What is liquid hair? How To Achieve Glass-Like Tresses At Home
Ultra-smooth, shiny hair is having a major moment – here’s how to get the look
Seen on all our favourite Instagram influencers and worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Jennifer Lopez, liquid hair is characterised by ultra-smooth, shiny, fluid strands. The pin-straight style is the perfect trend for holiday festivities – or for those hoping to glam up their everyday hairstyle.
But what is liquid hair?
“Unlike the sheetlike straightness that was the hallmark of its predecessor, glass hair, liquid hair is a little softer because the look favours fluid movement with plenty of sheen,” explains Karl Warner, artistic director at Pastels Salon Ritz Carlton.
What types of smoothing treatments are recommended for getting the liquid hair look?
Want to try this glossy hair trend, while cutting your blow-dry time and minimizing frizz? Karl recommends booking an appointment for a keratin treatment such as Brae and KeraStraight, which easily and effectively remove frizz from your hair and leave it silky-smooth, with a high-gloss finish.
One of Karl’s favourite treatments for his clients, Brae is a one-step keratin treatment that uses a combination of active ingredients including hydrolysed protein from soy, corn and glutamic acid and advanced nanotechnology to smooth the hair in a single session, lasting up to three months. Application techniques can be tailored to your hair type to give a bespoke finish that is suitable for both straight and curly hair. Brae is perfect for anyone who is looking to remove frizz and reduce volume, resulting in a natural straight-looking hair, softening curls without removing them.
Another option is KeraStraight treatment. Rather than rely on harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, KeraStraight KS Ultimate employs active ingredients, namely the innovative KS Complex, to encourage the re-building of keratin. This effectively repairs and strengthens the hair shaft to leave hair revitalised and with an incredible shine – key to achieving the liquid hair look.
How can I best achieve liquid hair at home?
We asked Karl Warner from Pastels Salon Ritz Carlton how to achieve the look ourselves.
Preparation is key for achieving this ultra-smooth style, and it’s easier than you may think. The right products – and a good straightener – can take you a long way.
Begin by prepping the hair by using the ideal shampoo and conditioner combination for your hair type, followed by a hydrating mask. Karl’s favourite is Kerastase’s Masqueintense, formulated with marula oil, camelia oil and argan oil to keep hair soft, nourished and moisturised.
“Once the hair is hydrated, use a hair oil such as Kerastase Elixir or Redken Oil for All and brush your hair from the mid-lengths to ends. Blow dry the hair using a large, barrel brush and finish by using the straightener on small sections of the hair to leave it smooth,” recommends Karl Warner.
To lock in the style, finish with a gloss spray to get that high-voltage shine.
Any special tips for those with very curly or dry hair that want to try liquid hair?
“For those who want to tame their curls, make sure you use moisturising haircare specifically designed for curls such as Redken Curvaceous or Kerastase Oleocurl. Also, you should invest in a mousse and a product such as L’Oreal Siren Wave for the hold. If you really want to defrizz your hair, then a keratin treatment is recommended,” explains Karl Warner.
Lead image courtesy Instagram/@chrisappleton1