How to Get Silky, Shiny, Vibrant Hair

A vital accessory, a woman's hair is often the first thing people notice when she walks into a room. While we all wish for the lustrous locks we see in the commercials, our roots divulge the secrets behind our true color, our split ends scream neglect, and lack of shine makes our hair appear dull and lifeless. With the power to tell all, it's no wonder our hair keeps us plastered to the mirror throughout the day. The following are some tips for promoting silky, shiny, vibrant hair...so the next time you enter a room, your strands will only have good things to say.

First and foremost, practice healthy habits. The vitamins and nutrients we ingest directly benefit our hair, contributing to its shine, strength, and overall health. Additionally, staying properly hydrated helps keep hair soft and supple, and works to prevent breakage and brittle, dried-out strands. It is important to note that increasing your water intake does not mean excessive washing. Conversely, overuse of shampoo products will counteract any moisture being put in, as will constant blow-drying. Strive to up your water levels by investing in a dishwasher-safe water bottle to carry with you throughout the day. Over time you'll begin to notice the boost the added H2O delivers not only to your hair, but to the rest of your body as well.

In addition to creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help out your hair by investing in good products. Avoid 2-in-1 shampoos/conditioners which inevitably leave hair coarse and dry. Instead, find a brand you like that sells both products separately. Choosing good products doesn't have to mean spending more money. Try a few different brands within your price-range, and assess your results in order to figure out which products best suits your needs.

Aside from the products you use in your hair while showering, equal attention must be paid to those that you use after you're done. This is an especially important point if you rely on a hairdryer and/or hot-iron in order to complete your 'do. Before using electric hair tools, ALWAYS be sure to use a protective serum, available at your local drugstore. It would also be wise to switch to an ionic hair dryer, which works with the moisture in your hair to safely dry it without frying it. If you prefer to air-dry, apply a few drops of leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp. The leave-in conditioner will help your hair maintain softness and control frizz while it dries.

Where tools are concerned, ditch your brush and switch to a wide-tooth comb. If you must brush, find one with soft bristles that won't pull and break your delicate strands. Also, look for hair bands without metal clasps to keep your hair from catching. Lastly, be sure to trim your hair frequently, about once every six to eight weeks. Even when growing your hair long it is important to constantly trim away split, dead ends, thereby promoting healthy new growth.

Application of the above tips on a routine basis will leave your hair healthy, happy, and of course beautiful. Good luck!