You want to look your best. It’s a great way to make an impression on someone you’d like to date or someone who you’d like to hire you.
As we get older, it’s harder to maintain those lustrous locks we had as kids. Our hair goes through wear and tear, just like our cars and shoes do!
If you are looking for how to make your hair soft and shiny, here are nine tips that should help.
1. Don’t Wash Too Much
Overwashing is a common reason for hair getting lanky. Too much washing will strip hair of its natural oils, making it dry and fly-away.
Some shampoos are also harsh and will dry out your crowning glory. Sometimes it is better to let your hair go two days or more before shampooing. If you get oily hair fast, you can use a spritz of dry shampoo between washings.
2. Avoid Blow Drying
Blow-drying gives you volume and shape. However, that heat can also break the hair, leading to split ends and straw-like texture.
Get a haircut that allows you to let your hair dry naturally. You will preserve its natural shine and bounce far more than by applying dry heat daily.
3. Use High-Quality Products
Saving money may not always save your hair. If you want to keep your hair shiny and soft, seek out products that are made with high-quality ingredients and without a lot of chemicals.
Whether it is shampoo, beard pomade or gel, look for products made only with stuff from nature. You can often tell by the smell whether they are pure and natural or not.
Natural products also are more likely to be vegan and not be tested on animals. If this is important to you, check labels carefully and be careful what you put on your head.
For some examples of excellent natural and vegan products, read more here.
You should also invest in high-quality grooming tools. A good brush with natural bristles is far better for your hair than a plastic comb or brush.
4. Wear a Hat
Why should you wear a hat if you want to show off your silky mane? Because you want to choose your battles.
If you want your hair to look great at that concert or gallery opening, wear a hat when you go to the beach or take a ride in your convertible.
No matter how natural you want to be, sometimes the natural elements can be rough on our skin and hair. Sun can dry out and bleach our tresses. Wind can rub us raw and whip us all out of shape.
A hat will protect your hair and skin from UVA rays and other damaging effects of the sun.
5. Keep It Out of the Sun and Chlorine
As stated above, the sun can literally fry your hair. Try using a gel with sunscreen in it to prevent it from drying out.
Your beard is also not a great protector of the rest of your face: you can get sunburned and wrinkles under your facial hair!
Basically, you need to watch out on beach vacations if you want to protect your hair and epidermis. Sun and chlorine can change the color and texture of both.
6. Talk to Your Doctor
Of course, men and women of a certain age may start to not only lose volume and shine in their hair. They may actually start experiencing hair loss. This can stem from a variety of factors, including poor nutrition, hormones, and simple age.
There are pharmaceutical options to replenishing hair growth and getting back that shining head. Some may just need a nutritional supplement. Others may wish to discuss surgical options.
If you feel like you need more extreme measures to arrest hair loss, speak to a qualified physician. They can point you in the right direction.
7. Take Vitamins
Unhealthy hair can also result from a poor diet. You may need some vitamins to replenish your lustrous locks.
Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body. It needs vitamin A for growth. Get it from sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and kale, which are all high in beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A. You can also get it from milk, eggs, and yogurt.
Another great vitamin for hair growth is the B vitamin biotin. B vitamins generally create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. B-vitamins are found in whole grains, almonds, meat, fish, seafood and dark, leafy greens.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and also creates collagen — an important part of hair structure. Good sources include peppers, citrus fruits, and strawberries.
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alopecia (otherwise known as hair loss). Vitamin D may help create new follicles.
One deficiency which causes hair loss is anemia, a lack of protein. Avoid it by eating clams, oysters, eggs, red meat, spinach, and lentils. Another is zinc: you may have a deficiency in this mineral if your hair is falling out.
Try a well-rounded diet or vitamin supplements for silky hair.
8. Wash with Beer
Is washing your hair with beer an old wives’ tale? Made with hops, it should provide nutrients like protein and B vitamins to help it look fabulous (see above).
Some sources claim that using darker beer with barley, which is especially rich in antioxidants, is good for hair.
It might be a fun experiment to try, but wouldn’t you rather pour the beer into your mouth than over your head? Just saying.
9. Good Night’s Sleep
Like all aspects of your health, your hair will benefit from a good night’s sleep.
Sleep replenishes your energy. When you are rested, you will see that your skin gets brighter, your hair looks bouncier, and your attitude improves.
Generally, a healthy lifestyle will help you look good all over, from the top of your head to your toes.
How to Make Your Hair Soft and Shiny: You Can Do It!
If you are wondering how to make your hair soft and shiny, spend a little time and energy taking care of yourself. Good nutrition, rest, vitamins, and high-quality products will help you look your best all over, especially your hair.
For more tips on living your best life, keep checking back.
