The ‘skinification’ of hair — where hair care uses the same ingredients found in skin care — has been booming for the last few years, and shows no sign of slowing down. As a result, hair trends have been coming thick and fast, but one that has particularly stood out to us? The liquid hair trend.
WHAT IS THE LIQUID HAIR TREND
Unlike the ‘wet hair’ trend, liquid hair isn’t actually liquid. It’s about immense shine — so much so that it reflects, like light on water (where the name of the trend comes from). Liquid hair also looks sleek and soft, with envious volume and body (à la the glossy hair seen on the likes of J.Lo, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé etcetera) andvoilà, that is liquid hair.
WHERE DID THE LIQUID HAIR TREND COME FROM
As we said before, skinification plays a part in new hair trends, but there’s something else at hand too: the Gloss is Boss trend.
Before you imagine a lip gloss dressed in a suit, let us explain. As we predicted in our 2024 Beauty Trend Report, gloss is set to take over 2024, starting with the most obvious place on the body: lips. Brands including Summer Fridays, Tower 28 and Milk Makeup are just a few that have created products delivering a jelly-like pout — bringing glossy lips akin to 90s supermodels back in a big way.
Beloved by Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez, the TikTok-viral K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask brings parched locks back from the brink, thanks to a hefty dose of the brand’s patented K18Peptide. The result? Bouncy, strong and shiny-looking strands that will leave you looking like you’ve just left the salon.
Get the gloss – literally – with the OUAI Hair Gloss. Blending hyaluronic acid, rice water, sugar beets and panthenol for a superbly smooth finish that lasts up to three (!) days, this in-shower treatment increases hydration, protects your colour and promotes healthier, shinier-looking hair.
Doing what it says on the tin, the amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo uses star ingredient and potent plant, sea buckthorn, to seal in moisture, while restoring the look of hair elasticity. It's also brilliant for dyed hair as it’s designed to protect colour vibrancy, as well as shield against pollution and environmental aggressors. Pair it with the matching amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Conditioner to boost your shine further.
Wish you could give your shampoo some extra oomph? Simply mix it with the Function of Beauty Shine #HairGoal Booster Shots to give your hair a boost of shine and silky softness. It’s also infused with moisturising amaranth extract, taken from the vibrantly purple amaranth plant. (Google it, you won’t be disappointed!)
Feel like you’re #always getting caught in the rain? The Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray has you covered, sealing each strand with an invisible, waterproof shield to boost sleek shine and prevent flyaways. Not only that, but it’s pleasantly lightweight (there’s no greasy residue here) and lasts for up to four washes. Result.
The ghd Original Hair Straightener has captured hearts around the globe for easily and effectively straightening all hair types without causing damage, thanks to ceramic plates that ensure consistent and even heat delivery, with snag-free floating plates.
Jonathan Van Ness knows a thing or two about healthy hair, and they’ve bottled it in the JVN Complete Nourishing Shine Drops. Simply smooth through your finished hair style for swishy, reflection-worthy shine that’ll be the talk of your friends, colleagues and your local barista.
One of Cult Beauty’s Junior Copywriters, Emma is a beauty obsessive who loves nothing more than keeping on top of the latest beauty trends, ingredients and innovations. Efficient, potent skin care with proven results is her weakness (she’s never without her ride or die Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm) and loves a relaxing evening in with a face mask, hair oil and candle. When Emma’s not staying up to date with the latest industry news or ordering a Cult Beauty haul, she can be found with her head buried in glossy magazines, obsessing over dogs of *every* shape and size, or visiting her favourite movie locations (Bridget Jones’ flat, anyone?).
