Why is it that some days, your hair looks so good you could stop traffic, while other days, it doesn't look good no matter what you do to it?  Sometimes it just looks lank, heavy, greasy, or dull.  Don't worry – there are things you can do to get great looking hair.  Here are some secrets to get soft, shiny hair.

1.) Try A Clarifying Shampoo.

If your hair seems like it's weighed down, greasy, difficult to comb, or won't behave, you're probably wondering how to get soft hair like you want.  If you haven't used a clarifying shampoo recently, that probably means it's time to do it.  Over time, all sorts of stuff builds up in your hair – moisturizers from some conditioners, chlorine from swimming pools, mousses and gels, hair spray, and even mineral deposits from hard water.  Using a clarifying shampoo can remove all this gunk from your hair, giving it a fresh start and a beautiful shine.

2.) Rinse With Cool Water.

If you're like most people, you probably wash and rinse your hair with hot water in the shower, but that is not how to get shiny hair.  Hair care experts say that after you finish shampooing your hair and conditioning it, your final rinse should be with cool water.  This is because cool water closes the cuticle of your hair.  That makes the hair reflect more light, which means it looks shinier.

3.) Treat Your Hair Gently.

Hair that is treated harshly can lose its shine.  Some of the culprits are chemicals.  Chlorine from swimming pools, hair care products that have alcohol in them, and hair relaxing creams that are based on lye, can all steal the shine from your hair.  Other harsh treatments are styling tools.  Styling your hair with heat can dry it out and remove the shine.  How to get soft hair?  Try to use blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons as little as possible.

4.) Use Shine Enhancing Products.

If you're wondering how to get shiny hair, there are a number of products on the market that are designed to do just that.  You can buy shine serums that you rub into your hair, which moisturize the hair and give it a slight amount of silicone or oils to increase the shine.  There are other products that you spray onto dry hair for a similar effect.  If you want a more intensive version, you can have a professional glossing treatment, which lasts for around 4-6 shampoos.

5.) Nourish Your Hair From The Inside.

One of the secrets to get soft, shiny hair that most people don't think about, is that your hair is a reflection of what you put into your body.  If your body is not hydrated properly, then your hair can be dry as a result, too.  Try to drink about 8 glasses of water each day.  Also make sure that you are eating a healthy balanced diet.  Protein is good for hair growth, while vitamin A and vitamin E both contribute to shiny hair.

These are five great tips for super soft, shiny hair. If you have any other tips you'd like to share that work really well, let us know in the comment section below!