How I Made My (Asian) Hair Softer and Shinier

As hard as it is to believe, I've finally reached a beauty goal of mine! I've finally achieved softer and shinier hair despite my genetics dictating that I should have coarse, straight-like-sticks, Asian hair. This post isn't a tutorial because I don't have the universal answer for soft and shiny hair. I only know what works for me now. It may or may not work for you (because your hair and mine are not the same). Please take what I say as tips and hopefully they are helpful!

I've experimented with different shampoos over the past two years. Along with fighting back dandruff and poor attempts at preventing hair fall, I was also aiming for softer and smoother hair. I've always envied all the Caucasian women with their soft silky hair (particularly the blondes). My target was reached when I started using Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Nourishing Care Shampoo and Conditioner consistently. Boy, that was a mouthful! I noticed my hair became a lot softer. Not as soft as those blonde ladies, of course. Genetics still holds me back. Nevertheless I was pleasantly surprised.

I've always made hair oil a part of my routine now. Currently, I'm using Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Nutri-oil Serum. What's with hair products and long names? I apply it once a day. I usually use it after I've washed and blow-dried my hair. It helps my hair stay soft and gives my strands a really nice shine without looking greasey/oily.

My tips

• Keep trying different shampoos and conditioners if you can. I think the trick is to find the right one that works for your hair. Herbal Essences works for a good friend of mine and she has Asian hair too! 
• I think hair oils/serums are important. You can't have soft and shinier hair with dry and malnourished locks! 
• I only wash my hair twice a week, thrice at most. I think it's important to not over-wash. It allows your own natural scalp oils to nourish your hair (at the roots particularly).
• I try to rinse my hair with cold water (or as cold as my body can stand it). I've read articles explaining that it closes the cuticles, making the hair shinier. 

I hope this post helps you in achieving your dream hair. Good luck! 

Do you have any hair softening or shining tips? Please do share!

The Big Giveaway CLOSED

This is it everyone! I've finally launched my first giveaway! I will be giving away a sample-sized Dove Triple Moisturing Body Wash, a Sunsilk Frizz Control Light Cream, a Dove Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, a sample-sized Agent Provocateur perfume, a Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in Latino and a Natio Liquid Eyeliner in Bronze/Black. Below is a photo of the prizes. Edit: more prizes have been added. Here's an update.


I'd like to add a Natio eyeshadow palette into the prize pool. However, there's a big scratch on the case and I'm not sure if you guys would want it.


Here's a photo of the scratch. I think I will let the winner decide if she wants the palette.

To enter, simply fill out the form below (and don't forget to hit "Submit")! The rules are as follows:
1. You must follow my blog (via Google Friend Connect).
2. You must be an Australian resident.
3. You must be 18 or above (or have your parents/guardians consent if you are under 18).
4. Only one entry form per person. Submitting it multiple times will not increase your chances.

I apologise to international followers, for this is my first giveaway. If this giveaway goes well, I will open the next one to everyone!

Giveaway closes on the 30/03/2012 (Friday) at 11.59pm.

Up till 30/03/2012, I will add more prizes as I see fit. That means, the more people enter, the larger the prize will be. For example, if we hit 50 entrants, I will add another product. If we hit 100, I will add two more on top. So spread the word if you want more prizes! I will post about any new additions. Don't worry, I will not be removing any prizes if there are few entrants.

Winners will be chosen with random.org and contacted via email. The winner must respond within 5 days from notification or I will redraw and a winner will be announced.

Edit: GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Good luck, everyone! Enjoy!

Please note that this giveaway is not sponsored by a third party and I am by no means paid to advertise for these brands/products.