How to Get Softer Hair: 12 Simple Tips
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Soft, smooth hair isn't just about the products you buy — it's the result of keeping moisture in, keeping the hair surface smooth and avoiding the habits that roughen it. The good news is that most people can make their hair noticeably softer within a few washes.
Quick answer: To get softer hair, use a moisturising shampoo with lukewarm water, condition every wash, mask once or twice a week, apply a leave-in cream or serum to damp hair, dry gently, reduce heat and trim split ends regularly.
Why Hair Feels Rough
Hair feels soft when its outer cuticle lies flat and the strand holds enough moisture. It feels rough when the cuticle is lifted or worn — from heat, colour, hard water, sun, harsh washing or friction — and when the hair is dry. See Why Is My Hair So Dry?
12 Ways to Get Softer Hair
1. Use a moisturising shampoo
911 Quinoa Shampoo is designed to restore moisture, shine and manageability to dull, dry hair.
2. Wash with lukewarm water
Hot water strips natural oils. Finish with a cooler rinse to help the cuticle lie flat.
3. Condition every single wash
Conditioner smooths the cuticle — the single biggest factor in how soft hair feels. 911 Quinoa Conditioner or 700 Keratin & Kale Conditioner for coarse hair.
4. Mask weekly
The 911 Quinoa Hair Mask intensely hydrates and softens with quinoa and sunflower seed oil. See How to Use a Hair Mask Correctly.
5. Use a leave-in cream
911 Quinoa Hydrating Cream with hyaluronic acid restores moisture and softness without weighing hair down. 05 Silicon Milk Hair Cream is another nourishing option, especially for dry hair after colour.
6. Finish with serum
A drop of 911 Quinoa Serum on the ends smooths the surface and adds silkiness.
7. Dry gently
Blot with a soft towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing.
8. Detangle carefully
Use a wide-tooth comb from the ends upwards while conditioner is in.
9. Reduce heat
Lower temperatures, fewer heat sessions and always a protector. See How to Repair Heat-Damaged Hair.
10. Deal with buildup
Hard-water minerals and product residue make hair feel coated and rough. Occasionally use the 911 ACV Foaming Rinse, which removes buildup and hard-water residue without stripping natural oils.
11. Sleep on satin or silk
Smoother pillowcases reduce overnight friction.
12. Trim regularly
Split ends always feel rough. A trim every 8–12 weeks makes the whole length feel softer.
Softer Hair by Hair Type
- Coarse or frizzy: 700 Keratin & Kale routine plus 700 Silky Touch.
- Curly: 69 Pro Active Hair Mask and 69 Soufflé Hair Cream.
- Blonde or grey: 19 Pro Silver Hair Mask for softness plus toning.
- Fine: 20 Volumizing Boost Hair Mask — hydration without weight.
A Weekly Routine for Softer Hair
Softness comes from consistency more than from any single product. This simple week works for most hair types:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every wash (2–3 times a week) | Moisturising shampoo, conditioner on the lengths for 2–3 minutes, cool final rinse |
| After every wash | Leave-in cream or a few drops of serum on damp ends |
| Once a week | Hair mask in place of conditioner, ideally with a warm towel |
| Every 1–2 weeks | A scalp reset if you use lots of product or have hard water |
| Every night | Hair loosely tied, on a smooth pillowcase |
For dry, dull hair, the 911 Quinoa range fits this routine: shampoo, conditioner, mask and hydrating cream. For thick, coarse or treated hair, swap in 700 Keratin & Kale. If hard water is part of the problem, add the steps in Hard Water and Hair.
Habits That Undo Softness
- Rubbing with a towel: roughens the cuticle. Blot or squeeze instead.
- High heat every day: dries the lengths. Keep tools on medium and use a protectant.
- Too much product: layers build up and make hair feel coated and stiff.
- Skipping trims: split ends always feel rough, whatever you put on them.
- Brushing dry curls: breaks up the curl and leaves frizz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my hair soft overnight?
Use a mask on wash day, apply a leave-in cream to damp hair, dry gently and sleep on a satin pillowcase.
Does oil make hair softer?
Oil can soften dry lengths; use it as a pre-wash treatment or a tiny amount on dry ends. See Hair Serum vs Hair Oil.
Why is my hair rough after washing?
Hot water, harsh shampoo, hard water or skipping conditioner are the usual culprits.
How long does it take to get softer hair?
Most people notice a difference after one or two weeks of conditioning every wash and masking weekly. Hair that is very damaged may also need a trim before it feels soft again.
Can hard water make hair feel rough?
Yes. Mineral deposits roughen the hair surface. A weekly clarifying rinse and regular conditioning help.
Is a hair mask better than conditioner for softness?
A mask is richer and works more deeply, so it gives a bigger boost. Use conditioner every wash and a mask once a week.
Related Guides
- Why Is My Hair So Dry?
- How to Make Hair Shiny
- Dry Hair vs Damaged Hair
- Hair Mask vs Conditioner
- Hard Water and Hair
Shop: 911 Quinoa Hair Mask · 911 Hydrating Cream · 911 Quinoa Serum