hair sleek, but it also adds a high-gloss shimmer. Spritz the serum at the middle of the hair and work down to the roots with your hands if you have thin hair, and spritz all over for thicker hair. Blow dry as usual.

5. Brazilian Blowouts!

If you have the money, a Brazilian blowout may be the solution to shiny, straight hair. Running from $200 to $500, this special treatment lasts approximately 12 weeks and keeps hair looking sleek and straight so you don't have to do it yourself. To keep results lasting the entire 3 months, use a sulfate-free shampoo when washing.