Glass Hair, beloved by Kim Kardashian and Yvonne Orji, is easier to recreate than it looks. IGK co-founder Leo Izquierdo shows us how it’s done.
Few beauty trends have been as widely adopted by celebrities as “Glass Hair” has been lately. The style we’re talking about here is a blunt-cut bob that’s so sleek it could cut…well, glass. A blindingly glossy sheen is the defining characteristic of the glass hair look, and pretty much everyone, from Insecure actress Yvonne Orji to Dua Lipa, is sporting it this summer. But we’ll give you this Kim Kardashian selfie as an example:
As you can see, the razor sharp look of these put-together bobs is severe. It’s so severe that you might be wondering how in the world these women are able to get their hair so smooth. As someone with thick, course hair, this seemed like a near impossible feat. Luckily, IGK co-founder Leo Izquierdo has outlined the IGK products he uses to get pin-straight Glass Hair. Izquierdo has worked on the great manes of Eliza Johnson and Vera Wang, so we are definitely in good hands here.
Step 1: A Clean Palette
“Bad & Bougie” shampoo and conditioner, $25 each at IGK
Like all great things, Glass Hair begins with a shower. Cleansing and conditioning is the first step towards glossy locks, and it’s important to infuse some moisture in your hair to prime your it for enhanced shine. There’s no better way to do this than using a shampoo and conditioner with restorative oils. IGK’s “Bad & Bougie” formula contains a smoothing mixture of Amla and Coconut oils. Plus, it has a patented vegetable protein complex to keep hair strong and healthy.
Step 2: Wet, Without the Wild
“Supershine” light cream and “Power Drops”, $52 and $58 each at Oribe
If you have thick, frizzy, or coarse hair, then this step is a non-negotiable. In order to prevent your hair from drying out when applying heat, you have to apply a high-quality leave-in conditioner and shine treatment to your damp hair. We recommend Oribe’s “Supershine” light cream, followed up by the brand’s new “Power Drops,” which help to smooth the hair cuticles and lock in moisture. Oribe’s products are pricey, but well worth it, considering this is perhaps the most important step to glossy hair.
Step 3: Beat the Heat
IGK “GOOD BEHAVIOR” spray, $32 at Sephora
If you plan to apply heat to your hair, whether it’s using a blow dryer or iron, then it’s imperative to use a heat styling spray. For a high impact look, Izquierdo recommends using “[IGK’s] ‘GOOD BEHAVIOR’ Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray in sections on damp hair and blow dry in. The product is heat-activated and uses spirulina and keratin proteins and innovative bonding polymers to mimic the very shiny, smooth look of a keratin treatment.”
Izquierdo says, “To maximize glassy results, spray again on dry hair (the product has 450*F heat protection) and flat iron in. Do small sections for best results.”
Step 4: Seal the Deal
“Neon Lights” dry oil spray, $29 at R+Co
Once you’re done battering your hair with heat, make sure to use a post-heat styling product to keep your sleek mane intact. Obviously, use your discretion with this step. If you have thinner hair, make sure to go easy on the spray, lest you run the risk of having greasy (instead of glass) hair. We recommend trying R+Co’s “Neon Lights” dry oil spray for enhanced softness and shine. It’s packed with antioxidants that protect the hair follicles from free radicals and adds dimension to your hair color as well.