Glass Hair: the hair trend that’s shining (a little too much?) on the networks
Perfect shine, icy reflections, precision-machined hair: “glass hair” has become the hair obsession of the moment. On TikTok and Instagram, the hashtag #glasshair is racking up millions of views, worn by influencers with impeccable blow-dries. But can you really achieve this mirror effect without damaging your hair? Brice Goliard, expert hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel partner, explains.
What exactly is “glass hair”?
Glass hair ” is the capillary equivalent of Korean “glass skin”: a luminous, flawless complexion with an almost liquid appearance. Transposed to hair, this aesthetic aims for a smooth, uniform, shiny effect that catches the light spectacularly.
“This look gives the impression that you have perfect control over your material, that every strand is mastered,” explains Brice Goliard. “It embodies a form of purity, almost futuristic.”
A trend born of the cult of glow… but a very demanding one
This style may seem simple at first – a well-executed blow-dry, a little serum – but it requires real technical rigor. To achieve extreme shine throughout the hair, you need to follow a number of very precise steps:
Preparing the hair fiber
Before you even think about blow-drying, you need to prepare your hair:
- Nourishing or color-protecting shampoo
- Deep moisturizing mask
- Thermoprotective spray to prevent heat damage
“The hair must be in perfect health, otherwise no shine will last. The glass hair look begins in the shower, not in front of the mirror,” insists the professional.
Blow-drying + straightening: an inseparable duo
The mirror effect can’t be achieved without a precise blow-dry with a round brush, followed by a careful stroke with a straightening iron. The idea: to seal in the fiber and even out the texture. Tools count as much as gestures. A good hairdryer, a temperature-adjustable iron and a professional brush are essential.
Finishing with targeted care
Once the material has been tamed, it’s time to enhance the finish. Brice Goliard recommends a light serum, like L’Oréal’s Vitamino Color Spectrum, which adds shine, UV protection and hold without weighing hair down. “Even without color-treated hair, this treatment is ideal for achieving the desired shine.”
On which hair types does glass hair really work?
That’s the great unspoken fact about this trend: it’s not accessible to all textures. On naturally straight or slightly wavy hair, the mirror effect is quick. On the other hand, on curly, frizzy, porous or sensitized hair, the result is more diffuse, and often less long-lasting.
“Textured hair reflects light differently. Even with good straightening, the result will never be identical to that of naturally straight hair,” explains Brice. What’s more, repeating these gestures on weakened hair can lead to breakage, split ends and loss of body. A point often ignored in viral videos.
A trend that shines… but raises questions
Behind its icy sheen, glass hair questions our relationship to image. This ultra-smooth, symmetrical style evokes an almost unattainable ideal, requiring constant maintenance and expensive tools. At a time when the acceptance of all hair textures is growing, the success of glass hair begs the question: do you have to straighten to shine?
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