Photo: Ralf Nau/Lifesize/Getty Images
Drab, dry hair is never in style. Color shine for hair can help revitalize your locks. Color shine products may be applied in a salon or at home to help seal in color and moisture. The result is a healthy, luminous head of hair that will leave you feeling sexy and confident.
Increasing Shine
Conditioners, styling products and hair color can lead to drab hair. You need to smooth the outer layer – the cuticle – of the hair so that it can reflect light and look shiny and healthy. A smooth cuticle layer also resists moisture and frizziness – both of which inhibit shine.
Salon Treatments
Hair glosses and glazes are names for salon-applied color shine. A gloss is usually a more-permanent application that increases the shiny appearance of your hair and calms any brassiness in your hair color. A glaze coats your hairs’ cuticle and keeps your hair looking shiny for at least a week. You should discuss your needs with your colorist, however, as companies, salons and stylists can sometimes use the terms "glaze" and "gloss" differently.
At Home
Color shine products for home use may come as pomades, gels, creams or serums. You have to experiment with different brands to find out what works best for you. If you have thick, coarse hair, you may get the best benefit from color shine oils or serums. If you have thin hair, sprays and pomades may offer the best shine enhancement.
Other Techniques
Color shine products are not your only option to improve your hair’s appearance. A clarifying shampoo can help rid your hair of the sticky residue left behind by conditioners and hair spray – allowing your hair’s natural beauty to appear. Blow dry your hair using a natural bristle or ionic brush. Employ the diffuser – the detachable nozzle – on your hair dryer to concentrate the heat. Always dry your hair in a downward direction to help encourage flattening of the cuticle. Seal those cuticles in place by shooting your hair with a burst of cold air from your dryer's cool button.
