This is the ultimate glass hair routine for shiny hair

I think we can universally agree that shiny, glass hair is a good thing. It signifies hair health (tick), enhances your colour whether it’s natural or dyed and, in some cases, doubles as a mirror for those around you (maybe an exaggeration, but you get what I mean). Fortunately, we’re living in a time where innovation within the haircare category is at an all time high, and it’s never been easier to curate a glass hair routine that will leave you neither limp nor greasy, just glossy and holographic.

The ultimate glass hair routine according to a RUSSH editor, below.

Step 1: Clarify

A clean scalp is the first thing to consider when curating the ultimate glass hair routine. You can’t achieve mirror-like shine if you have product build-up, or excess oils. Clarifying your hair and scalp is essential. Shampoo for at least 60 seconds, and twice over if you have fine hair prone to greasy roots — likewise if you use a lot of product. Kérastase Bain Hydra-Glaze Illuminate Shampoo is the perfect one for the task. It has glycolic acid to dissolve any sebum or excess skin cells, plus hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate individual strands. It essentially affords a deep, long-lasting clean hair feeling with simultaneous hydration.

Step 2: Cuticle-sealing nourishment

Now you want to go back in with a nourishing conditioner or mask that will deliver nutrition to the hair while smoothing cuticles (this will form the basis of you glassy finish). Properly nourished, hydrated hair will also resist frizz. Kérastase Insta Glaze Conditioner is made for this. It smooths and softens without weight for polished, plumped finish.

Step 3: Prep

Before you style, whether that’s with heat or without, applying a leave-in cream or treatment is essential, as it will add extra nourishment and prolong the effects of your style. You can pick or choose one based on your hair type, whether that’s an oil (great for coarse hair), a cream, light milk or even a mist (perfect for finer hair). If you are prone to greasy roots, only apply from the mid lengths to ends, as well.

I also like to dry my hair with a microfibre towel at this point. Act + Acre do a good one.

Step 4: Styling

The way you style your hair will depend on your hair type and preference, but I can’t deny the power of heat styling for extra gloss. I am partial to my Dyson Airwrap as it takes the guesswork out, or you could use a blow dryer and round brush. For a poker straight finish, you could even run over your hair with an iron. I love my trusty ghd platinum+.

If you prefer to air dry, try not to touch your hair until it’s completely void of moisture to prevent fluffiness and frizz.

Step 5: A final glaze

This is perhaps the most critical step in your glass hair routine, as it will seal off the cuticle and impart a super-glossy, reflective finish. The Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops were formulated for this very purpose. The lightweight oil texture glides over the hair, infusing each strand with wild rose for long-lasting smoothness and shine. They’re not at all greasy (I can attest to this as someone with short, fine-textured hair), so won’t compromise bounce or volume. Instead you can expect zero flyaways and hair that’s so glass, it almost looks liquified.