From heat styling and colouring to the dulling effects of product build-up, our hair goes through a lot! Here's how to resuscitate lacklustre locks.
Shine on
One of the biggest causes of dull hair is the build-up of product residue, particularly from styling products like oil, mousse, hairspray and dry shampoo. Fortunately, this residue can be removed easily by using a clarifying shampoo once a fortnight to thoroughly cleanse hair. Clarifying shampoos contain fewer conditioning agents than regular shampoos and more surfactants (cleaning agents) to remove the dull film that some products can leave. Once these deposits have been eliminated, you can work on restoring shine with hair oils and moisture-boosting products. But remember, these must be used in small doses, so they don’t weigh hair down. As a rule, finishing products should only be applied to the ends of hair. Shine sprays can be used on dry tresses for those who need fast results. They work by giving hair a fine coating that reflects light off each individual strand, leaving you with lustrous shine.
Try: Joico , KMS , Dermalogica .
Top treatments
All that colouring, blow-drying, straightening and brushing, can weaken our hair. It is important, therefore, to treat it to some regular TLC to help prevent breakages. At-home masks are great at rebuilding hair’s strength, manageability and shine, as well as reversing signs of damage, such as split ends. Apply a conditioning mask once a week to towel-dried hair, clip it up and wrap in a warm towel. This helps open the hair follicle, allowing the product to penetrate deeper. However, in-salon treatments can be tailored to your specific hair needs for longer-lasting results.
Try: John Frieda Frizz Ease® Miraculous Recovery® Intensive Masque, Fudge .
Damage control
It may sound obvious, but a regular trim is the simplest way to get your hair looking and feeling healthy again – especially if it’s long. Your hairdresser can assess the condition of your hair and advise on how much needs to be chopped in order for it to look its best. If you regularly style with heated appliances, ensure you use products that protect hair from high temperatures. These should be applied in sections, not just on the top layers of hair, for optimum defence against damage.
Try: Lee Stafford , ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray, Nutrimetics , Goldwell .
Colour save
If you colour your hair regularly, it’s important to maintain condition so the results last longer. Use a shampoo and conditioner with colour-protecting ingredients tailored to your shade, and avoid styling products (like mousse and gel) with alcohol listed in the top five ingredients, as these will dry your hair out pronto when used in conjunction with heated appliances like hairdryers, curling wands or straighteners. Shampooing too frequently can also cause colour to fade, however, so aim to wash your hair every other day, or longer if possible. On days in between washes, dry shampoo is a godsend. Anyone who lightens their hair (whether you are blonde, brunette or a redhead) with highlights or balayage can suffer the brassy effects of the sun’s rays – even in winter. To prevent yellowing, use colour-balancing products to tone hair between colour appointments. Using a special shampoo or conditioner once a week should solve the problem easily.
Try: John Frieda , Joico , Aesop Colour Protection Shampoo, Pantene Pro-V Pantene Pro-V Colour Protection Shampoo
Top Tip: Make coloured hair easier to care for by only dyeing two shades lighter or darker than your natural shade.
