How to Make Your Hair Soft

Co-authored by Jenny Tran

Last Updated: January 8, 2022 References

Dry hair is unsightly and unhealthy, but fortunately it's easy to fix. Just add a few new habits to your daily routine, eliminate damaging hair-care practices, and apply natural products to turn your hair from brittle to beautiful.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Softening Your Hair

1
Trim split ends.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.} Split ends are damaged strands of hair that quickly lose moisture.^{[2]
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Research source} This damage can move all the way up your hair if not routinely cut.^{[3]
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Research source} Have a professional hairdresser trim the ends of your hair, making sure to remove the entire damaged portion.
- Trim your split ends every few months, or whenever they become noticeable.
2
Use conditioner or a hair mask after shampooing.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.} Conditioner returns essential oils to your hair, keeping it healthy, happy, and soft.^{[5]
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Research source}

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3
Let your hair air dry. Hot air from blow drying will dry out your hair and create split ends. Instead, pat your hair dry with a towel, then let your hair air dry. If you must use a blower, turn off the heat.^{[6]
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4
Hydrate throughout the day. Just like any other part of your body, your hair needs water to stay soft and healthy. Drink at least four or five glasses of water a day.
- When you exercise, drink an extra 8-10 ounces (240–300 mL) of water for every hour of activity.
5
Take hair-healthy vitamin supplements. Certain supplements, such as Omega-3 oil, fish egg phospholipids, vitamin E, and biotin improve the shine and growth of your hair. Purchase them from a local health food store and take them on a daily basis.^{[7]
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6
Massage your hair with coconut oil. Warm the oil in the microwave in a small container, just enough to make the oil spreadable. Lightly dampen your hair with water. Smooth the oil with your hands from the middle of the hair shaft (near your ears) down to the ends. Leave the oil in your hair for at least one hour, or overnight if possible.^{[8]
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- Wash out the coconut oil with your normal routine of shampoo and conditioner.
- You may oil the roots of your hair as well, but you may require multiple washes to remove the oil afterward.
7
Apply olive oil, almond oil, or aloe vera oil once a week. These oils are well-known home remedies for dry hair, found at your local supermarket.^{[9]
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Research source} Simply massage the oil into your hair from the roots to the tips and leave it in for two or three hours.
- Put your hair in a shower cap to prevent the oil from dripping.
- Wash out the oil with shampoo and conditioner.
8
Make a hair mask of avocado, olive oil, and honey as a monthly treatment. In a small bowl, whip together one ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil, and 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey with a whisk or hand mixer. Apply the mixture to your hair from roots to tips. Leave it on for at least two hours, once a month.^{[10]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Preventing Dry Hair

1
Avoid using heat to straighten, curl, or style your hair. Regular use of hairdryers, flat irons, and curlers can severely damage the hair if used on a regular basis. Heat will dry out your hair, leaving it rough, dull, and damaged.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.}
2
Be happy with your natural color. Unfortunately, hair dyes will damage your hair and keep it from staying soft. Most hair dye pre-treatments contain ammonia, which weakens hair strands and damages follicles. Repeated dying can make your hair dry, dull and lifeless.^{[12]
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3
Minimize bleaching. Try going for a darker shade of blonde, leaving more time between bleaching sessions. Bleach dries out your hair, and it can take months for it to recover.
4
Find ways to style your hair without using damaging clips. Try using an alcohol-free gel or mousse to scrunch your hair, as opposed to straightening or curling. Do not use barrettes or anything with a hinge, as this will likely damage the hair. Bobby pins lightly sprayed with hair spray are a great alternative to keep hair in place.
5
Only use shampoo every two or three days. When you wash your hair too often, you are stripping your hair of its natural oils. When you do wash your hair, always use conditioner afterwards to return essential oils.^{[13]
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6
Don’t comb your hair while it is still wet. You hair is weak when it is still wet, so avoid brushing it for 20–30 minutes after washing.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my hair soft and silky?

Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist
Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.

Jenny Tran

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

I recommend using a hair mask. First, rinse your hair with hot water and ring out the excess water. Then, apply the hair mask and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Afterwards, rinse your hair out with cold water, which will seal your hair cuticles and keep the moisture in. Finally, wrap your hair in a hot towel.
Question

How can I achieve silky hair?

Community Answer

Use some coconut oil on your hair. Melt two tablespoons in the microwave for 20 seconds, apply to damp hair, leave it on for about 2 hours, and then wash it out very well with shampoo. Let your hair air dry, and it should be silky after that.
Question

How often do I wash my hair if I do sports every day?

Community Answer

Every day, unless you notice changes in your hair. If your hair begins to look dry, start washing it every other day.