How To Get Silky, Glossy Hair at Home

As far as beauty goals go, achieving glossy hair is one many of us share. When your hair is shiny, it looks healthy and nourished—in short, it’s a sign that your tresses are well cared for. Unfortunately, achieving (and maintaining) glossy hair isn’t always easy, especially if you bleach, color, or frequently heat-style your strands. These habits can be damaging, and over time, they can make your mane appear dry and dull.

If you’re wondering how to make your hair shiny—without shelling out a small fortune on an in-salon glossing treatment—keep reading. Ahead, we’re spilling on our top tips for shiny hair, plus details on our favorite shine-boosting products to add to your routine.

How To Make Hair Shiny and Glossy

Dullness can be a drag, but there are plenty of ways to help boost shine that don’t require retiring your hot tools for good. Keep reading for 15 tips that can help you achieve smooth, glossy hair.

1. Switch to a shine-enhancing haircare system

When there’s something you want to change about your hair, it’s usually a good idea to swap out your shampoo and conditioner for a system that’s better aligned with your needs. If your goal is to make your hair shiny, we suggest kicking off your routine with a shine-enhancing system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing line. The three-piece system includes a shampoo, a conditioner, and a shine-boosting mask that work together to smooth the hair and deliver up to five days of intense, glass-like shine. For the best results, we recommend using the system between two or three times per week (if you lather up more often than that, alternate with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner).

2. Wash your hair with lukewarm water

Showering in ultra-hot water feels relaxing, but it can do a number on your hair (and skin). Specifically, scorching water strips away necessary oils that help keep your hair, scalp, and skin adequately hydrated, which can cause or exacerbate dryness. To avoid drying out your hair and causing it to become dull, it’s a good idea to bathe in lukewarm water instead. It might not feel quite as soothing at the end of a long day, but the slight decrease in water temperature can help keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

3. Lean on leave-ins

Applying a leave-in treatment before styling your hair can be a great way to help boost hydration and enhance your hair’s shine. For those wondering how to make hair shiny and soft, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair. It’s formulated with almond milk and rose extract and helps moisturize, nourish, and detangle the hair while taming frizz and boosting shine. We recommend misting it onto damp hair, then gently detangling your tresses with a wide-toothed comb before proceeding with your styling routine.

4. Dry your hair with care

After showering, avoid the temptation to vigorously rub your head dry with a towel—doing so can subject your strands to unnecessary friction, which can lead to damage, breakage, and dullness. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair, then wrap your mane in a microfiber towel or T-shirt. If you must blow-dry your hair, be sure to prep your mane with a heat protectant first. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In, which protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Deep condition once weekly

If your hair is lackluster due to dryness, adding a deep conditioner to your weekly routine may help you achieve your glossy hair goals. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Power Restore Multi-Use Treatment is among our favorites. The lightweight mask is suitable for all hair types and textures and can be used both as a deep conditioner or as a nourishing leave-in treatment. For those with damaged hair, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, which helps nourish, smooth, and strengthen weak, brittle strands.

6. Protect your hair while you sleep

Protecting your hair at night is another way to help keep shine-dulling damage at bay. Consider swapping out your cotton bed sheets and pillowcases for a silk or satin alternative to help your strands maintain moisture and reduce the amount of friction your mane is exposed to while you sleep. If you don’t want to shell out on a new sheet set, you can also wrap your hair up in a silk scarf or bonnet before going to bed.

7. Add a hair oil to your styling routine

Some people shy away from hair oils due to a fear of having greasy hair, but that’s a mistake. Hair oils can be a great asset to your haircare routine since they help nourish the hair and boost shine. The key is to use your oil sparingly: This is one instance in which less is definitely more.

When choosing a hair oil, we recommend looking for a lightweight option that won’t weigh your hair down. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Hair Oil-in-Serum fits the bill. It’s non-greasy, suitable for all hair types, and leaves the hair soft with an intensely shiny finish.

8. Choose your brush carefully

How you brush your hair can play a huge role in how shiny your hair appears. Some brushes can tug, pull, or cause friction on certain hair types, which can lead to damage and dull your hair’s luster. For smooth, shiny hair, we recommend using a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair while it’s wet. If you’re brushing dry hair, meanwhile, reach for a boar bristle brush—they can help distribute your hair’s natural oils along the hair shaft for a sleek, shiny finish.

9. Embrace heatless hairstyles

When glossy hair is the goal, it’s a good idea to skip heat styling whenever you can. Exposure to high temperatures can damage your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and dull. Consider adding a few heatless hairstyles to your repertoire to help reduce how often you have to reach for the curling iron or blow dryer. We love overnight beach waves—just prep your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner, braid your strands, then hit the hay. In the morning, unravel the braids for the perfect lived-in wave pattern.

10. Avoid over-washing your hair

Most people don’t need to wash their hair every day—in fact, overwashing your hair can strip it of much-needed moisture, leaving it dry and lackluster. If your hair looks dull and flat, try cutting back on your existing wash schedule. For instance, if you usually lather up every other day, try two days per week instead. If needed, use a dry shampoo to keep oily roots at bay between wash days.

11. Protect your strands from the sun

Most of us know that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin and contribute to skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. But what you may not know is that UV radiation can also damage your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and straw-like. If you plan to spend time outdoors, it’s a good idea to cover your hair with a scarf or wide-brimmed hat. While this habit alone won’t immediately increase how shiny your hair appears, it can help prevent damage that makes the hair appear dull.

12. Be choosy with your hair dye

When dying your mane a solid color, it can be easy to end up with hair that looks flat and not at all shiny. To ensure you don’t experience a DIY dye job gone wrong, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color. The dye—which is available in an array of bold shades—delivers brilliant, shimmering color, while the kit’s after-color conditioner helps strengthen the hair for silky, smooth strands.

Upgrading your strands with golden highlights is another great way to give your hair dimension and shine. If you want to add some lived-in highlights to your strands without stepping foot inside the salon, try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Balayage At-Home Highlighting Kit. It comes with an applicator designed specifically for creating natural-looking balayage highlights from the comfort of your own home.

13. Add a shine-boosting rinse to your routine

If you’re wondering how to make your hair shine but don’t have time to deep condition and style your hair, turn your attention to the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Flash Hydration Wonder Water. The rinse-out lamellar treatment boosts shine, smooths the hair, and delivers deep hydration—all in just eight seconds. To use it, wash your hair as usual, then apply the liquid formula to wet hair. Massage it throughout your strands then rinse (with lukewarm water!) for shiny, glossy hair.

14. Use a high-shine hair spray

Making your hair shiny can take time, and sometimes, you have to fake it ‘til you make it. Enter: the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This classic hairspray features just six ingredients and provides long-lasting, brushable hold without a stiff or crunchy feel. Mist it onto your mane after styling to help lock your look in place and give your hair a smooth, shiny finish.

What Can Make Hair Look Dull?

There are a range of different factors that can make your hair appear dull and lackluster, including exposure to certain stressors, damage, and an improper haircare routine. Here are some of the most common reasons your hair may not be as shiny as it once was:

• Heat styling: Overusing hot tools can dry out and damage the hair, which can make it appear flat and lackluster.
• Chemical processing: Bleaching and coloring the hair can lead to brittleness, breakage, and split ends, all of which can make the hair appear rough and dull rather than smooth and shiny.
• Improper hair care: Washing your hair too frequently can damage the hair’s outer cuticle, which impacts its ability to reflect shine.
• Sun exposure: Frequent exposure to damaging UV rays can leave the hair dull, dry, and damaged.
• Dry air: Living in an arid climate may make you more likely to experience dry, dull hair.

Finally, if your shiny hair turns dull and dry out of nowhere, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor. There are certain medical conditions that can affect how your hair looks and feels, and a doctor can help you identify if there’s an underlying issue contributing to your haircare concerns.

Next Up: What Is a Keratin Treatment for Hair?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris