Getting Back The Gleam

The issues that could be dulling your strands and how to deal.

- Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini

The culprit

HEAT STYLING

The irony! Blow-drying and straightening your hair both guarantee a glossy finish, but they can dim hair’s natural shine. “Trichorrhexis nodosa, a common form of breakage caused by overheating hair, chemically treating your hair – like colouring it – or both, can cause hair to grow in weak along the shaft,” explains Fusco. These weakened ridges diminish overall shine.

THE FIX:

Air-dry your hair a few days a week. When heat-styling your hair, minimise damage by first applying a heat protectant, like Kérastase Aura Botanica Lait de Soie (R405). If you heat-style and colour your hair, use a protein treatment, like Hask Keratin Protein Flash Blow-Dry Spray (R160).

The culprit

SUNLIGHT

UV exposure can fade hair colour – old news to anyone who colour-treats her hair. But it may cause dullness even if you’ve never coloured your hair. “UV and heat open the cuticle and break down pigment,” says colourist Sharon Dorram. Plus, exposure to UV and heat causes moisture in your hair to evaporate, drying it out. That combo leads to a matte finish.

THE FIX: Work a protective gloss through damp or dry hair to protect it from UV. Try Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine (R360). Infused with argan oil, vitamins and antioxidants, this hair shine spray creates an invisible veil of pure, luminous shine which helps protect hair against harmful environmental elements like the sun, salt water and chlorine.

The culprit