How to get glass hair that won’t break the bank

If you said ‘describe glass hair in one word’ to anyone on the planet (or at least anyone with a penchant for beauty), they’d undoubtedly say ‘expensive’. Something about the sheen and silkiness simply screams ‘luxury’.

Showing off spy-it-from-space gloss, plus strength that you can both feel and see, glass hair scores an 11/10 in the ‘looking healthy’ stakes. For that very reason, it tends to be the exact look that anyone with dull hair longs for the most.

Take a glimpse at any of our beauty moodboards, and you’ll find snaps of everyone from the Kardashian and Hadid sisters to Zendaya and Hailey Bieber all showing off the laminated, liquid hair look. But unlike said celebs, we don’t all have glass hair-savvy glam squads on hand to make our looks look so stunningly luxe.

However, looking like a billion bucks (a million doesn’t do the aesthetic justice, sorry) doesn’t have to station you in a salon chair for a full day and a full breakdown when the bill arrives. Play your cards (AKA choose your products) right, and you can lock in a luxurious laminated look for less than you’d spend on a weekend’s worth of coffee and croissants, right from your own bathroom.

We advise paying close attention; we at BEAUTYcrew HQ are about to let you in on the secrets to getting smooth, strong, shiny glass hair without sabotaging your savings…

Step 1: Curate your product collection

Now, if you’re aiming to achieve salon-level results from your own bathroom, you’re going to need to approach your product selection like the pros do. All haircare formulas are not created equal, and you’ll require the most advanced options possible on your side for this mission. If you ask us (and hello, you have, you’re here!), no routine rivals the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss range, which features a shampoo, conditioner, laminating treatment (more on that in a minute), and leave-in serum that’ll let you secure the look you’re longing for.

Not only does the Glycolic Gloss quartet look stellar on your shelf thanks to its luxe look and candy pink colour, but its four formulas are undoubtedly the new frontier in haircare. As the name fittingly suggests, this hair-glazing routine is all about gloss - because nothing showcases genuine hair health quite like gleaming shine. Its hero ingredient? Glycolic acid. Yes, you read that right - the talents of our beloved glycolic extend from our skin to our hair. Able to rid our strands of the buildup holding it back from reaching its glassiest potential, the glycolic acid-infused formula works to restore hair from the inside out, sealing in coveted shine and smoothness. Think about it: healthy hair is smooth hair, and smooth surfaces reflect shine like nothing else. So up the shine and smoothness in one, and you’ve got a stellar strategy.

Intrigued? Of course you are, we’d judge you if you weren’t! Luckily, the Glycolic Gloss range is readily available at an array of your favourite local retailers (and as we mentioned, is surprisingly affordable considering its luxurious results). Add the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo ($9.49 at Chemist Warehouse), L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Conditioner ($9.49 at Chemist Warehouse), L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 MInute Lamination Rinse-Off ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse) and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Leave-In Serum ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse) to cart to get started on your glass hair journey…

Step 2: Shampoo and condition

Once you’ve got the products in hand, it’s time to make sure you master the routine. Start by massaging in the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo ($9.49 at Chemist Warehouse), before rinsing well. Next, apply the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Conditioner ($9.49 at Chemist Warehouse) from lengths to tips, leave on for three minutes, then wash out. Sensory spoiler alert: the fragrance features a dreamy trio of grapefruit, jasmine and cedarwood, so you know you’re in for an aromatic treat as you wash. Trust us, this stuff even smells expensive.

Step 3: Laminate your locks

Here’s where the true magic happens. Enter the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Rinse-Off ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse), AKA the range’s at-home glossing service. This formula has the ability to transform your hair (with glassy, intense shine that’ll last through your next 10 shampoos*) when combined with the shampoo and conditioner. How?! Aforementioned (and newly-appointed) haircare hero glycolic acid is a key contributor - its exfoliating properties come into play beautifully, making sure everything limiting your hair’s shine levels is ousted ASAP.

You’ll want to apply generously after rinsing out your conditioner, working the formula from roots to tips. Leave on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly - FYI, Taylor Swift’s “betty” lasts precisely four minutes and 54 seconds, so a round of that will entertain you while you wait. As for what’ll be happening to your hair while you decode Swift’s lyricism, the formula perfectly realigns cuticles to smooth (10 points to L’Oréal Paris), and seals hair with a shiny glaze you’d previously only be able to achieve through a professional lamination treatment. Yep, for less than thirty bucks.

Step 4: Seal in that sheen

So your hair’s laminated to the point of practically looking like liquid; your work here is almost done. Lastly, simply seal the deal with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Leave-In Serum ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse). Rub two drops between the palms of your hands, then apply evenly through the lengths and ends of your hair, whether wet or dry. The sensory treats of feeling the intense smoothness and spying that reflective shine will reward you for finishing the routine right.

Step 5: Try not to brag (because your hair will do it for you)

As the old saying goes, money talks, but wealth whispers. There’s no need to wax lyrical about how good you look; your hair’s glassy gloss levels will do all the bragging for you. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with gracefully accepting glowing reviews, and letting your hair’s newfound fans know about the routine that’ll give them the same results... Glass hair this good shouldn’t be gatekept.

*Instrumental test on Shampoo, conditioner and 5 minute lamination


Main image credit: Getty Images/BEAUTYcrew

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