Which ingredients enhance hair's shine?
Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009
Shine-inducing shampoos and conditioners can be used on almost all hair types, allowing you to create the illusion of healthier hair. Darker hair tends to be shinier than lighter hair because it reflects light better, but as long as the cuticle and shaft are smooth, light is properly reflected off each individual strand.
Certain products and ingredients can enhance this effect. Conditioners are especially important when it comes to achieving shine because they replace natural oils and sebum, that is lost further down the hair shaft. They penetrate, adding back lost moisture and giving the hair the ability to reflect light and therefore look shinier.
Look for products with panthenol, jojoba, apple cider vinegar, citrus extracts, silicone and dimethicone, and oils of coconut, coriander and chamomile. However, if your hair is color-treated or fine, be careful with silicone, which can make limp hair look greasy or feel gummy.
Tags: apple cider vinegar, chamomile, citrus, coconut, conditioner, coriander, dimethicone, fine hair, jojoba, light-reflecting, moisturizing, panthenol, sebum, silicone, vinegar