There are several reasons for wanting to have soft, silky hair - it's beautiful, nice to touch, and looks healthy. If you have tried different methods to make them shinier and fluffier, but without success, you may need a personalized proposal. By using strategies and products suited to the characteristics of your hair, drying them correctly and experimenting with the many options described in the article you will really be able to make them more beautiful.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Intervention Based on Hair Type
Thin and fragile
Step 1. Use a volumizing shampoo
If they have a fragile or thin shaft, you will get the best possible result by using a volumizing shampoo. At the time of purchase, make sure it is specifically formulated for brittle and thin hair, or that it says "volumizing" on the label.
You can also try washing your hair every other day rather than daily. This way, the sebum produced by the scalp will have time to soften them. Brush them with a soft-bristled brush to distribute the oil from the roots to the tips. The hair will become softer and more silky
Step 2. Use a conditioner that doesn't weigh them down
If you have thin hair, it is important to choose a conditioner with a light texture, avoiding those that are too rich instead. Choose one that's specially formulated for thin or brittle hair, or one that says "volumizing" on the label.
Read the labels carefully looking for words or phrases such as "volumizing", "light", "does not weigh down" or "formulated for thin / brittle hair"
Step 3. Do not use creams, serums or other straightening products
You may be tempted to apply a taming cream or straightening serum in an attempt to make them look shiny and silky, but the truth is that these products weigh down your hair.
If you still want to use a smoothing product, choose one with a light consistency and apply a small amount exclusively on the tips. By using it on the roots as well, you risk your hair looking greasy
Step 4. Use a soft-bristled brush with a rounded tip
It is the ideal choice for brushing thin or brittle hair. It will help you close the cuticles and evenly distribute the sebum. Wait until your hair is completely dry before brushing it.
If you are in the habit of blow drying your hair, set the air temperature to the lowest possible setting. Intense heat easily damages thin hair
Big and Rough
Step 1. Wash them only once or twice a week
Generally, if the hair has a thick and rough shaft, it means that the number of sebaceous glands in the scalp is quite small, so it should get dirty less easily. If shampooing only a couple of times a week seems to be feasible, still try to wash them only every other day.
- Choose a shampoo and conditioner that are moisturizing and formulated for the specific characteristics of your hair. Thick, coarse hair requires a lot more hydration, so it's best to avoid all products labeled "volumizing" as they will make them even drier and frizzier.
- Opt for a rich, nourishing conditioner, and be prepared to use it in copious quantities. To saturate a hair with a thick and coarse shaft, it can also take twice as much conditioner as normal.
Step 2. Choose a smoothing cream or serum with a rich, thick texture
Since your hair needs intense hydration, you will get the best possible result by using a straightening product that also knows how to nourish it deeply. The ideal is to use a product that also guarantees an anti-frizz action.
Apply the cream or serum from mid-lengths to ends. Using them also on the roots could make hair look greasy
Step 3. Once a week, use a mask that will hydrate them even more deeply
Thick and thick hair requires extraordinary hydration, so it is advisable to do a nourishing mask on a weekly basis. Hair masks are on sale in perfumery, herbalist's shops, supermarkets and professional hairdressing shops.
If you wish, you can easily make a homemade one based on natural ingredients. For example, make an olive oil mask or a nourishing banana treatment
Curls
Step 1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo
Even though they are present in most shampoos, sulfates can make hair dry and frizzy. If your hair is naturally curly, look for a sulfate-free shampoo or don't use it at all.
Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for curly hair that clearly states on the label that it is "sulfate free". Your curls will be able to retain moisture better, so they will be softer and more silky
Step 2. Use a generous amount of conditioner
For curly hair to become soft and silky, it must be abundantly hydrated. Choose a conditioner with a rich texture that knows how to nourish them deeply. Avoid products formulated to add volume to your hair as they don't provide enough moisture for the curls.
To ensure maximum hydration to your curls, you can also apply a leave-in conditioner before drying them
Step 3. Avoid styling products that contain alcohol
The reason is that alcohol tends to dehydrate your hair, so your curls may feel dry and shaggy. Check the ingredient list of the products used to create and fix the hairstyles to make sure they do not contain alcohol.
- Try using a product formulated to style and moisturize curly hair, such as a taming cream or anti-frizz serum.
- Any product will be applied both on the lengths and on the ends, to ensure the right hydration to both.
Curly Afro Style
Step 1. Shampoo once a week
Afro-style curls tend to be drier than all other hair types, so you shouldn't wash them too often. The risk is that they become dry and bristly.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo or one specifically formulated for your type of curls.
- On days when you don't shampoo, wrap them in a shower cap while you wash your body to keep them from getting wet.
Step 2. Choose a conditioner with a rich texture
After shampooing, apply a thick, rich and creamy conditioner that knows how to nourish and hydrate your curls in depth. Check the label to make sure it's ultra moisturizing or specially formulated for afro-style curls.
If the hydration is still not enough, you can also use a leave-in conditioner. Just distribute it on your hair before drying it to help make it soft and silky
Step 3. Try a protein treatment for weakened hair
In this case the ingredients moisturize and fortify the hair at the same time. Such a treatment is particularly recommended if they are stressed due to the chemicals contained, for example, in the relaxer. If you notice that your curls are dry, brittle and damaged, a concentrated dose of protein may help to repair them.
Ask for advice at a perfumery or a shop specializing in hairdressing supplies. Follow the directions for use carefully
Step 4. Choose moisturizing styling products
In addition to the shampoo and conditioner, the products to create and fix your hairstyles must also be able to hydrate the hair deeply. This way, they will help the curls retain moisture rather than dehydrate them. It is an essential factor in having them soft and silky.
Especially for afro-style curls, it's best to use a taming cream or anti-frizz serum instead of hairspray or gel
Method 2 of 3: Blow Dry Your Hair
Use the hairdryer
Step 1. Use a spray heat protector
Applying a product that protects them from the heat before blow-drying them is essential to keep hair soft and silky. The heat protectors contain active agents that make them soft and prevent frizz. Distribute the serum evenly over the lengths before you start using the hair dryer.
Step 2. Direct the hot air jet downwards
The surface of each hair is entirely covered with small cuticles. When open, hair can appear frizzy. Directing the warm air downwards serves to close them and ensure that the hair becomes soft and silky.
As you brush your hair from root to tip, you need to follow the brush with the tip of the blow dryer. Remember that the hot air flow must be constantly directed towards the floor, so angle the hair dryer correctly
Step 3. Finish drying with a blast of cold air
Directing a short blast of cool air on dry hair can help make the hairstyle last longer. In addition, it helps to close the cuticles making them even softer and silky. Nowadays, most hair dryers are equipped with a special button that generates cold air. Alternatively, you can set the heat to the lowest possible temperature.
Let them air dry
Step 1. Rinse them with cold water
When you wash your hair with hot water, the cuticles tend to open. To close them again and retain moisture, it is best to perform a final rinse with cold water.
Rinsing your head with cold water can be annoying, especially after a warm, relaxing shower. If you don't want to cool your whole body, you can put yourself upside down and direct the jet of water exclusively on your hair
Step 2. Squeeze them to get rid of excess water
Towel rubbing your hair may promote the unwanted frizz effect. To avoid this, just squeeze them gently in your hands, then wrap them in a plain turban so that the spongy fabric absorbs any remaining moisture.
Instead of scrubbing them, press them gently between the folds of the towel to absorb the water
Step 3. Before going to sleep, gather them in a braid or high bun
If you have recently washed them, going to bed with your hair still damp will risk it forming knots and becoming frizzy. To make sure they are as soft and manageable in the morning as possible, you should do a braid or bun before bed. The next morning you won't have to waste time removing the knots, simply untie them and start the day.
After shampooing, try using a leave-in conditioner to be able to comb your hair easily. Once the knots are eliminated, braid them or collect them in a high bun. If they are too short to make a braid or bun, simply wrap them in a light scarf
Method 3 of 3: Additional Tips
Golden Rules for Healthy Hair
Step 1. Don't wash them every day
Hair follicles produce natural oils (lipids) which make hair soft and shiny. Most shampoos contain chemicals that, if used too frequently, completely wipe out these beneficial oils. Indeed, from time to time, it is essential to eliminate them to prevent them from accumulating on the scalp giving a greasy appearance to the hair, but using the shampoo every day will prevent them from being able to do their important work. Try to wash your hair only every 2-3 days or at the latest every other day.
Oily or thin hair can force you to wash it quite often, but if it's thick or dry, try to let a few days pass between shampoos
Step 2. Don't use styling tools too often
Hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons tend to burn the hair shaft and cause split ends. When they are dry, brittle and damaged they will inevitably appear frizzy, dull and brittle. Tools that use heat to style hair should only be used rarely on special occasions.
- Let your hair air dry whenever you get the chance.
- If you really have to use the hair dryer, set it to a temperature that is not too high, to minimize the damage caused by the heat. Before you start drying them, don't forget to apply a heat protection serum or leave-in conditioner.
Step 3. Eliminate split ends
Unless you want to trim them regularly, over time, the end of your hair will tend to appear dry and damaged due to split ends. You should trim them every 3-4 months to notice an improvement in appearance and texture.
Do-it-yourself masks and treatments
Step 1. Feed them with a mayonnaise mask
At the base of this delicious sauce are oil and egg yolks, two ingredients that can complement the oils your hair needs to look healthy and shiny. Use a generous dose and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- After half an hour, rinse them thoroughly with warm water before using the shampoo and conditioner as usual.
- Do not use a light mayonnaise, in this case the more fat the better.
- The mayonnaise mask is absolutely not recommended in case of allergy to eggs or any other ingredient listed on the label.
Step 2. Use aloe vera
You can buy ready-made aloe vera gel or extract it directly from the plant leaf if you have one. In the first case, be sure to choose a product without additives. Distribute the aloe vera gel on your hair, start massaging it around the roots, then move on to the lengths and then the ends. Leave the mask on for two hours or more, then rinse your hair for a long time. When finished, use the shampoo and conditioner as usual.
Step 3. Make an avocado and banana mask
Crush and mix the two fruits to form a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Massage it into your hair, making sure to distribute it evenly. Leave it on for an hour, then rinse with plenty of water. The combination of these two fruits gives elasticity and softness to the hair.
Step 4. Use the beer as if it were a conditioner
It is a perfect ingredient for giving shine and volume to the hair. After shampooing, squeeze your hair between your hands to get rid of excess water, then flood them with the contents of an entire can of beer. They will need to be completely soaked. Wait a few minutes before rinsing.
Step 5. Prepare a hot oil treatment
Heat 4 tablespoons of castor, coconut, olive, or almond oil. It should be warm to the touch, but absolutely not hot. Pour it into your hair, then distribute it from roots to ends by massaging your hair with your fingers. When fully saturated with oil, put on a shower cap, then wrap a warm towel around your head. After 10-15 minutes, rinse them off with warm water.
- When finished, you can use the shampoo and conditioner as usual.
- In perfumery you can find oils specially formulated to be applied hot on the hair.
Step 6. Use apple cider vinegar instead of conditioner
Mix 120ml of vinegar with 240ml of hot water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then distribute it evenly over your hair immediately after shampooing. Wait 10 minutes before rinsing. Do not repeat the treatment too often as it may dry out the hair.
Supplements and Food Choices
Step 1. Try taking a hair vitamin supplement
If you have the patience to wait a few weeks to see the first improvements, vitamin supplements that are good for your nails and hair can help you have a healthier, thicker and shinier hair. Choose a product specially formulated to improve hair health, which contains ingredients such as biotin, folic acid and vitamin C.
Strictly follow the instructions on the package insert and do not exceed the recommended daily dose
Step 2. Eat healthily
Making healthier food choices will help make your hair look more beautiful, but even then you will need to be patient to notice the first results. You should have a varied and balanced diet, but one based primarily on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. To improve hair health, your diet should include:
- Proteins, found in chicken and turkey meat, fish, legumes and nuts.
- Iron, present in red meats, lentils and leafy vegetables.
- Vitamin C, found in berries, broccoli, citrus and tropical fruits.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, mackerel, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.
- Vitamin A, found in carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.
- Zinc, found in oysters, beef, eggs and grains fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin E, present in nuts (for example almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and cashews).
- Biotin, found in whole grains, liver, yeast, egg yolk and soy flour.
Step 3. Drink a lot more water every day
Keeping your body hydrated is essential for overall health. The water you drink is able to hydrate your hair from the inside, making it softer and shinier. Try to get used to drinking 650ml of water every day as soon as you wake up, then wait 45 minutes before having breakfast.
