When it comes to beauty, there are some things that never go out of fashion – and soft, supple hair is one of them. Whatever else you are doing with your look, keeping your hair in healthy condition can make all the difference. Luckily there are many ways you can transform even the driest of mops into gorgeous salon-quality hair.

Start by washing your hair correctly

To get the soft and silky hair of your dreams you must first be aware of your hair type! If you have fine and oily hair, invest in a volumising shampoo and avoid applying conditioner directly to your roots. Wash your hair every other day and use its natural oils in your favour by brushing from roots to ends with a soft bristled brush – this way you can blend those nurturing oils into all strands of your hair.

On the other hand, if you have thick and dry hair, invest in a shampoo infused with natural oils and wash your hair every 2 or 3 days only. After conditioning, do not rinse thoroughly as the leftover product will moisturise your strands throughout the day. Try rinsing your hair with cold water too, it can help to seal the cuticles and retain more moisture.

Add the finishing touches

With your hair washing routine sorted, just add these tips on how to make your hair soft to your usual hair care regime for long-term perfect locks.

1. Use a hair mask regularly: Hair masks are super thick conditioners usually designed to be left on wet hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing – they are great for giving a quick extra boost of moisture! If your hair is very dry, try including a hair mask in your regular shower routine or apply a deep conditioning mask twice a week.

2. Olive oil: If you asked your mother or grandmother a few decades ago how to make your hair soft, their answer may well have been olive oil. While hair care technology has moved on, sometimes the good old, natural solutions still hold true. Recommended for dark hair especially, olive oil can be used to treat dry ends and breaking strands, and to add a silky touch to your hair.

3. Argan or coconut oil: If you don’t have any olive oil to hand or want to avoid the risk of smelling like a freshly dressed salad you could try argan or coconut oil instead. Both work as well on skin as they do on hair, bringing softness and shine to wherever they’re applied to. If you massage the oil into the strands of your hair with your fingers and cover your head with a shower cap or a towel while it works its magic into your hair, you’re in for great results!

4. Avoid dry rubbing with a towel: If you’re wondering how to make your hair soft, there are a few small things in your daily haircare routine that might be worth changing for quicker results. One is rubbing your hair dry with a towel. This causes strands to break and causes frizz, contributing to a dry and flat look. Try patting your hair dry with an old t-shirt instead.

5. Reduce heat hair straightening: As many people know, straightening your hair often with hot tongs can cause damage. If you straighten regularly and notice your hair drying out try doing so less often and always use a heat protective spray before styling. Try to balance your styling routine too – if you want to use a straightener then let your hair air dry naturally first; if you want to blow-dry your hair then don’t follow up with straighteners afterwards.

These are just some of our favourite tips on how to make your hair soft. Often, getting the healthiest hair look is just about finding what suits your hair type best. Try each of these ideas in turn and create the perfect hair care routine for your locks!