Shinier hair is the goal many of us are chasing, and while there's a plethora of products that promise to deliver instant, glossy results, a lasting and healthy gleam is not so straightforward. Especially if you're neglecting this key area in your haircare routine.
When it comes to the age-old question of how to get shiny hair, several factors could be contributing to a lack of radiance, and one in particular might surprise you: your scalp. According to hair experts, no matter how many of the best shampoos and conditioners - or even best hair masks - you're using, if you are ignoring your scalp, that enviable gleam may continue to allude you. As mentioned, there are plenty of products that can afford a reflective gleam to your hair, like at-home glosses and the best leave-in conditioners. But if you want to tackle the issue of healthier and thus shinier hair at the root, your scalp is, quite literally, the place to start.
So, for those looking to up their haircare routine and promote naturally shiny strands, here's why your scalp might be standing in your way - and how to start caring for it properly.
The one area you might be overlooking for shiny hair
Yes, our scalp health can play a pivotal role where shine is concerned. As Nicola Wood, leading hair professional and Founder of Hair Made Easi explains: "While many people tend to focus on the ends of their hair to create that perfect shiny finish, your hair actually won’t grow healthily or stay hydrated and strong if the scalp is irritated and malnourished. Your scalp is the most important part of your hair - healthy hair starts at the root so caring for your scalp is vital."
"Always remember a clean scalp is likely to be a healthy scalp, and thus a regularly cleansed scalp, means regularly clean, cleansed hair," says Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley: "The build-up of dust, dirt, product, and pollution will cause a dulling effect on the hair and when cleansed, reveal hairs fresh radiance and shine."
How to care for your scalp to promote shinier hair
So, how do we ensure our scalp is included in our haircare routine? The pros have shared their tips...
1. Massage your scalp
Firstly, Wood recommends scalp massage: "Certain research has proven that massaging your scalp regularly can help to reactivate hair growth and also stimulate existing hair follicles. Scalp massaging also opens up the follicles, which means that nutrients from your hydrating products can be better absorbed.
"Before stepping in the shower, massage your scalp for at least a minute, either with your fingers or a scalp massage tool."
RRP: £12
This brush is designed to massage and exfoliate the scalp by stimulating your roots and buffing away any product buildup, sebum and dead skin, to leave your scalp feeling thoroughly cleansed. It can also be used on wet or dry hair and in tandem with shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments.
RRP: £27
Designed to help stimulate your scalp, whilst also lifting away impurities, this scalp massager will make a great addition to your haircare routine. It features both long and thin bristles to really exfoliate and clean your scalp.
RRP: £12
To help work in your scalp treatments and conditioners, a wide-tooth comb can be really beneficial and can help to ensure the nourishing formulas are saturating both your hair and scalp.
2. Make sure products are reaching your scalp
Another tip is to ensure that your scalp is being reached by your cleansing and hydration-boosting products: "Remember to apply all products to your scalp as well as the ends.
"Many people avoid the scalp when it comes to using oils and masks as they assume this will promote grease. However, your scalp is where the hair strands receive their nutrients," says Wood.
3. Use conditioner after shampoo
Now, this might seem like an obvious one, but skipping your conditioner step won't do your quest for shinier strands any favours.
Kingsley reminds us to always follow our shampoos with a conditioner (whether it's the best conditioners for curly hair or for fine hair) to seal the hair cuticle: "The hair cuticle is like scales on a fish, they are roughed up through daily wear and tear - such as styling - and when nourished with conditioner, they are smoothed and lay flat, giving more reflective shine."
RRP: £34
For both scalp and hair nourishment, this Aveda conditioner features sunflower and moringa seed oils to promote glossy strands, whilst delivering hydration to your scalp.
RRP: £16
For those chasing shiny strands, a gloss-boosting conditioner is definitely a good way to go. This one from Kérastase has been designed for all hair types and features nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and wild rose oil to condition whilst also boosting bounce and shine.
RRP: £36
For an intensive, hydrating treatment, Living Proof's silicone-free, in-shower hair mask is a great choice, as it blends essential lipids that work to replenish the moisturise barrier and transform dull, lifeless hair into silky-soft and shiny strands - results which last for us to three washes.
4. Opt for a scalp treatment
Adding one of the best scalp treatments to your routine is another great way to target your scalp, whilst also nourishing your strands.
Kingsley recommends the Philip Kingsley Vitamin C Jelly Detoxifying Hair and Scalp Treatment which, "reveals hair’s natural radiance by removing 38% more product build up, 31% more mineral build-up from hard water and 11% more pollution than shampoo alone, boosting shine by 52%."
RRP: £29
Kingsley recommends this powder-to-jelly scalp treatment, which is formulated with vitamin C and works to target dull and damaged hair, leaving it nourished and strengthened.
RRP: £30
This topical serum is ranked the best scalp treatment by our beauty team as it not only promotes thicker, fuller hair but soothes and replenishes your scalp. It utilises patented technology to nourish and protect the hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells, which are responsible for hair production. Its formula also features prebiotics and probiotics to repopulate the scalp's microbiome, creating a healthy environment for hair growth
RRP: £26
For a pre-shower and shampoo treatment, Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson has been loving these pre-measured scalp capsules. Each biodegradable dose features a nourishing blend of matcha, rosemary oil and castor oil to stimulate and strengthen your hair, whilst also supporting scalp health.
5. Use clarifying products
Using a clarifying shampoo particularly, is also recommended by Celebrity Hairstylist, Edward James, as product build-up on your tresses can also be a culprit behind shine-less hair.
James recommends Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo (at Look Fantastic) to thoroughly cleanse your hair and remove residue left behind by heavy styling products.
RRP: £31
Ideal for itchy scalps, this gentle formula helps to relieve irritation and banish dandruff. It features ingredients like anti-microbial Piroctone Olamine, which works to clear stubborn flakes and skin cell build-up. As mentioned, it's gentle and doesn't strip your scalp, but rather restores its natural microflora balance.
RRP: from £16
This clarifying shampoo features glycerin, and works to lift away build-up and excess oil to reveal a fresh and balanced scalp, as well as silky-soft and clean strands. It's gentle but hardworking and ideal as part of your weekly haircare routine.
