Getting Shiny Curls
Curly hair can look flat and dull, since the hair strands are usually several different lengths and the cuticle may not lie flat. Give your curly hair a burst of shine by moisturizing it well and by skipping the blow dryer, which can damage your hair, making it dull. The type of shampoo you use and the food you eat can also help you get the shiny curls you long for.
Washing Your Hair
When you shampoo, use a product that is designed to boost shine. Some shampoos contain ingredients such as olive oil that help the cuticles lie flat and smooth, so that light reflects off of the hair. Don't use a shampoo that's harsh or a clarifying shampoo, which can strip your hair, making it brittle and lack-luster.
Condition and Rinse
Always condition your hair after shampooing. Instead of rinsing the conditioner out with warm or hot water, use cold. The cold water may give you a jolt, but it will also lock in the conditioner and flatten your hair's cuticle, improving shine. For best results, don't rinse the conditioner out completely. Stop rinsing when the hair still feels slightly slick from the conditioner.
Drying Your Hair
Hair dryers damage hair and can wreak havoc on curly hair. After you've washed and conditioned your hair, let it air dry for the best shine. If you'd like to boost the shape of your curls, apply a bit of gel, then finger shape the curls when your hair is still damp. Once your hair is dry, run a shine serum through it from just below the roots to the tips to enhance shine.
Diet
A healthy diet results in healthy, shiny hair. Eat plenty of lean protein and foods high in vitamins A, C and E, which boost shine. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are good sources of vitamins A and C, as are fruits such as blueberries.
