Has your hair been lacking moisture and looking dull recently? Does it look rigid and lifeless, unlike the bouncy, glowing hair you see on TV shampoo commercials? If yes, it may indicate that something’s amiss and it’s not just the absence of contrast editing.

There are many possible reasons as to why this is happening. You maybe using the wrong hair care products or overusing your hair care products, not getting enough nutrients, using improper hair care techniques, etc.

The good news is that there are various ways to perk up your lacklustre hair and restore your hair’s shine and glory. This article is the best place for you to start, as it answers the following questions:

• What is lacklustre hair?
• What are the causes of lacklustre hair?
• What are the possible remedies and treatments in Singapore hair salons for lacklustre hair?

What is lacklustre hair?   

You will know lacklustre hair when you see it. Lacklustre hair lacks moisture and radiance, causing it to be frizzy, appear rough and coarse, even dry.

However, the science behind lacklustre hair goes beyond the appearance of your hair. Your hair strands are covered with layers of cuticles made of flat cells overlapping each other. They resemble the shingle arrangements on the roof of a house. Hair cuticles are a protective barrier for your hair.

When these cuticles lay flat on your hair, it gives your hair a lustrous and healthy appearance, but when the cuticles are raised, your hair loses its lustre and appears frizzy, rough, and lifeless.

What causes lacklustre hair?   

So, what raises your hair cuticles and rips your hair off its lustre? Various factors can damage your hair cuticles, and here are some common ones.

Hair care product buildup   

The residue of hair care products like shampoo, conditioners, and styling chemicals can accumulate on your hair and scalp over time. This can block your hair shaft and prevent natural hair oils from entering your scalp. When your hair roots are not receiving sufficient natural hair oils, the cuticles on your hair lose their moisture, become dry, and will be raised – resulting in lacklustre, dry hair.

Washing your hair with hard water   

The minerals in hard water like calcium and magnesium can also build up on your scalp over time, blocking moisture from reaching the roots of your hair. This will ruin your hair cuticles - resulting in dry, rough hair.

Damage by sun   

Exposure to the sun for prolonged periods can destroy your hair’s lustre. The UV rays from the sun damage your hair’s cuticles that also acts as an outer protective layer. This causes your hair to become brittle, frizzy, and dry.

Excessive hair styling   

Frequently using hair styling tools that involve heat, like blow dryers and curling irons, can destroy your hair cuticle as it loses its moisture.

Hair dyes and harsh ingredients in hair care products   

Dyeing your hair can reduce its natural lustre and make your hair brittle. Hair dyes penetrate the outer cuticle and prevent natural hair oil from travelling down the hair strand. 

Applying haircare products that contain harsh chemical substances, like sulfates and parabens, can also damage your hair cuticles and lead to frizzy hair.

What are the possible remedies and treatments for lacklustre hair?   

If you’re suffering from damaged hair cuticles and lacklustre hair, these are some remedies and treatments you can consider for shiny, lustrous, and healthy-looking hair.

Pause hair stylings that involve heat   

Blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons can absorb moisture off your hair cuticles.

Taking a short break from these tools will allow your hair cuticles to heal, retain their moisture, and get back to their natural state – straight and flat – giving your hair a lustrous and healthy appearance.

Get rid of hair care product buildups