Photo Flash Shine Hair Is Trending – And This Is How To Get It At Home
Having shiny hair is the ultimate goal for most of us. It’s a look that never, ever goes out of style – and the emergence of another new iteration of it, aptly named ‘photo flash shine’ hair, is proof of that.
‘The photo flash trend is that glossy, lustrous shine you see when someone takes a picture with the flash and the light reflects off the hair, giving you a mirror-like finish,’ explains Sam McKnight, Kate Moss’ go-to hair stylist and founder of Hair by Sam McKnight. ‘It’s the combination of freshly washed hair and a shine oil, which will help make hair reflect light.’
But there’s no denying that it’s a look that’s harder to achieve that it might initially seem. Ask anybody with (dyed) blonde hair and they’ll tell you just how hard it is to add shine to it. The same goes for those who live in hard water areas, which is thanks to the high levels of calcium and magnesium found in the water which can leave a residue on strands, which, over time, can cause unwanted dullness.
The cold weather can have an impact, too. ‘It zaps both the hair and scalp of moisture that can make your hair look less shiny, flat and dull,’ says McKnight. ‘To help counter that, it’s important to scale up your hair care in the same way you do with skincare. After all, the scalp is an extension of the skin on your face, meaning it’s just as susceptible to seasonal changes.’
The good thing about this particular trend is that all the products needed to get your shiniest strands yet are those that’ll help promote general hair health, meaning you really can have the best of both worlds. For frequent hair washers, introduce a sulphate-free cleansing conditioner into your hair routine,’ says McKnight. ‘They’re mild but effective shampoos that gently cleanse both the hair and scalp without stripping away natural oils.
‘I would also suggest adding a mask into your routine and using it every week – that’s imperative for maintaining soft, hydrated hair,’ explains McKnight. The other key product to incorporate is a heat protection spray. ‘Whether you’re blow drying or using heated styling tools, like curlers or straighteners, a good heat protector will create a protective shield around the hair while also smoothing the cuticle, helping your style last longer and leaving hair looking beautifully glossy and healthy-looking.’
The final key product for this trend is a multi-use hair oil. Look for one that can be used on wet and dry hair and that won’t weigh it down or look like you’ve applied a lot of product. ‘I like to use one or two drops of oil on damp hair, using a wide-toothed comb to distribute it through the mid-lengths and ends, or, if I’m working on curly hair, I work it through with my fingers,’ says McKnight.
‘You can also use a couple of drops as the last step in your styling routine to add extra shine and moisture while eliminating unwanted frizz. Just remember to smooth it into the hair and focus on the ends, then work it upwards into the mid-lengths.’
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