The biggest hair trend in the States and Europe this past summer was ‘glass hair,’ and while we’re only on the cusp on summer here in SA, we’re already seeing the trend gain major momentum.
A couple of seasons ago, ‘glass skin’ was all the rage. This almost-impossible-to-achieve-at-home trend involved using makeup and skincare products to make the skin resemble the look of crystal clear glass: ie. poreless, dewy, baby-soft and absolutely blemish-free. While this Korean trend made it big overseas, it didn’t quite hit all the right notes with South Africans, and didn’t take off the way it was expected. In contrast, glass hair is affordable, easy and simple to achieve.
So what exactly is ‘glass hair?’ The name says it all: glass hair is sleek, shiny and reflective. Usually a bob or lob, it is a one-length, sharp cut hairstyle that is sleek and glossed to perfection. In essence, the hair mimics the appearance of glass.
Glass hair is proving to be very popular among celebs. Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber are the glass hair trailblazers, but we’ve also seen the likes of Lucy Hale and Jourdan Dunn rock this trend. It all started when celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Yepez shared an image of Hailey Bieber’s glass hair on Instagram, in February this year. You can check the post out over here (https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfa1Wk2hRXX/?utm_source=ig_embed). Since then, it’s become a growing trend.
Here’s how you can achieve glass hair at home:
First up, a haircut suitable for glass hair is important. As mentioned, a bob or shoulder length hair works best, as longer hair is more difficult and more time-consuming to straighten. Your hair needs to be an even length, and if your ends are split, dry or scraggly, it’s best to get a straight cut trim.
Begin by shampooing and conditioning your hair with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. To achieve a glossy look your hair needs to be as hydrated as possible, so make sure you are washing your hair with products that add moisture and shine.
Try Renpure’s Tea Tree Lemon Sage Shampoo (R149.95) and Conditioner (R149.95) for moisture, restored health and shine.
Infused with Moroccan Argan Oil and silk proteins, CreightonsArgan Smooth Moisture Rich Shampoo (R99.95) and Conditioner(R99.95) nourishes, protects and replenishes moisture, leaving hair silky soft, shiny and more manageable from root to tip.
You can even mix a few drops of oil or shine booster into your conditioner for an added boost. We recommend Marc Anthony Argan Oil of Morocco Exotic Oil Treatment (R169.95).
You can also try the OGX Extra Strength and Damage Remedy Coconut Penetrating Oil (R189.95). This ultra-rich blend of coconut oil, essence of tiare and vanilla bean extract helps to repair and soften your tresses whilst leaving your hair feeling silky soft. Apply a few drops to the palms of the hands and apply to clean towel dried hair before blow drying.
If your hair tends to get dry, you can follow with a leave-in conditioner, but be sure not to use anything too rich or heavy as this can leave hair looking greasy instead of shiny. If you prefer, you can use a leave-in blowout cream or smoothing cream to assist in achieving pin-straight perfection.
We recommend Marc Anthony Argan Oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Cream (R169.95).
Once your hair is dry, apply a heat protection product to avoid damaging your hair when heat styling.
We recommend HASK’s ARGAN OIL 5-in-1 Leave –in Spray (R169.95) which provides thermal protection, repairs, moisturises and controls frizz, whilst adding shine.
Now comes the more labour-intensive part – flat ironing! Separate your hair into small sections and flat iron each section from top to bottom. If you iron large sections the heat only reaches the hair at the top and bottom, and not those in between.
If you want to minimise your time flat ironing, you can give yourself a straight blowout using a hairdryer first.
Once you are done flat ironing, you’ll need to use some products to lock in your style and add extra shine. An oil-based hair serum is a good option – simply pump a few drops into the palm of your hands, rub together and distribute evenly throughout your hair.
Lastly, lock in your style and add shine with a good quality flexible-hold hairspray or shine spray. Instead of spraying it directly onto the hair, spray some on a paddle brush and gently brush it through your hair from roots to tips.
We love Marc Anthony Grow Long Anti-Frizz Spray (R169.95).
If you’re looking for a lightweight hydrating mist, OGX’s Nourishing Coconut Oil Hydrating Mist (R164.95). Infused with coconut oil and bamboo extract will help leave your hair soft and healthier.
And there you have it – summer’s hottest hairstyle!
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