All I want for Christmas is shiny hair. Sure, diamonds would be nice and I certainly wouldn't look a gift car in the mouth, but, if you're listening Santa, I'd be delighted with a gleaming, glossy head full of hair.
Struck by the reality that Old St. Nick probably wouldn't deliver, yet determined to make my holiday wish come true, I grilled a bunch of pro stylists who shared their treatment tips, color recommendations and styling secrets for getting that perfectly shimmery "Pantene commercial" hair.
And, of course, since this is the season for giving, I want to share their tips -- as well as some hot holiday hair looks -- so that you can have yourself a merry shiny little Christmas too.
"Clarifying" shampoos tend to leave hair dull, says hairstylist Frederic Fekkai. That's because they tend to strip your hair of the natural oils that help make it shine. Your best bet when going for glimmer? Use a "shine-enhancing" shampoo and conditioner instead. (Try FEKKAI Brilliant Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner, $25 each).
If you do a lot of heavy styling, you can use a clarifying formula once every week or so to get rid of any shine-killing product buildup on your hair. If your hair is colored, be sure to use products specially formulated for color-treated hair because they'll work to keep your color truer longer.
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Use a hair mask
Celebrity hairstylist Italo Gregorio recommends doing a hair mask twice a month because "It will make your hair shiny and glossy." (Try FEKKAI Salon Technician Color Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask, $39.) Thoroughly coat your hair and then wrap it in a hot towel or put aluminum foil around it for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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Get a fabulous fade
This season is all about warm shades, gold undertones, and what celebrity hairstylist Jennifer J. calls "the fade," a fall version of the ombre look. Minka Kelly shows how a brunette would work this trend with her darker roots and warmer, golden ends. To get it, ask your colorist for darker roots that gradually and subtly fade into a warmer, slightly lighter shade at the ends.
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Color yourself shiny
Celebrity hairstylist Marco Pelusi says that opting for a demi-permanent formula instead of a permanent formula will help to keep your hair its shiniest. (If you're covering grays, you can ask for a permanent formula on your roots and a demi-permanent one on the mid-shaft and ends.)
And, Jennifer J. says that a coat of clear shine can work wonders at restoring hair's brilliance. "Ask your colorist for a clear gloss. It will make your hair look healthy and vibrant."
All I want for Christmas is shiny hair. Sure, diamonds would be nice and I certainly wouldn't look a gift car in the mouth, but, if you're listening Santa, I'd be delighted with a gleaming, glossy head full of hair.
Struck by the reality that Old St. Nick probably wouldn't deliver, yet determined to make my holiday wish come true, I grilled a bunch of pro stylists who shared their treatment tips, color recommendations and styling secrets for getting that perfectly shimmery "Pantene commercial" hair.
And, of course, since this is the season for giving, I want to share their tips -- as well as some hot holiday hair looks -- so that you can have yourself a merry shiny little Christmas too.
