Easy Steps To Help You Achieve Smoother, Silkier Hair When Styling
Constantly seeing other people with thick, silky-looking hair can easily make you wonder why the beauty gods blessed them and not you. While it's never a good idea to compare yourself to others, looking to those with full-bodied, shiny hair can be helpful for your own hair journey.
Some aspects of hair texture are genetically predetermined, but environmental factors and your care routine can also play a big role influencing how it looks. On that note, your wellness routine, including diet and supplements, can also work to support your hair growth and thickness. That said, if you've been dealing with issues like consistent frizz, tangles, or dryness, there are some steps you can take to achieve a silkier, smoother texture. All it takes is the right products and a bit of time and consistency.
Don't forget the products
Achieving silkier hair is dependent on two key factors: Wash frequency and the products you use. Along with taking one break between wash days so your hair can release its natural oils, some beauty experts recommend finding a shampoo that contains a protein like keratin. Keratin helps to reduce frizzy fly-away hairs, while strengthening the hair cuticles and softening the hair shaft. Note: Certain hair types can be protein-sensitive, so it's important to consult your stylist about what your hair needs are.
Beyond finding a good quality shampoo that works for your hair, it's important to find a good leave-in conditioner. This is separate from the regular rinse-out conditioner that you use in the shower. Instead, apply this after showering and before styling to protect your hair from breakage caused by a brush, comb, or heat styling. Many leave-in products come with built-in heat products, which are important for maintaining moisture if you're reaching for a blow dryer or flat iron.
Another product that is good to reach for is a detangling spray. While brushing your hair when it's wet isn't advised because of how vulnerable the strands are, attempting to detangle post-shower knots will only make this problem worse. Opting for a good quality detangling spray can support your hair during this process. Some sprays may need to be washed out of your hair though. So, if you're using a detangler after your shower, look for moisturizing ingredients that will protect your hair.
Blow dry your hair in sections
Let's be real, blow drying is tedious. If you have thicker hair, the time commitment alone is often a lot. However, it's a step that really shouldn't be skipped if you are looking to achieve a photo-worthy, silky mane.
As tempting as it is to blast the entirety of your crown with the highest setting to get the process over with, this is likely to result in tons of fly aways. Instead, set aside extra time to go slow with the process and divide your hair into sections. New York hairstylist Erickson Arrunategui explained to InStyle that working in smaller pieces gives you more control and allows the air to flow in a single direction. This can actually help your hair cuticle stay smooth. Oftentimes, professionals will do this by starting at the root of the hair where it's the strongest and slowly following the strands down with the dryer. Depending on how long your hair is, you may require more sections than others.
While flipping your hair over and aimlessly moving the blow dryer back and forth may feel more effective in getting volume, it often creates frizz and won't give your hair the same shine. Since conventional blow dryers can get very hot, avoiding the highest heat setting can help to protect your hair, since it's the air rather than the heat that dries it. There are even ways to pull off a blowout look without a hair dryer.
Utilize brushes and tools
Blow-dryer attachments can also be extremely helpful for getting a smooth look, especially if your hair isn't naturally full-bodied and smooth. For example, if you naturally have thin hair that lays flat on your head, using a concentrator attachment with a wide nozzle can help you achieve an at-home blowout by brushing your roots up as you blow dry.
If your natural hair tends to have more curls or waves, you may want to reach for a diffuser. This is a round attachment with several holes in it that eases the flow of air hitting your hair, thus allowing your strands to retain their shape even after drying.
Byrdie also discusses the benefits of using a round brush while drying your hair. Specifically, they recommend reaching for a round brush that uses boar hair to make the bristles because the firmness of the thick bristles helps to pull the hair tight while drying and styling, resulting in silky hair with extra volume.
Use a flat iron for styling
Another styling tool that is a holy grail for frizz control and taming fly-away hairs is a ceramic or titanium hair straightener. Oftentimes, professional hairdressers will use one of these tools whether they are straightening the hair or adding curls because of its ability to smooth the hair while styling.
YouTube star Carli Bybel explains the various ways she has managed to get her naturally curly hair to continue looking silky and straight throughout the day. She suggests dividing your hair into small sections and using a clamping comb while straitening to get the best results. The reason she finds the comb so effective is that it flattens and spreads out the hair so that the straightener reaches every strand.
A flat iron can also help to control that poofy frizz that often accompanies dry, damaged hair, as well as tame baby hairs that a blow dryer cannot quite reach. However, flat irons rely on pressing high heat onto your hair which can become harmful. Try to keep the heat below 300 degrees Fahrenheit if possible and never, ever use your flat iron on wet hair to prevent any damage.
Hydrate your hair with oil
If you have ever wondered what the benefits of using hair oil are, there are many. The wonderful world of hair oils can aid in the styling process and keep your strands looking luscious for much longer. According to Ultimate Beauty Essentials, using argan oil on your hair before straightening can not only act as a heat protectant, but it is also extremely nourishing to your hair because of the vitamins and nutrients the oil contains.
Hair oil also works by moisturizing your hair strands, making them stronger and easier to style. When it comes to protecting your hair against split ends, reaching for castor oil will be your best bet. While putting castor oil on your split ends will help to prevent your hair from thinning and breaking, it can do wonders for your roots and scalp as well.
If your goal is to nourish your hair or even encourage hair growth, looking into hair oil masks that can be applied as a treatment on wet hair is just another way to make your hair silky and smooth while styling. Plus, having healthier hair overall will only add to that shine.