By Vanessa Chia - published
We’ve all heard about K-beauty glass skin. It’s that exceptionally smooth, luminous and translucent-like complexion that looks like glass. But did you know that this beauty trend has extended to our hair too?
What Is the Glass Hair Trend?
Glass hair is exactly as it sounds: Hair that is exceptionally polished and smooth with a mirror-like, high-shine. More importantly, it’s not achieved merely with a flat iron or a silicone-heavy product. Instead, it’s the result of hydrated and nourished hair that is glossy from the inside-out.
This means hair of all textures, from poker straight locks to glamourous curls or voluminous waves, can be equally lustrous. Think of your favourite Korean celebrities like IU, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and Blackpink’s Jisoo.
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The Key to Achieving Glass Hair
Achieving this level of shine and smoothness requires a haircare routine that is just as meticulous as a skincare routine, involving multiple steps from cleansing to treatment and styling.
K-beauty prioritises scalp care just as much as facial care—it’s why cleansing is the most important step, as it provides the foundation for healthy hair growth.
After all, the scalp is the extension of the skin on your face, and keeping it hydrated, nourished, balanced and soothed is essential for shiny, strong hair.
Just like its skincare counterparts, Korean shampoos focus on using gentle formulas to effectively cleanse away dirt as well as excess sebum and product build-up without stripping away moisture from the scalp. Plus, many of them are easy on the wallet too.
Fun fact: You’ll also find trending Korean active ingredients in Korean haircare solutions too, such as cica, ginseng, green tea and black bean.
In addition, to achieve that lustrous shine, the emphasis is on keeping hair smooth. This is also why the formulations are power-packed with peptides, niacinamide and ceramides to fill in porous strands while repairing and strengthening locks for that silky, sleek and shampoo commercial-worthy finish.
Whatever your hair type, take your pick from these 10 K-beauty shampoos to get that liquid-shine effect with ease.
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Best Korean Shampoos for Glass Hair
1. Cica Peptide Anti-Hair Loss Derma Scalp Shampoo, $27.50, Some by Mi at Shopee Mall
Infused with a blend of peptides and cica actives, this shampoo not only gently clarifies away impurities and dead skin cells that can clog the hair follicles, it also soothes inflammation while nourishing locks with its 11-peptide complex.
Plus, its hypoallergenic and silicone-free formula is mild, making it suitable even for the most sensitive of scalps.
2. Hair Strengthen & Volume Shampoo, $17.50, Ryo at Shopee Mall
A volumising shampoo that combines 40 years of research. It’s enriched with a proprietary triple collagen technology alongside ginseng, caffeine and black bean extracts to reduce hair breakage while strengthening the scalp and hair at the same time.
3. Quinoa Protein Shampoo, $38, Aromatica at Sephora
A sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo that combines protein-rich quinoa and oats together with betaine, pracaxi, almond and baobab oils; transforming your locks from dry and damaged to smooth, resilient and shiny.
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4. Deep Damage Repair Shampoo, $28, Unove at Shopee Mall
Say goodbye to frizz and hello to silky, healthy-looking locks. This shampoo nourishes damaged tresses with not one, but 30 different types of proteins and amino acids, alongside five plant-based oils—olive, macadamia seed, argan kernel, sunflower and camellia seed. The best bit? It doesn’t weigh the hair down. Instead, hair is softer, polished and shinier.
5. Perfect Serum Magic Straight Shampoo, $20.25, Mise en Scene at Olive Young Global
Using AmorePacific’s patented Aurora Flat formula that smooths hair cuticles, this frizz-fighting shampoo forms an anti-frizz barrier to help you achieve a smooth, shiny and sleek finish despite the heat and humidity. Packed with seven natural oils, it repairs damaged locks, leaving hair healthier with every use.
6. Cica Silky Shampoo, $33.68, Grafen at Shopee Mall
Healthy and lustrous locks start with a healthy scalp. With its hypo-allergenic formula, this shampoo gently cleanses and soothes the scalp. It’s suitable for even the most sensitive of scalps too, while repairing damage and locking in moisture for soft and strong tresses.
Its secret? A blend of botanical oils—sunflower seed, avocado and sweet almond—together with hydrolysed silk, collagen and protein.
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7. Damage Therapy Shampoo, $43.62, Growus at Shopee Mall
Restore shine, smoothness and strength to dry and damaged locks with this nourishing shampoo. Enriched with marine collagen, Himalayan pink salt, seaweed complex, protein complex and ceramide NP, it gently cleanses and tames frizz while adding shine to dull and unruly hair.
Plus, it also helps reduce breakage and split ends, ensuring hair stays smooth and manageable.
8. Multi-Perfection Shampoo, $29.90, Dr Groot at Guardian
Boost your hair’s volume with this anti-hair loss shampoo. It promotes blood circulation to improve scalp and hair health, and the use of ultra-fine biotin nano capsules nourish the hair at the roots so hair grows more resilient.
9. Day Collagen Shampoo, $26.16, Treecell at Shopee Mall
With 17 amino acids and niacinamide, this nourishing shampoo not only leaves hair smooth and silky, it also strengthens damaged locks, helping to reduce hair fall at the same time. In addition, it locks in moisture, keeping hair soft and more manageable.
The result: Hair is bouncy and looks healthy.
10. Damage Repair Keratin Shampoo, $42, Jung Beauty at Ksisters
Drawing inspiration from the holistic beauty practices of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, this damage repair shampoo focuses on using natural elements to restore balance to the scalp and hair. It’s infused with oat protein, black bean extract and probiotics to restore hydration, leaving locks soft and shiny. Plus, it helps reduce split ends, keeping frizz and fly-aways at bay.
Suitable for all hair types, from chemically-treated and damaged to rough and brittle.
This article contains products independently selected by our team of editors and writers. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices listed are accurate at the time of publishing.