In winter, our hair can seriously lack shine... This is due to a drop in performance on the part of the body, but not only that. How can we fix it? We reveal what you need to know.

We all know those days when our hair looks grey, when the shine and luster seem to have taken a vacation (without us). This lack of shine can clearly get to our morale, but don't panic, there is always a solution and in this specific case, a whole bunch of tips to give your dull hair a boost.

Understanding Dull Hair

Dull hair can be a reflection of several internal and external factors that impact its health and appearance. Here's a closer look at these different factors:

Stress:

Stress, our worst enemy, can be a real drag on hair vitality. When we are stressed, our body reacts, triggering hormonal imbalances that can weaken our hair. These disruptions can lead to a loss of shine and vitality.

Aggressive hair products:

Some hair products contain aggressive ingredients like sulfates or silicones that are absolutely to be avoided for the beauty of your hair. These components deprive our hair of its natural moisture, making it dry, dull and sometimes even seriously damaging it.

An unbalanced diet:

Diet plays a key role in the health of our body and therefore our hair. A diet lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins, proteins or fatty acids can weaken our hair, making it more likely to become dull and lackluster.

The (famous) seasonal changes:

Just like our skin (and our mood), our hair reacts to seasonal changes. For example, dry air in the winter or sun exposure in the summer can dry out our strands, stripping them of their natural moisture and leaving them as dull and lifeless as a gray, rainy day.

When our hair lacks shine, it is often a sign that something is wrong. It may be time to give it a little more attention and care to restore its shine. If the lack of shine persists and is accompanied by abnormal hair loss, it is best to contact a health professional.

The magic of cleaning, but gently

Hair cleansing, while necessary, shouldn't be an uphill battle. It's a crucial step, but how you do it is just as important as how often you do it. Here's why:

Choosing the right shampoo:

The first step to clean, shiny hair starts with choosing the right shampoo. Depending on your hair type (dry, oily, normal, colored, etc.), opt for a product specifically designed to meet its needs. Gentle, natural shampoos are often a wise choice to avoid damaging the scalp.

Gentle scalp massage:

When washing, forget about scrubbing vigorously like you're scrubbing a pot. Instead, focus on gently massaging your scalp with your fingertips. This gentle gesture stimulates blood circulation in this area, thus promoting the distribution of nutrients to the hair follicles. Think of it as a gentle relaxation session for your hair!

Why does gentleness matter?

Excessively scrubbing the scalp can be harsh on the skin and damage hair follicles. It can even contribute to hair loss and brittleness. On the other hand, a gentle massage helps to remove impurities without disrupting the scalp's natural balance.

Also read: How to avoid seasonal hair loss?

Stimulate blood circulation:

A gentle massage while washing acts as a real boost for your hair. By stimulating blood circulation, this promotes better oxygenation of the hair follicles, thus encouraging healthy hair growth and stronger hair.

Hydrate and nourish deeply

Your hair, like you after a day of work, needs hydration! A good conditioner, a suitable hair serum , a moisturizing mask or even a vegetable oil bath, works wonders. They revive the shine of the hair while giving it back vitality. Natural vegetable oils like coconut or argan oil are superheroes to deeply nourish your weakened locks.

Goodbye to aggressive products!

Yes, them again, but it's to make sure the message gets through. We say stop to hair products full of sulfates and silicones! Opt for gentle and natural formulas. Overly aggressive products can rob your hair of its natural shine by drying it out or suffocating it. So, we choose "benevolent" products for our manes!

Rinse with cold water

Yes, you read that right! A final rinse with cold water closes the hair scales, making them smoother and reflecting light better. The result? Shinier, more vibrant hair! From time to time, you can opt for a hair rinse with cider vinegar to boost the strength of the strands and bring immediate shine to the hair.

The little extras that make the difference

Regular care is key, but there are a few extra tricks to bring life back to your dull hair. Oil baths, homemade masks made with natural ingredients like honey, avocado or yogurt can really boost the shine of your hair. Little extra: remember to use suitable hair accessories and limit the use of heating appliances...

In short, pamper your hair, give it love and attention, and it will return the favor with shiny, vibrant hair.

@bondenavant Reply to @kiri_kaur shiny hair #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen #amyshairtips #haircare #hairtips ♬ SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY - Remix - Amaarae & Kali Uchis

Opt for a hair detox

A hair detox can help remove product buildup, revitalize your scalp, and restore vitality to your hair. Here's how to do it:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:

Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. After your regular shampoo, use this mixture to rinse your hair. Apple cider vinegar helps remove hair product residue, rebalances the pH of the scalp, and makes hair shinier.

2. The Clay Mask:

Clay (like bentonite clay or kaolin clay) is great for drawing out impurities. Mix clay with water until you have a smooth paste. Apply it to damp hair and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

3. Lemon Rinse:

Mix the juice of one lemon with water and use this mixture to rinse your hair after shampooing. Lemon is astringent and helps remove residue, while adding shine.

4. Using a Clarifying Shampoo:

Opt for a clarifying shampoo designed to remove product buildup. Use it once a week or every other week to thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp.

5. Detoxifying Scalp Oil:

Use essential oils like tea tree or peppermint oil, which are known for their purifying properties. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently massage your scalp. Leave it on for a while before washing your hair.

6. Reduce the Use of Hair Products:

During the detox, limit the use of styling products, hairsprays or gels, and avoid heating appliances as much as possible to let your hair "breathe".

A hair detox can vary depending on your specific needs and how responsive your scalp is. Remember to follow these methods with gentle, moisturizing treatments to restore your hair's natural balance after the detox.

What to eat to boost the shine of your hair?

For shiny hair, a balanced diet is essential. Here are some foods and supplements to favor to nourish your hair from the inside out:

1. Proteins:

Hair is made up mostly of protein. Include lean protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy to promote hair growth.

2. Sources of omega-3:

Essential fatty acids like omega-3 are beneficial for health but also to prevent dry and dull hair. Oily fish like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts and avocado are good sources of omega-3.

3. Anything that says vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach, it promotes sebum production, helping to keep the scalp healthy.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, peppers and kiwis contain vitamin C which stimulates the production of collagen, important for hair structure.
• Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds and sunflower oil, it protects cells against oxidative damage, thus promoting healthy hair.
• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin, found in eggs, nuts and fish, is known to promote hair and nail growth.

4. Iron:

Iron deficiency can contribute to loss of shiny hair. Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, beans, and lean red meat.

5. Zinc:

Zinc promotes hair growth and regulates the hair cycle. Find it in oysters, pumpkin seeds, seafood, and sunflower seeds.

6. Water:

Hydration is crucial for healthy hair. Drink enough water to keep your body and hair hydrated.

A varied and balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, contributes to the health of your hair. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you are giving your hair the elements it needs to regain its natural shine.