Why Doesn't My Hair Shine?

Shiny, lustrous hair easily turns heads and evokes youth and vitality. Unfortunately, many of us are frustrated with dull hair that’s more of an eyesore than anything.

But don’t worry - the first step in fixing your dull hair problem is to find the culprit behind it. And that’s why we wrote this article outlining the most common reasons your hair doesn’t shine. Read on.

Infrequent Shampooing

If your shampooing routine is sporadic at best, this could be why your hair might be lacking in the shine department. Over time, hair products can build up on the hair, inhibiting its natural glow.

A good clarifying shampoo can remove layers of product buildup within just one wash, but you can do two rounds if necessary.

Washing with Mineral-Rich Water

If you live in America, chances are you have hard water, which is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up on your hair during your wash days. Over time, this residue may not only make your hair dull but also increase dryness and brittleness. All of this can be a headache.

To prevent this and keep your hair shiny, use a chelating shampoo, like Malibu C Hard Water Shampoo. It will take care of that buildup right away.

You’re Getting Older

As we age, our hair loses its natural shine. And that’s due to a dip in sebum (scalp oil) production. The good news is that you can use products that can restore your hair’s luster - serums and oils are great for this. Just know that they aren’t a one-time fix. For consistent results, you have to reapply them after every wash, and even between washes.

Your Hair is Damaged

Have you been going a little wild with the flat iron, comb/brush, hair dye, or bleach? Or maybe you haven’t been intentional or consistent with your hair care routine. Either way, damaged hair is much more likely to be dull rather than shiny.

Though you can use hair products that add shine to your hair, it’d be much better overall to rework your hair routine and give it some extra love. This “love” might require more frequent deep conditioning sessions, adding a leave-in to your wash day routine, or getting a trim to eliminate the damaged portions.

No Nighttime Protection

Whenever you sleep on a cotton pillowcase or snuggle under a cotton blanket with your hair uncovered, you’re asking for dull hair. Why? Because those cotton fibers suck the moisture out of everything, including your hair. And that can leave you with a lack of shine.

The solution is to cover your hair with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf before nodding off. It will act as a barrier between your hair and your bedding.

So, there you have it - why your hair doesn’t shine and what to do about it. We hope you found all the information you were looking for. Before you go, we urge you to stock up on high-quality hair products that rejuvenate, repair, and leave your hair with a beautiful shine. Here are two of the best - Daily Dose Leave-in Conditioner and Daily Dose Deep Conditioner. They are natural, nutrient-rich, and formulated to transform your hair from within while protecting it from the outside. Check them out here. We wish you the best with your hair!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15+ years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of CurlAdvice.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.