Shiny hair usually means healthy hair, which is what most people want. However, few have the time or professional knowledge to achieve and maintain hair that’s consistently shiny, smooth, and soft to the touch.
If you want to achieve enviably shiny hair quickly, we've compiled a list of easy-to-do and inexpensive options.
How to Make Hair Silky?
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains a lot of proteolytic enzymes, which help to repair the damaged cells on your scalp. As a result, it can improve follicle health and promote hair growth. This ingredient's moisture content hydrates and conditions your hair throughout the day. This will result in a smooth texture with minimal frizz.
You Will Need:
- Aloe Vera Leaf
- 2 tbsp Water
- Spray Bottle
Prep Time:
- 5 minutes
Treatment Time:
- 5 minutes
Method:
- Using a spoon, extract two tablespoons of gel from an aloe vera leaf. Make sure you only extract the clear gel and not the yellow.
- Blend until the gel reaches a smooth consistency.
- Mix two tablespoons of water into the gel.
- Fill a spray bottle halfway with this liquid and shake vigorously.
- After you've washed and dried your hair, spray it with the aloe vera solution.
- Apply it as you would hair spray.
How Often?
- 3-4 times a week.
2. Hot Oil Massage With Coconut Oil/Olive Oil
A hot oil massage can stimulate your hair follicles and promote hair growth. It is an effective deep conditioning treatment for your hair that also combats dandruff and itching. With its high triglyceride content, coconut oil nourishes your strands. It can also penetrate deep into your hair shafts, providing maximum nourishment. Olive oil is high in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, all of which help condition your hair while preventing and repairing the damage.
You Will Need:
- 2-3 tbsp Coconut Oil/Olive Oil
- Hot Towel
Prep Time:
- 5 minutes
Treatment Time:
- 45 minutes
Method:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons (depending on the length of your hair) of your preferred oil for a few seconds until it is slightly warm.
- Massage the warm oil into your scalp and all the way through your hair.
- Massage your scalp for about 15 minutes, then apply the oil for another 30 minutes.
- While you wait, wrap a hot towel around your hair.
- Wash your hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and then condition it.
How Often?
Twice a week.
3. Curd
Curd contains vitamins B5 and D, both of which are necessary for hair health. It strengthens your hair shafts from within while also combating issues like dandruff. The amla in this mask provides a vitamin C boost to your scalp, promoting hair growth.
You Will Need:
- 1 cup Curd
- 2 tbsp Amla Powder
- Prep Time
- 2 minutes
Treatment Time:
- 30 minutes
Method:
- Combine the two ingredients until they are smooth.
- Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
- After you've completely covered your hair, leave the mask on for about 30 minutes.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair.
- Finally, apply conditioner.
How Often?
- 1-2 times a week.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein, iron, vitamin C, potassium, and lecithin. These essential hair nutrients work together to prevent hair loss, dandruff, damage, and greying while also increasing hair thickness and strength.
You Will Need:
- ¼ cup Fenugreek Seeds
- 1 cup Water
Prep Time:
- 12 hours
Treatment Time:
- 30 minutes
Method:
- Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- In the morning, blend the seeds with a little soaking water to achieve a smooth and consistent texture.
- Apply this paste to your hair and scalp.
- Allow the fenugreek paste to sit in your hair for 30 minutes.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair.
- Finally, apply conditioner.
How Often?
- Once a week.
5. Onion Juice
Onion juice helps to reduce hair loss, increase hair growth, and re-grow hair. This is most likely due to its high sulphur content, which improves blood circulation and allows for better nutrition. It is also high in nutrients like biotin, manganese, flavonoids, vitamin C, phosphorus, folic acid, and copper, which all help restore the health and shine of your hair.
You Will Need:
- Juice from a Large Onion
- 3-4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
Prep Time:
- 2 minutes
Treatment Time:
- 10-15 minutes
Method:
- Mix the ingredients until you get a well-combined solution.
- Apply this solution onto your scalp while massaging it gently with your fingertips.
- Leave the onion juice on for about 10-15 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
- Finish with conditioner.
How Often?
- Twice a week.
How to Make Hair Silky and Shiny at Home?
1. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is an excellent source of vitamins, which are essential for maintaining good hair health. Yoghurt also aids in the repair of damaged and dull hair. Yoghurt's lactic acid hydrates your hair, removes dead skin cells, and stimulates hair follicle growth. In short, yoghurt provides the nourishment needed to strengthen your hair while also adding the desired lustre.
How to use it:
- Combine one cup of yoghurt, four drops of lavender essential oil, and two tablespoons of olive oil in a mixing bowl.
- Using a brush, apply the prepared paste to your scalp and along the length of your hair.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- After that, rinse it with cold water and a mild shampoo.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the most common and popular solution recommended by every hair expert. It contains vitamins and fatty acids that promote hair growth, making it longer, thicker, and faster. Because the oil contains lauric acid and can easily penetrate the hair strands, it can be used as a conditioner. Coconut oil also aids in moisture retention, giving your hair a beautiful glow and shine.
How to use it:
- Heat three to four tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl for a few seconds. The oil should be warm but not hot.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for 15 minutes with your fingertips.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap for 20 minutes.
- Then, rinse with cold water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
3. Banana
Bananas are great for making our hair more manageable and shiny. Bananas soften our hair and protect its natural elasticity because they are high in natural oils, potassium, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Furthermore, they can moisturise our scalp and prevent and control dandruff.
How to use it:
- Mash a ripe banana in a mixing bowl. Mix in two drops of lavender essential oil thoroughly.
- Apply the paste all over the hair, beginning at the roots and working your way to the ends. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap for 20 minutes.
- Before applying a good conditioner, rinse it with cold water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Today, apple cider vinegar is widely available in almost every supermarket. It is very effective in balancing the pH of your scalp. A balanced pH level on the scalp results in luscious, shiny, and smooth hair. Apple cider vinegar is essential for cleaning your hair without using harsh chemicals.
How to use it:
- In a mixing bowl, combine two cups of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water. Set aside this solution.
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, rinse with the prepared apple cider vinegar.
- Use a shower cap to keep the solution contained for at least 15 minutes.
- Allow the hair to air dry naturally after that.
How to Make Hair Silky With Egg?
Eggs are one of the most abundant sources of protein. It helps to nourish and shine your hair while also improving its texture. It repairs hair damage and revitalises dull hair. Using this hair mask regularly will help to strengthen and condition your hair while also making it more manageable.
You Will Need:
- 1 whole Egg
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Honey
- Shower Cap
Prep Time:
2 minutes
Treatment Time:
30 minutes
Method:
- Whisk the ingredients together to get a well-combined mixture.
- Apply this mask to your scalp and your hair.
- Once your scalp and hair are completely covered, wait for 30 minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap while you wait to avoid a mess.
- Wash your hair with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
- Finish with conditioner.
How Often?
1-2 times a week.
Causes of Damaged Hair
1. Hair products and styling
Colouring, perming, and relaxing hair products contain chemicals that can weaken the hair and make it more prone to breakage.
Some shampoos can also cause hair to break, become brittle, or become frizzy.
According to a 2014 study, shampoo's acidity, or pH, may influence hair breakage. Certain shampoos are alkaline or basic and can leave hair with a negative charge. This increases friction between hair strands and may result in hair breakage.
2. Over-brushing
Excessive brushing can also cause breakage.
People may not need to brush their hair as frequently as they believe. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people only brush their hair as much as they need to style it. Notably, it is a myth that people should brush their hair with 100 brushstrokes.
3. Towel drying
Rubbing wet hair with a towel can cause hair damage, frizz, and breakage. Wet hair is more prone to breaking than dry hair.
Instead of rubbing the hair, wrap it in a towel to absorb moisture or let it dry naturally in the air.
4. Stress
Extreme stress can cause hair damage and a condition known as telogen effluvium.
A severe shock or stress can cause the hair roots to enter the resting stage of their growth cycle earlier than expected, causing the hair to fall out of the scalp.
People's hair usually regrows after they have recovered from stress. People who notice unusual amounts of hair shedding should consult their doctor to determine the underlying cause.
5. Eating disorders
Eating disorders can cause breakage of the hair and can lead to hair loss.
The malnutrition and health issues from eating disorders can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle. This disruption can cause hair to break off during the growth phase of the hair cycle, which is called the anagen.
Summing Up on How to Make Hair Silky
If you want to improve the shine of your hair, there are numerous things you can do or buy to achieve a healthy sheen.
Begin with small changes, such as switching shampoos or turning down the heat on your hair dryer. If your hair is still dull and lifeless, consult a hairstylist for professional advice.
References
Everyday Hair Care - https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair
Glynis Ablon, March 2015; A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4389977/
Taro Koyama, January 2016; Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/
