How to Get Soft Hair Without Trying

Co-authored by Jenny Tran

Last Updated: August 13, 2023

There is no need to suffer from dry or oily hair when you can follow some basic steps to get beautiful, soft, shiny hair. This is the easiest method to use to get shiny and soft hair.

Steps

Brush your hair before your shower, and comb it afterwards, this will help you evenly spread shampoos and conditioners.^{[1]
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Get into the shower. Make sure that the temperature of the water is not hot. Hot water can damage your hair. When you shampoo, use warm water. When you condition, use cold water. Cold water makes your hair shiny.^{[2]
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- Don't wash your hair every day, that can dry your scalp. If you want to shower, buy a shower cap, even a really cheap one will work. Baths are good too, as the steam moisturizes your hair and it is very relaxing.
Baths are good for this, but don't wash out shampoo with bathwater, use a shower head, but you can stay in the bath for this, as long as you have a shower above or close enough to the bathtub.^{[3]
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Use a quarter sized amount (or more depending on hair length) of shampoo and distribute it evenly throughout your hair making sure not to rub it in too hard with your fingers. You wouldn't want to hurt yourself, now would you? Gently now. And make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo, as sulfates can leave the hair ends very dry while also causing an oily scalp.^{[4]
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Make sure to get rid of any excess shampoo (this will leave your hair dry if you fail to wash out any remaining shampoo or conditioner!) Once again, if in a bath, use a shower head!
There is no need to condition the scalp of your hair.^{[5]
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If having a shower, turn off the water, and if in a bath, make sure the ends of you hair do not touch the water. Also, this will save money, waste not want not.^{[6]
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If you need to, check in a mirror to see if there are any bits you might have missed.
Now before you go ahead and do this, point your shower head away from you as you will want to turn the temperature of your water to cold. Cold water is good for your hair as it seals the cuticle, leaving your hair nice and shiny! Slowly re-enter the shower as the cold can be a shock.
Use a wide tooth comb as brushing may lead to breaking of the hair. Moisture stretches out your hair, and makes it more vulnerable.
It is much healthier if you let it air dry. Make sure not to rustle your hair with a towel in an effort to get it to dry quicker. Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel.
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Question

What sort of hairstyle is recommend to sleep in?

Community Answer

A braid or a low ponytail should work, but braids are recommended, as they keep hair in place and makes it easier to brush in the morning. If you are comfortable, a bun would work.

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Question

Do I have to use cold water?

Community Answer

You don't have to, but rinsing with cool water after conditioning your hair provides a better result than if you use warm or hot water.

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Question

How do I get really soft hair?

Community Answer

Apply Argan oil a few times a week.

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Tips

Once you half dry it with a towel, tie it in a ponytail and it will let the roots of your hair dry better to stop it going frizzy.

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Know your hair type. If you do, you will benefit from shampoos and conditioners that are specialized for your hair.

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Braid your hair while it dries. It will give you gorgeous waves.

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Warnings

Over washing your hair is harsh and will dry it out.

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Not rinsing properly creates build-up.

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Never use lemon juice or vinegar if your head has cuts or scrapes.

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