How can I add shine to dull-looking hair?
- Emanuele Bortolotto
- Sep 20
- 5 min read
There are few things more depressing than looking in the mirror and realising your hair reflects light about as well as a Finnish winter road at 3pm in December. No shimmer, no gloss, just matte gloom, like your strands have joined a goth band without telling you.
I’ve been there. After moving from Torino to Helsinki, I thought the lack of sun would be the only problem. But no: the air is pretty dry here that my hair started to look like straw used as for Luffy's Iconic straw hat. Worse, every time I pulled off my wool beanie, static turned me into a Super Saiyan, but the sad kind, the one that looks like he is suffering and only reflects neon light from a kebab shop at 2am.
So how do you add shine to dull-looking hair? The internet is full of nonsense. Cold water rinses, mayonnaise masks, guides about how to find a vampire. Trust me, I tried them all (no vampires though).
The truth? Shine isn’t magic. It’s science. Specifically: repairing the cuticle so light can reflect properly, hydrating consistently, and smoothing the surface with the right tools and products. The good news is you don’t need fairy dust. You need a strategy.
Let’s break it down.
Why hair looks dull: the science 🔬
Healthy hair shines because its cuticle layer—the outer shield of overlapping scales—lies flat. When the cuticle is smooth, light bounces off evenly, creating gloss. When it’s rough, lifted, or damaged, light scatters in random directions. Result: dullness, frizz, lifeless vibes, listening to She's gone by Steelheart.
Common enemies of shine:
Damage → heat abuse, bleach, colour, rough brushing.
Dryness → lack of moisture, over-washing, harsh shampoos.
Buildup → product residue, pollution, sebum.
Texture factor → curly/coarse hair reflects less because cuticles don’t align as easily.
Think of it like Vegeta’s pride: when intact, it glows; when shredded, it’s a chaotic mess no amount of gel can fix.
Step 1: Repair before you shine 🛠️
Here’s a truth stylists don’t shout loudly enough: you can’t force shine onto damaged hair. You must repair first.
Why? Because if the cuticle is chipped, no oil or serum can fully fake smoothness. It’s like waxing a rusty car, you’ll get temporary gloss, but the dents remain.
What to do
Use a pre-shampoo repair treatment once a week. Something like Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector can patch weak bonds inside the hair fibre.
Apply to damp hair before washing. Leave about 10 minutes, then rinse and continue routine.
This weekly ritual builds a foundation. Imagine it like reforging your ebony sword in Skyrim before adding enchantments.
Step 2: Choose the right shampoo 🧴
If your hair is dull, cheap 3-in-1 drugstore shampoos are not helping. They often contain watered-down surfactants and cheap silicones that coat hair without actually cleansing. Result: fake shine for one day, buildup the next.
What you need is a professional shampoo that:
Cleans effectively (removes oil and residue).
Doesn’t leave behind waxy film.
Maintains pH balance so cuticles don’t lift.
Good options: for coarse hair, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo, for medium and fine hair Redken Volume Injection.
Pro washing tips
Focus on the scalp, not the ends.
Always double wash: first to loosen dirt, second to clean thoroughly.
Rinse well. Residue is the enemy of shine.
Step 3: Conditioner = cuticle smoothness 💧
Conditioner is not optional. It’s the product that closes the cuticle after shampoo and adds slip so strands align. Without it, your hair looks rougher than Dwight Schrute’s management style.
What to look for
Lightweight conditioners for fine hair (like Redken Volume Injection Conditioner).
Richer ones (like Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner) for coarse or dry hair.
Always leave for 2–3 minutes before rinsing.
Tip: Comb through with a wide-tooth comb in the shower to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Leave-in conditioner as a base 🛡️
The first product after washing should always be a leave-in conditioner. Why? Because it seals the cuticle immediately, improves surface texture, and preps for styling.
A good choice for is Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Spray. It detangles, protects from heat, prevents frizz and rumor has it figured out perpetual motion.
Application:
Spray on damp hair.
Focus on mid-lengths and ends.
Comb through gently.
Think of this as priming your hair canvas before painting.
Step 5: Avoid towel mistakes 🚫🧖
Here’s where most people ruin their shine: wrapping hair in a towel turban and letting it sit. That friction lifts cuticles, sets frizz, and dries hair into chaotic shapes.
Instead:
Use a microfiber towel.
Press and dab—never rub.
Style immediately after washing for best results.
Skipping this is like cooking pasta, draining it, then leaving it in the colander for an hour. Illegal in Italy. Chaos.
Step 6: Embrace heat styling 🔥
Heat has a bad reputation, but here’s the truth: controlled heat is key to shine.
Why? Because heat smooths the cuticle, aligning scales so light reflects evenly. Stylists don’t blow-dry because they’re sadists—they do it because hair looks shinier afterwards.
Rules of safe heat styling:
Always apply heat protectant (your leave-in counts).
Use the minimum temperature that actually works with your hair.
Work in sections with tension and finish each with a cool shot.
Step 7: Hair oil = mandatory ✨
If there’s one universal product for shine, it’s oil. A quality oil fills micro-gaps in the cuticle, smooths frizz, and adds gloss.
Best betfor coarse hair: Moroccanoil Treatment (argan-based). A modern classic for a reason.
Medium and fine hair: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil.
How to use:
1–2 drops into palms.
Rub hands, apply from mid-lengths to ends.
On damp hair, it works as a finisher.
Without oil, your shine journey will forever be like a halfway quest and like the poor Meridia's Beacon forever forgotten in your inventory.
Step 8: Consider keratin treatment 🧪
For those with frizz or curls that resist shine, a keratin treatment can put life on “easy mode.” When done by a pro, it temporarily infuses keratin proteins that keep cuticles smooth. Result: hair that straightens easier, shines brighter, and behaves.
Warning: Needs professional hands. DIY keratin kits are like letting Zoro from One Piece navigate. Disaster guaranteed.
Extra boosters for shine 🥦💧
Diet: protein, iron, omega-3s, vitamins. Your hair is built from what you eat.
Hydration: drink water. Espresso doesn’t count, sadly.
Sleep: chronic stress dulls hair faster than bleach.
Silk pillowcases: reduce friction, preserve cuticle smoothness overnight.
Questions from the Internet 🤔
Does cold water make hair shinier?
No. Cold water doesn’t “seal” cuticles like doors. It can reduce swelling, but shine comes from product + technique, not Arctic showers.
Can I skip conditioner if I use oil?
No. Oil smooths temporarily, but conditioner is what balances pH and flattens cuticle scales. They’re not interchangeable.
Do natural remedies work?
Some, like aloe or rice water, may add temporary softness. But they don’t replace professional repair or oils. Mayonnaise? Leave it for sandwiches.
Can I air-dry for shine?
Rarely. Air-drying leaves cuticles misaligned. Controlled heat + tension gives smoother, shinier results.
Shine isn’t luck. It’s a system. With the right routine, your dull strands can glow brighter than the snow in Helsinki under a rare patch of sunlight.
If this spoke to you, check out my article on the science of how shampoo actually works—because real shine begins with proper cleansing.
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