Do you like your hair?
I get plenty of compliments, yet I still find things to complain about. My hair is very straight, refuses to hold a curl, and isn’t nearly as thick as my sister’s. Then again, her hair takes almost an hour to dry while mine is dry in minutes. Despite its straightness, mine has one clear advantage: shine. It also seems to grow quickly, which I’m grateful for.
I credit my shiny, healthy hair to three simple factors: the shampoo I use, how I treat my hair, and what I eat. Below are practical tips I follow that you can adapt to your hair type.
How to get Shiny, Healthy Hair
1. Choose a quality shampoo and conditioner. For me, Desert Essence coconut shampoo and conditioner has made a noticeable difference. I first tried it because I like coconut-scented products, but it genuinely performs well on my hair. Before I found it, I tended to buy the least expensive cruelty-free options. If you have “normal” hair, you might not think brand matters, but a better formula can improve shine and manageability.
Buying higher-quality hair care can be an investment, but it often pays off. I look for sulfate-free and gentle formulations when possible, and I buy during sales or in bulk to save money.
2. Be gentle and avoid over-processing. I only wash my hair on the days I run, which is about four to five times a week. My routine is intentionally simple: after washing I use a detangler spray, comb through any knots, and then blow-dry quickly. For me that takes three minutes or less. Minimal styling reduces heat exposure and mechanical damage.
In the past I experimented with highlights and perms. A few of those treatments worked better than others, but I haven’t used chemicals on my hair since high school because I prefer my natural color and want to avoid extra drying or damage. If you do color or perm, try to space treatments and use restorative products to keep hair healthy.
3. Eat enough healthy fats. Extremely low-fat diets can leave hair and skin dry. To support shine and softness, include plant-based fats such as nuts, nut butters, olive oil, and coconut in your meals. These foods provide essential fatty acids that help maintain the scalp and hair’s natural moisture.
Raw Chocolate-Fudge Cake
Even modest changes to your diet can improve hair texture and scalp health. If your skin and hair feel consistently dry, try adding a few servings of healthy fats each week and pay attention to hydration as well.
Step Four: Learn to accept and celebrate your natural hair, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly. I try to remind myself of this often—embracing what you have can reduce the impulse to over-style or over-process. Play up your hair’s strengths: if it’s shiny and grows fast, wear it with confidence.
Do you like your hair?
What does your hair-care routine include?
P.S. If you’re curious, there’s a photo of me with permed hair linked here: me with permed hair.
🙂