You know that shine you get after a salon treatment? "Glass hair" is exactly what you see: shiny, soft hair with a unique, mirror-like shine. Indeed, shiny, healthy hair has always been the ideal, but it seems like 2026 is taking shine to a whole new level.

Aside from a salon visit, what's the secret to achieving the "glass hair" effect? ​​Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos explains that shine products do more than just add shine. "They also enhance color, improve softness, and help seal the cuticle for a smooth finish," Giannetos explains in our guide to the best shine products. Furthermore, fellow celebrity colorist St. Latimer added that shine products can "revive old color-treated hair or enhance the natural shine of uncolored hair."

The secret isn't in the styling, but in the condition of the hair fiber: when the cuticles are tight and well-hydrated, hair appears softer, more manageable, and incredibly shiny. Today, the "glass hair" effect can enhance any texture, from waves to curls, because the goal isn't to change the hair's shape, but to enhance its health and natural shine.

However, summer can be a foe for those hoping for the "glass hair" effect—the combination of sun, salt, chlorine, and humidity leads to dryness and frizz, leaving hair dull and lifeless. Not to mention wind and frequent washing. Luckily, shine products are here to the rescue! Designed to achieve a "glass hair" effect, these products help counteract these effects because:

• They deeply moisturize without weighing hair down;

• They smooth cuticles, reducing frizz;

• They increase shine with a mirror-like effect;

• They make hair softer and silkier;

• They help maintain a healthy look even after a day at the beach or pool.

There are countless ways to add shine to your hair, from shine-enhancing serums to rinse-out treatments, sprays, and more—no salon visit required. Keep scrolling to discover our favorites.

Rinse-Out Hair Treatments

For the hydration of a hair mask without the weight, try rinse-out treatments. With smoothing and film-forming ingredients, these formulas help smooth the cuticle, adding instant shine. The secret is to apply these treatments directly to clean, damp hair after shampooing. Kérastase's formula contains centella asiatica and tocopherol for hydration, while Davines's key ingredient is roquat oil. Oribe uses botanical moisturizers and the brand's signature antioxidant blend. And for a budget-friendly option, L'Oréal Paris offers a coconut oil-rich formula that will transform your hair.

Oils and Serums

Oils and serums are a simple solution for moisturizing dry hair. "Hair oil creates a protective layer around the hair shaft, which in turn locks in moisture and nutrients," Jannetos previously said. "As a result, your hair will feel more hydrated and have more shine."

For Brigitte Hill, the trichologist chose JVN Shine Drops for their weightless, non-sticky texture. Meanwhile, professional hairstylist Jasmine Kelly recommended Rōz Styling Oil. "This hair oil is lightweight, smooth, and never greasy," she said. "It's non-greasy and adds instant shine." Gisou's formula contains signature ethically sourced honey for hydration, and Cécred's blend of 13 different African oils is ideal for curly and textured hair.

Hair Masks

Add these to your routine when hair looks dry, dull, or damaged by sun, salt, and chlorine. With emollient and nourishing ingredients—like plant oils, shea butter, ceramides, proteins, and amino acids—they penetrate the hair fiber, helping restore moisture, elasticity, and softness.

Hair masks, while providing deep hydration, also feature shine-boosting formulas—and yes, they're different from conditioners. "Think of conditioners as body lotion and hair masks as body balm," hairstylist Justin Toves-Vinciglione previously told Vogue. Unlike conditioners, which are applied with every wash, masks require less frequent use. "Hair masks are specifically formulated to provide maximum nourishment and are not required or recommended for use more than once a week."

Hairstylist Raven Hurtado's pick is Color Wow's Money Masque, which delivers maximum shine and has a whipped gel formula. Meanwhile, Moroccanoil and R+Co also offer shine-boosting hair masks. And, of course, L'Oréal offers a great affordable option.