9 Tips for Naturally Shiny Hair

Your barnet, your crowning glory…whatever you call it, you want it to look its best. For naturally shiny hair, look no further than your kitchen cupboard. We’re going to divulge a few juicy secrets to give you tresses that would make Rapunzel weep with envy.

For something that consists mainly of dead cells, hair is quite sensitive. It can be damaged by environmental factors, styling aids and stress. Of course, you’ll find a plethora of products on the market – all purporting to put an end to your woes. Mostly, however, they just deplete your bank balance. It’s not necessary to drop a week’s wages. You can pamper your hair effectively, affordably and naturally. Let’s look at a few options.

Brewed to perfection

Beer. Is there anything it can’t do? The next time you’re indulging in a pint, spare a thought for your forlorn locks – and put aside a bit. This magical elixir will produce an enviable gloss.

Here’s the key. You must expose the beer to the sun until the carbonation dies down and the bubbles subside. This normally takes about an hour. Once it’s gone flat, apply the beer to freshly washed hair and massage into the tips. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then remove with cold water and follow up with your favourite conditioner.

Vinegar vitality

If you’ve been to the beach – or even if you’ve just had a particularly challenging commute – you may want to remove residues from your hair. Grime and chemicals can build up and destroy shine and vivacity. All you need to resurrect it is this simple cocktail. Combine one part vinegar with one part water. Shake and use as your final rinse after shampooing. Leave it on your hair for a good 2 or 3 minutes, then wash well with lukewarm water.

The magic of maple

Maple syrup is a hidden gem. It’s got loads to offer your body, skin and hair. Turns out, it’s magnificent for restoring moisture to parched ends. Naturally shiny hair will be yours if you make it maple. Here’s all you gotta’ do…

Leave about 3 tablespoons of high-quality, organic maple syrup in a dish and let it warm to room temperature. Thoroughly work it through your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Yes, you’ll need plenty of water to rinse it, but your hair is going to smell so sweet and look even sweeter.

Lovely, lemony locks

Who doesn’t love lemons? They’re indispensable, really, and can work wonders in any beauty regime. Fresh lemon juice produces dazzling shine and extraordinary elasticity – safely and naturally.

Just add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best, as its enzymes are more active) to one cup of water. Shampoo your hair and apply your lemon concoction, making sure to massage it into the roots and tips. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse copiously with cool water. You can treat yourself to this little luxury up to twice a week.

Caffeine injection

Coffee has experienced a recent resurgence as the star ingredient of some expensive hair products. Don’t be fooled. You can save money by following our easy recipe. It promises to protect your hair from environmental damage and to help it shine like diamonds.

Make two cups of rich, black coffee. Let the liquid cool. Once it’s reached room temperature, massage it through your freshly washed hair. 20 minutes should be long enough to benefit. When time’s up, wash thoroughly with plain water and condition as usual.

Carrot’s tops

If you’re after strengthening and revitalising your hair, grab a bunch of these orange beauties. Bonus: they’ll impart a shine that will rival the sun.

All you have to do is grate 1 or 2 carrots to a fine mash. Dampen your hair and apply the carrot pulp to your scalp. Work it through the roots to the tips. Cover your head with a plastic hat or bag and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, rinse well with warm water and towel dry.

Avocado’s army

So rich is avocado, its reputation as one of hair’s most loyal allies is sealed. That’s actually exactly what it does for your barnet: avocado seals in the shine and tensile strength. 

For this pamper sesh, all you need is the pulp of one ripe avocado. Work it through your locks, then wrap them up in a bag or cap for 30 minutes. Once the time’s elapsed, run water over your head until all traces of avocado disappear down the plughole. This can be a weekly treat for as long as you like.

Good as garlic

Betcha didn’t know that garlic is packed with selenium. Your hair loves selenium – and garlic works as a natural conditioner that will boost your hair’s natural shine.

How on earth do you apply garlic? Just add 7 to 8 cloves of crushed garlic to about a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil. Boil it up, then let it cool so that you can comfortably apply it from root to tip. Let it rest for about 2o minutes, then give your hair a good rinsing. You can enjoy this potion up to three times a week. Dry hair will especially love it!

Fortuitous fruit

Fruits – particularly mango and banana – have a lot to offer stressed tresses. They act as natural softeners and impart lustre and vitality. Want to take advantage of their good nature? Blend up a smoothie using these two fruits, some almond oil and a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar.

Once the smoothie’s made, massage it through damp hair and leave it for 5 or 10 minutes. Rinse completely and towel dry your hair. Wallow in the spoils!