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5 Expert-Approved Ways to Get Silky-Smooth Hair

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By Dahvi Shira
Published on January 10, 20255 min read
Shiny Long hair with a comb lies on a stone on a sunny day
Shiny Long hair with a comb lies on a stone on a sunny day
Photo by Liliya Krueger / Getty Images

We’ve all seen the straight hair commercials and that silky, fresh-from-the-salon aesthetic. While we don’t want greasy hair, shiny, silky-smooth hair is ever so desirable. “Silky hair has a smooth texture with a glassy shine,” explains hairstylist Sophia Porter. “Shiny hair always looks healthy and chic on all textures, giving any person a very polished look. It’s also associated with being youthful, healthy, and well-groomed.” 

Do the models in these commercials get regular trims? Are they just born without dryness? Do they use a hair straightening treatment or a miracle styling tool? A magical hair wash? A silk pillowcase? We, too, have so many questions about achieving hair soft as silk that always appears fresh from a deep conditioning treatment. After all, sometimes just detangling alone is half the battle.

What if breakage/split ends, dry hair, frizzy hair, or heat styling damage is involved? Welp, so we’re told, a hairstyle that appears full of nourishing hydration isn’t out of reach. Regardless of hair type, you can achieve healthy hair with the right hair care tips. Keep that hair cuticle closed by opting for a cold water shower. We get it—it’s tough to fully recreate those luscious, perfectly coiffed locks from home, but even if you have dandruff, hair fall (or hair loss), dull hair, curly hair, or damaged hair, you still have the ability to give your strands the pro stylist-level treatment they deserve.

If you’re wondering how to get silky hair, you’re not alone—regardless of your hair needs, or how often you change your hair color using harmful dyes. Salon-level strands don’t (necessarily) require a monthly pass to Drybar. Keep reading for our expert tips below, along with proper hair care products to implement into your hair care routine. You’d be surprised what a little heat protectant, hair oil, hair serum, conditioning treatment, hair mask, and a blow dryer can do to your strands. We’ve even tried home remedies like olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and other natural oil treatments. Sounds like a lot, but the effort is worth it. See what we mean below!

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Meet the Expert

Glenn Ellis is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles. 

Sophia Porter is a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist based in Los Angeles.

How to Get the Silky Hair of Your Dreams

1. Wash With a Gentle Clarifying Shampoo

Silky hair starts with clean hair. Sounds simple enough, right? We recommend implementing a gentle clarifying, sulfate-free shampoo into your wet hair routine, before going in with a traditional shampoo or conditioner. We always see remarkable results from the OLAPLEX N4 Bond Maintanence Clarifying Shampoo—and our reviewers agree, saying they notice immediate luster and vibrancy. Ultimately, according to Porter, you just want to make sure all oil, dirt, and product buildup is removed. Whatever you do to get there, the choice is yours. We’ll get to more styling and drying below, but when you air-dry your hair partially as you lead up to a blowdry, you’ll want to use a microfiber towel or a T-shirt—avoid a traditional towel to eliminate more friction to the hair.

2. Get a Blowout

Sure, file it under “the obvious,” but we have to say it anyway. If you’re in a pinch for an event or other important obligation, the best way to guarantee all-day silky shine is by opting for a blowout. You can do this at a salon or styling bar, or you can use a heated styling brush to get those luscious locks. Either way, this can only help you, not hurt you.

“A proper blowout tailored to your hair texture is key,” Porter says. “Tighter textures need lots of tension, especially at the root, to keep things looking extra smooth. This will also minimize iron use, which keeps the hair healthier and shiner.”

If you take the DIY approach, we suggest opting for the LIVING PROOF Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate. The heat-activated formula allows for a faster, smoother blowout that can’t be beat from home. 

3. Use Anti-Static and Anti-Frizz Styling Products

There’s an array of anti-static and anti-frizz products, and hairstylist Glenn Ellis raves about the COLOR WOW HAIR Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment. “I use it when the hair is damp before a blow dry, and it really just blocks humidity so moisture won't make hair frizzy again.”

Regardless of what you choose, Porter says these types of products “will be essential to maintaining the shine before blow drying.” 

4. Use Lightweight Pomades and Waxes

Lightweight pomades and waxes will help control flyaways. The ultimate product for this is the R+CO CONTINENTAL Glossing Wax. You can apply it as necessary to the flyaway areas that need to be controlled. “This process will keep the hairs down while providing softness and shine,” Porter says. 

5. Opt for a Smoothing Treatment

Did someone say one-and-done? Opting for an in-salon smoothing treatment will cost more than your average blowout, but the time and money it will save in the long run is unmatched. 

Ellis suggests the famous, semi-permanent BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT treatment which enforces the use of keratin to smooth and straighten hair. He also recommends a similar yet more natural CEZANNE hair treatment. “Both treatments can stop frizz in its tracks and offer effortless shine that doesn’t require a bunch of extra steps.” Depending on the natural texture of your hair, you may still need to style your strands, but these treatments will cut down the time tremendously. 

If you want to try an affordable, formaldehyde-free at-home treatment, we’ve personally used the MAYRAKI Keratin Instant Smoother System. It really works! And if you’re not ready to commit to a treatment, using a product like the AIIR PROFESSIONAL Smoothing Cream will temporarily assist in kicking those flyaways to the curb and keeping the hair shiny and smooth.

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