Rinsing your hair in cold water WON'T make it shiny!

First, a bit of science.

The outer layer of the hair is called the cuticle - rows of little tiles that open and close. Things that make them open include heat and alkaline products (perm lotion, hair colour, bleach etc.)  Things that close the cuticle are cold and acid products (vinegar, lemon juice, pH balanced conditioners etc.)

So why won't cold water make your hair shiny? Well, it's true that the cuticle will close with cold water - but then what? Unless you're an otter, your hair is going to need drying at some stage. Either you're going to rough up the cuticle with a towel, or your going to apply heat in the form of a hairdryer, or both!

So how do you get hair to shine?

1. Products. There are a ton of shine products for all hair types.

2. Condition. Parched hair is prone to frizz, flyaways and will never look glossy.

3. Colour. Artificial colours, especially semi- or demi-permanents bring bags of shine. That said, you'll struggle more with shine on lighter shades and blonde due to the way colour pigment lies in the hair.

4. No colour! Ask your stylist about a clear glossing service. It's literally a clear shiny coating for the hair.

Be kind to your hair, and enjoy warm water!

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com

Bravo Hairdressing, Newbury, Berkshire

(01635) 552323

5 Steps to Shiny Hair

I've come to the conclusion that there is no good time of year for hair in Britain. The weather is either cold and wet, warm and wet or warm and humid - not exactly conducive to glossy, groomed locks.

It's almost impossible to eliminate all frizz from hair all the time, but these tips should help your lok your best:

1. Get off to a good start. A conditioning treatment will get your tresses looking glossy – time it with your cut to get rid of dry ends
2. Moisture = Shine. Make sure your shampoo is moisturising and condition EVERY time
3. Always dry your hair pointing the dryer from root to tip – this keeps the cuticle (outermost layer) of the hair closed to reflect light
4. High hold products don't tend to have much shine. Swap hair spray for a shine mist or serum for a glassy finish
5. Straight hair shines more: consider Kerastraight straightening for shiny hair every day, or use GHD straighteners sparingly to tame the frizzies.

Phil x