Where Has the Shine Gone?

Is your hair so bad off you're considering holding a telethon to raise money to get it help? 

So what's the problem?  Oh I get it.   Jerry Lewis wouldn't take your call, huh?  Well, some days are like that.  The shine goes.  The frizz shows up.  Dull and drab sets in.  Leaving you to wonder where has the shine gone? 

Sure there are products you can slather on that might produce shine.  But the idea, I believe, is glossy not greasy. At least for most of us it is.  Yes both words do begin with the letter "g", you're right there.  But you don't want to confuse the two, otherwise others might point and giggle.  Still distinguishing between greasy and glossy is possible and achievable. But only if you follow a few rules some may be sadly unaware of. 

Shiny Hair Rule #1: Alcohol laced products won't help bring back the shine.  Things like hair mousse contain enough alcohol that those getting a whiff might request they be banned from AA meetings.  So read the labels, home girl.  Definitely look for things that are free of that not so innocent shine robber - alcohol. 

Shiny Hair Rule #2:  Suds up fewer times per week to encourage the shine and if need be with a moisturizing shampoo.  (And then applied only to the roots.  On the other hand limit the conditioner application to the portion of your strands that fall south of the ears.)  Rinse the whole shebang thoroughly.  This approach will add volume to the roots and help the rest of your hair find its long lost shine.

Shiny Hair Rule #3: Think shiny silicone.  If you're looking for thermal protection you want products containing silicones.  Really.  They both create a heat shield and seal the cuticle.  Which is good since we both know a roughed up cuticle is a surefire route to dull, drab locks.  Just don't go crazy.  Too much of a good thing, read silicone, can leave you with the problem we mentioned earlier.  Greasy, flat, limp tresses. 

Shiny Hair Rule #4: Just to clarify, well, clarify.  That's right.  Eliminate any nasty product buildup with a clarifying shampoo as often as needed to let a ton of shine, ahh, shine through.

Shiny Hair Rule #5: Block a shine huge killer.  If you're going to be out in the sun, enjoy.  Just make sure your hair enjoys the experience too by protecting it with products that contain UV filters.  Nasty stuff those UV rays.  They effectively oxidize (read dull) the surface of your strands.  If over time they can diminish the finish on your once shiny car think what they can do to the outside of the shafts of your hair. No thanks.

Glossy not greasy is indeed doable.  Following tips like these can begin to have you basking in maximum shine in no time - even if your hair has temporarily lost it.  But much like Rome wasn't built in a day, your hair won't get it's shine back in a day either. But eventually, rain or shine, you'll restore your tarnished mane to it former shimmering self.  And won't that feel great!