Don't gloss over the problem

by LIZ STOUT, femail.co.uk

Quick-fix shampoos and conditioners that promise to give your hair an instant glossy look could actually be doing more harm than good according to leading trichologist, Philip Kingsley

Often products which promote instant gloss and shine - even on the most dry and damaged locks - do so only because they contain silicon, which coats the hair with silky residue.

Silicon in the right dose can make your hair appear vibrantly healthy but too much, and you'll end up with locks that feel dry, dull and brittle.

The problem arises when too much silicon clings to the hair shaft according to trichologist Philip Kingsley.

Not only does the chemical coating affect the flexibility of the hair but it also prevents it from absorbing vital moisture from the environment. Worse still, getting rid of one coating could take at least 2-3 shampoos.

Eventually your hair is likely to end up more dry, dull and lifeless than it was to begin with - especially since silicon-rich products generally don't clean the hair as efficiently as a good basic shampoo.

So how can you tell a good cleansing hair product from a bad one?

Philip recommends always checking the label before you buy.

'As a general rule, watch out for the words silicon, dimethicone or methicone ' says Philip.' The higher quantity ingredients tend to be listed first on the label, so if any of these appear in the top four, the likelihood is that that the product will contain a lot of silicon. If this is the case, I would recommend steering well clear of it.'

So is there a way of getting a silicon-style shine without coating your hair with chemical?

Yes, is the simple answer, according to Philip.

If your hair feels dull and dry the best way of bringing it back to life is to find a shampoo and conditioner that are re-moisturising. That way you are treating the cause of lacklustre hair as opposed to simply masking the symptoms of it.

Good moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners contain water soluble waxes and oils that will nourish the hair shaft without coating it, and Philip reckons that with regular use 2-3 washes - you should start to see an improvement in the overall look and feel of your hair.