Like with most things, pollution takes its toll on hair. Add a stressful lifestyle to the picture and you get strands that are in less than stellar form. Even though many of us prefer to keep our tresses long, we don’t know much about styling and caring for it, points out Raman Bhardwaj, owner and chief creative stylist, A.N. John, Kolkata. Chlorine, salt water, excess heat styling and neglect, all result in damaged hair with no trace of shine. “The humidity and pollution in the city is the prime cause of frizzy, listless hair. In addition, incorrect use of products (not as per the specific hair and scalp type), perming, colouring and bleaching all contribute to dull hair,” cautions Husnavaz Dastur, assistant salon manager and Kérastase consultant, Christiaan Georgio, Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

To counter all this damage, both internal and external care is vital. Many times, straw-like strands indicate a poor diet or even mild dehydration. “Always drink plenty of water, eat a balanced meal of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and consider having vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins A, C, E, and calcium are all good for treating dry hair. Exercise and a good night’s rest also help treat dry hair. Exercise contributes to proper blood flow and sleep will give you better health overall,” advises Carole Robequin, training manager, Jean-Claude Biguine, Mumbai.

Alessandro Calvio, salon manger, Metodo Rossano Ferretti Salon, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, lists the four essential steps of an ideal haircare regime: shampooing to cleanse your scalp and treat specific concerns; conditioning to nourish your hair with the essential nutrients it requires; using a foundation product to ensure a smooth blow dry and protect the hair from the heat of the dryer; and finally, using a finishing product to make your crowning glory shiny and fabulous at all times.?In addition, protein-based masks help achieve glossy hair. Avoid using too many products at the same time, though. “Excess of any product may prove harmful as it causes build up that leads to chemical dandruff. Consult a hair stylist before using anything,” advises Nikhil Sharma, creative hairstylist and art director of the Affinity chain of salons, New Delhi. Ity Aggarwal, owner and creative director, Psalm 23, Mumbai suggests not using henna or metallic dyes on hair as they could lead to dullness.

Tress Treats
Wella Sp Shine Treatment – (available at the Affinity chain of salons, New Delhi, Butterfly Pond and Nalini’s, Mumbai and Body Craft and Bounce, Bangalore)
The treatments start with a relaxing hair wash using the Luminous Shampoo to remove dirt and debris while refining the hair structure and reducing porosity. This is followed by the Luminous Mask that weightlessly creates a mirror-like surface for optimum light reflection or the Luminous Booster designed specifically for lighter levels of hair colour or highlighted hair. Finally, hair is styled using the SP ShineFinish Pearl Smooth that delivers a soft and sensual shine or ShineFinish Platinum Gloss, a smooth silicon fluid that glides on easily creating a platinum shine.

Kerachromie – (available at Bella Madonna, Ambika Pilla, New Delhi, B:Blunt, Jean-Claude Biguine, Rossano Ferretti, Christiaan Georgio, Mumbai, A.N. John, Kolkata, Oryza, Bangalore and Mane’A, Hyderabad)

Launched for the first time in India, this 90-minute Kerachromie Ritual is designed for coloured hair seeking shine and softness. After a thorough cleansing of the hair and scalp, a luminous, softening treatment that moisturises and adds depth and richness to hair colour is applied. It protects against fading colour. Hair is then perfected with a finishing touch that offers anti-frizz protection. The result is hair that sparkles with lustrous shine.

L’Oréal Professionnel - Instant 5 Treatments – (available at all top L’Oréal Professionnel Salons)
These treatments take just five minutes and ensure instant results. Nutri-Boost Repair for dry or damaged strands strengthens hair fibre leaving your locks supple and shiny. Ultra-Shine Colour for coloured or highlighted hair combines Ionène G technology and Incell, which act at the heart of the hair reinforcing keratin bonds to restore lustre. The Sleek-Intense Smoothing for frizzy hair diffuses ultra-charged tensing polymers to transform hair into a smooth, frizz-free flowing drape with lasting definition.

Shine Must-Haves

• L’Oréal Elvive Nutri-Gloss Shampoo: Contains Pearl Protein extracted from cultured pearls that helps the hair surface capture and reflect light to a dazzling effect.
• Tigi Camera Ready: A lightweight shine spray that leaves hair smelling of fresh watermelon, soothes fly-away strands and gently conditions. Provides a high gloss finish.
• Dove Revitalizing Hair Mask: With fibre replenishing serum for noticeably smoother hair, in just three minutes. It nourishes your hair and creates shine.
• L'Oréal Professionnel Seri Expert Liss Ultime Reflexium: A thermo- smoothing oil that helps protect the hair and optimise the effect of heated styling tools, leaving the hair feeling silky-smooth to the touch.
• Kérastase Chroma Riche Masque: A deep emollient light-refracting haircare mask for coloured strands, it hydrates the hair fibre and protects against loss of shine.

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