The most common cause of dull hair is buildup from commercial products. Most commercial shampoos and conditioners contain silicones, which coat the hair and can initially make it look smooth and shiny. Over time, this coating builds up, locks moisture out of the hair and results in dry, dull hair.
For those who want to keep using silicones, the solution is to clarify every few weeks to remove the buildup. Adding a few teaspoons of baking soda to regular shampoo is an effective clarifier. Clarifying can make hair dry, so follow with a moisture treatment.
Some people prefer to avoid silicones, as they mask damage rather than repairing it. For these people there are a variety of options for achieving shiny hair.
Using Broccoli Seed Oil on Hair
Broccoli seed oil performs a function similar to silicones – it is a natural alternative to shine serums. The oil is expensive, but only a tiny drop is required. Rub the oil into the palms of the hands and then smooth over the hair.
Rinsing Hair With Cold Water
During a shower, hot water opens up the cuticle of each hair. To close down the cuticle again, sealing in moisture and providing hair with a sleek and shiny surface, finish each shower with a blast of cold water to saturate the hair. Some people prefer to simply dip the length of their hair in a basin full of cold water afterwards.
Using Vinegar on Hair to Achieve Shine
Mild acidity also helps to close the cuticle of the hair. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be diluted and used as a rinse for shiny hair. Use about a tablespoon of vinegar to a litre of cold water. After washing the hair, while still in the shower, swish the length in the jug of vinegar-water for a while and then pour the jug carefully over your head, making sure all the hair gets covered.
Some people let the mixture dry, while others rinse it out. The hair may smell like vinegar while it is drying, but the scent will disappear once dry. Vinegar rinses act as a mild conditioner – if they make the hair appear limp and greasy, use them only occasionally or dilute the vinegar further and rinse afterwards.
Lemon juice is also used to acidify hair; however, it is more acidic than vinegar and can be drying to the hair. Lemon juice also causes photosensitivity, and should not be put on the hair before sun exposure in order to bleach hair. For shine and conditioning, vinegar is a better choice.
Oiling Hair for Shine
Other hair oils do not have the same properties as broccoli seed oil, but can still be used to add moisture and shine to hair. Use a light oil such as jojoba or apricot kernal oil for fine, thin hair, and heavier oils such as coconut or olive for very thick or coarse hair. A drop rubbed between the palms of the hands and smoothed over damp hair adds shine between washings.
Catnip Rinses for Shiny Hair
Catnip is a very strong natural conditioner. Some find it imparts gorgeous moisture and shine to hair; others find it over-conditions and results in a limp, stringy mess. To try catnip, make a tisane by pouring a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried catnip. Steep, covered, for an hour, then strain and pour over hair after washing.
Using Cassia for Shiny Hair
Cassia obovata – often erroneously called “neutral henna” - adds strength and shine to hair. Cassia may add slight golden tones to pale hair, but will not colour darker hair. The conditioning effect of cassia lasts for 4-6 weeks.
It is worthwhile to experiment with various natural hair care methods until you find a way that works for your hair. Most of the above remedies are cheaper than silicone-laden shine serums, and help give hair a shine that reflects actual health and moisture rather than just the appearance of it.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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