The average woman spends hundreds of hours washing, drying and styling her hair each year in hopes of a silky smooth coif, yet we seem to be eternally unhappy with the lackluster results. Next time you find yourself desperately clutching a handful of styling products at the beauty store, keep these professional tips from Schwarzkopf Professional artist Rasa Jurenas (www.rasajurenas.com) in mind. The shiny hair you’ve been dreaming of is just a few steps away.

Wash the right way

Rasa says the key to shiny hair is using the proper shampoo, conditioner and treatment for your hair type. Your natural shine will show through when the cuticle is closed and smooth, hence the importance of the right products. Try: BC Smooth Shine collection ($14.50-17.75) to banish frizz and make your strands glisten.

A better blow out

Your blow-drying technique could be a deal-breaker in your quest for brilliantly shiny hair. Many of us dry our hair up and all over, which causes the hair cuticle to stay rough and open, and robs us of luster. Rasa suggests blow-drying hair down in small sections from front to back and keeping the dryer aimed at the brush. Blast your locks with cold air afterwards to set the style. Try: Rowenta Infini Pro Sensor Dryer, $219.99 Moroccanoil Large Roundbrush, $24.00.

Tried and tested products

Using the right products before and after drying will seal the deal on your shiny ‘do. Rasa likes to mist wet hair with a shiny magnifying spray to bring out the most shine while blow-drying. Finish with a light serum or flexible hold hairspray and you got yourself a glistening, lust-worthy style. Try: BLONDME Shine Magnifying Spray ($19.95), OSiS Sparkler Finish Shine Spray ($19.00), OSiS Magic Shine Serum ($23.50).

Available at professional salons and spas across canada or online at www.moroccanoil.com, www.rowentabeauty.ca, www.schwarzkopf-professional.com.

By: Daniela DiStefano, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @ddeestefano.