The 7 reasons why your hair doesn't shine

1. Invest in a snazzy showerhead: London’s water is hard, mainly due to the calcium and magnesium content, plus it’s chock-full of chlorine too. This is bad news for your hair. It not only fades colour faster, but also zaps any shine. The latest tap filters can remove chlorine by up to 99%, and also offer added benefits like aromatherapy infused heads, and massage options so hair, mind, and body all receive a boost. Try Aroma Sense Shower Head (£75) it releases an uplifting zesty fragrance.

2. You need to switch up your shampoo regime: When on advertising campaigns, leading hairdresser, Sam McKnight told us he uses ‘Fairy’ as it cuts through the grease, and makes hair super clean and shiny. Whatever you use, only apply shampoo to the scalp and gently massage, without friction as this can ruffle the cuticles. You could also try a prescription-based range, with a shampoo-free cleanser; Hairstory is a new concept in hair care, that has an online survey so you can order products that are personalised for you.

3. Employ some anti-aging tricks: Skin can become more sallow with age, so lightening your hair can compensate. Even better, dig out baby pictures of yourself and ask your hairdresser to re-create the hue – this should give you the perfect youth-giving shade.


4. Be styler-savvy: Flat irons do more than straighten out the kinks – they also smooth crumpled cuticles and create an illusion of shine. Choose a pair that is kinder to hair, like the Ghd platinum® Styler with patented tri-zone® technology, (£165). The latest version has super smooth plates to ensure optimum styling, but limits breakage, and is proven to generate 20% more shine than its’ competitors.
5. Try a hair supplement: Your hair is the last to receive any of the nutrients you eat, plus the cells have the second fastest turnover. However, it’s not all doom, supplements can be a great way to amp up your vitamin intake and safeguard hair health. Look for a formula that is made from plant-derived omega 6s, vitamin E, and fatty acids to help boost hair shine. We love Philip Kingsley’s Root Complex (£38) that contains specific ingredients for healthy hair. Or try an adaptogenic herbal supplement like Glow Bar He Shou Wu (£26.50), which uses ancient Chinese herbs to nourish hair and skin from the inside.
6. Swipe right: No, not Tinder – we’re talking about a brush with greatness here. The hairdresser’s favourite is undoubtedly by heritage brand, Mason Pearson. But whatever you try – find one with natural bristles as these stimulate the scalp and distribute oils down the hair shaft, making it instantly glossier.

7. Invest in some hard-working shine products: For afro, curly and frizzy locks we love the Kerluxe Resplendisse range, especially the Hair Supreme Oil (£49) as it can be used on wet or dry hair and really amps up manageability and shine. While thinner types will benefit from Kevin.Murphy’s Shimmer.Shine Spray (£22), as it doesn’t leave an oily residue and won’t weigh hair down.