How can I get shiny hair naturally?

Keep the hair surface smooth: oil the lengths, use a conditioning mask, rinse with cool water and cut down on heat and product build-up.

Is hibiscus good for hair shine?

Hibiscus is traditionally used in Indian hair care to make hair soft and glossy, and many people find a hibiscus rinse improves shine.

Does cold water make hair shiny?

A cool final rinse can help the cuticle lie flatter, which may make hair look a little shinier.

Hair15 min

Home remedies for dull hair: hibiscus rinse, curd mask and a cool final rinse for shine

Hair looks dull when its surface is rough, coated with product or dust, or dried out by heat and sun. These home remedies for dull hair bring back smoothness and shine with a hibiscus rinse, a curd–honey mask, oiling the lengths and a cool final rinse.

Why hair loses its shine

Shine comes from light reflecting off a smooth, flat cuticle. Hard water deposits, product build-up, sun and chlorine exposure, heat tools and colouring roughen the surface. Poor diet and illness can also show in the hair.

Hibiscus (gudhal) flowers and leaves are used in traditional Indian hair care for softness and shine, and curd has long been a favourite conditioning mask.

Ingredients

4–5 hibiscus flowers or 10 leaves
3 tablespoons curd and 1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil

How to prepare

Boil the hibiscus in 3 cups of water for 5 minutes, cool and strain.
Mix curd and honey into a smooth mask.

How to use

Once a week, apply the curd–honey mask on damp lengths for 20 minutes, then wash.
After shampooing, pour the cooled hibiscus water through the hair as a final rinse; leave it in or rinse lightly after 5 minutes.
Oil the lengths 1–2 hours before washing, twice a week.

Helpful habits

Use a clarifying wash once every 2–3 weeks if you use many styling products.
Cover hair from strong sun and rinse after swimming.
Eat enough protein, healthy fats and iron.

Precautions

Hibiscus can tint very light or grey hair slightly pink; test on a small strand first.
Patch test honey and curd if you have a sensitive scalp.
Sudden dullness with hair fall or brittle nails may need a check for iron or thyroid issues.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get shiny hair naturally?: Keep the hair surface smooth: oil the lengths, use a conditioning mask, rinse with cool water and cut down on heat and product build-up.
Is hibiscus good for hair shine?: Hibiscus is traditionally used in Indian hair care to make hair soft and glossy, and many people find a hibiscus rinse improves shine.
Does cold water make hair shiny?: A cool final rinse can help the cuticle lie flatter, which may make hair look a little shinier.