Shine for Party Time

It's seasonal party time again, so to match that new frock and give yourself a boost in confidence, get your hair to shine like the rest of you. According to London beauty expert Jenni Baden Howard, the best way to start is with a hot oil treatment that's affordable.

To make your own at home, she says, simply heat a couple of tablespoons of an oil (such as olive, jojoba, sesame or almond) in a cup by placing it in a bowl of boiling water for a few minutes. Oil should be applied before shampooing, so massage the warm fluid into dry hair -- paying special attention to the ends.

"Make sure the oil is evenly distributed by combing with a wide toothed comb," Baden Howard says, "then wrap hair in a warm towel and leave for at least 20 to 30 minutes." Ideally, she adds, apply the oil before bathing, because the steam will help it to penetrate more deeply.

To remove the oil, apply shampoo to your dry, oiled hair, add warm water, massage into a lather, then shampoo as usual. To remove all traces of the oil, it's a good idea to shampoo twice, she says.