The hair trend of now; super shine (and here's how to do it yourself)
For everyone who knows me a little: shiny hair is really a rare phenomenon for me. Not only because of dyeing (guilty), but also simply because I naturally have a somewhat drier hair structure. But fortunately, the beauty world is not standing still. Because an ingredient has emerged that does provide shiny and healthy hair. It's called glycolic acid. That acid you thought was only for your face (exfoliant). This is seriously the latest miracle product for the best and most beautiful shine treatment.
What is glycolic acid actually?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that occurs naturally in sugar cane. You probably know it as an ingredient in exfoliating facial products – think: glow in a bottle. Love it. But thanks to the smallest molecular size of all AHA’s it penetrates not only deep into your skin but also into your hair shaft. And that means: care from within.
Why is shiny hair so hard to achieve?
Shine occurs when your hair cuticles lie perfectly flat, allowing light to reflect off them. But those cuticles are tortured daily: by heat, dyeing, brushing, air pollution, hard water… result: frizzy, dry, and dull hair. Glycolic acid is therefore exactly the ingredient to soften, seal, and retain moisture on the hair surface.
What does glycolic acid do for your hair?
Glycolic acid seals your hair cuticles, making it smoother and giving it more shine. It hydrates very deeply, so it's less brittle. It repairs your damaged hair, perfect for when you dye it. It makes it perfectly combable due to the silky soft hair. And it improves elasticity, so less frizz.
Who is glycolic acid suitable for?
Glycolic acid is actually the perfect multitasker that everyone with any hair type can benefit from. But especially for me. Do you also have dry, dull, and damaged hair? Or, like me, dyed and highlighted? Or wavy / curly hair? Then this is really perfect.
Note: do you also, like me, have super dry or sensitive hair? Then start with a slightly lower concentration and a product that you rinse out.
How to best use glycolic acid
Fortunately, you don't have to be a beauty chemist – these products with glycolic acid are simply available for purchase:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Glycolic Gloss treatment (this 5-minute treatment seals the hair cuticles)
My tip: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss or Amika Flash Instant Shine mask
If we can recommend two products, then it's these:
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss
This is a complete line with shampoo, conditioner, gloss rinse treatment, and serum – to completely transform your hair from dull to mega shine. This formula contains 6% glycolic acid complex, seals the hair cuticles, and gives shine.
Amika FLASH Instant Shine Mask
Also an absolute favorite of mine! This shine mask (inspired by the Korean beauty ritual “Splash Mask”) works even in 60 seconds. It hydrates and also provides mega shine.
Shiny hair = healthy hair
What an exfoliant does for your face, glycolic acid does for your hair.
Image: @dualipa
