In winter, our hair can be sorely lacking in shine... This is due to a lack of energy on the part of the body, but not only. What can we do about it? We tell you what you need to know.

We're all familiar with those days when our hair looks dull, when shine and shine seem to have taken a vacation (without us). But don't panic, there's always a solution, and in this case, a whole host of tips to give your dull hair a boost. 

Understanding dull hair

Dull hair can be the reflection of several internal and external elements impacting its health and appearance. Here's a closer look at these factors:

Stress:

Stress, our worst enemy, can be a real brake on hair vitality. When we're stressed, our bodies react, triggering hormonal imbalances that can weaken our hair. These disturbances can lead to a loss of shine and vitality.

Aggressive hair care products:

Some hair care products contain aggressive ingredients such as sulfates or silicones, which are absolutely unacceptable for hair beauty. These ingredients rob our hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, dull and sometimes even severely damaged.

An unbalanced diet:

Diet plays a key role in the health of our bodies, and therefore our hair. A diet lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins, proteins or fatty acids can weaken our hair, making it more susceptible to dullness and lack of shine.

The (famous) seasonal changes:

Just like our skin (and our spirits), our hair reacts to seasonal changes. For example, dry air in winter or sun exposure in summer can dry out our strands, robbing them of their natural moisture and leaving them as dull and lifeless as a gray rainy day.

When our hair lacks shine, it's often a signal that something is wrong. This could be the time to give it a little extra attention and care to restore its shine. If the lack of shine persists and is accompanied by abnormal hair loss, it's best to consult a health professional. 

The magic of gentle cleaning

Hair cleansing, while necessary, shouldn't be an uphill battle. It's a crucial step, but how you do it is just as important as how often you do it. Here's why:

Choosing the right shampoo :

The first step to clean, shiny hair starts with choosing the right shampoo. Depending on your hair type (dry, oily, normal, color-treated, etc.), opt for a product specifically designed to meet your hair's needs. Mild, natural shampoos are often a wise choice to avoid stressing the scalp. 

Gentle scalp massage:

When washing, forget about the idea of vigorously scrubbing as if you were scouring a pan. Instead, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips. This gentle gesture stimulates blood circulation in the area, helping to distribute nutrients to the hair follicles. Think of it as a gentle relaxation session for your hair!

Why does softness matter?

Excessive rubbing of the scalp can attack the skin and damage hair follicles. It can even contribute to hair fragility and loss. A gentle massage, on the other hand, removes impurities without disturbing the scalp's natural balance.

Also read: How to avoid seasonal hair loss?

Stimulate blood circulation:

A gentle massage during washing acts as a real boost for your hair. By stimulating blood circulation, it promotes better oxygenation of hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth and stronger hair.

Deeply moisturize and nourish

Your hair, like you after a day's work, needs hydration! A good conditioner, an appropriate hair serum , a moisturizing mask or even a vegetable oil bath works wonders. They restore shine and vitality. Natural plant oils such as coconut or argan oil are superheroes for deeply nourishing weakened strands.

Goodbye aggressive products!

Yes, them again, but it's to make sure the message gets through. Stop using hair care products packed with sulfates and silicones! Opt for gentle, natural formulas. Overly aggressive products can rob your hair of its natural shine by drying it out or suffocating it. So choose products that are kind to our manes!

Rinse with cold water

Yes, you read that right! A final rinse with cold water closes the hair's scales, making it smoother and more reflective of light. The result? Shinier, more radiant hair! From time to time, you can opt for a cider vinegar hair rinse to boost strand vigor and bring immediate shine to hair.

The little extras that make all the difference

Regular care is key, but there are a few extra tricks you can use to bring your dull hair back to life. Oil baths and homemade masks based on natural ingredients such as honey, avocado or yoghurt can really boost your hair's shine. A little extra: remember to use suitable hair accessories and limit the use of heated appliances... 

In short, pamper your hair, give it love and attention, and it will return the favor with shiny, radiant hair.

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Opt for a hair detox 

A hair detox can help eliminate product residues, revitalize the scalp and restore vitality to your hair. Here's how:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse :

Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. After your usual shampoo, use this mixture to rinse your hair. Apple cider vinegar helps remove hair product residues, rebalances the pH of the scalp and makes hair shinier.

2. The Clay Mask:

Clay (such as bentonite clay or kaolin clay) is excellent for removing impurities. Mix clay with water to form a smooth paste. Apply to damp hair and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

3. Lemon Rinse:

Mix the juice of one lemon with water and use this mixture to rinse your hair after shampooing. Lemon is astringent and helps remove residue, while adding shine.

4. Using a Clarifying Shampoo:

Opt for a clarifying shampoo designed to remove product build-up. Use it once a week or every two weeks to thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp.

5. Detoxifying Scalp Oil:

Use essential oils such as tea tree or peppermint oil, known for their purifying properties. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and gently massage into your scalp. Leave for a moment before washing your hair.

6. Reduce the Use of Hair Products:

During detox, limit the use of styling products, hairsprays or gels, and avoid heating appliances as much as possible to let your hair "breathe".

A hair detox can vary according to your specific needs and the reactivity of your scalp. Remember to follow these methods with gentle, moisturizing care to restore your hair's natural balance after detox.

What to eat to boost hair shine?

For radiant hair, a balanced diet is essential. Here are a few foods and dietary supplements to nourish your hair from the inside out:

1. Proteins :

Hair is primarily made up of protein. Include lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy products to promote hair growth.

2. Sources of omega-3:

Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 are beneficial not only for health, but also for preventing dry, dull hair. Oily fish such as salmon, flaxseed, walnuts and avocado are good sources of omega-3s.

3. Anything that says vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach, it promotes sebum production, helping to keep the scalp healthy.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, peppers and kiwis contain vitamin C, which stimulates the production of collagen, important for hair structure.
• Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds and sunflower oil, it protects cells against oxidative damage, promoting healthy hair.
• Biotin (vitamin B7): Biotin, found in eggs, nuts and fish, is reputed to promote hair and nail growth.

4. Iron:

Iron deficiency can contribute to the loss of shiny hair. Include iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, beans and lean red meat.

5. Zinc:

Zinc promotes hair growth and regulates the hair cycle. Find it in oysters, pumpkin seeds, seafood and sunflower seeds.

6. Water:

Hydration is crucial for healthy hair. Drink enough water to keep your body and hair hydrated.

A varied and balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, contributes to the health of your hair. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you give your hair the elements it needs to regain its natural shine.