First there was glass skin, the trend aiming to achieve a clear, dewy, healthy glow thanks to the high-performance skincare you apply.
Now, ‘glass hair’ is what everyone is talking about. Essentially, a hair finish so smooth and glossy, it’s reflective qualities are akin to a pane of glass. The idea has been around for a few years, and in the interim the describing terminology switched to ‘liquid hair.’ The approach helps reflect the light so hair looks brilliantly shiny.
Like many of the things we want in life, the results require a bit of effort to get there, which is why the term is trending.
Tips, routines and products are being shared on how exactly to achieve the mirror-like shine.
While we’re all for embracing natural texture, the trend also has a lot to do with the sleek, precision cuts fashion has fallen in love with this season. The looks are prioritising ultra-straight styles that look refined but effortless, even when, like many runway beauty looks, they actually take quite a bit of effort.
That’s’ especially true if you have very rough or curly hair, through modern heat tools and styling products have seriously changed what’s possible over the years.
How to Get Glass Hair
Before you reach for those, you have to understand the foundations of the look lie in having healthy hair to start with.
This takes serious work, making sure you’re using the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. You need to make sure you’re giving hair enough moisture consistently so you can avoid frizz and flyaways, and always use protectant products when heat styling.
“The condition of the hair is influenced by multiple factors, including the regular use of treatments, hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and internal factors such as nutrition, vitamin and mineral intake, overall wellbeing, and adequate water consumption,” confirms Anthony Bayer, owner of Anthony Bayer Hair and Joico Guest Artist.
“Proper nutrition supports the hair growth cycle, while topical hydration helps maintain moisture balance and cuticle integrity, contributing to stronger, healthier-looking hair.”
Try these: Slip Silk Scrunchies; ghd Speed dryer; Joico Dream Blowout Glass 72HR Frizz Fighter; Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream
He says the use of heat protectants, leave-in treatments, silk or satin pillowcases, and microfibre towels after washing can all help protect long hair.
“Heat protectants reduce thermal damage by slowing heat transfer and forming a protective film around the hair shaft, while leave-in treatments help maintain moisture balance and reduce friction.
“Silk or satin pillowcases also minimise mechanical abrasion during sleep, and microfibre towels reduce surface friction and cuticle disruption compared to traditional towels.”
When you get to daily styling, there are a host of new products that aim to deliver brilliant shine while protecting strands.
Joico’s new Dream Blowout Glass is a frizz-fighting spray that forms a shield around the cuticle, sealing in moisture and fighting frizz for a smooth, glassy-like shine. It’s one of the easiest, lightweight styling products available to help get the glass hair look.
Using a drop of hair oil dispersed between your hands and run through finished strands is another great idea, particularly if hair is thick or curly.
If you’re buying a new tool, look for a heat styler with smart tech that protects strands with optimal temperatures. The new ghd Speed hairdryer is one option. It claims to be the fastest on the market, quickly drying hair and preserving the health of both your strands and scalp while it’s at it.
The dryer’s ‘halo’ technology works by surrounding the central stream of hot air with a ring of cooler airflow to help reduce temperature while working quickly and effectively. There are plenty of settings so you can customise it to suit your hair.
What is a hair gloss treatment?
Another option you wont have to maintain every day is to opt for an in-salon treatment aimed to add shine and remove frizz. Often referred to as a hair gloss, this is a demi-permanent treatment that adds a layer of shine, smooths your strands, and can even tweak your colour.
This option leaves hair looking healthy and with brilliant shine, and is a great option to extend the life of your colour service, so you can go a little longer without getting it done. A clear glossing service will do the same without adding any colour.
The results of these services last for several weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.
