If Jane Austen had written about shiny hair (don’t think Mr. Darcy didn’t notice Lizzie’s lustrous locks!), she might start off with something like this: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a woman in possession of a damaged head of hair, must be in want of brilliant shine.” Alright, maybe not but it wouldn’t have been far off!

Shiny hair is an indication of healthy hair. So if your hair is looking a little dull, it might be a sign of some hair damage. Ironically, what many people do to make their hair look its best are the very things that erase a healthy-looking shine.

Frequent shampooing not only causes abrasion that chips and breaks cuticles, but it removes sebum, the naturally occurring oils that are partially responsible for hair’s shine. It’s best to wash your hair every couple of days with a gentle, sulfate-free formula. Tip: Living Proof’s No Frizz Shampoo is sulfate-free and actually helps repel dirt and particles to keep your hair cleaner, longer!

Combing, brushing, styling, and blow-drying too frequently also erode the cuticle surface leaving it rough and dull looking. We ran down a list of the worst things you can do to your hair. Find out if any of these procedures are keeping your hair from its radiant shine!