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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Typically dry hair appears flat and dull, think no shine. Dry hair is also usually more difficult to manage and when you touch it, it has a noticeably brittle texture i.e. knots and tangles, etc. If your hair isn't maintaining a blow-dry this can also be a sign that your hair is lacking hydration levels.
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.
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.
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.
Try a Hair Oil Treatment
Well-moisturized hair is naturally shinier—and applying hair oils is the fastest way to boost hydration levels. "Oils close the cuticle to help reflect light," says Townsend.
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."
Harsh shampoo, hair treatments, styling products, and excessive brushing contribute the most to poor hair health. However, other culprits include: overconsumption of alcohol. low-calorie and crash diets.
If at any point your hair feels rough, dry, and brittle and as if random strands are sticking out, this is a sign that your hair is unhealthy and damaged. Under such circumstances, you should consider seeking out treatment for your hair as quickly as possible and not let your damaged hair continue to grow out.
A professional hair stylist will be able to diagnose your hair's condition in more detail, but in general, damaged hair breaks easily when pulled and has visible split ends (due to fragile bonds), while dry hair is often accompanied by white flakes of skin and a coarse, rough texture.
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.”