Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn

Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

All rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

Reviewed by SIAHMSR medical team.

How to get glossy shiny hair ?

Everyone loves to get glossy hair which shines with silky luster. The shine of hair is due to its moisture content and health. The hair loses its shine due to various reasons such as heat exposure, chemical treatment, harsh shampoos, environmental factors etc.

Hair structure

Each hair is formed of a hair shaft and a hair root. The shaft is the visible part of the hair that sticks out of the skin. The hair root lies deep within layers of the skin. It is surrounded by the hair follicle (a sheath of skin and connective tissue), which is also connected to a sebaceous glands.

 [image courtesy: NIH  - cited in reference section ]

At the base of the hair, the hair root widens to form a round hair bulb. The hair papilla is found inside the bottom of the hair bulb. It supplies the hair root with blood and new hair cells are constantly being made in the hair bulb, close to the papilla. New cells forming in the hair bulb may stick together and harden. A full strand of hair develops from this group of hardened hair cells.

Each hair follicle is attached to a tiny muscle (arrector pili) that can make the hair stand up. Many nerves are there within the hair follicle.

The hair shaft of humans is divided into three main regions: Cuticle, cortex and medulla

The cuticle is the outermost layer of overlapping flattened cells of hair. The function of the cuticle with its tough inelastic protein content is to protect the inner cortex that provides the elastic properties of hair. The cuticle is a chemically resistant region and consists of flap overlapping scales (keratinocytes)

The cuticle of hair is vital in protecting the inner structure, the cortex, from damage caused by natural environmental factors, cosmetic treatments.

 How to combat frizziness, dullness, and dryness?

To get shiny hair ensures that the hair cuticle is no open spots due to damage; it can lose the moisture that keeps it shiny. Dull, lusterless hair means that it could be lacking moisture.

·       Apply a moisturizing hair mask

 Applying a hair mask at least once a week can help to retain moisture and shine of your hair. The ingredients of the mask is vital. A hair softening, hydrating, and nourishing mask can improve your hair shine.

·       Choose your shampoo wisely

Different shampoo formulations suit different hair types and the harsh chemical shampoos can lead to hair damage. Using an oil-controlling shampoo on rough and dry hair can turn it frizzy and your hair may suffer. Try adding a conditioning shampoo to your routine instead of washing your hair too frequently with a regular shampoo.

·       Avoid direct heat on your hair

 Frequently using a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron can make your hair extremely dry and strip away the natural hair luster. Avoid frequent heat based styling of hair. You may use curling rollers instead, to style your hair. Holding a hair dryer farther away with continuous motion may actually cause less damage to your hair cuticle than either letting your hair completely air-dry or using a hair dryer in a concentrated spot. Use a heat protection product. These products are meant to help protect the hair and prevent split ends.

·       Wash your hair less frequently.

Do not over wash your hair .It may cause losing of moisture. Use only normal or cool water to wash your hair.

·       Choose right shampoo for dyed hair.

Only use shampoos formulated for dyed hair. Rinse shampoo and conditioner with cool water. Hot water can cause the cuticle to open, or lift, allowing the dye to rinse out

·       Massaging your scalp gently

It may help stimulate blood flow to stimulate the production of natural oils and loosen buildup before it starts.

·       Care  for your hair while swimming in pool

Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming in the pool. This may help prevent the chlorine from changing the color of your hair and drying out the hair strands. Also wash your hair thoroughly as soon as you get out of the pool preferably with a conditioner shampoo.

·       To add shine to your hair temporarily you may use some oils, serums, and sprays

o   Oil treatment works well for dull, rough, and shiny hair. Oil helps in retaining moisture and makes hair soft and shiny. Use deep nourishing hair oils like coconut or almond oil. Coconut oil helps to penetrate the outer cuticle and hydrate from the inside out.

o   Rice water rinse

Inositol, an ingredient found in rice water, has been shown to penetrate damaged hair and repair hair from the inside out.

o   Use cold water or normal plain water for washing. Heat opens up your hair cuticle, cold will close it. Rinsing your hair with cold water helps lock in moisture.

Diet for Healthy hair

Include foods rich in healthy fats, particularly omega 3 fatty acids.

·       Fish

·       Avocados

·       Olives

·       Blueberries

·       Nuts

·       Eggs

·       Spinach

 Hair becomes dull due to inadequate intake of proteins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. Dietary zinc deficiency may be a cause of alopecia.

Hair loss in women has also been reported to be associated with iron deficiency.

Deficiencies in other minerals such as selenium may also be a factor in hair loss. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and essential cofactor for several important enzymes. Dietary deficiency of this important cofactor has also been associated with hair loss. Correction of deficiencies may help in maintaining health of hair and healthy hair will appear shiny and glossy.

                         SIAHMSR                                  

Cosmetic research study results for shine of hair 

·       Shampoos are the most frequently prescribed treatment for the hair and scalp. The shampoo has to be tailored to variations related with hair quality, age, hair care habits, and specific problems and condition of the scalp.

 A shampoo is composed of 10 to 30 ingredients: cleansing agents (surfactants), conditioning agents, special care ingredients, and additives. Since the cleansing activity depends on the type and amount of surfactants utilized, shampoos are composed of a blend of different surfactants, depending on the requirements of the individual hair type. 

·       Hair spray and conditioner formulas containing PPG-3 benzyl ether myristate (PBEM) (1) showed great performance on shine enhancement for hairs with light and medium colors. 

     Summary

How to get shiny hair &prevent hair damage ? 

The health of hair cuticle with its lipid and keratin content gives hair the shine and lustre. Anything that damages the cuticle may leave the hair dull and lusterless. Therefore please follow these instructions to keep your hair shiny and glossy.

1.    Do not use products with strong chemicals on your hair. These may damage the cuticles.

2.    Do not wash your hair in hot water. It can open the pores and dry the hair. Losing the moisture content can make the hair dry.

3.    Avoid excessive exposure to UV rays of sun which may reduce the moisture making the hair dry.

4.    Eat well balanced diet. Vitamins, minerals and proteins are important for hair growth and shine.

5.    Apply some deeply moisturizing kind of hair oil frequently and wash with mild shampoo. Coconut oil, jojoba oil and almond oil are deeply moisturizing to the hair.

6.    Drink adequate amount of water.8-10 glasses of water a day may keep your skin and hair healthy and supple or moisturized.

7.    Hair masks may help to give shine and glow to the hair.

8.    Natural spa to hair may help to bring shine to dull hair.

Hair mask for shine & glow

Avocado hair mask

•        Blend half part of an avocado pulp made into a paste with one egg, 2tsp of olive oil and 3tbsp of milk.

•        Mix well all these ingredients well into a creamy paste.

•        Apply the mixture all over the hair staring from scalp.

     You may increase the quantity of the ingredients depending on the length and volume of your hair. Keep it for 15-20 minutes and wash off with water and mild shampoo.

This pack will give you shiny smooth and silky hair .It may also strengthen hair roots and promotes  hair growth improving circulation and cleansing the scalp.

 Avocado repairs damaged hair improving the health of scalp and hair follicles due to the richness of B –complex and C & E vitamins. Avocados are rich in folates and minerals such as magnesium and potassium.          Potassium promotes faster cell renewal and make your skin look young.It promotes hair growth improving cell renewal on scalp. Magnesium is also essential for hair growth and increases firmness of skin. Avocados are good source of magnesium which improves the health of hair follicles.

written by dr sanjana vb[ copyright2022]

References

1.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546248/

2.    https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/6/2/32

3.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4389977/

4.    Review J Dtsch Dermatol Ges

. 2007 May;5(5):356-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2007.06304.x.

Shampoos: ingredients, efficacy and adverse effects

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17451380/ 

5.    Study J Cosmet Sci

. 2009 Mar-Apr;60(2):187-97.

Study of hair shine and hair surface smoothness

Timothy Gao 1, Abel Pereira, Sam Zhu

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19450419/

6.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/

7.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ 

8 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/avocados  

         9. https://tastylicious.com/avocado-benefits

         10.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/