I Desire Lustrous, Silky Hair by September—A Hairstylist Suggested I Follow These Steps.
I desire hair that is so glossy it seems perpetually wet—strands that mirror a shimmering waterfall. I want tresses that catch the light with every movement of my head. In other words, I'm after "liquid" hair. This has been a long-time aspiration for my parched, color-treated locks, and it’s particularly at the forefront of my thoughts this summer as rich, shiny hair colors remain popular for 2026. "Reflective, super-shiny, glass hair will be the norm in salons and at home," celebrity colorist Rita Hazan previously shared about this year's hair trends. After a summer full of saltwater and sun exposure, my hair isn't currently meeting the shine standard, but I have a few weeks to restore its health before autumn. To ensure I greet September with the "liquid" hair I dream of, I consulted celebrity hairstylist Xavier Velasquez for a personalized checklist. Below are the top three tips I'm committing to… starting now. If you also want to transition into fall with the most luxurious-looking hair possible, I recommend doing the same. Consider it a collective challenge.
1. Include Weekly Reparative Treatments
The reality of "liquid" hair is that healthy, vibrant strands reflect light better. Therefore, while you can use as many shine sprays as desired, understand that the effect won't last unless you prioritize repair. "The ultimate 'liquid' finish occurs at the cuticle level," Velasquez confirms. Shine sprays can be beneficial—they provide a lovely, luminous layer to your hair, similar to how lip gloss offers temporary sparkle—but the effect is fleeting. To ensure enduring silkiness, aim to incorporate a bond-repairing or deep-conditioning treatment at least once a week. "Seek out products that smooth and seal the cuticle to create a healthier, more reflective hair surface," Velasquez suggests. You'll gain extra points for choosing a shine-boosting treatment that also repairs from within. For those with color-treated hair, be sure to select color-safe formulas and avoid clarifying agents or alcohols to prevent stripping the color.
**My Top Favorite Formulas**
**REVLON Colorsilk After Color Mask**
2. Rinse With Cold Water
It may seem straightforward, but a cold-water rinse can work wonders for achieving immediate silkiness. Don’t worry—you don't need to endure a freezing shower. Just turn the faucet to cold after rinsing out your conditioner right before finishing your shower. "I always recommend a cold-water rinse at the end to seal the cuticle, which locks in smoothness and maximizes shine," Velasquez advises. A quick cold-water rinse also offers skincare benefits (not to mention a calming effect), making it one of the easiest beauty hacks. Personally, I like to detangle during this phase using a wide-tooth comb or my trusty Tangle Teezer. A showerhead filter is also effective in preventing mineral buildup on the hair shaft, which can make hair look duller.
**My In-Shower Staples**
**Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler**
**HigherDose Red Light Showerhead Filter**
3. Trim the Ends
"The first piece of advice I have is to get a trim," Velasquez states. You might not think it will have much impact on shine, but trust the expert: Dead, damaged ends can make your entire mane appear lackluster. "Split ends don't fix themselves," he adds. "If untreated, they’ll continue moving up the hair shaft, leaving your hair looking dull, frizzy, and lifeless." Contrary to what you might believe, regular haircuts help with length as well; split ends can ascend the hair shaft and break off, stunting growth. Ultimately, no amount of reparative hair masks can revive ends in desperate need of a trim. It’s far better to cut them and start fresh, so that those hydrating, shine-enhancing treatments can effectively do their jobs. "It’s one of the most efficient ways to revitalize dull hair in time for the fall season," Velasquez assures. By September, you'll flaunt the shiniest, silkiest strands.
**Shop More Shine-Inducing Hair Products**
**COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray**
My blowouts wouldn’t be the same without my cherished Dream Coat. It not only adds a layer of shine but also fights humidity and frizz. A true winner.
**REVLON Colorsilk After Color Serum**
After trimming, applying this reparative hair serum is the best step for split ends. It reduces frays by up to 99% and instantly removes visible damage. Plus, the color-safe formula keeps your strands vibrant.
**Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray**
"Glassy Smooth" is the perfect description. Celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan's blow-dry prep mist provides a reflective, mirror-like
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I Desire Lustrous, Silky Hair by September—A Hairstylist Suggested I Follow These Steps.
An individual checklist.
