10 Ways to Get Shiny Hair

When it comes to color, dark tresses like Ashley Greene's tend to look shinier than blond ones. But that doesn't mean highlighted hair is doomed to dullness. If you want to go lighter and you're concerned about shine, choose a shade with warm golden tones, which appear glossier than cooler hues, says N.Y.C. colorist Rita Hazan.

Even a quarter inch off your tips makes all the difference. "Trims remove the dead, split ends that can make hair look dull, especially if you have a lot of layers," says L.A. stylist Adir Abergel. Try to squeeze in an appointment every six weeks.

This looks like a traditional flatiron (and we know how those can leave locks fried), but don't be fooled. The new José Eber tool actually works to moisturize hair. When used in conjunction with a conditioning serum, its plates' infrared heat helps open the cuticles to deposit the treatment and bring on the shine.

José Eber Therapy RX Conditioning Tool, $375; josecurl.com.

Here's another reason to load up on spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard. These dark greens are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which bodies need to help produce lots of sebum (the oily substance from your scalp that acts like a natural conditioner). According to New York nutritionist Cynthia Sass, you should consume at least three cups of green produce per week.

Shine sprays and serums add instant gleam-but one formulation doesn't fit all. If your hair is thick, coat it (while wet or dry) with a rich silicone solution that also has hydrating oils, such as argan. If your strands are on the finer side, spritz on a lighter silicone-free mist after styling, which won't weigh down hair.

For fine hair, Kérastase Elixir Ultime, $54; kerastase-usa.com.
For thick hair, Mizani Gloss Veil Shine Spray, $16; at Ulta stores.

Guido, the Redken creative consultant who sent smooth looks down the Marc Jacobs fall runway, says a super-sleek ponytail is the ultimate vehicle for shine. The secret to its high-impact luster? Layering gel. Start with a strong-hold variety at the front of the scalp, and then work it through every layer of hair. "Don't just rub some over the top of your head, or the locks underneath will puff up," he says. After you've applied the gel, use a brush to pull all the hair into a tight, neat tail, and finish with a glossing spray.

Redken Hardwear 16 Super-Strong sculpting gel, $13; redken.com for salons.

Cut down on the overall amount of heat you aim at your mane, says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson: "Direct heat relaxes the bonds in hair, so the cuticles don't lie as tightly and smoothly." This applies to washing as well as styling your hair. Try cool-water rinses in the shower, and dial back the degrees on hot tools.

"I love an oil treatment to intensely hydrate and smooth down rough surfaces," says Rita Hazan, who suggests slicking on a hair oil for 30 minutes-or better yet, leaving it in overnight for deeper conditioning. If you're planning to sleep on it, wrap hair in a shower cap (to protect your pillow) before hitting the sack. In the morning just wash it out.

Phyto Phyto-nectar oil treatment, $30; sephora.com.

Not to drink-to soak your strands with! Beer contains maltose and sucrose, which can tighten hair cuticles. First douse dry hair in a brew and let it air-dry; then wash and condition as usual to add shine, says Hazan.

Once a week use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of buildup from sprays, gels, and pomades. "It's like exfoliating your skin-you have to remove the dull layers," says Adir Abergel, who recommends Fekkai's Apple Cider blend. If your hair needs an especially deep cleaning, Wilson says to choose a formula with very few conditioners and oils, like Alberto VO5 Tea Therapy clarifying shampoo.

Fekkai Apple Cider clarifying shampoo, $24; fekkai.com.