How To Make Hair Silky Naturally – 10 Best Hair Care Tips

Imagine having gorgeous silky, smooth, hydrated, and healthy strands of hair all day long. So satisfying, right? Unfortunately, for most of us, this spirit-lifting experience happens far less often than we would like. 

Mostly, our hair feels silky smooth only right after a salon treatment. Do you wonder how to get silky hair at home? In this post, we’ll guide you with the top silky hair tips and expert advice.

How To Make Hair Silky and Shiny - 10 Best Tips

We all know, owning shiny hair is equal parts of good luck and genetics. But what we are yet to understand is that we can have more control over our hair appearance than we might think. Everything from colouring your hair to styling it with hot tools can cause damage and brittleness to the hair making it lacklustre. 

Do you often find yourself struggling to make your hair look smoother and shinier? Sure, the results aren’t that easy to achieve, but incorporating few tricks into your everyday hair routine and adapting good hair habits can make the process a lot easier. 

The following are a few tips and tricks to foster good hair health and long term silkiness.

1. Comb When Wet, Brush When Dry

Wondering how to make hair silky soft? Start by using a wide-toothed comb to delicately detangle your damp hair. Wet hair is prone to breakage, so be extra gentle. Save the brush for when your hair is dry; using it on wet hair spells disaster! It rips the hair, damaging the outer layer, and giving an invitation to frizz, split ends, and broken strands.

2. Use A Cotton T-shirt Instead Of Towe

Rubbing the towel back and forth creates friction that fluffs up the outer layer of our hair, called the cuticle. And guess what? That leads to knots, breakage, and dreaded frizz.

But fear not! There's a better way to achieve silky locks. Swap that towel for a soft, smooth cotton T-shirt. Wrap it around your hair's ends and gently squeeze out the water. Then, work your way from roots to ends, patting without rubbing. You'll be amazed at how this prevents breakage and leaves your hair tangle-free and frizz-free

3. Do Not Wash Your Hair With Hot Water

Always wash your hair with cold water. This is hard to do, especially during winters, but, trust us, the results are worth the effort. It is a tried and true trick to get smoother hair. Washing your hair with hot water opens up the hair cuticle. On the other hand, cold water helps seal the cuticles encouraging the strands to stay flat.

4. Avoid Heat Appliances And Treatments

Here's a secret to healthier, silkier hair: ditch the hot styling tools and treatments. Yes, they might give you that temporary smoothness, but in the long run, they wreak havoc on your locks. 

If you can't part with your trusty straightener, make sure to apply a protective hair spray to shield your hair against heat damage.

When it's time to dry your hair, forget the blow dryer. Let it air-dry gracefully! Just gently squeeze out the excess water using a soft cotton T-shirt, and then leave your hair open till they dry.

5. Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often

Your scalp is a superhero, not just holding your hair together, but also producing a fabulous gift – natural oils! These oils, also known as sebum, work wonders for your hair. They keep it naturally soft and act as a shield against the sun and wind.

But beware of over-washing! When you wash your hair too often, you rob it of these precious oils, leaving it dry and exposed to heat and toxins in the air.

Here's the solution: wash your hair every second or, better yet, every third day. Give those natural oils a chance to work their magic, and you'll unveil the beauty of your hair in all its silky glory!

6. Use A Sulphate and Paraben Free Shampoo

If you want to rock silky, smooth hair, it's time to make a smart switch in your hair care routine. Say goodbye to shampoos containing sulphates and parabens – they might be causing more harm than good!

Opt for sulphate and paraben free shampoo, and you'll be treating your hair to a gentle, nourishing cleanse.

What experts say - 
“Sulphates are aggressive cleansers that can strip away natural oils, leaving your hair dry and lifeless. Parabens, on the other hand, are synthetic preservatives that might mess with your body's hormone balance.” - Dr Gopan G

7. Always Use A Conditioner After Washing Hair

Conditioning your hair every time you shampoo is very important when it comes to maintaining good hair health. Conditioning nourishes and strengthens the hair thus improving the elasticity of hair strands. Well-conditioned hair also takes less time to style. Use natural conditioners regularly to enjoy silky, smooth and manageable hair.

8. Treat Yourself To Hair Masks

Hair masks are like a spa day for your hair, deeply hydrating and repairing it from within. They infuse your strands with essential nutrients, proteins, and oils, revitalizing your hair and banishing dryness and frizz.
So, set aside some me-time, apply a luscious hair mask once a week, and let it work its magic. Your hair will thank you with breathtaking softness, shine, and manageability.

9. Upgrade your Pillowcase

Believe it or not, your pillowcase plays a significant role in your hair's health and smoothness. Say goodbye to ordinary pillowcases and embrace the luxurious touch of silk or satin!

Unlike traditional cotton pillowcases that cause friction, silk and satin pillowcases offer a gentle, smooth surface for your hair to glide on. This means less breakage, fewer tangles, and no more waking up to a frizzy mess!

10. Treat Your Hair With Hot Oil Massage

Want to add extra shine and moisture to your hair? Treat yourself to a hot oil massage at least once a week! It's the ultimate nourishing therapy your locks will love.

Simply heat two to three spoons of your favorite natural oil, and gently massage it into your hair from roots to ends. Let the oil work its magic for a few hours or even overnight for maximum benefits.

When it's time to rinse, use cold or lukewarm water along with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. And for an extra boost of nourishment, add a few curry leaves to the oil before warming it up. (1) 

What experts say -“Oil massages with natural oils help in adding that extra shine to your hair by restoring moisture in it. Hot oil massage helps in nourishing your hair, promoting healthy hair growth, avoiding hair breakage, repairing split ends, and preventing any further damage to your hair.” - Dr. Vinny Narayanan

Recommended Oils For Hot Oil Massage -

1. Bringadi Oil - An all-in-one hair treatment for hair loss, premature graying, dandruff that restores and nurtures damaged hair back to health.
2. Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil - Coconut oil makes a very effective conditioning treatment. It also removes dandruff, helps in checking greying and falling of hair and makes the hair look silky.
3. Organic Sweet Almond Oil - It is a pure, natural and organic oil treatment that smoothes hair cuticles, helps control hair fall and adds lustre to damaged hair.

How To Get Smooth and Silky Hair - 5 Natural Hair Remedies

Here are some tried and tested natural hair remedies that help you in achieving the smooth and silky hair you are dreaming of without having to step out of your house.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera contains enzymes that are great for repairing damaged skin cells present on your scalp. It can be used as a conditioner as it can make your hair much smoother than before. 

Aloe Vera is a great source of Keratin (the type of protein our hair is made up of). This protein can reduce dandruff, stimulate the process of hair growth and give you smooth and silky hair. (3)

Step 1: Scoop out the gel from the leaves of Aloe Vera into a small bowl. Blend it till it becomes a smooth paste.

Step 2: Now, add two tablespoons of water to dilute the gel.

Step 3: Apply the prepared solution to your hair using a brush. Let this sit for about half an hour.

Step 4: Then, wash off with cold water.

2. Yogurt

Yoghurt is a great source of vital vitamins, these play a crucial role in promoting good hair health. Yoghurt also helps in repairing damaged and dull hair. The lactic acid in yoghurt hydrates your hair, strips away the dead skin cells and boosts hair follicle growth.

In short, yogurt offers the nourishment that is required to strengthen your hair while adding the desired luster to it. (4)

Step 1: Take a bowl and mix one cup of yogurt, four drops of lavender essential oil and two tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 2: Apply the prepared paste on the scalp and along the length of your hair with the help of a brush.

Step 3: Using a shower cap, cover your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Later, rinse it off with a mild shampoo and cold water.

3. Coconut Oil

The most common and popular fix recommended by every hair expert is Coconut oil. It contains vitamins and fatty acids that help your hair grow longer, thicker and faster. Because the oil is rich in lauric acid and can easily penetrate the hair strands, it can act as a great conditioner. Coconut oil also helps in locking in moisture giving your hair a gorgeous glow and shine. (2)

Step 1: Take a bowl and indirectly heat three to four tablespoons of coconut oil for a few seconds. The oil should be slightly warm.

Step 2: Now, with your fingertips, massage the oil for 15 minutes on your scalp.

Step 3: Using a shower cap, cover your hair for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Then, rinse it off with a mild sulphate free shampoo and cold water.

4. Banana

Bananas are great for improving manageability and shine to our hair. Because they are rich in natural oils, potassium, vitamins and carbohydrates, bananas help in softening our hair and protecting their natural elasticity. Moreover, they can also moisture our scalp, and prevent and control dandruff. (5)

Step 1: Take a ripe banana and mash it in a bowl. Add two drops of lavender essential oil to it and mix it well.

Step 2: Now, apply the paste all over the hair starting from roots and working along the way to the ends. Let it sit for about half an hour.

Step 3: Take a shower cap and cover your hair with it for 20 minutes.Step 4: Rinse it off with cold water before applying a good conditioner.

5.Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is easily available in almost every supermarket today. It is proven to be very effective in balancing the pH level of your scalp. A scalp with a balanced pH level results in luscious, shiny and smooth hair. Apple cider vinegar plays a vital role in cleansing your hair without the use of harsh chemicals. (6)

Step 1: Mix two cups of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water in a bowl. Set this solution aside.

Step 2: After shampooing and conditioning your hair like you normally do, rinse your hair with the prepared apple cider vinegar.

Step 3: using a shower cap, keep the solution contained for at least 15 minutes. Step 4: Later, allow the hair to air dry naturally.

Food Items To Eat For Silky and Smooth Hair

When it comes to promoting good hair health, it is best to work our way inwards too. Along with using the right hair care routine and following the tips we have discussed above, it is essential to eat healthy. Your diet should include the required vitamins and minerals that are needed to promote new hair growth and to strengthen the cuticles from the inside too.

The following are the superfoods that can help give your hair the boost it needs to be a show stopper. The best part is that most of these food items already exist in our pantry.

1. Chia Seeds

Amy Shapiro (the founder and director of Real Nutrition, NYC) says, foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are very essential for shiny and luscious strands. Having said that, chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Not only do they contain Omega-3s, but are also rich in powerful vitamins and minerals like calcium, protein, and phosphorus that encourage hair growth and strengthen hair cuticles. 
The best part is, we can easily incorporate these seeds into our diet. You just have to sprinkle a spoonful into your morning glass of breakfast smoothie or milk and give it a stir. (7)

2. Walnuts

Foods packed with protein play a vital role in keeping your hair strong and silky. Lack of protein can cause brittleness and dryness to hair. Diets that are too low in protein can even cause hair loss. Not to mention, walnuts are a great source of protein. So next time when you are at a grocery store, don’t forget to add walnuts to your cart. (8)

3. Whole Grains

Did you know that whole grains are actually good for your hair? Whole grains are rich in Biotin ( a vitamin that helps in preventing breakage and promoting hair growth and strength). They also are a great source of zinc. Zinc helps in keeping the scalp clean and hair loss at bay. So, next time feel free to indulge in some whole grain options too. (9)

4. Spinach

Spinach is incredible for your hair, nails and skin. No wonder why every celebrity obsesses over this leafy green. Spinach contains high amounts of iron which helps in promoting hair strength and good health.

Also, this superfood contains Vitamin A and C which help your hair grow faster and smoother. So, next time when you make your morning smoothie, don’t forget to add a handful of spinach to it. You will be forever grateful for it. (10)

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, B, C and E which we know can make your hair reach great lengths, prevent hair loss, give a natural shine and treat scalp odour and dandruff. So, don’t just dream of long, silky, luscious locks, but, achieve it by adding extra tomatoes to your diet.

6. Carrots

We all know carrots can insanely help in improving eyesight, but only a few know they are also great in boosting hair health too. Just like sweet potatoes, carrots are also a great source of beta-carotene which help combat hair loss, promote hair growth and give it a natural shine. 

Now that you have an idea on how to make your hair long, soft and silky, it’s time you give these remedies a try. Long silky luscious hair is not as unattainable as you think. With the perfect hair and routine, you too can make heads turn. Do give these tricks a try and let us know which have done wonders to you. (11)

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551307/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547054/
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272895983_Evaluation_of_hair_growth_promoting_activity_of_Musa_paradisiaca_unripe_fruit_extract
6. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1295686/hair-loss-treatment-apple-cider-vinegar-hair-growth
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926888/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719079/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
10. https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/hair-care-spinach-for-hair-growth-heres-how-it-works-2244055
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770766/