How to Achieve Soft and Silky Hair

A healthy head of hair should appear and feel soft and smooth. If your hair starts becoming dry and brittle, it may have lost its natural oils that are meant to keep it moisturized. This issue is common, but it's not hard to fix. So, why not try the following methods? At least one should suit your hair’s needs.

Use hibiscus leaf hair mask. Blend a few hibiscus leaves in a blender until they form a thick paste. Apply this mixture to your hair, massaging it well into your scalp and roots. Let it sit for about thirty minutes, then rinse off with warm water and shampoo. Hibiscus leaves also help prevent premature graying of hair.

Try making a mayonnaise hair mask. However, avoid using mayonnaise if you are allergic to eggs. Mayonnaise is made from egg yolks and oil. It provides the necessary oils for your hair, leaving it shiny and voluminous. Apply mayonnaise evenly to your hair and leave it for about thirty minutes. For best results, use full-fat mayonnaise. Once the mayonnaise has absorbed into your hair, rinse with warm water and then use your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Massage your scalp with egg oil and leave it overnight, twice a week. Egg oil contains:

• Non-Omega-3 fatty acids, like Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which help repair hair follicle cells.
• Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that help prevent premature aging (gray hair).
• Immunoglobulins that help reduce inflammation.
• Cholesterol that gives your hair a vibrant shine while eliminating dandruff.

Make your own gelatin hair mask. To restore protein to your hair, mix one tablespoon of unflavored gelatin with one teaspoon of warm water and apply it to your hair. Leave the mixture in your hair for about 10 minutes, then rinse it out. Follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner. It’s also a good idea to use natural herbal shampoos and conditioners.

Use aloe vera. You can apply fresh aloe vera directly to your hair or use 100% pure bottled aloe vera gel. Massage the gel into your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair. Leave it for about two hours or longer, then rinse thoroughly. Follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Use avocado and banana. Mash one avocado and one banana together into a creamy paste. Apply it evenly to your hair, making sure every strand is covered. Leave the mask on for an hour, then rinse thoroughly. This avocado and banana mix helps soften split ends and improves hair elasticity.

Apply avocado and egg yolk. Blend the avocado and egg yolk together until smooth. Massage it into your hair and leave it for about thirty to forty minutes. Then rinse with cold water. This treatment will make your hair fresh and healthy.

Try using boiled apples. Boil 1-2 apples (depending on your hair length) until soft. Remove and mash them into a thick paste. Allow the paste to cool slightly but still be warm when applying to your hair. Leave it on for about thirty minutes, then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Softening hair with eggs. Mix three eggs with one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey. Whisk the mixture until smooth, then apply it to your entire hair. Cover with a shower cap for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use shampoo and conditioner to completely remove any trace of egg. Rinse with warm water, not too hot, to avoid cooking the egg, which can make it harder to wash out. If you don't like the smell and the mess of fresh eggs, you can buy pre-made egg oil. This also eliminates the risk of salmonella or egg allergies.

Spray beer on your hair. Beer works wonders for adding shine and vitality to your hair because it is rich in B vitamins, phospholipids, and various minerals. Pour beer (any kind) into a spray bottle, and after washing your hair, spray it on your hair. If you use a hairdryer, the heat will eliminate the beer scent.

Avoid washing your hair every day. Your hair follicles produce natural oils (fat) that make your hair shiny and smooth. Frequent washing with strong chemicals (such as those in most shampoos) can strip these oils away. While it is necessary to wash off excess oil that accumulates over time and makes your hair greasy, daily washing can remove beneficial oils. Try to wash your hair no more than once or twice a week to maintain a healthy balance.

Avoid hair dyeing. The treatment process before dyeing (usually involving ammonia-based chemicals) weakens the hair fibers and damages the hair follicles. Frequent dyeing will result in dry, dull, and lifeless hair.

Steer clear of heat styling tools. Using hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can cause hair to burn and split. Dry, weak, and damaged hair becomes difficult to smooth, fades in color, and lacks vitality. Minimize the use of heat styling tools, or avoid using them together. Always let your hair air dry after washing. If you must use a hairdryer, keep the heat low.

Take supplemental vitamins. Some supplements, such as Omega-3 oils, fish phospholipids, and vitamin E, help improve hair shine and support growth. You can find these vitamins in soft gel capsules at health food stores and take them daily.

Trim split ends. Over time, your hair will look dry and damaged if not trimmed due to split ends. You should trim your hair every 3-4 months to visibly improve your hair’s shine and overall health.

Apply oil to your hair overnight. Before going to sleep at night, massage olive oil or egg oil into your hair, then cover it with a shower cap and towel. Apply the oil from the scalp down to the tips of your hair. Leave the oil mask on overnight and wash it out with shampoo the next morning.

Use warm oil treatment. Heat four teaspoons of coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or beaver oil in a pan until warm (but not hot). Pour this warm oil onto your hair and use your fingers to massage it deeply into the roots and scalp. Once the oil has covered your hair, put on a shower cap, and wrap it with a warm towel. The heat from the oil and towel will open your scalp's pores, allowing the oil to deeply penetrate and work wonders on your hair. However, using warm oil may cause premature graying of your hair.

Condition your hair with apple cider vinegar. Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of warm water. Spray it onto your hair after washing, and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out, but do not use shampoo. This will brighten your hair and reduce dandruff, a double benefit! However, the acetic acid in vinegar can weaken hair fibers, so this method should be used no more than twice a year.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Always use a hair conditioner after shampooing to enhance softness for your hair.
• Choose a shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for your hair type. Everyone has different hair, and you're sure to find products tailored to yours.
• Use a regular showerhead; comb your hair under the water, keeping the shampoo and conditioner on your hair for about five minutes before rinsing. Avoid high temperatures if possible. Use heat protectant products. It’s a challenge, but worth it in the long run!
• Use deep conditioning oils or hair treatment therapies twice a week to keep your hair soft, shiny, and healthy.
• Since everyone’s hair is unique, ask your stylist for tips on how to make your hair more personalized.
• Braid your hair tightly to one side during the day, and when you want soft flowing hair, undo the braid and let it cascade over your shoulders.
• Braiding your hair at night helps prevent tangling and keeps your hair smooth.
• Use coconut oil.
• Avoid using hot water to wash your hair.
• Don’t wash your hair every day.
• Avoid shampoos and conditioners with citric acid.