Soft, shiny Jennifer Aniston-style locks aren't totally unattainable, even if you don't have a celebrity stylist (let alone a Hollywood-sized beauty budget). There are so many easy hacks you can use at home - no need to go to the salon! If you want to get silky and shiny locks, try some (or all) of these gentle hair solutions.



  • Rinse with cold water

But this is a tried and true way to get smooth hair. The cold not only makes you want to shrink, it does the same to your hair. Heat causes the hair cuticle (the outer layer of each individual hair) to open, while cold causes it to close. The cold water rinse helps your individual locks stay flat.


  • Dry, don't rub

When you get out of the shower, it's tempting to wrap your hair in a towel and rub your head well to remove excess water. Do not do it! Rubbing your hair rough and it can cause breakage, and it also encourages frizz. Instead, use your towel to pat the top of your head dry. Gently squeeze the longest sections of your hair with the towel to remove excess H2O.


  • Use a protective serum

If you want shiny locks, you will most likely blow-dry your hair, and if you are looking for a straight hairstyle, you may also need to use an iron. Although these create a shiny appearance immediately, over time the damage caused by regular heat styling will actually reduce shine and degrade the smooth texture of your hair. When you can, stay away from the heat combs and give your hair a day off. And when you turn up the heat, first protect your hair with a serum like Carol's Daughter Macadamia Heat Protective Serum (18$, hsn.com).

Get regular clippings. Even if you are growing your hair out, keeping up with regular trims is key to getting soft locks.


  • Make an aloe mask

Aloe vera not only helps with burns, it also contains enzymes that promote healthy hair growth. It also has a composition similar to keratin (the protein that is the main component of your hair), allowing it to easily penetrate your hair. To do this, dilute a small amount of aloe (gel from a couple of pieces of the plant is key; if you are using a prepared aloe vera gel, make sure it does not contain alcohol) in a cup of warm water. Comb the hair, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse.


  • Make your hair a smoothie

For a truly indulgent mask that is incredibly smoothing, mix a ripe banana with 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt until you have a smooth paste. This combination is insanely hydrating and a treat for your scalp and hair. Rub it all over your hair and put on a shower cap (or something else to keep the banana from spreading everywhere!) After 45 minutes, rinse and shampoo.


  • Create a clarifying rinse

Increase smoothness and shine, and remove built-up product (yuck!) With an apple cider vinegar rinse. It helps restore the pH balance of your hair, removes dirt and closes the cuticle. Best of all, it's super simple. Dilute a quarter cup of cider vinegar in a cup of water. After your normal shower routine, pour it over your mane. 


  • Comb carefully

Bringing a brush directly to wet hair is a recipe for frizz and breakage. For soft locks, use a wide tooth comb on damp hair. Working in sections, start untangling at the ends and work vertically. Are knots and/or sensitive scalp bothersome? Spray your hair with a product like It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product ($ 18, ulta.com) before jumping into the fray.


  • Do not wash more than necessary

But not just because it's super easy. Unless you have very oily hair, you probably don't need to shampoo every day. Too much shampoo can strip your hair of its natural oils, helping to shine and prevent damage. Not comfortable going totally natural? Use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo ($ 8, drugstore.com), then just comb as usual.


  • Try a straightening treatment at home

Those images of hairstylists wearing gas masks have steered everyone away from salon straightening treatments, which while effective are also full of creepy chemicals. The Keratin Earth System (keratinearth.com) is formaldehyde-free and features natural ingredients and rave reviews. With daily shampoo and conditioner and monthly treatments, tame even the toughest frizz.


  • Give your hair some guacamole

If your hair is prone to dryness, it may also become dull and break. Apply with an avocado mask. Avocados are not only delicious, they are also packed with vitamins and proteins that are great for your hair. To make, mix a very ripe avocado, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Keep mixing until there are no clumps, then use a wide tooth comb to spread it over your dry hair. Wait 10 to 30 minutes, then jump into the shower as usual.


  • Put on the glitter

Regular shine treatments are one of the ways celebrities keep their hair incredibly shiny and beautiful at all times. It's what it sounds like - almost like putting a transparent top coat on each individual strand of your hair to make it soft and reflective. The good news is that you can get the same effect at home by using a shine treatment as part of your regular shower routine or as a weekly treatment. 


  • Point your dryer down

Again, air drying is best for your hair. But if you are in a rush or are working on serious style, make sure to dry thoroughly. Use a diffuser so you don't burn your locks and point the nozzle downward. That way, you are encouraging the cuticle to remain smooth and flat (an updraft can cause it to open immediately). Finish by taking a look at your entire dome using the cool setting for the softest hair.


  • Sleep in satin

Want to avoid frizz and breakage and make that bang last longer? Rest your head (and hair) on a satin pillowcase instead of the usual cotton to keep your locks soft.