How to Make Your Hair Smooth and Shiny

If you want your hair to be smooth and shiny, you will need to care for it and keep it well hydrated.

Hair is made up of two structures: the follicle, which is located under the skin, and the hair shaft, which is the fully keratinized, nonliving part found on the skin.

The hair shaft consists of three layers: cuticle, cortex, and medulla (not present in all hair types). The medulla is in the center of the hair shaft and is more prevalent in people with coarse hair. (1)

People with glossy and bouncy hair with tapered hair tips are considered to have healthy hair. The hair’s shine is related to the surface properties, and the thickness is related to the hair cortex or the middle layer of the hair shaft.

The strength and texture of the hair are related to the disulfide bonds in it. The overall shine and body of the hair depend on the outermost hair layer or the cuticle, the disulfide bonds in the hair, and the cortex. (2)

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is the main component of the hair shaft and hair shield and gives it continuity and shine. (3)

If you have weak hair or you keep changing your hair regimen, your tresses will appear dull and frizzy and will have split ends, among other problems. Hair health can also be impacted by graying and androgenetic alopecia. People experiencing hair fall or balding are seeking cosmetic procedures to keep them looking good. Unfortunately, these procedures can potentially damage the hair. (2)

Remedies to Make Hair Smooth and Shiny

Here are some natural remedies for smooth and shiny hair.

1. Hair oils

Since ancient times, people have been using hair oils to enhance hair shine and smoothness. Some common oils used are coconut oil, almond oil, and argan oil.

Coconut oil is rich in phenolic acids and antioxidants including tocopherol, which helps to form a protective coating over the hair shaft, sealing the cuticle and trapping the rich moisture inside.

Almond oil is abundant in linolenic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also full of vitamin E, which has emollient properties that soften the hair and leave it well moisturized.

Argan oil is abundant in palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linolenic and linoleic acids, which are known for their water-retaining properties. (4)

How to use:

1. Warm a few tablespoons of coconut oil or other beneficial hair oil and apply it to your scalp and hair.
2. Massage it well in circular motions for 10 minutes.
3. Use a towel dipped in warm water to wrap your hair and keep it on your head for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair with water.
5. Wash your hair well with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
6. Oil your hair twice weekly for best results.

2. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel is a natural ingredient that can work wonders for your hair. It is made up of 98.5%–99.5% water, and the remaining part contains more than 200 different components – among them, polysaccharides are the most abundant. (5)

Aloe vera gel has a pH of 4.5 and is used in many skin and hair care products. It contains an emollient polysaccharide, glucomannan, which is a good moisturizer and makes your hair smooth and shiny. (6)

How to use:

1. Combine 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 3 tablespoons of yogurt in a bowl.
2. Apply this paste to your wet hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
3. Rinse it out with lukewarm water.
4. Wash your hair well with a natural shampoo and conditioner.

3. Rice water

Rice water is a great hair conditioner and has been a popular hair care agent in China, Japan, and India. It adds a protective layer to the strands against pollution, chemicals, and hot tools, and it restores the bounce and shine of the hair.

Rice water is the starchy water formed after the rice boils or soaks and is used to make the hair smooth and shiny. It contains many vitamins and minerals that are great for hair strands. (7)

How to make rice water at home:

1. Wash 1 cup of rice thoroughly and keep it in a bowl.
2. Add 2 cups of water and soak it for 1 hour.
3. Stir the mixture and strain the water out.
4. Store this rice water in a spray bottle and refrigerate.

How to use rice water on hair:

1. Wash your hair with shampoo.
2. When your hair is dry, spray rice water onto it.
3. Massage it into your hair and scalp for 5–6 minutes.
4. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water.
6. Repeat the process 2 times a week for good results.

4. Flaxseed gel

Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids including α-linolenic acid and lignans, (8) which are antioxidants that help in detoxifying the scalp and getting rid of dead cells. (9)

Flaxseed is also a great source of lignin, (8) which is full of antioxidants and helps to moisturize the hair and give it shine. (4)

Flaxseed gel is also available and is prepared by processing flaxseeds (also called linseeds). This gel works wonders on your hair as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium.

A study on flaxseed gel concluded that it is spreadable; has a good consistency, homogeneity, viscosity, and pH; and remains fresh for a long time. However, more studies are required to ascertain the efficiency of flaxseed gel in restoring the shine and smoothness of your hair. (9)

How to make and use flaxseed gel at home:

1. Soak ¼ cup of flaxseeds in 2 cups of water overnight.
2. Bring it to a boil and once it starts forming white froth on top, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. The longer you cook it, the thicker it gets. It should not be too thick if you want to use it as a conditioner on your hair.
4. When it gets stringy, it is ready for use. Strain it while hot.
5. Cool it thoroughly and store it in a container for use.
6. Use it along with your conditioner or alone on your hair.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps to condition the hair and make it soft and manageable. Its high acetic acid content can be the reason behind its efficiency for the hair.

ACV can help treat dandruff, itchy scalp, and frizzy hair. (10)

How to use:

1. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water.
2. Wash your hair with shampoo.
3. Spray the ACV mixture onto your hair and scalp and massage for 5–6 minutes.
4. Let it remain on your head for 30–40 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

6. Orange peel

Orange peel shows impressive results when used on the hair, transforming it entirely and making it smooth and shiny. Orange contains abundant amounts of vitamins C, B12, and E and antioxidants that help get rid of oxidative stress on the scalp and stimulate hair growth. (11)

How to use:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of orange peel powder to a bowl.
2. Add warm water to it and keep stirring the mixture to make a thin paste.
3. Section your hair into different parts and apply the mixture.
4. Leave it on your head for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse your hair with water.
6. For best results, repeat twice a week.

7. A nutritious diet

The health of your hair depends on your diet, as the hair follicle tissues rely on the supply, uptake, and transport of proteins, calories, and vitamins in your body. Since the hair shaft is made up of protein, mainly keratin, it is essential to have a protein-rich diet for a good healthy crop of hair (12) full of luster and shine.

Silicon is an element needed for the growth of hair and can be found as silicon acid in grains and their whole-meal products (such as grits, rice, oatmeal, bran, and whole-grain bread), garlic, and chives. (3)

General Queries on How to Get Smooth and Shiny Hair

Final Word

When embarking on the journey towards healthy and shiny hair, it is essential to use natural ingredients to take care of your hair and restore its moisture and shine. Pay attention to your diet and eat nutritious food that can help you grow beautiful hair.

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