The Best Way to Get Soft, Silky, & Smooth Hair for Men

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Expert advice on how to wash, care for, and style your hair
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If you’re after silky, smooth hair but your locks have been looking anything but, you’ve come to the right place! There are plenty of simple changes you can make to your hair care routine to turn dry, frizzy, and dull strands into a soft and shiny mane. In this article, we spoke to professional hair stylists and cosmetologists to learn the best ways to get silky hair as a guy, including tips on how to shampoo, condition, and dry your hair , style it , and keep it healthy . Read on for everything you need to know!

How to Get Silky, Smooth Hair

Professional hair stylist Christine George recommends using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to get silky, soft, and shiny hair. Wash your hair every 2-3 days, apply conditioner to the ends, and gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel. While your hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil.

Section 1 of 3:

Shampooing, Conditioning, and Drying Your Hair

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  1. According to professional hair stylist Christine George, getting silky and smooth hair comes down to basic hair maintenance. She advises using a hydrating or moisturizing shampoo to nourish your hair and make it shiny and soft. [1] Opt for a sulfate-free formula, says hair stylist Yan Kandkhorov, as shampoos with sulfates can make your hair dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. [2]
    • Look for a hydrating shampoo made with natural ingredients, and avoid shampoos with strong artificial fragrances. Artificial ingredients, like parabens and sulfates, can dry out the hair over time and affect the hair's ability to form its own natural oils. [3]
    • Professional hair stylist Patrick Evan says it’s especially important to avoid sulfates if you have curly or wavy hair. [4]
    • As an alternative, use children's or baby shampoo . These shampoos usually have minimal ingredients, are gentle on the hair and eyes, and, as a plus, can be less expensive than adult brands.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Christine George is a professional hair stylist and owner of Luxe Parlour with over 20 years of experience.

    Patrick Evan is a professional hair stylist and owner of Patrick Evan Salon with over 25 years of experience.

    Yan Kandkhorov is a hair stylist and owner of K&S Salon with over 20 years of experience.

    Arthur Sebastian is a professional hair stylist and owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon with over 30 years of experience.

    Courtney Foster is a licensed cosmetologist, certified hair loss practitioner, cosmetology educator, and owner of Courtney Foster Beauty.

  2. Instead of washing your hair every day, Evan recommends that you wash it every few days, or once it gets visibly dirty. The oils your scalp naturally produces help keep your hair moisturized and protected, and when you wash it too often, your hair can turn dry, brittle, and rough. So, striking a balance between too dirty and too clean is the key to silky, smooth hair. [5]
    • To wash your hair : Add a pea-sized amount of shampoo to your wet hands and create a lather. Then, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp. Avoid the ends of your hair, as this can dry them out. Then, rinse your hair with warm water.
    • Pay attention to what your hair needs. If your hair gets oily and dirty quickly, you may need to wash it more often. For some people, a wash once per week is sufficient to keep their hair clean, lustrous, and healthy.
    • If your hair looks oily or dirty in between washes , Evan suggests spritzing the roots of your hair with dry shampoo . [6]
    • If you have wavy, curly, or textured hair , rinse your hair with water in between washes, or wash it with conditioner (called co-washing). Lots of people find these methods effective to keep their hair hydrated, clean, and silky, so try them out to see if they work for you!
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  3. One of the best ways to get silky hair is by conditioning it regularly. Conditioner helps moisturize and strengthen your hair, keeping the strands healthy. It also prevents frizziness and split ends, which can give your hair a rough texture. Just choose a hydrating conditioner that lacks artificial ingredients like sulfates, parabens, dyes, and harsh fragrances. [7]
    • To condition your hair properly : apply a dollop of conditioner to the ends of your hair and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water. Avoid getting it on your roots, as it can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.
    • If you have a very short hairstyle, opt for a volumizing conditioner to help keep your hair from getting weighed down.
    • While “two-in-one” products can be tempting to save time, use a separate shampoo and conditioner when possible. Shampoo and conditioner have different purposes and formulas (cleaning vs moisturizing), so it’s important to use them as separate products. Two-in-one products can have a drying effect, which leads to rough, brittle hair.
  4. Avoid vigorously rubbing your hair and instead, gently pat, squeeze, and scrunch it with a soft, microfiber towel . Evan says roughly drying your hair can damage it, which can cause frizziness, roughness, and breakage. Once your hair is damp and no longer sopping wet, simply let it dry on its own . This helps it stay strong, healthy, and silky looking while avoiding heat damage. [8]
    • Alternatively, dry your hair with an old t-shirt. The soft fabric is gentler on your hair, which prevents frizziness and breakage.
    • Minimize how often you dry your hair with a hair dryer, as the heat can damage your hair and make it appear dry and brittle, says Evan. [9]
  5. 5
    Apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair. To make your hair super silky and shiny, Kandkhorov recommends applying a leave-in conditioner after each wash. While your hair is still damp, simply spritz the ends with a bit of the product. If you’re using a cream formula, just massage a dollop through the ends of your hair. [10]
  6. Licensed cosmetologist Courtney Foster says hair oils are a great way to get soft, silky hair, as the oil adds moisture and shine to your locks. After shampooing your hair and while it’s still damp, she recommends spraying your hair with a light oil that adds a lot of shine, like jojoba oil or olive oil . Then, gently massage and comb it through your strands. [11]
  7. 7
    Install a shower filter if you have hard water . Hard water, which is water that has an excessive amount of calcium and magnesium in it, can leave your hair looking dry, limp, and brittle. [14] If you suspect you have hard water, simply install a shower filter on your shower head. This helps remove excess minerals, which can help your hair look and feel silky.
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Section 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair & Preventing Damage

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  1. Combing your hair is absolutely essential to keeping your hair feeling silky and clean. Not only does it remove tangles and smooth flyaways, but it can also distribute the oils from your scalp to moisturize and protect your hair. Just start by combing the ends of your hair, then work your way up to the roots, says Evan. This helps prevent breakage and hair loss (and is less painful, too!). [15]
    • If your hair is very tangled, add a small dab of oil to the comb to help work it through your hair. Or, use a little bit of water or apply a detangling spray .
  2. Hair gel, mousse, styling sprays, and other products can gunk up your hair and leave it feeling like straw. So, aim to use them as little as possible. If you like to style your hair a lot, opt for lightweight formulas , use pomades made with natural oils or beeswax, and use less product. Or, use natural oils. Then, make sure to rinse the product out of your hair thoroughly at the end of the day.
    • Avoid products that include alcohol as an ingredient, as it can be very drying on your hair.
  3. 3
    Wear your hair in loose styles. Tight styles, like braids and ponytails, can cause hair breakage and leave your hair looking and feeling rough. Instead, use a looser grip when doing your hair and pull it back into more relaxed styles. [16]
  4. While blow-drying your hair can help it look silky, smooth, and shiny, professional hair stylist Danielle Chiz says “be very careful to not overheat the hair…because that can cause dryness and frizz.” [18] On days you want to blow-dry your hair, just take these precautions to prevent your hair from getting dried out or heat-damaged: [19]
    • Pat your hair with a towel to help cut down on drying time and reduce the risk of heat damage.
    • Comb a heat protection serum through your hair, says Evan. [20]
    • Use your blow dryer’s “cool” or “low heat” setting, if it has one.
    • Dry from the roots of your hair down to the ends, advises Chiz. She says, “If you're blow drying [your hair] all crazy and from the bottom and flipping your head over and doing all sorts of things…[that’s] going to kind of rough up that cuticle and it won't sit as smooth and straight.” [21]
    • Use a boar bristle brush to gently pull your hair taut during blow drying to achieve a smooth and silky effect.
  5. If you have coarse or curly hair, a flat iron can help you straighten your hair and achieve a silky texture. However, keep in mind that using a flat iron (and other hot styling tools) can damage your hair, so use a few protective measures:
    • Flat iron your hair while it is completely dry. Wet hair is much more susceptible to heat damage than dry hair.
    • Apply a heat protection serum to your hair before straightening.
    • Avoid going over the same section of your hair with the iron more than once.
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Section 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Hair Healthy & Reducing Frizz

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  1. To keep your hair healthy and feeling silky, Sebastian recommends getting your hair trimmed every few months. He says regular cuts remove split ends and damage, which helps prevent your hair from breaking and appearing rough or frizzy. [22]
    • Plus, regular trims allow you to consult with your hair stylist or barber if you’re having any issues or want their advice on how to get silkier, smoother hair. They can diagnose any problems, recommend great cuts, and suggest products to use.
    • How often should you cut your hair? Lots of stylists suggest getting your hair trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. However, this ultimately comes down to your comfort level, and whenever you notice split ends or damage forming.
    • Looking for some hair style inspo? We suggest determining your face shape and then choosing a flattering style, whether you have a round , oval , square , diamond , rectangle , or triangle face shape.
  2. 2
    Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. According to Evan, “healthy hair growth starts internally.” Your hair needs vitamins, minerals, and constant hydration to stay silky, smooth, and damage-free. So, Evan says to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and drinking lots of water . [23]
    • Ensure you’re eating plenty of protein (chicken, fish, beans, nuts, tofu), whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal), leafy greens (spinach, kale), fruits (berries), and veggies (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers). [24]
    • Aim to drink around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water each day. [25]
  3. 3
    Apply a hair mask about once per week. Professional hair stylist Jenny Tran says applying a hair mask regularly is a great way to make your hair softer and silkier. Simply apply a store-bought or homemade mask on damp, clean hair. If you’re using a store-bought mask , Tran says to leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing it off with cool water. [26]
    • Don’t worry, we’ve got lots of recipes for DIY hair masks. For instance, go for a protein-based hair mask that uses ingredients like eggs and yogurt. Or, opt for a hydrating hair mask made out of coconut and olive oil.
  4. 4
    Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Professional hair stylist Madeleine Johnson says the smooth, slippery texture of a silk (or satin) pillowcase prevents your hair from getting snagged as you sleep. This reduces frizziness and breakage, which helps your hair look silkier and softer. [27]
  5. Bleach and hair dyes are full of chemicals that can dry out and damage your hair, causing it to look brittle, dull, and rough. Similarly, getting frequent hair treatments like perms and relaxers can prevent your hair from looking smooth and silky. [28]
    • This isn’t to say you can’t ever dye or treat your hair, just don’t do it frequently. Give your hair time to heal and regain moisture before using chemical-based products on it again.
  6. The sun can dry, fry, and damage your hair, leaving it feeling coarse and looking rough. If you know you’ll be out in the sun for a while, tuck your hair under a hat or wear a hat with a wide brim. Or, spray your locks with hair sunscreen . [29]
    • If your hair feels dry and brittle after being out in the sun, treat it well with some leave-in conditioner or natural hair oils.
  7. Getting enough nutrients and vitamins as part of a healthy diet helps keep all parts of your body, including your hair, healthy. Evan says vitamin E, vitamin C, biotin, iron , and zinc are all important for making your hair healthy , silky, and smooth. [30] So, eat foods rich in these vitamins and minerals, or take supplementary vitamins, if necessary. [31]
    • Foods like almonds, carrots, bananas, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and bean sprouts are excellent to integrate into a hair-healthy diet.
    • For instance, red meat is a good source of biotin, which keeps your hair and nails healthy and shiny. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep hair lustrous. [32]
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Supplements can be transformative for hair. "Supplements not only address hair loss but dry hair and oily scalp. When taken regularly, dramatic improvements to hair are seen, allowing hair to withstand heat styling and processing so much more effectively."

  8. Extremely short hair can be harder to make silky than longer hair, as there’s less hair to treat and feel! So, consider letting your hair grow about 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) longer to have enough length to make it silky. If you’re after a complete style change, you might even want to grow your hair very long.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I get silky hair instantly?
    Patrick Evan
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Patrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.
    Patrick Evan
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Try using natural oils on your hair after your normal shampoo and conditioner routine. For instance, you might apply argan oil to your hair.
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  • Question
    What are some of the most common causes of hair damage?
    Patrick Evan
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Patrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.
    Patrick Evan
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Hair damage at home can come from drying the hair roughly with your towel and brushing wet hair aggressively. Another reason is heat damage, which happens from using blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What product makes hair soft and silky?
    Patrick Evan
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Patrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.
    Patrick Evan
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Look for shampoo and conditioner that are made from natural ingredients. Additionally, avoid products that contain artificial fragrances, parabens, or sulfates. You might also add a natural oil to your haircare routine, such as argan oil.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Just remember, your hair probably won’t turn silky overnight. Be patient and take good care of your hair.
        Thanks
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      • If you’re maintaining a short hairstyle, damage is less of a concern than if you’re trying to grow your hair out. While overusing styling tools or shampooing too often can dry out or damage your hair, they are also good ways to create a silky texture when used properly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
      • If you have thick or curly hair, use a comb or rubber-tipped brush for grooming.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Put baby oil in your hair before you wash it. After you dry off, you might have smoother, silkier, and softer hair.
      • Try to use Vaseline Hair Tonic after bathing or showering every morning.
      • Try using coconut, almond, or olive oil to make your hair silky.
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      References

      1. ↑ Christine George. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Yan Kandkhorov. Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/looking-to-improve-your-hair-and-scalp-health-know-the-ingredients-to-avoid-in-shampoos/
      4. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
      8. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ Yan Kandkhorov. Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6028999/
      6. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
      8. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Danielle Chiz. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
      11. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      12. ↑ Danielle Chiz. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      13. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      14. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      15. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/food-for-hair-growth
      16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      17. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      18. ↑ Madeleine Johnson. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      19. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
      20. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-ways-to-protect-your-hair-from-sun-damage
      21. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      22. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/vitamins-minerals-and-hair-loss-is-there-a-connection
      23. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/food-for-hair-growth

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’re a guy who wants silky hair, try to avoid washing your hair every day since washing your hair too much can make it dry and brittle. Also, always condition your hair after shampooing it to hydrate it and make it softer. You might also want to switch to a sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo since sulfates and parabens strip your hair of its natural oils. If you don't already, try to get in the habit of combing your hair every morning so it's smooth and tangle-free. For more tips from our Cosmetology co-author, like how to use natural oils to get silky hair, scroll down!

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