by Marie Kay

Created on: December 08, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Achieving healthy, shiny hair may seem like an impossible goal. Often, in the pursuit of great color, curls, or texture, we put our hair through unnecessary abuse, only to be left with dull, dry, brittle locks. The good news is that the damage can be corrected. With a little effort, as well as patience, hair can become healthy and shiny again. Follow these tips for luscious locks in no time.

1)Be kind to your hair. Limit the use of hairsprays and gels that contain alcohol. These products may improve the appearance of your hair initially, but they will ultimately leave it dry and brittle. Instead of gel, try using an anti-frizz serum, which will smooth your hair and leave it shiny and under control.

2)Be gentle when using heat on your hair. Heat-styling is another shine-killer. Set your styling tools on a low setting to avoid frying your hair. Whenever possible, allow hair to air dry.

3)Avoid shampooing your hair every day. Shampoo strips away natural oils from the scalp, robbing your hair of shine. Ideally, hair should be washed every 3 days. Between shampoos, apply baby powder to your roots to absorb excess oil. Brush hair every day to distribute the natural oils to the ends of you hair.

4)Start from the inside. A healthy diet is essential to hair health. Follow a sensible nutrition plan rich in fruits and vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. Incorporate a daily multi-vitamin into your routine and your hair will reap the benefits.

5)Utilize hair care products and natural hair remedies. One of the best ways to improve the heath and shine of your hair is with extra virgin olive oil. This amazing product can be used as a conditioner, a hair mask, or a smoothing serum. For conditioning, simply add a few drops of olive oil to your regular conditioner. As a hair mask, apply 1/2 cup of the oil to dry hair and comb through to the roots. Wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Olive oil is a great alternative to expensive hair serums. Rub 2-3 drops between your palms, and distribute onto clean, damp hair for brilliant shine.

Another important hair habit to practice is deep conditioning. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can dramatically improve the look and feel of your hair. Intensify the results by adding 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to the final rinse. Also, cool water will seal the hair cuticle and improve shine, so avoid hot water and rinse with cool or lukewarm water instead.

These tips can be adjusted to accommodate your specific hair needs. Consider your hair's unique type, texture, and style to determine what will work best for you. Nurture your hair, and the payoff will be healthy, shiny, glowing locks!

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