While Erling Haaland and Connor Storrie are trying to turn the wave of men’s hairstyles into a buzz cut, we all, deep down, crave the curtain-cut, mid-part glossy hair of the 90’s. Shah Rukh Khan, Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham all had the same hairstyle that instantly made glossy hair synonymous with a heartthrob's haircut.
What happened to the glossy 90s hair?
In the past two decades since, men have become just a bit more experimental with their hair. Faux hawks, buzz cuts, and side parts became popular styles to try. These meant using heavy gels and promades that overtime dried up the hair cuticles resulting in frizzy hair.
“I don't think the desire for shiny hair has changed,” says celebrity hairstylist, Flavien Heldt. “We often rely heavily on styling products for an instant finish, whereas truly luminous hair starts with the condition of the hair itself.”
“There is also much more colouring, bleaching, heat styling and chemical processing, which can roughen the cuticle and make hair scatter light rather than reflect it evenly,”Vijai Vadivu Rangasamy, Hair Specialist & Hair Care Formulator. The changing environmental factors such as sun, rain, pollution and humidity can make hair look dull, dry and frizzy. “But the good thing is that we now have much better products that can smooth the cuticle, reduce friction, protect against heat and humidity, and create shine without necessarily making the hair greasy or stiff.”
What to do to get the 90s hair at home?
Getting the 90s hair is a lot easier than you think. It doesn;t involve going to a salon for an extensive hair spa. It can be achieved by incorporating the right hairstyling products in your routine. Held emphasises that to make your hair shine again, you need to start working at the roots. “When the cuticle is smooth and well cared for, it reflects light naturally. Glass-like shine starts there.” Regularly using deep conditioning masks, gloss treatments can help achieve this.
Post hair wash, using a microfibre towel to dry the hair can help keep hair frizz free as opposed to a regular towel, these small changes can make a big difference. “The drying process can make a big difference,” adds Rangasamy. “For a sleek look, direct your blow dryer along the direction of the hair to help smooth the surface and reduce frizz. For curly hair, use a diffuser on low speed and low heat.” But make sure to use a heat protectant first. “On dry hair serums and oils are essentials to lock-in the glossiness. The key is to use just enough to add shine without weighing the hair down with excess product.”
In shower: Hair gloss and hair mask
Start by incorporating a nourishing mask and an at home hair gloss treatment. “Using a hairmask around twice a week for deep nourishment. The key is not to chase shine as a surface effect — build healthier, stronger hair underneath it,” says Heldt. You can pair these hair masks with hair gloss that will help you achieve the shine faster while moisturising your hair. “Hair gloss works by smoothing the outer surface of the hair, which allows it to reflect light better,” says Rangasamy. These glosses include ingredients such as silicones, lightweight oils, conditioning agents, panthenol and fatty alcohols that help seal in the moisture, help reduce frizz and make the hair feel softer.
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Nexxus Promend Moisture Collagenizing Hair Mask
L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Gloss Acidifier Spray
OUAI Hair Gloss
Post shower: Hair oils and serums
“Once the hair is washed it is important to seal in the moisture using hair oils or serum. As this final step can give you that beautiful glossy finish,” advices Rangasamy. Look for lightweight oils and serums. “Don't keep adding more products thinking it will give you more shine. Too much oil or serum can actually make the hair look greasy, heavy and dull,” she adds. Just a couple of pumps and you will ensure that the 90s beautiful glossy hair is yours.
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Hair Oil
L'Occitane Intensive Repair Anti-Frizz Serum
&done Ultralight Serum-in-Oil
Kerastase Gloss Absolu Anti-Frizz Glaze Oil Drops