How To Get Shiny, Expensive-Looking Hair

“There are so many factors that affect your hair’s shine: it could boil down to how healthy and hydrated your hair is, your hair’s texture (naturally straight hair tends to reflect the most light), how much damage your hair encounters on a day-to-day basis, and even whether oils are well distributed throughout your hair. Healthy hair will generally have a smooth cuticle and outer layer – this what gives that glossy, mirror-like shine because it reflects light the best. If your hair is very dry or damaged, or suffering from product or hard water-related build-up, it’s likely that the cuticle is damaged. Rather than your hair reflecting light like a mirror, it will have a more scattered effect, which is what can make your hair look dull.” – Hollie Rose Clarke, international hair stylist & Living Proof ambassador 

Mineral & Product Build-Up

“We have incredibly hard water in the UK, especially in major cities like London. The high levels of calcium and magnesium coat the strands, blocking shine. Combined with product build-up, this can cause your hair to appear dull.”

Damage

“If you are using a lot of heat on your hair, heat protection – every single time – is essential for minimising damage. Similarly, if you book in regularly for colour or chemical services, it’s important to use bond-building and repairing masks to keep your hair healthy. Otherwise, your hair can become prone to breakage, resulting in a loss of shine.”

Environmental Aggressors 

“UV, pollution, chlorine, wind and salt can all disturb your hair cuticle and barrier, impacting your hair’s shine and overall health. The trick is to brush gently and look for haircare with UV protection, especially if you are outdoors a lot in direct sunlight. A hat can also work well.”

Diet & Nutrition 

“Our hair health is also very holistic. A low amount of certain vitamins or nutrients in your diet can cause hair to lack shine and appear dull. Ensure your diet is full of protein, iron, zinc and healthy fats as this can help to strengthen your hair structure so it has a healthy shine and condition.” – Hollie 

“A gentle, clarifying shampoo is your best friend for removing product build-up. Use it once a week or every three washes to keep your hair healthy. I also recommend silicone-free formulas, as silicones can build up on the hair and, if not clarified regularly, can also contribute to dullness. I love our Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo for this. The formula contains: magnetic polymers that attract product build-up and remove it; a gentle surfactant blend to effectively sweep away pollution particles and sebum; a naturally derived chelating agent to remove mineral and heavy metal build-up caused by hard water; and activated charcoal to detoxify hair and impurities.” – Hollie 

“Wash your hair with lukewarm water, as hot water roughs up the cuticle. A final cool rinse helps smooth it back down, delivering maximum shine. Also, try to avoid over-washing your hair as this strips away your natural oils and can contribute to dullness. If you’re struggling to go the extra day, it’s time to invest in a good dry shampoo and restyling product. Another tip is to focus your shampoo at the scalp, not the lengths and ends. Finally, don’t forget to rinse well, so no residue is left behind.” – Hollie 

“Sealing the cuticle essentially means smoothing it back down so the surface of the hair is even and able to reflect light properly. Moisture is key here: hydrated hair is more supple and flexible, whereas dry hair becomes brittle, tangles more easily and is prone to breakage – all of which lift the cuticle and reduce shine. I always recommend balancing protein and moisture. That usually means alternating between strengthening and hydrating shampoos or treatments. Layering moisture is also really effective – a lightweight leave-in conditioner, followed by a gloss or finishing product, can make a huge difference. I’m also a big fan of incorporating regular masks into your routine. I personally love the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask, and Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense is another great option for intense hydration. At home, techniques like blow-drying with a round brush or using straighteners can help smooth the cuticle further, enhancing shine.” – Zoe Irwin, hair stylist

“An at-home gloss treatment boosts shine in a way that a mask alone cannot. It combines hydration with light-reflecting technology to give the hair a more luminous, polished finish. Glaze’s Superglosses are my favourite. The sheer one is a great universal option or the coloured versions can subtly enhance or correct tone. For example, if you’re blonde and your hair is looking a bit brassy, Pearl Blonde is your new best friend, neutralising warmth and brightening the overall colour. Also, the brunette ones can add depth and a really rich, reflective shine. The results typically last for around ten washes, and it works in a similar way to a make-up primer – it creates that radiant base before you even start styling.” – Zoe

“I love our Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High Shine Gloss. It’s a silicone-free, in-shower treatment, meaning you get all the benefits of a glossing treatment without any product build-up. It’s an easy-to-use, rinse-off formula that boosts shine, smoothness and vibrancy – and that shine will last up to three washes.” – Hollie 

“I love using a silk scarf during the prep stage – especially for styles like a Parisian bob where you don’t need a lot of volume. Wrapping your hair while you do your make-up helps smooth the cuticle and lock in shine. Silk pillowcases or bonnets are also great for maintaining that smoothness overnight and reducing friction. Another trick I use is a natural bristle brush, like a Mason Pearson. I’ll lightly mist the brush with hairspray, then glide it over the hair to smooth flyaways and add a polished, glossy finish. – Zoe 

“Giving your hair a break from heat styling allows the cuticle time to recover. Think of it like a rest day in your fitness routine. The break will contribute to your hair’s overall health. 

If you’re using hot tools, it’s so important to never skip heat protection. It acts as a shield that protects against heat damage and skipping it even a few times can lead to visible signs of damage which will affect not just the hair’s shine, but also the structure and strength of your hair. Many remember to use heat protection on wash day, but if you’re restyling on day two or three, don’t forget you need to reapply it – it should be every time you pick up your straighteners or tongs.” – Hollie 

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