Dull hair tends to lack moisture, shine, and body. It can be caused by many factors, like using the wrong products, not getting enough nutrients in your diet, or overusing harsh chemicals or techniques. Fortunately, there are ways to perk up dull-looking hair.
Shiny hair with a smooth texture and clean-cut ends or tapered tips is generally perceived to be healthy. Hair texture and shine relate to hair surface properties, whereas the integrity of hair ends relates to the hair cortex.
The most common cause of dull hair is product residue after shampooing and conditioning. If you think you have rinsed enough, rinse again!
Simply put, you can fix dull hair with the help of clarifying treatments. Clarifying treatments, courtesy of specialty shampoos, help to unclog the hair follicles, which have likely been exposed to hard water residue, sun exposure, pollution, and product buildup.
Common dull hair causes include: Product buildup: Over time, your hair and scalp may accumulate buildup and residue from shampoo and styling products. Eventually, that buildup can block natural hair oils from getting to the hair shaft – resulting in dull, dry hair.
Downing good ol' H2O helps to expel toxins, promotes clear, glowing skin, and keeps the mind feeling alert and sharp. Optimal daily hydration is good for locks too. It makes hair look shiny and voluminous, and even supports hair growth.
By gently rubbing your scalp with your fingertips before bed, you'll distribute natural oils, leaving you with shinier strands in the morning. A word of warning: This tip is best for thick, dry hair.
What Causes Dull Hair? According to Leyla, there are a few things that bring on lackluster locks including “sun exposure, heat styling, chemicals (like chlorine or hair dye), hard water, using the wrong products for your hair type/needs, and a lack of proper nutrition.”
Unhealthy hair usually has a rough texture, lack of shininess and luster, have split ends, lack of moisture and elasticity even after treatment and easily broken. Damaged hair will also get tangled up and result in knots due to hair dryness.
According to Amy Shapiro of Real Nutrition NYC, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are a must for shiny strands. Chia seeds are not only filled with Omega-3s, but they also include powerful vitamins and minerals such as phosphorous, calcium and protein, which all encourage hair growth and strong strands.
What are the signs of healthy hair? Healthy hair strands have a sheen and a luster, little breakage, minimal shedding, are moisture rich (so not dry), reflect light, do not break when brushed, and do not contain dandruff.
Hair care experts recommend brushing your hair twice a day — morning and night — to help distribute your scalp's natural oils through your hair.
Tangling, knotting, frizz, dullness, breakage: these are all signs of very dehydrated hair. The good news? There are easy ways to treat and prevent not just the annoying symptoms of dryness, but the dry, dehydrated hair itself.
When it comes to your hair, cold water helps to seal your hair cuticle, making it lay smoothly. A smoother hair cuticle better reflects light, giving your hair the appearance of shine. Hitting yourself with a chilly burst of water after a warm-and-cozy shower is no walk in the park.
Factor, a clinical dermatologist and researcher, said, "Cold water can help your hair to become stronger and healthier over time. Cold water not only helps the scalp retain its moisture, [but] it also seals down the hair cuticles and helps lock moisture into the strands themselves."
Moisture overload occurs when there is too much moisture and too little protein. This is the second kind of imbalance your hair can experience. Moisture overload tends to affect those who have high hair porosity, causing it to look limp, stringy, and even greasy.
Flat hair is often the result of hair that has been weighed down, as buildup in the form of product residue, dirt, excess oil, and other impurities can pull and flatten your strands over time. That's why when you go a while without washing your hair, it becomes noticeably flatter at the roots.
Both dry and damaged hair can appear frizzy and dull, and can feel brittle. You might notice stray hairs and split ends.