Experts Reveal Why 'Hair Shocking' Is the Key to Reviving Lifeless Locks.

If you notice that your hair has suddenly become uninteresting, it may be attempting to tell you something. "Just like our bodies tell us when they need rest or hydration, our hair speaks to us too," explains Devin Graciano, hairstylist and head of product development at hair-care brand Goldie Locks. Why does it seem so unimpressive when it's supposed to convey excitement? It's time for a routine reset.

According to New Jersey-based hairstylist Jennifer Korab, "some factors can cause your hair to feel dull/lifeless," including improper hair care techniques like high heat on a hot tool, a diet lacking in key nutrients, overexposure to sunlight or heat styling, over-processing your hair with harsh chemicals, environmental conditions like dry or cold air, and using too much product or the wrong products.

Stylists advocate "shocking" your hair to get things back on track if your scalp and strands have stopped responding to your usual products due to all of the above.

Celebrity hairstylist Gina Rivera recommends "hair shocking" to jumpstart hair growth and improve hair health by breaking your usual regimen. After that, your hair will be better prepared to absorb the benefits of your usual products when you return to utilizing them. Remember that this method is most effective on hair that hasn't suffered extensive damage; if your hair has problems beyond simple dullness and dryness, you may need to make more permanent changes to your routine rather than just a quick shock treatment.

Then, keep reading to learn the first steps stylists recommend toward restoring your hair's health.

1. Schedule some time for a thorough cleaning.

Rivera recommends periodically switching to a clarifying shampoo to promote healthy hair growth to remove drugs and buildup that may be blocking follicles. The effectiveness of hair care products can be diminished if there is any residue on the scalp and hair, and this is especially true if you have used a thick, silicone-based formulation (they pile up and block moisture from entering your strands, leaving your hair dull, frizzy, and brittle). By using a clarifying shampoo on your entire head, you can "shock" your scalp and hair into balance by removing the accumulated debris.

2. Exfoliate your scalp.

Exfoliating the scalp can "shock" your hair back to health and aid with issues like dandruff, as stated by Graciano. According to Korab, "the secret to healthy, shiny hair from roots to ends is exfoliation," as it removes dead skin cells, oil, and dandruff. If your hair follicles are congested, it can cause your hair to become weak and thin. Exfoliating can help remove any potential obstructing factors, providing a better environment for new development.

3. Cool water rinse

The impacts of heat styling can be mitigated with the help of a cold water rinse, as explained by Graciano. "A cold water rinse is a terrific technique to assist your hair's cuticle to close, leaving you with more reflective shine." Heat opens the hair cuticle, allowing water and moisture to evaporate from the hair shaft. Furthermore, if you use a moisturizing product on your hair while in the shower, rinsing with cold water will help seal in the substance, allowing it to work for longer.

4. Applying a conditioning treatment to your hair for an extended period of time.

Graciano recommends giving it a "shock treatment" with a hair mask when your hair is dull. For your hair to receive the hydration and nutrients it needs, "allowing [a mask] to fully absorb into each strand before commencing your regimen is a fantastic way to directly permeate your hair strands." Goldie Locks Ultra Hydrating Hair Mask ($52) is her favorite, and it should be applied to dry hair before shampooing and conditioning in the shower, as recommended by her.