The 3 shiny hair mistakes you should avoid - and how to actually maintain that gleam

If you're struggling to achieve shiny hair, you might want to reevaultate your haircare routine...

 Carey Mulligan is pictured with a glossy bob as she attends the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024, alongside a picture of Naomi Campbell with long sleek shiny hair attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 and finally, a picture of Helen Mirren with her hair in a shiny updo at the 2024 Golden Globes/ in a pink watercolour template
(Image credit: Getty Images: (L to R) Karwai Tang/WireImage |Amy Sussman |Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

When it comes to our hair, a natural-looking gleam is something we're all chasing, but according to the pros, if we're making these common shiny hair mistakes, that covetable radiance will keep eluding us...

Like with our skincare routines, there are several steps and products we can add to our beauty arsenals to target our many hair qualms, whether it's investing in one of the best hair dryers for fine hair - to boost volume - or using a reparative hair mask to combat damage. There is one area though that can feel like a never-ending struggle with no easy solution: shine.

Achieving that natural glossy sheen is the ultimate goal for many. In fact, if the 2024 hair trends are anything to go by, it's this season's must-have finish - with many looks, like "Syrup blonde" hair hinging on it - but according to expert hairstylists, these common missteps could be working against you and that reflective gleam...

3 shiny hair mistakes to avoid, according to the pros

Shine is synonymous with hair health and can really make or break a look. A sleek and straight hairstyle for instance, sans a reflective shine, can make your tresses look dry and flat - even if they are actually freshly washed and styled. It can also help to boost the vibrancy of your hair colour but alas, it can be frustratingly elusive - especially it seems, if you use a lot of products and styling tools.

So, if you're looking to achieve and maintain a natural-looking shine, we've enlisted the expertise of Celebrity Hairstylist and co-founder of The Hair Consult, Edward James to outline the reasons that could be contributing to dull and lack-lustre locks...

3 shine-boosting staples to add to your routine

Before we dive into all the expert advice, here's a quick roundup of the products James recommends to achieve and maintain a natural hair shine. 

1. Using too many products

While it might sound counterintuitive, using too many products - in a bid to boost shine or to style your hair - can actually be detrimental. 

As Edward James explains: "Regular use of styling products without proper cleansing can leave residues that dull your hair's shine. Use a clarifying shampoo like Color Wow Color Security Shampoo to remove build-up effectively."

2. Too much heat

If you reach for your best straighteners or best curling irons daily, this could, unfortunately, be a big contributor to your lack of hair shine - we know, heartbreaking news.

James says: "Excessive use of heat styling tools can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dull and lifeless hair." To combat this, James reminds us to, "Always use a heat protectant, such as Oribe's Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray, to minimize damage."

3. Lack of moisture

"Dry hair reflects less light," James explains: "Incorporating hydrating products (like Oway's Moisturizing Hair Bath) into your routine can help maintain moisture levels and enhance shine."

Using heat or even the weather can impact the hydration of our hair, so using a specific treatment - like one of the best hair masks - or a really nourishing conditioner is key for reviving your hair and thus, boosting shine.

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products. 

Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping...