According to hair experts, your scalp can hold the key to natural and lasting shine

Shinier hair is the goal many of us are chasing, and while there's a plethora of products that promise to deliver instant, glossy results, a lasting and healthy gleam is not so straightforward. Especially if you're neglecting this key area in your haircare routine.

When it comes to the age-old question of how to get shiny hair, several factors could be contributing to a lack of radiance, and one in particular might surprise you: your scalp. According to hair experts, no matter how many of the best shampoos and conditioners - or even best hair masks - you're using, if you are ignoring your scalp, that enviable gleam may continue to allude you. As mentioned, there are plenty of products that can afford a reflective gleam to your hair, like at-home glosses and the best leave-in conditioners. But if you want to tackle the issue of healthier and thus shinier hair at the root, your scalp is, quite literally, the place to start.

So, for those looking to up their haircare routine and promote naturally shiny strands, here's why your scalp might be standing in your way - and how to start caring for it properly.

The one area you might be overlooking for shiny hair

Yes, our scalp health can play a pivotal role where shine is concerned. As Nicola Wood, leading hair professional and Founder of Hair Made Easi explains: "While many people tend to focus on the ends of their hair to create that perfect shiny finish, your hair actually won’t grow healthily or stay hydrated and strong if the scalp is irritated and malnourished. Your scalp is the most important part of your hair - healthy hair starts at the root so caring for your scalp is vital."

"Always remember a clean scalp is likely to be a healthy scalp, and thus a regularly cleansed scalp, means regularly clean, cleansed hair," says Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley: "The build-up of dust, dirt, product, and pollution will cause a dulling effect on the hair and when cleansed, reveal hairs fresh radiance and shine."

How to care for your scalp to promote shinier hair

So, how do we ensure our scalp is included in our haircare routine? The pros have shared their tips...

1. Massage your scalp

Firstly, Wood recommends scalp massage: "Certain research has proven that massaging your scalp regularly can help to reactivate hair growth and also stimulate existing hair follicles. Scalp massaging also opens up the follicles, which means that nutrients from your hydrating products can be better absorbed.

"Before stepping in the shower, massage your scalp for at least a minute, either with your fingers or a scalp massage tool."

2. Make sure products are reaching your scalp

Another tip is to ensure that your scalp is being reached by your cleansing and hydration-boosting products: "Remember to apply all products to your scalp as well as the ends.

"Many people avoid the scalp when it comes to using oils and masks as they assume this will promote grease. However, your scalp is where the hair strands receive their nutrients," says Wood.

3. Use conditioner after shampoo

Now, this might seem like an obvious one, but skipping your conditioner step won't do your quest for shinier strands any favours.

Kingsley reminds us to always follow our shampoos with a conditioner (whether it's the best conditioners for curly hair or for fine hair) to seal the hair cuticle: "The hair cuticle is like scales on a fish, they are roughed up through daily wear and tear - such as styling - and when nourished with conditioner, they are smoothed and lay flat, giving more reflective shine."

4. Opt for a scalp treatment

Adding one of the best scalp treatments to your routine is another great way to target your scalp, whilst also nourishing your strands.

Kingsley recommends the Philip Kingsley Vitamin C Jelly Detoxifying Hair and Scalp Treatment which, "reveals hair’s natural radiance by removing 38% more product build up, 31% more mineral build-up from hard water and 11% more pollution than shampoo alone, boosting shine by 52%."

5. Use clarifying products

Using a clarifying shampoo particularly, is also recommended by Celebrity Hairstylist, Edward James, as product build-up on your tresses can also be a culprit behind shine-less hair.

James recommends Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo (at Look Fantastic) to thoroughly cleanse your hair and remove residue left behind by heavy styling products.