Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s very likely that the viral Japanese hair masks have popped up on your feed. Their claim to fame is giving your hair that enchanted glass-like shine. Now of course I had to do some digging and analyse these claims. There’s a lot to uncover about Japanese haircare, and I wanted to go beyond just skin-deep, so stay with me while I reveal all the secrets to achieving the glass hair of your dreams.
While the glass or liquid hair trend is relatively new, Japan has been making fabulous haircare since decades. It has only come to the fore now because of the glass hair mania. Now what exactly is glass hair? Beyond just its shiny appearance, glass hair requires your hair to be supremely nourished and strong. This is what will give you that smooth hair you can’t stop touching and frizz can’t get near even with a 10 foot pole.
Japanese haircare has taken social media by storm as the worship-worthy solution to all your hair woes, owing to its incredibly simple, functional and holistic philosophy. We all know that the Japanese are a practical, solution-oriented people. So it makes sense that their products would follow the same path. These products are multitaskers, don’t need to be kept on for too long and the ingredients are so gentle and nurturing, yet high performing. The Japanese way of life reflects in their beauty philosophy- it is the perfect balance between European minimalism and Korea’s elaborate routines.
So, what you can expect from Japanese products is fewer, super efficient products that layer well and potent, botanical ingredients in unique formulations. The focus is also a lot on scalp health and wellness, which is ultimately the foundation of healthy hair. Here are some of our recommendations that you need to give a shot!
Moist, Diane Extra Shine Shampoo Treatment Set
This argan oil and keratin infused shampoo and treatment set is a great option for medium thick hair that’s prone to frizz and dryness. Unlike a conditioner, the treatment doesn’t have to be left on for what feels like an eternity in the shower and somehow still manages to leave your hair slippery smooth.
Get it here.
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Serum Hair Mask
Ah, the product that started it all. This insanely viral hair mask that brought Japanese hair care to prominence has a unique jelly-like texture and is seriously lightweight. Royal jelly, squalene and pearl peptide nourish and strengthen hair in just a few uses and leave fine hair soft and fluffy. Again, you can rinse it off as soon as you want, and it’ll still perform fabulously.
Get it here.
Shiseido Tsubaki Premium EX Repair Mask
More suited to hair that requires intense TLC, this will likely work better for you than the Fino mask, if you’re looking for damage repair and have slightly thicker hair. It has the additional ingredients of camellia oil, glycerin and amino acids that will give you visibly healthy hair and that mirror-reflecting shine we’re after.
Get it here.
Kaminomoto Trigger Hair Growth Accelerator
The only product that uses the masaki leaf extract, which is proven to trigger hair growth, this scalp treatment serum has a non-greasy texture and can be left overnight with no rinsing required the next day. It has shown results on even the most unfortunate cases of hair thinning, so you know you’ve struck gold with this product. Massaging it into your scalp stimulates blood capillaries even further, and will set you up for a night of sleeping like a baby.
&honey Silky Smooth Moist Hair Set
I’ll be honest, I did not expect to love this duo THIS much. A shampoo and “hair pack” formulated with 3 varieties of honey, they manage to cleanse, hydrate and detangle fine hair beautifully, without weighing it down even the slightest bit. And what’s more is that it smells so good, you won’t want to leave the shower.
Milbon Plarmia Hair Serum Oil
Coming from someone who struggles with weighed down hair from even the lightest serums, trust me when I say this one is a Godsend for fine and medium hair. Powered by jojoba and primrose oil and plant proteins, I can confirm this will leave your hair feeling stronger and fuller. I promise, you won’t be able to stop running your fingers through your hair.
Ilem Japan Yasashi Hair Bento
If you’re a fan of the old-school foamy and lathered up texture, and have been desperately searching for a chemical-free version of what your favourite shampoo from your teenage years felt like, this is the one for you. It’s mild, but super cleansing and has a calming scent. The conditioner is rich and just needs a couple minutes to give you a soft mane, like you’ve just had a fancy hair spa.
