You’ve no doubt heard about glass hair, the trend that took the classic '90s bob and gave it a sharpened, reflective quality. You could practically cut yourself just looking at those razor-sharp ends. Liquid hair has taken that same high-shine quality but softened it to create the illusion of hair that cascades like a waterfall over your shoulders and neck.
Intrigued? Scroll on to learn more about what liquid hair is, how it’s different from glass hair, and which products and tricks you can use to get insanely glossy hair.
Good hair day by @anhwisle.
What Is Liquid Hair?
Though you might be inclined to think that liquid hair has something to do with a saturated, wet look hairstyle, that’s definitely not the case. Rather, this shiny hair trend is all about capturing the essence of flowing water via your tresses.
The finished look is typically straight, magnificently shiny, and ultra-soft to the touch. To pull it off, you’ll need medium to long strands that look and feel healthy and some styling know-how (more on that in a second).
Good hair day by @hairby.vp.
How Is Liquid Hair Different From Glass Hair?
The goal of liquid hair is to create an ultra-shiny, sleek mane that still has lots of softness and movement to it. This is different from glass hair, which has more of a rigid texture and sharp quality to it, much like a glass pane.
Another big difference is that glass hair tends to be shorter—often cut into a chic bob—to really emphasize the mirror-like sheen and razor-sharp ends. Conversely, liquid hair is generally longer, which adds to the effect of softly flowing water.
Lastly, some say that even though liquid hair definitely looks glamorous, it’s not quite as high-maintenance or “done” compared to glass hair. Though it still requires some work to pull it off, it offers more of a casual-glam aesthetic.
Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin
A strengthening shampoo for damaged hair with biotin to help grow hair longer and stronger.
Extreme Length Conditioner with Biotin
A conditioner with biotin and castor oil to help strengthen and promote maximum growth for damaged hair.
Serie Expert Fluidifier Blow Dry Cream
A multi-benefit, heat protecting blow-dry cream for all hair types.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
How Do You Achieve Liquid Hair?
At its core, liquid hair is hair that looks and feels its absolute healthiest. This means giving your strands all the TLC they need to feel and look shiny, soft, and silky.
The first step is to use a shampoo and conditioning system that fosters strength and health, such as Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin and Conditioner with Biotin. Suitable for all hair types and textures, it helps reduce breakage by up to 81% and lends to enviably shiny hair. To further promote hair health and seriously boost softness, use the Redken All Soft Mega Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask. Formulated with argan oil, soy protein, and amino acids, this moisturizing mask leaves your hair soft for up to three washes.
In addition to starting with a base of healthy hair, there are some styling techniques required to get that water-like ebb and flow of liquid hair. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be on your way.
Step One: Apply Frizz-Fighting Heat Protectant
Apply an anti-frizz heat protectant, such as L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Fluidifier Blow Dry Cream, to towel-dried hair. It helps protect against heat damage and controls puffiness, while giving you silky, smooth, frizz-free strands. An absolute must for liquid hair!
Step Two: Blow Dry
Section out your hair and blow dry each section with a round brush. As you work, make sure to pull taut and blow downward to help create that smooth, fluid, shiny hair appearance.
Step Three: Grab Your Flat Iron
To help remove any lingering traces of flyaways or frizz, go back in with a flat iron to smooth out your hair. The L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron not only works two times faster, but it delivers hair that's two times smoother with up to 90% less breakage over time.
Step Four: Use A Finishing Product
As the final step, go back in with a finishing product, such as Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Anti-Frizz Serum. This lightweight, high-shine serum gives the look of glossy hair, and a little goes a long way. Make sure to focus on the mid-shaft to ends where hair tends to feel drier.
8 Liquid Hairstyles We’re Obsessed With
For some inspiration, check out these photos of the liquid hair trend that you’ll see everywhere in 2022.
Classic Liquid Hair
This classic liquid hair is as shiny as it is soft. For an extra dose of extreme sheen, try Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray. This lightweight finishing spray revives dull ends without leaving hair greasy.
Liquid Hair Bob
Yes, you can absolutely embrace liquid hair if you have a bob! The quickest way to pull it off is to soften the ends so they’re fluid and soft-looking versus razor-sharp and blunt.
Good hair day by @jaclynforbes.
Waist-Long Liquid Hair
Amp up the drama with liquid hair that grazes your navel. If you don’t have the natural length, opt for hair extensions.
Liquid Hair With Soft Curls
Though liquid hair is generally styled straight, a little bit of curl adds a major dose of glam. We cannot get over this mega shiny hair!
Good hair day by @dreamhairbycelaa.
Softly Textured Liquid Hair
If you prefer just a little more movement, opt for some very light waves incorporated into the bottom portion of your hair.
Good hair day by @melindanemecek.
Multi-Colored Liquid Hair
You can certainly dip into the fashion color world with your liquid hair. Make sure to protect the vibrancy with a shampoo and conditioner system like Redken Color Extend Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair and Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair.
Good hair day by @alexgaboury.
Liquid Hair Ponytail
After styling your liquid hair, sweep it back and secure it at the nape of your neck for a low, liquid-y ponytail. A bow adds an extra touch of glam.
Good hair day by @jas_ana.
Liquid Hair With Bangs
To add more dimension to your liquid hair, incorporate some full fringe. Notice how the bangs here seamlessly glide into the rest of the hair for the liquid-y look.
Searching for more products? Shop the best salon-quality products at Hair.com.
Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin
A strengthening shampoo for damaged hair with biotin to help grow hair longer and stronger.
Extreme Length Conditioner with Biotin
A conditioner with biotin and castor oil to help strengthen and promote maximum growth for damaged hair.
Serie Expert Fluidifier Blow Dry Cream
A multi-benefit, heat protecting blow-dry cream for all hair types.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
Serie Expert Fluidifier Blow Dry Cream
A multi-benefit, heat protecting blow-dry cream for all hair types.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
Total Results Mega Sleek Anti-Frizz Serum
An anti-frizz smoothing hair serum.
Shine Flash Hair Spray
An anti frizz hair spray for glass-like shine and finish.
Color Extend Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A color-protecting shampoo that helps lock in vibrant, radiant hair color for longer- lasting hair color between salon visits.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
