How to Get Silky Smooth Hair

Co-authored by Jenny Tran

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 References

Most people aren't born with beautiful silky smooth hair. If you want to get silky smooth hair, you will probably have to make some changes to your lifestyle and hair care routine. Whether you're looking for immediate results or taking a long term approach, there are ways to make your hair more radiant.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Altering Your Haircare Routine

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Cut back on how often you shampoo your hair. Shampooing too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, which may leave it dry and frizzy. Instead, shampoo your hair only once or twice per week.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.} You can rinse your hair with water or cover it with a plastic shower cap when you shower.
- You can also try using conditioner in place of shampoo. Lather up your wet hair with conditioner instead of shampoo and then rinse out the conditioner.^{[2]
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2
Limit heat and chemical treatments.^{[3]
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Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.} Styling your hair with heat or using chemicals, such as dyes and bleaches, can lead to dry, damaged hair. Avoid using these as much as possible to give your hair a chance to regenerate.
- Try using heat-free styling methods instead of curling or straightening with a hot iron.
- Get touch ups instead of dyeing or bleaching your whole head.
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3
Use a natural-bristle brush. Natural-bristle brushes, such as those made with boar bristles, help to distribute your hair’s oils when you brush your hair. This can help to make your hair silky and smooth. Purchase a boar-bristle brush and use it to brush your hair at least once daily.^{[4]
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- If your hair is curly or frizzes easily, then you might want to stick to combing your hair once daily instead.
Cold water causes your hair to retain more moisture and keeps the cuticle closed, which in turn leads to silkier hair.^{[5]
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Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.} Be sure to blot your hair dry rather than shaking it or rubbing it with a towel. This will help to avoid hair breakage.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Products

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Coat your hair with gloss or hair glaze. You can buy these types of products at your local pharmacy and they will keep your hair looking shiny and beautiful. This is the type of product that many celebrities use to keep their hair looking so shimmering. You can also visit a salon to get a gloss or glaze.^{[7]
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- Glazes may only last for a week or 2, but a gloss will usually last for about 4 weeks or longer.
Buy a shine spray online or at a local hairdresser, but be sure not to use too much. Spray it onto your hands or a brush and then comb lightly through your hair. Start combing at the ends and then work up towards the roots. Be careful not to overdo it or your hair might end up looking greasy rather than shiny.
Shampoos that contain natural oils in them will do the most to help your hair look silky and smooth. Avoid shampoos containing alcohol at all costs, as this will cause your hair to become dry and break. Moisturizing shampoos can also help to keep the moisture locked in and have your hair looking the way you want it. You can find shampoo and conditioner like this at your local grocery store or pharmacy, so you won’t have to look far.

Lorraine Massey, Hair Stylist

To achieve healthy, shiny hair, it's important to use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are free of harsh chemicals. It's also important to avoid heat styling and to use natural oils and treatments to nourish and protect the hair. Regular trims can also help to keep the hair healthy and prevent split ends.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Trying Natural Remedies

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1
Spray on some warm coconut oil. It is important not to overdo this treatment or you hair could start looking greasy. Some think that coconut oil can help protect the proteins in your hair from the natural wear and tear it goes through day-to-day, such as being exposed to the sun and wind.^{[8]
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- Warm up the coconut oil in a pan or the microwave just enough for it to melt. Do not try to apply hot coconut oil to your hair.
- Keep in mind that the coconut oil will become solid again once it cools, so use this treatment right away.
Aloe vera may help your hair to grow faster and look more radiant. To make the mask, you’ll need to mix 1 ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon of linen oil, 1 tablespoon of warm honey, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and 2 egg yolks. Massage this concoction into the roots of your hair and along the length of it as well. Wrap a warm towel around your hair for about half an hour, and then shampoo and condition as you normally would.^{[9]
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You can find apple cider vinegar online or at a grocery store. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water, and then put it in a spray bottle.^{[10]
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Research source} Spray your hair with the mixture after a shower and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. There’s a chance you’ll smell a bit like vinegar, but the smell should fade and you will see immediate results.
4
Give yourself a daily scalp massage. Massaging your scalp may help to release natural oils and this could lead to hair that is silky and smooth. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp all over. Use small circular motions to perform the massage.
- Repeat this treatment once daily.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Nutrition and Supplements

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Eat nutritious foods. Eating healthy is one of the most important things you can do to improve your hair’s quality, and there are also a ton of other added benefits for your waistline and general health. Foods like fish and milk that are high in protein can help to improve hair texture, strengthen your hair, and even eliminate dandruff. Green vegetables, like spinach and broccoli, and nuts are also good options. Some essential foods for healthy hair include:^{[11]
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- Protein, such as from fish, chicken, eggs, and cottage cheese
- Iron, such as from red meat, lentils, and leafy green vegetables
- Vitamin C, such as from blueberries, oranges, and papaya
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as from salmon, sardines, and walnuts
- Vitamin A, such as from pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes
- Zinc, such as from oysters, eggs, and beef
- Vitamin E, such as from nut and seeds
- Biotin, such as from egg yolks, liver, and whole grains
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Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated can also help to ensure that your hair has adequate moisture. This may help to keep it silky and smooth. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, and drink more if you are active or sweat excessively.
- To help you remember, try keeping a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
You can buy hair, skin, and nail vitamins without a prescription and these might help to make your hair smooth and silky as well. Try taking a vitamin once daily according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What does it mean when your hair is silky?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Silky hair is shiny and smooth. It is also slippery. It is an indication of hair health but also depends on hair type—fine hair is more likely to be silky.

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How do you get long hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

To effectively grow your hair, you'll need to get trims every 2-3 months to remove split ends, avoid things that can damage your hair like heat styling and chemical treatments, and be patient. The average person's hair only grows about 1/2" a month.

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Question

How can I soften my hair at home?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Using vinegar as a conditioning rinse will add silkiness to the hair. Lightweight oils like Argan are also great for improving silkiness.

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Sleep with a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and keep your hair nice and smooth.^{[12]
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Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.}

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Take care not to overdo any of these remedies, especially if you're trying to get immediate results. Too much product could cause your hair to look greasy and oily.

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It might not be the best idea to experiment with some of these right before a big date or interview. Try to see how your hair responds first.

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