5 Expert-Approved Ways to Get Silky-Smooth Hair

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.