How to Maximize Your Shine

          Gleaming hair is a sign of youth and vitality, so I cringe when I see a woman with lackluster hair-it ages them. Pollution, harsh chemicals, and heat styling all turn hair dull, but a few extra steps will make your hair shine again.

• Start in the shower. Look for a shampoo and conditioner with shine-enhancing ingredients like olive oil, jojoba, or rice proteins. Alternate these with your regular formulas to prevent buildup. Be wary of of clarifying shampoos, which can deprive hair of much needed moisture after shampoo, apply the conditioner evenly, and be sure to rinse well. 

• Prep Work. Towel dry you hair and than use either a glossing cream or a shine serum with panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). Glossing creams are lighter and have less silicone, so they're more appropriate for fine to medium hair. Use shine serum if you have frizzy, course, or curly hair. Massage a quarter size dollop evenly through your hair. (avoid saltwater sprays: they tend to leave a matte finished product.) 

• Dry the right way. Place a round brush under a section of hair and hold the dryer so the nozzle aims downward-never up against the shaft. Slide the brush down from roots to ends without twisting it to seal the cuticle. 

Quick Shine Booster: While your hair is still warm from the dryer, flip it upside-down and mist the ends with a shine spray. This ensures you won't get to much product near the roots, which can leave hair greasy and flat. If you need a touch up during the day, spritz a little spray on your hands and run them lightly through your hair

Tip: For color-treated hair, apply deep conditioner with natural oils once a week for a glossy look.