Does Your Hair Look Lackluster? 4 Things to Do

Good hair is something to marvel at. Decades ago, people were envying Marilyn Monroe’s classic blonde bob. More recently, Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel cut” took center stage. One thing all hair icons have in common? Shiny, healthy-looking locks.

So, if you’re struggling to achieve the same and are dealing with dull, lifeless hair, you may be losing hope. Fortunately, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways you can improve your hair’s health and overall appearance to revive your locks.

1. Address Thinning

Whether it’s stringy or lacking volume, there are many signs of damaged hair. It can be difficult to know where to start to achieve your hair goals. Before you reimagine your routine and incorporate new products, you have to evaluate your hair’s current state.

Is it struggling to hold your style or laying flat against your head with no volume? You may be dealing with hair shedding or thinning. If that’s the case, finding solutions to help improve your hair’s density is key. One option is exploring hair restoration treatments. This can encourage new hair growth and help thicken your hair tremendously. 

You could also further boost growth by pairing your newfound treatment with scalp massages. Doing a few minutes of scalp massage everyday stimulates hair follicles, improves blood flow, and encourages growth. After some product trial and error, you’ll eventually find what works for you. Then, it’s just about sticking to your routine.

2. Create a Moisture-Rich Routine

Breakage can be caused by many of life’s daily activities. Tugging at tangles, sporting tight hairstyles, and swimming in chlorine can all lead to hair breaking off. However, you can protect your strands by establishing a hair care routine rich in moisturizing products.

Look no further than leave-in conditioner. Available at nearly any price range, they are used to coat the hair after it’s washed to lock in moisture. That can cut down on frizz and boost shine, which works wonders if you’re dealing with dull hair.

In addition to your leave-in product, find a hair mask that works for you. Like a face mask benefits your skin, a hair mask has many benefits for your locks. Hair masks are formulated to deeply nourish and moisturize your hair, helping to repair damage, improve texture, and enhance overall health. Most are left on for 10-30 minutes and can specifically target certain concerns. Because they’re so nourishing, they often improve your hair’s overall appearance.

3. Incorporate Heatless Styles

Beautiful curls or sleek straightened hair are go-to looks for many people. But the regular use of heat directly on your locks may be causing damage and a less-than-ideal look. When you use a heat styling tool, you’re often subjecting your strands to triple-digit temperatures. That strong heat can cause your hair’s keratin fibers to become deformed. The result is often irreversible damage like breakage or split ends, which makes opting for heatless hairstyles great for hair health.

Luckily, there are several options to choose from. Let your hair air dry to avoid damage from blow dryers and round brushes. Then, loosely braid it for a heatless crimped look. Or create heatless curls using the leggings method or a heatless curling rod. These work by gently twisting hair around the leggings or rod and sleeping with them in place. When you wake up, you’ll unravel your hair carefully to reveal beautiful, uniform curls.

Another option is to find ways to embrace your natural hair. For those with curly or wavy hair, you can try plopping with a cotton t-shirt. This post-shower heatless method consists of applying gel or mousse to your drying hair. Then scrunch it between your fingers and throw it up into a cotton shirt or microfibre towel. Once it dries, you’ll be left with a gorgeous, natural style that skips damage.

4. Ditch the Tight Updos

A high ponytail or a messy but chic bun can be great-looking hairstyles. If you’re dealing with lackluster hair, though, they’re not something you want to do regularly. The significant tension put on your locks with tight updos can lead to thinning and breakage.

Not all hope is lost if your everyday hairstyle is tight or slicked back. While you should cut back on these potentially damaging styles, you don’t have to give them up altogether. It’s just recommended that those wanting to improve their hair cut back on the frequency of tight styles. This is especially important for thick or long hair since it’s often heavier, causing more tension and damage.

Instead, wear your hair down or in a less damaging style like having it in a claw clip. If you’re committed to your bun or ponytail, start with small changes. Wear your go-to ponytail every other day instead of daily. Or challenge yourself to try new styles that can be just as pretty but created with less tension. While it may be challenging, the benefits for your locks will be well worth it.

Luscious Locks on the Way

Hair growth takes time, so wholly overhauling your hair health will too. But with a bit of research and some trial and error, you’ll end up in a good spot. Who knows, you may even achieve a look that rivals that of Marilyn and Jennifer.