Photo Finish Hair Is Trending, According to Experts
"Photo Finish Hair" Is the Latest Catwalk Trend, but What Is It?
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The trend for all things shiny, or glazed as the case may be, doesn't seem to be going anywhere. From our skin to our glazed doughnut nails, we've all been on the ultra-light reflective shine train for a while. Hair has also enjoyed it's own glassy moments with wet-look hair and slicked back buns being key trends. However, these looks tend to take a lot of products and, if not executed correctly, can make your hair look more greasy than glossy.
That's where the new Photo Finish Shine comes in; an uber glossy, yet natural texture finish that looks like its been caught by the flash of a camera. Spring summer '24 catwalk shows, including Jil Sander, Balmain, and Max Mara, were awash with silky hair, while singer Adele, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and Millie Mackintosh have all recently opted for this swishy shine.
Image Source: Getty
"It seems right now the shiny hair trend has filtered down to the beauty and style conscious consumer which is often the case after trends have hit the runway first," Halley Brisker, ghd ambassador, tells POPSUGAR. Ultimately, we want to get the look, without the faff. Celebrity Hair Stylist Sam McKnight MBE, coined the term after creating the look for Balmain. "The 'photo finish' shine is all about reflective, weightlessly supple locks to give the ultimate swish," he tells POPSUGAR. The key takeaway is that there should be shine plus movement, even if its in an up do, for it to really fulfil the healthy, strong, Photo Finish Shine.
What is Photo Finish Hair?
Photo Finish Shine screams healthy, glossy hair. The texture should be soft and silky, with minimal visible products so it looks like its your hair, but better. "Photo Finish Shine is a perfect example of shiny hair without the layers of product to achieve said shine," explains Brisker. Which is why it is so important to use the products and tools that really look after your hair, like the new ghd Chronos Hair Straighteners. They work three times faster than the original straighteners and claim to increase shine by 85 per cent.
How to Get Photo Finish Hair
This is all about embracing your natural texture, but for it to really shine, your hair needs to be in the best possible condition. Unfortunately the cold weather can zap the hair and scalp of moisture, which can lead to frizz, breakage, hair loss, and a flaky, itchy scalp. "It will also make your hair look less shiny, flat, and dull," Brisker continues.
McKnight recommends scaling up your haircare in a similar way to your skin care routine during the harsher winter months. "The scalp is an extension of the skin on your face, so is just as susceptible to seasonal changes," he explains. "Get your hair into its best shape and keep it there by using the right combination of my skincare-inspired haircare."
Photo Finish Shine Products
The products recommended to achieve the perfect Photo Finish Shine are essentially products that promote good hair health anyway. With a little hair oil at the end, the key to getting that silky sheen that looks as though you walk with a permanent ring light attached to your head is to look after your hair. Have a read of our hair routine ahead.
Add a Scalp Exfoliator to Improve Hair Health
Paul Mitchell Special Detox Tea Tree Foaming Salt Scrub(£17)
A good way to boost your scalp health is by introducing a weekly exfoliating scrub into your hair care routine. Apply to wet hair and gently massage into the scalp. Once it starts to lather up, ensure the whole area is covered in the product before rinsing away.
Switch to a Detoxifying Shampoo
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo(£40)
This shampoo is designed to remove any build-up or grime, which can all make hair appear dull and feeling flat. This detoxifying shampoo contains skin care style ingredients to really get to the root of the problem. The exfoliating blend of salicylic acid and activated charcoal will unclog hair follicles and get rid of any oils, metals, and dirt that's clinging on to the hair shaft or roots.
Introduce a Weekly Hair Mask
Ful Intense Moisture Mask(£32)
If your hair is struggling from the cold, winter weather then this mask is for you. It is full of shea butter, glycerin, and organic coconut oil to add back all the moisture and goodness that gets stripped from central heating. Formulated to salon standards this is like a big dose of hydration and smells incredible.
Prep Your Hair With a Nourishing Oil
Kerastase L'Huile Elixir (£27.50)
If you're struggling with frizzy or damaged hair, apply a few drops of this nourishing oil to clean, damp hair. It contains argan, marula, and camellia oil to seal split ends and smooth dry, fragile locks.
Use a Shine Enhancing Heat Protection Spray
Hair Proud Glass Hair Heat Activated Shine Spray(£9)
Apply to towel dried hair, this heat protective spray contains hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, to combat frizz and lock the moisture in. It is vegan, SLS/SLES and paraben free, and contains an encapsulated shine-boosting active to deliver a long-lasting shine with a waterproof finish.
Finish With Hair Oil
Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil(£32)
For the ultra Photo Finish Shine, add a few drops of hair oil to your finished style focusing on the ends, and working upwards into your mid-lengths. If you have tight curls, work it in with your fingers to add high-shine, moisture, and eliminate frizz.
