If you were to ask me what my number one hair goal is, I would say it's to make my hair both look and feel as silky as possible. I'm talking shampoo commercial–level silky, where light practically bounces off your hair because it's just that healthy.
Unfortunately, achieving silky hair is easier said than done. Silky hair isn't just something that you can achieve with a sporadic mask or two. The most lustrous strands require a targeted, intentional routine that involves a wide variety of products, maintenance measures, and even lifestyle shifts. Keep reading for the ultimate routine for silky hair, including the products to use to get you there.
1. Cut out damage.
No matter what you do, the ends of your hair will end up accumulating damage. It's part of life thanks to brushing, heat tools, and general everyday wear and tear. To combat dead ends, it's important to get regular trims. "I would recommend getting a trim regularly," says stylist Jennifer Korab. "About every six to eight weeks will help remove any split ends and keep your hair healthy. Another tip is to use a silk pillowcase. This will also reduce any friction and maintain silky hair."
Everyday products that you don't even think twice before using might also be a hidden cause of damage. Instead of tight hair elastics, Mark Townsend, Alfaparf Milano's brand ambassador and stylist, recommends using silk or satin alternatives to reduce stress on your hair.
To add more shine to hair, you might want to consider adding a gloss to your maintenance routine. "See your stylist around every four to six months for a trim and ask about a glossing treatment," says stylist Laurabeth Cabott. "Blondes typically get dry quicker. Make sure you're getting a regular gloss to maintain the shine." You can also try an at-home gloss for similar results.
2. Protect your hair from heat.
Heat damage is one of the biggest things that might be standing in the way between you and silkier hair. Heat can wreak havoc on your hair's cuticle, zapping moisture while weakening the shaft. "My number one tip is heat protection when blow-drying, flat-ironing, or curling the hair," says Iris Rubin, MD, dermatologist and founder of Seen.
How you use heat tools matters too. "When using heat tools like a straightening iron, take smaller sections so that heat and plates can smooth and straighten all the hairs equally, and you'll only need one or two passes with the iron," says Townsend. "If you take large sections, you have to go over the section many times, and you end up burning the top and bottom layers of hair before the heat gets to the hair sandwiched in the middle."
3. Hydrate like it's your job.
Repeat after me: Hydrated hair is healthy hair. "If you want silky hair, you need to layer on the hydrating products," says hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. "This means each phase of your wash-and-style day needs to be hydrating and moisturizing." That means you need to start with moisturizing products in the shower and carry them into the rest of your routine.
4. Pack on the shine.
While you should focus on treatments and prevention measures, there are also products out there that can act almost like makeup for your hair. These products give your hair a major reflective boost. They're the perfect way to get silky-looking hair in a pinch.
Another easy way to add shine is by brushing your hair using a boar-bristle brush. These brushes make hair shinier by distributing natural oils, and combining them with an oil or shine booster can be a true double whammy for hair. "Brushing your hair with a boar-bristle brush after applying oil can distribute the product better and make your hair even more smooth and silky," says Shiva Tavakoli, founder of Joon Haircare.
5. Mix in some supplements.
When it comes to hair health, what you put into your body really can have an effect. "Consuming a balanced diet and drinking tons of water are also crucial for hair health," says Tavakoli. "Foods with nutrients such as biotin, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids help support hair health, shine, and silkiness." Townsend says that he recommends his clients take daily supplements, which can contain the same vitamins and minerals.
