From Dull to Dazzling: How to Enhance and Maintain Shiny, Glossy Curls

The idea of having shiny curly hair seems like a dream come true. Curly and kinky hair is dry and brittle because it loses moisture quickly. As a result, it looks frizzy, rough and dull. However, you can easily make it glossy. Wonder how?

How to keep curly hair shiny, glossy and glamorous

1. Squish to Condish method
This method supports a partial hair rinse to enhance the inner shine of your curls. Here's what you need to do:

1. Apply curl conditioner to damp hair and leave it on for two minutes.
2. Flip your hair forward, cup your palms and collect the water in them.
3. Scrunch and squish your hair with water from the ends to the scalp.
4. Repeat twice for each hair section.

2. Hydrating treatment
A hydrating treatment provides your hair with lots of moisture, which is crucial for a natural shine. Use a mild daily conditioner or hair mask with an avocado or olive oil base. This will help smooth the hair cuticles and eliminate frizz.

3. Use a shine boosting spray
Shine-boosting hair spray is perfect for no-wash days. Go for a silicone-free hairspray that's infused with argan oil to add shine, silkiness, and control flyaways.

4. Avoid products with silicones
Silicones can leave an oily film on your hair and weigh it down. Therefore, avoid products containing silicone. Also, use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to wash away product buildup and residue. This will help keep your hair soft and smooth. However, excessive use of clarifying shampoos can dry out your hair.

DIY recipes for shiny curly hair

1. Aloe Vera and Curd Hair Mask
Aloe vera is an excellent natural conditioner for your hair and helps maintain hair and scalp health (1). Yogurt is used in traditional recipes for its emollient properties (2).

you will need

3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons curd or curd
method

Mix the two ingredients.

1. Apply the mixture evenly to your hair strands.
2. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then wash off.
3. Follow regularly before shampooing twice a week.

2. Apple cider vinegar rinse
Apple cider vinegar rinses are known to brighten and balance the pH of the scalp. Using it weekly can help keep your hair healthy and shiny.

you will need

3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of water
method

Dilute ACV with water.
Use the mixture as a rinse after washing your hair.
Leave it on for 3-7 minutes, and then wash it off with water.

3. Avocado and coconut oil hair mask
Avocado is a great base for DIY masks. It helps to condition and moisturize the strands. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by hair and prevents protein loss to keep it strong (3). This shine-boosting mask is nourishing and hydrating and can help brighten your tresses.

you will need

1 ripe medium avocado (mashed)
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
A bathing cap
method

1. Blend the ingredients until you get a creamy, lump-free mixture.
2. Apply this mixture on your hair and scalp.
3. Put on a shower cap and leave the mixture on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse with cool water, followed by shampoo and conditioning.
5. Squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel and let your hair air dry.
6. Repeat the process once a week.