How to get shiny hair - three natural hair masks you can make at home with these everyday foods

Do you want to know how to get glossy hair?

A shine-enhancing hair mask, either in our salon before a cut (ask your stylist about treatments), or a DIY one at home is a great haircare habit to get into for that ultimate shine.

Read on to find out about three hair masks you can make with everyday fridge ingredients.

Avocado hair mask

Avocados contain natural oils that are hydrating for dry hair, so using the fruit in a mask is a great way to add shine. It’s also full of vitamins that are nourishing to the scalp and can help hair look healthier.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Mash an avocado until smooth. You can also use a blender to process it.

  2. Wet your hair then spread the avocado from your roots to your tips.

  3. Leave it in your hair for at least 15 minutes.

  4. Shampoo your hair as normal then rinse with cold water.

Egg mask

It may sound strange, but an egg can do wonders for your hair. This is because the yolk nourishes your hair by adding moisture. The white part of the egg also helps remove any build-up, and because eggs are full of protein, they are really strengthening - resulting in lovely, shiny hair.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Beat one egg in a small bowl.

  2. Wet your hair.

  3. Pour the egg over your head. Use a wide-tooth comb to comb it to the tips of your hair.

  4. Leave it in the hair for at least 15 minutes.

  5. Shampoo as normal, then rinse with cold water for maximum shine.

Apple cider vinegar mask

Apple cider vinegar is an amazing natural conditioner and gloss booster, which works by balancing the hair’s pH level, removing product build-up and leaving hair super soft.

And don’t worry because once your hair dries, it won’t smell like vinegar.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Shampoo your hair as usual, but don’t use any conditioner.

  2. Pour a mixture of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon water over your head. Comb it through to your tips. Very long hair may require two to three tablespoons.

  3. Leave it in for five minutes, then rinse your hair with cold water.

The best hair masks for dry, damaged hair

If you have dry and damaged hair then you need to get your hands on a hair mask!

The beauty of a hair mask is that they get deep into hair strands and the cuticle to repair breakage and strengthen from root to tip. If you have dyed hair they are also a must.

“The key with hair treatments is to keep them up and ensure they are used weekly to keep hair condition at its best,” recommends Sam McKnight, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight.

Read on for our list of the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair.

What NOT to do after colouring hair: three ways to make your dye last longer

If you’ve just had your hair dyed there are a few easy tricks you can do to preserve your colour and make it last longer.

Take lukewarm showers

It might sound unappealing but one of the first things to try is to take lukewarm showers, which are way more gentle on dyed hair. Hot water can actually re-open the hair cuticle allowing all that gorgeous colour to escape.

Avoid the sun

Staying out of the sun is another tip for keeping dyed hair healthy. It accelerates colour fading as UV rays can penetrate the hair cuticle and bleach out the dye.

Add a shower filter

Another easy way to preserve colour is to put a filter on your shower head.

This can cut down on your hair’s exposure to minerals like iron and lime, and even some chlorine, which combined is way too harsh for hair dye on a regular basis. It could make your hair feel softer, too.

Four signs your hair is unhealthy - and what to do about it

Worried about your hair health?

We reveal some of the most common signs your hair needs some TLC, and what to do about it…

Excessive hair shedding

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day but excessive hair shedding could be a sign of a deeper issue. Losing hair can be a temporary thing, affected by stress, weight loss or pregnancy. If your hair is shedding a lot however it’s best to talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying health issue.

Lots of split ends

If you notice more split ends than normal, it’s time to take a look at what’s happening with your hair health. While a trim is the best way to get rid of split ends, deep conditioning can also help restore your hair and reduce breakage.

Overly tangly hair

When hair is damaged or weak, it’s more likely to get tangled. But if you’re constantly trying to detangle hair you could be causing even more damage, especially when it’s wet and at its most vulnerable. Using a leave-in conditioner before you set about detangling can help.

Hair snapping

Hair snapping easily is another sign it’s unhealthy and this means it’s probably time to look at the styling appliances you’re using, as hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers are harsh on hair. Invest in a heat protectant spray, lower the heat level on styling tools and use a boar bristle brush for minimal damage.