Move over glass skin, glass hair is back—and it’s shinier than ever

Everyone went ga-ga over glass skin recently, but guess what? We’re moving on to glass hair. 

Now, this trend isn’t brand new, but it sure is making a comeback. And with beauty shelves flooding with launches designed to deliver that slick, high-shine finish, the obsession is real.

Gloss goals

So, what is glass hair, really? Think ultra-smooth, super-sleek strands with a mirror-like shine so glossy, it almost looks reflective—hence the name. The allure lies in its impossibly polished, high-fashion vibe that instantly levels up any look. Celebrities from Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid to Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Ashley Graham, and more have nailed this covetable style. And if you needed one more reason to add it to your moodboard—Miley Cyrus even debuted a gleaming, glassy braid at the Met Gala 2025.

“But it’s not just about shine,” says Florian Hurel, Celebrity hairstylist and founder of Florian Hurel Hair Couture & Spa, adding, “…it’s about a flawless, frizz-free finish that reflects light evenly from root to tip.” Just like glass skin, he emphasises that glass hair too starts from within, where well-nourished, healthy hair makes all the difference when it comes to that glossy, effortless look.

Hurel’s expert tips for achieving glass hair:

Start with a smooth foundation: use a hydrating, smoothing haircare routine.

Perfect your blow-dry: work in small sections using a round brush for maximum smoothness.

Flat iron in thin sections: for an even, glassy finish.

Seal in shine: with a lightweight oil or shine spray, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.

Maintain regularly: trim split ends and do weekly deep conditioning to keep hair looking flawless.

Get this ‘straight’

While curly or wavy-haired girls can embrace their natural texture, those looking to switch things up with a sleeker look can try glass hair. With the right smoothing and straightening techniques, anyone can achieve a glass-like shine—even in frizz-prone areas. In-salon treatments like hair botox, nanoplastia, keratin, cysteine and more are designed to relax the hair shaft, reduce frizz and add shine. While older keratin treatments often contained formaldehyde, newer techniques avoid these harmful chemicals altogether, so it’s best to look for formaldehyde-free formulas and check with your stylist. These treatments are especially effective in humidity-prone regions like India, where heat tools alone don’t keep the frizz away for long.

Get your shine on with these at-home product picks:

Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drop

fHair Blow-Dry Again UV Protector Hair Serum

L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner

3TENX Hydrify Gloss Mist

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

OUAI Hair Gloss

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

Also read: The best dry shampoos for every hair type that actually save your good hair days

Also read: Frizz, who? These nourishing hair oils are your secret weapon to locking in moisture after every wash