How To Keep Your Curls Shiny And Glossy

The idea of having shiny curly hair seems like a dream come true. Curly and kinky hair tends to be dry and brittle as it loses moisture quickly. As a result, it appears frizzy, rough, and dull. However, you can easily make it glossy. Wondering how?

With a proper hair care routine and simple styling hacks, you can keep your curls beautiful and glossy. It all starts with understanding your curl type. Every curl pattern has its own unique needs. For instance, 3A curls may love lighter products, while 4C locks need intense hydration and richer creams. Knowing what works for your curls can make your hair care routine much more effective.

How To Keep Curly Hair Shiny, Glossy, And Glamorous

You need a consistent hair care routine that prioritizes hydration, locks in moisture, and contains products suited to your curl type. This routine will enhance your curls with natural shine and keep them healthy and vibrant. Here are some of the effective ways to achieve a glossy curly mane:

1. The Squish To Condish Method

This method endorses partial hair rinsing to boost your curl’s inherent shine. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply a curl conditioner to soaking wet hair and leave it on for two minutes.
2. Flip your hair forward, cup your palms, and collect water in them.
3. Scrunch and squish your hair with the water from the hair ends to the scalp.
4. Repeat twice for each hair section.
5. Pat your hair dry and apply your favorite hair oil to the damp hair ends.
6. Finish off with a curl cream and a curl-defining gel.
7. Let your hair dry.

2. Hydrating Treatments

Hydrating treatments provide tons of moisture to your hair, which is crucial for that natural shine.

Use lightweight daily conditioners or hair masks that have an avocado or olive oil base. This will help smoothen the hair cuticles and eliminate frizz.

Chitra Chaudhuri, a blogger, shared her secrets to shiny curly hair in her blog. She said, “I have constantly been asked how my hair looks so shiny and here’s the secret – hydration and moisture gives me that shine and softness (i)!”

Quick Tip

Look for hydrating treatments, hair conditioners, and other hair care products that also aim to improve hair shine or increase hair radiance.

3. Use A Shine Boosting Spray

Shine-boosting hair sprays are perfect for no-wash days. Go for silicone-free hairsprays that are infused with argan oil to give your hair that extra layer of shine, make them more silky, and tame flyaways.

4. Avoid Products With Silicones

Silicones can leave an oily film on your hair and weigh it down. Hence, avoid products containing silicones. Also, use a clarifying shampoo once in two weeks to clean product buildup and residue. This will help keep your hair smooth and soft. However, excessive use of clarifying shampoos may strip your hair dry.

In addition to following these hair care tips and tricks, you can also try some DIY remedies to boost shine and gloss. Check out the recipes below.

7 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). Curd is used in traditional recipes for its emollient properties (2).

You Will Need

• 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
• 2 teaspoons of curd or yogurt

Method

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

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

An apple cider vinegar rinse is known to boost hair shine. It may also balance the pH of your hair. Using it weekly may help keep your hair healthy and lustrous.

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water

Method

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

3. Avocado And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Avocado is an excellent base for DIY masks. It helps to condition and moisturize dry curly hair. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the hair and prevents protein loss to keep it strong (3). This shine-boosting mask is nourishing and hydrating and can help make your tresses appear more radiant.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe medium-sized avocado (mashed)
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
• Shower cap 

Method

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

4. Egg yolk, Yogurt, And Olive Oil Hair Mask

Both olive oil and egg yolk can help stimulate hair growth (4),(5). This mask can promote hair growth and keep the strands soft and shiny.

You Will Need

• The yolk of an egg
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of yogurt

Method

1. Beat the yolk and mix all the ingredients.
2. Gently apply the mixture to your hair and scalp and massage in a circular motion.
3. Leave it on for 90 minutes.
4. Wash thoroughly with cool water and shampoo your hair.
5. Use the recipe once a week.

5. Flaxseed Hair Gel

Flaxseeds boost hair health and help strengthen the strands (6). This mask is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. The vitamins contained in a flaxseed gel stimulate hair growth. Using flaxseed hair gel is an effective way to get shiny hair.

You Will Need

• ½ cup of flaxseeds
• 1 cup of water

Method

1. Boil the flax seeds until they turn slimy and thick. Stir continuously.
2. Allow the gel to cool down a bit and strain through a cheesecloth.
3. Store the gel in a bottle and use it to style your hair.

6. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil

contains wax esters (7).These may help keep the hair moisturized and shiny. Jojoba oil is lightweight and will not weigh the hair down. You may use the oil on dry hair before styling.

You Will Need

• A few drops of unrefined jojoba oil

Method

1. Massage the oil from the mid-length to the hair ends.
2. Blowout and style your hair.

7. Honey And Olive Oil Hair Mask

Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing in moisture (7). Additionally, a blend of olive oil and honey may help keep your curls soft, hydrated, and radiant!

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Method

1. Combine honey and olive oil in a bowl until they blend into a smooth mixture.
2. Work the mixture through your hair, starting from the roots to the ends, with extra focus on the tips.
3. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to deeply hydrate your curls.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Did You Know?

Cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour after massaging the jojoba oil to help it soak in.

Infographic: 4 Home Remedies To Keep Your Curls Shiny And Healthy

Get ready to transform your curly hair with these DIY recipes that will leave your locks looking stunningly shiny. Say goodbye to dull and lifeless curls as you discover the delightful concoctions that enhance your natural texture and bring out your curls. With these recipes, you can unleash the full potential of your curly hair and enjoy the lustrous, head-turning shine you have always desired. Take a look at the infographic below now!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What does coconut oil do for curly hair?

Coconut oil can help make your curly hair stronger and moisturized over time and prevent protein loss.

Should you brush curly hair wet or dry?

Always brush curly hair after applying a conditioner with a wide-toothed comb. This helps to detangle the curls properly, avoid frizz and retain the curls’ shape.

How do you sleep with curly hair?

You can sleep with a high bun, or loose braids, and use a satin bonnet or headscarf to keep your curly hair in shape while you sleep.

Illustration: How To Add Shine To Curly Hair: Tips And DIY Hacks

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unlock the secrets of styling curly hair for maximum volume and definition with this expert guide. Learn the do’s and don’ts to embrace your curls and rock stunning, bouncy hairstyles.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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