Silky Hair Bias: Why You Might Never Have It and That's Okay

The promise of silky hair is one touted by nearly every shampoo ad, but is it achievable for everyone? Can you have shampoo-commercial hair when you’ve had frizzy locks most of your life? The answer is yes, but it’s not going to be as simple as it looks.

According to the National Library of Medicine, genetic factors play a huge role in hair texture. That means your DNA will determine if your hair is straight, curly, or wavy, as well as its thickness and density. A specific gene mutation, P2RY5, was discovered in 2008 by the research team at Columbia University Medical Center. It causes hereditary “wooly hair” that is coarse, dry, and tightly curled. This mutation is common in specific races, which means not everyone can achieve the silky hair we see in advertisements, at least not naturally.

Curly hair and wavy hair are more prone to frizz than other hair types. The scalp naturally produces oils that coat strands from roots to ends and contributes to silkiness. Oils have a more difficult time traveling down curly or wavy hair strands because of the texture, making them naturally frizzy and prone to dryness. Even straight hair can be buhaghag if dry or damaged, usually from too-frequent heat styling. 

If your hair is not naturally silky, shampoo can help improve its softness and shine. However, don’t expect it to have instant, magical results. It’s a long process that requires a combination of patience, consistency, and a gentle touch. Here are some tips that can help:

• Use a shampoo with keratin like Dove Straight & Silky Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo. Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair. A keratin shampoo works by strengthening the cuticles that form the hair shaft. This particular product also contains Amino Essence, which also boosts nourishment deep within the core of hair fibers. Sunsilk Expert-Perfect Straight Shampoo, which also smoothens hair Straight Lock Technology, can also give it a silky texture.

• Focus on prevention and protection to prevent dry, weak hair strands. Avoid styling your hair with heat and showering with hot water, which strips hair of moisture. Use a gentle touch when brushing — be especially careful with wet hair, which is more prone to breakage. Protect your hair from UV rays, which can also dry it out, by wearing a hat or scarf when under direct sunlight.

• Use smoothing products such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. This uses keratin and marula oil from Africa to fight frizz, detangle knots, boost shine, add softness, and tame flyaways. The result is healthy-looking, silky hair that looks and feels natural.

Not everyone is born with silky hair and that’s okay! You are fabulous, whatever your natural hair texture. You can, however, improve hair health and achieve smooth and silky strands with proper care and products that strengthen your strands and nourish hair with moisture.