How To Keep Your Curls Shiny And Glossy

It is time to change the misconception that curly hair is lackluster!

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

The idea of having shiny curly hair seems like a dream come true. Curly and kinky hair tends to be dry and brittle as it loses moisture quickly. As a result, it appears frizzy, rough, and dull. However, you can easily make it glossy. Wondering how?

With a proper hair care routine and simple styling hacks, you can keep your curls beautiful and glossy. Scroll down to check out 6 easy DIY recipes and hair care hacks for gorgeous ringlets.

How To Keep Curly Hair Shiny, Glossy, And Glamorous

Woman applying serum to achieve shiny curls
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Image: IStock

1. The Squish To Condish Method

This method endorses partial hair rinsing to boost your curl’s inherent shine. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Apply a curl conditioner to soaking wet hair and leave it on for two minutes.
  2. Flip your hair forward, cup your palms, and collect water in them.
  3. Scrunch and squish your hair with the water from the hair ends to the scalp.
  4. Repeat twice for each hair section.
  5. Pat your hair dry and apply your favorite hair oil to the damp hair ends.
  6. Finish off with a curl cream and a curl-defining gel.
  7. Let your hair dry.

2. Hydrating Treatments

Hydrating treatments provide tons of moisture to your hair, which is crucial for that natural shine. Use lightweight daily conditioners or hair masks that have an avocado or olive oil base. This will help smoothen the hair cuticles and eliminate frizz.

Chitra Chaudhuri, a blogger, shared her secrets to shiny curly hair in her blog. She said, “I have constantly been asked how my hair looks so shiny and here’s the secret – hydration and moisture gives me that shine and softness (i)!”


protip_icon Quick Tip
Look for hydrating treatments, hair conditioners, and other hair care products that also aim to improve hair shine or increase hair radiance.

3. Use A Shine Boosting Spray

Woman spraying on her curls
Image: Shutterstock

Shine-boosting hair sprays are perfect for no-wash days. Go for silicone-free hairsprays that are infused with argan oil to give your hair that extra layer of shine, make them more silky, and tame flyaways.

4. Avoid Products With Silicones

Silicones can leave an oily film on your hair and weigh it down. Hence, avoid products containing silicones. Also, use a clarifying shampoo once in two weeks to clean product buildup and residue. This will help keep your hair smooth and soft. However, excessive use of clarifying shampoos may strip your hair dry.

In addition to following these hair care tips, you may also use DIY remedies to boost shine and gloss. Check out the recipes below.

6 DIY Recipes For Shiny Curly Hair

1. Aloe Vera And Curd Hair Mask

Aloe vera pulp and curd as natural conditioners for hair
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Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera is an excellent natural conditioner for your hair and helps maintain hair and scalp health (1). Curd is used in traditional recipes for its emollient properties (2).

You Will Need

  • 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
  • 2 teaspoons of curd or yogurt

Method

  1. Mix the two ingredients.
  2. Apply the mixture evenly to your hair strands.
  3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then wash off.
  4. Follow the routine twice a week before shampooing.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar rinse is known to boost shine and balance the scalp pH. Using it weekly may help keep your hair healthy and lustrous.

You Will Need

  • 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of water

Method

  1. Dilute the ACV with water.
  2. Use the mixture as a post-wash hair rinse.
  3. Leave it on for 3-7 minutes, and then wash it off with water.

3. Avocado And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Avocado and coconut oil to give curls extra shine
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Image: Shutterstock

Avocado is an excellent base for DIY masks. It helps to condition and moisturize the strands. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the hair and prevents protein loss to keep it strong (3). This shine-boosting mask is nourishing and hydrating and can help make your tresses appear more radiant.

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe medium-sized avocado (mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
  • Shower cap 

Method

  1. Blend the ingredients until you get a creamy, lump-free mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp.
  3. Wear the shower cap and leave the mixture on for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Rinse with cold water, followed by shampooing and conditioning.
  5. Squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel and let your hair air dry.
  6. Repeat the process once a week.

4. Egg yolk, Yogurt, And Olive Oil Hair Mask

Both olive oil and egg yolk can help stimulate hair growth (4),(5). This mask can promote hair growth and keep the strands soft and shiny.

You Will Need

  • The yolk of an egg
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of yogurt

Method

  1. Beat the yolk and mix all the ingredients.
  2. Gently apply the mixture to your hair and scalp and massage in a circular motion.
  3. Leave it on for 90 minutes.
  4. Wash thoroughly with cool water and shampoo your hair.
  5. Use the recipe once a week.

5. Flaxseed Hair Gel

Flaxseed gel to improve the overall health of your curly hair
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Image: Shutterstock

Flaxseeds boost hair health and help strengthen the strands (6). They also help add shine to your hair. This mask is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. The vitamins contained in a flaxseed gel stimulate hair growth.

You Will Need

  • ½ cup of flaxseeds
  • 1 cup of water

Method

  1. Boil the flax seeds until they turn slimy and thick. Stir continuously.
  2. Allow the gel to cool down a bit and strain through a cheesecloth.
  3. Store the gel in a bottle and use it to style your hair.

6. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil contains wax esters (7).These may help keep the hair moisturized and shiny. Jojoba oil is lightweight and will not weigh the hair down. You may use the oil on dry hair before styling.

You Will Need

  • A few drops of unrefined jojoba oil

Method

  1. Massage the oil from the mid-length to the hair ends.
  2. Blowout and style your hair.
protip_icon Did You Know?
Cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour after massaging the jojoba oil to help it soak in.

Infographic: 4 Home Remedies To Keep Your Curls Shiny And Healthy

Get ready to transform your curly hair with these DIY recipes that will leave your locks looking stunningly shiny. Say goodbye to dull and lifeless curls as you discover the delightful concoctions that enhance your natural texture and bring out your curls. With these recipes, you can unleash the full potential of your curly hair and enjoy the lustrous, head-turning shine you have always desired. Take a look at the infographic below now!

4 home remedies to keep your curls shiny and healthy (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Now you know that shiny curly hair is not an impossible feat if you know how to care for your hair. Curly and even extremely wavy hair tend to be dry and frizzy. However, if you follow a proper curly hair care routine and use the right products, you can easily achieve shiny, bouncy, frizz-free, voluminous, and healthy curls. Follow the tips discussed in the article and try the suggested DIY recipes to moisturize and hydrate the hair strands. However, you have to be consistent with your efforts and have the patience to see the desired results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does coconut oil do for curly hair?

Coconut oil can help make your curly hair stronger and moisturized over time and prevent protein loss.

Should you brush curly hair wet or dry?

Always brush curly hair after applying a conditioner with a wide-toothed comb. This helps to detangle the curls properly, avoid frizz and retain the curls’ shape.

How do you sleep with curly hair?

You can sleep with a high bun, or loose braids, and use a satin bonnet or headscarf to keep your curly hair in shape while you sleep.

Key Takeaways

  • Curly and kinky hair looks dull and frizzy as it loses moisture quickly.
  • You need to keep your curls hydrated and shiny with light conditioners and hair masks with ingredients like aloe vera, avocado, egg yolk, yogurt, flaxseed, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
  • Avoid silicone-based products and use lightweight, silicone-free hairsprays to keep your hair glossy between washes.
shiny curly hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unlock the secrets of styling curly hair for maximum volume and definition with this expert guide. Learn the do’s and don’ts to embrace your curls and rock stunning, bouncy hairstyles.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Close Look at Aloe Vera Barbadensis and It’s Effect on Hair Health
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342588964_A_Close_Look_at_Aloe_Vera_Barbadensis_and_It’s_Effect_on_Hair_Health
  2. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  3. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  4. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29583066/
  5. Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/
  6. Formulation And Evaluation Of Flaxseed Hair Gel: A Natural Hair Tamer
    http://www.ijrpc.com/files/5-7-18/12.pdf
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