Make Your Hair Soft and Silky

Soft, silky hair is desirable for a number of reasons. It is touchable, healthy looking, and attractive. If you have been trying to get soft, silky hair without success, then you might want to try a more tailored approach. By using products and strategies that work for your hair type, drying your hair in a way that keeps it soft, and trying other options like DIY masks, you can improve the texture of your hair.

Steps

Working with Your Hair Type

  1. Use a volumizing shampoo. If you have thin or fine hair, then a volumizing shampoo will give you the best results. Make sure that you select a shampoo that is labeled as “volumizing” or that is formulated for thin/fine hair.[1]
    • You can also try washing your hair every other day instead of daily. This will allow your hair’s natural oils soften your hair. Brush these natural oils through your strands with a soft bristled brush for a soft, silky finish.
  2. Choose a lightweight conditioner. With fine hair, it’s important to avoid weighing down your hair too much with extra rich conditioners. Choose a lightweight conditioner, one that is labeled as "volumizing," or one that is formulated for thin/fine hair.[1]
    • Check the label for terms like “volumizing,” “light weight,” or “made for fine/thin hair.”
  3. Avoid creams, serums, and other smoothing products. It may be tempting to apply some conditioning cream or a smoothing serum to your hair for a silky finish, but these products will weigh your hair down.[2][1]
    • If you do choose to use a smoothing product, choose something lightweight and only apply a small amount to your ends. Applying the product to your roots may give your hair an oily appearance.
  4. Use a rounded, soft-bristle brush. A rounded, soft-bristled brush will provide you with the best results if you have thin or fine hair. It will help to smooth out your hair cuticles and evenly distribute the oils.[1] Wait until your hair is dry to brush it.
    • If you blow out your hair with a blow dryer, make sure to use the lowest heat setting. High heat can easily damage fine hair.

  1. Wash your hair only once or twice per week. Thick, coarse hair types have the fewest oil glands, so you can get away with washing your hair only once per week if you like. If you prefer to wash your hair more often, try not to do so more than every other day.[3]
    • Choose a hydrating shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Thick, coarse hair requires lots of moisture, so steer clear of any products that are labeled “volumizing,” since this could make your hair feel dry and rough.[4]
    • Choose a rich, moisturizing conditioner for your hair and expect to use more than just a dollop. You may need twice as much conditioner to saturate your thick hair.
  2. Choose a heavy styling cream or serum. Thick, coarse hair types require lots of moisture. Therefore, you can get away with using a heavy styling cream or serum on your hair.[3] Choose something that offers deep hydration and frizz control to keep your hair soft and smooth.
    • Apply the cream or serum to your hair from about mid-length down. Applying it to your roots may result in an oily appearance.
  3. Apply a hydrating hair treatment or mask once per week. Thick, coarse hair requires extra moisture, so using a once weekly deep conditioning treatment or mask is a good idea.[3] You can purchase these treatments in the hair product section of grocery stores, drug stores, and department stores.
    • You can also try making your own hydrating hair mask. For example, you could Make-an-Olive-Oil-Hair-Mask or a Make-a-Banana-Hair-Mask.

  1. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are a common ingredient in shampoos, but they can cause hair to get dry and frizzy. Try to find a sulfate free shampoo if you have curly hair or don’t use any shampoo at all.[5]
    • Look for a shampoo that is formulated for curly hair and that is labeled “sulfate-free.” Washing your curly hair with this type of shampoo will help to lock in moisture and make it easy to get soft, silky hair.
  2. Use lots of conditioner. Curly hair requires lots of moisture to be soft and silky. Look for a conditioner that is extra hydrating and rich.[5] Avoid any conditioners that are labeled as “volumizing” because these will not provide enough moisture for your hair type.
    • You may even want to get a leave-in conditioner after conditioning your hair to ensure that your curls are well-hydrated.
  3. Avoid styling products that contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out curly hair and cause it to feel crunchy. To avoid this, check the ingredients on any styling products you buy and avoid anything that includes alcohol in the ingredients list.[5]
    • Try using a moisturizing styling product that is meant for curly hair, such as a smoothing cream or anti-frizz hair serum.
    • Apply any products that you use to the entire length of your curls to ensure that they are well-moisturized.

  1. Shampoo your hair once per week. African American hair tends to be drier than other hair types, so try not to wash it more than once per week. Otherwise, your hair may get a crunchy texture to it.[6]
    • Use a moisturizing shampoo or one that is formulated for African American hair.
    • Wear a shower cap in the shower or bath on the other days of the week to keep it dry.
  2. Choose a rich conditioner. After you finish shampooing your hair, apply a thick, rich conditioner to your hair to help moisturize it. Choose a conditioner that is labeled as moisturizing or that is specially formulated for African American hair.[7]
    • You can also try using leave-in conditioners if the conditioner you use does not moisturize your hair as much as you would like.[7] Try spritzing in some leave-in conditioner before styling your hair to help get a silky, soft texture.
  3. Give your hair a protein treatment. Protein treatments can help to restore strength and moisture to hair that has been treated with a relaxer. If you are noticing breakage or dryness after having a relaxing treatment, then try using a protein treatment.[7]
    • You can find these treatments in beauty supply stores. Follow the instructions for the product you choose.
  4. Use moisturizing styling products. Along with using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, you should also use moisturizing styling products. These will help you to get soft silky hair by retaining te moisture in your hair, rather than drying it out.[8]
    • Try smoothing creams and serums instead of drying products like hairspray and gels.

Drying Your Hair

  1. Spray your hair with a heat protectant. Using a heat protectant before you blow dry your hair is essential if you want soft, silky hair. A heat protectant can help to keep your hair moisturized and smooth. Apply the heat protectant to the entire length of your strands before you begin blow drying.[9]
  2. Aim the blow dryer down. Each strand of your hair has small cuticles all over your hair. If these get ruffled, then your hair may appear frizzy. Aiming the blow dryer down can help you to get soft, silky hair by closing the hair cuticles.[10]
    • As you brush your hair, follow the brush with the blow dryer from above ad angle the dryer so that the hot air is always flowing down the strands from roots to ends.
  3. Finish with a blast of cool air. When your hair is dry, finish blow drying it with a blast of cool air. This will help to close the cuticle for smooth, silky hair.[10] Many dryers have a cool air button or setting. To give your hair a cool blast, just press the cool air button or switch on the cool air setting.

  1. Rinse your hair with cold water. After washing your hair with warm water, your hair cuticles will be slightly open. To close your hair cuticles and lock in extra moisture, rinse out your conditioner with cool water.[9]
    • Rinsing with cool water can be a bit shocking, especially after a warm, relaxing shower. If you don’t want cold water all over your body, then you can also try rinsing your hair with a shower hose or pitcher of cool water after you get out of the shower.
  2. Squeeze excess water from your hair. Rubbing your hair with a towel can contribute to frizzy hair later on. To avoid this, squeeze the excess moisture from your hair after your shower and then wrap a towel around your head to absorb the rest of the moisture.[9]
    • Don’t rub your hair with the towel, but you can press the towel around your hair gently.
  3. Put your hair into a top knot or braid before going to sleep. If you wash your hair at night and go to bed while it is still damp, then it may become frizzy and tangled overnight. To ensure that you wake up with the softest, most manageable hair possible, you might want to put it into a bun or braid before going to bed. This will allow you to wake up with tangle-free hair, let it down, and go about your day.[11]
    • Try combing through your hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner after washing it. Then, braid it or put it into a Make-a-Top-Knot-Bun. If you hair is too short to braid or put in a bun, then try Wrap-Hair.

Additional Care Tips

  1. Avoid washing your hair daily. Your hair follicles produce natural oils (lipids) which add shine and softness. Washing your hair repeatedly with harsh chemicals (such as those present in most shampoos) removes these oils. While removing these oils is necessary as they build up and become greasy in appearance over time, washing your hair every day can strip away the healthy oils. Try to wash your hair no more than every other day or every few days to avoid over washing.
    • Wash your hair more often if it is fine or oily, and less often if it is thick or dry.
  2. Use heat products sparingly. Using blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons burn your hair and create split ends. This dry, fragile, and broken hair will be difficult to smooth and appear dead and dull. Try using heating tools as little as possible, or avoid them altogether if you can.
    • If possible, let your hair air dry after you wash it.
    • If you must use a hair dryer, use it on a lower heat setting to minimize heat damage and always apply a heat protectant serum or balm first.
  3. Trim off split ends. If you do not get regular trims, then your hair may begin to look damaged and dry as a result of split ends. Get a trim every three to four months, and you may notice some improvement in the look and feel of your hair.[12]

  1. Use-Mayonnaise-as-a-Hair-Conditioner. Mayonnaise is made of emulsified egg yolks and oil, and works by supplementing your hair with the oils it needs to be shiny and full. Completely coat your dry hair in mayonnaise and leave it for thirty minutes.
    • After 30 minutes, rinse it out with warm water followed by a regular wash of shampoo and conditioner.
    • Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best results.
    • Do not use mayonnaise if you are allergic to eggs.
  2. Use aloe vera. Use aloe directly from a plant or find 100% bottled aloe vera. Apply the gel to your hair, massaging it in around the roots and working towards the tips. Let this sit in your hair for two hours or more, and then rinse it out. Follow this with a regular hair wash using shampoo and conditioner.
  3. Mix avocados and banana. Mash one whole avocado and one banana together to form a paste. Massage the paste into your hair, making sure to cover all of your strands. Allow the mask to set for an hour, and then rinse it out. The combination of avocado and banana work to soften split ends and add elasticity to your locks.
  4. Condition-Your-Hair-with-Beer-and-Chamomile. Beer works wonders for adding shine and body to your hair. After you finish shampooing your hair, wring out the excess water and then pour a can of beer over your hair to saturate it. Let the beer stay on your hair for a few minutes, and then rinse it out.
  5. Do a hot oil treatment. Heat four tablespoons of coconut, olive, almond, or castor oil in a pan until it is warm to the touch (not hot). Pour this warm oil into your hair, and use your fingers to massage it into the roots and scalp. When all your strands have been coated with the warm oil, put a shower cap over the top and then wrap the outside of the shower cap with a towel. After about 10 to 15 minutes, rinse the oil out of your hair with warm water.
    • Follow up with a shampoo and conditioning if desired.
    • You can also purchase hot oil treatments in stores.
  6. Condition your hair with apple cider vinegar. Combine ½ a cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Spritz it into your hair after you wash it, and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Then, rinse again, but without shampoo. Don’t use this treatment too often because it can be drying.

  1. Try vitamin supplements for your hair. Hair and nail supplements may help to support healthy hair growth, shine, and texture, so this might be worth a try if you are willing to wait a few weeks to see improvements in your hair. Look for a supplement that is specially formulated for healthy hair and that contains ingredients like biotin, folic acid, and vitamin C.[13]
    • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
  2. Eat healthy foods. Making some dietary changes may improve your hair over time as well. Try to eat a variety of foods, but focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. For healthier hair, your diet should include:[14]
    • Proteins. Chicken, fish, turkey, legumes, and nuts.
    • Iron. Red meat, lentils, and leafy greens.
    • Vitamin C. Berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, and tropical fruits.
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Salmon, herring, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
    • Vitamin A. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
    • Zinc. Fortified cereals, oysters, beef, and eggs.
    • Vitamin E. Nuts, such as peanuts, cashew, almonds, and hazelnuts.
    • Biotin. Whole grains, liver, yeast, egg yolks, and soy flour.
  3. Drink more water. Being well hydrated is essential for overall good health, but it may also help to promote, soft, shiny hair by moisturizing your hair from the inside out. Try to get into the habit of drinking 640 ml of water every morning right after you wake up. Do this before you eat anything and don’t eat breakfast for 45 minutes after.[15]
    • Keep a water bottle handy as well to make it easier to keep drinking water throughout the day.

Tips

  • Buy the proper type of shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Everyone’s hair is different and you are certain to find specialized products for your specific hair type.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.xovain.com/hair/how-to-care-for-and-style-fine-thin-hair
  2. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a25845/super-soft-hair-tips/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/caring-for-thick-coarse-hair
  4. ↑ http://www.allure.com/gallery/how-to-deal-with-thick-hair
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 http://www.allure.com/gallery/the-ten-commandments-of-curly-hair
  6. ↑ http://www.more.com/beauty/hair/hair-care/black-hair-care-basics
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/03/4-reasons-why-your-natural-hair-isnt-soft/
  8. ↑ http://www.more.com/beauty/hair/hair-care/black-hair-care-basics
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/15-easy-ways-get-silky-smooth-hair.html
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip100019.htm
  11. ↑ http://news.health.com/2013/12/30/8-ways-to-get-gorgeous-hair-in-your-sleep/
  12. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/967579/tips-to-nourish-your-hair
  13. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/10/how-to-make-a-hair-growth-cocktail.html
  14. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-eat-healthy-hair
  15. ↑ http://www.lifehack.org/449117/when-you-drink-water-on-an-empty-stomach-after-waking-up-these-8-amazing-things-will-happen
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