Fluid hair, also known as liquid hair, has been trending over the past year, with over four million views on TikTok. While the trend may only be a year or so old, fluid hair has always been in. Unless you’re looking for a stiff updo, which has its time and place, you’re probably in the market for fluid hair.
What is fluid hair?
Fluid hair is hair that “has natural, healthy movement and flow,” says Jessica Grigoriou, head of beauty marketing and Salon & Masstige hair portfolio director at Unilever NA. “It is all about strong, nourished strands with high shine, hydration and natural elasticity,” she adds. Celebrity hairstylist Johnny Lavoy says to “think of the way hair moves underwater,” and that’s exactly what TRESemmé did with their most recent launch.
The brand attached itself to the idea of fluid hair quite literally. TRESemmé collaborated with the Women’s Olympic Artistic Swim Team to create a short film choreographed by Parris Goebel highlighting hair movement. The film featured the team’s flowing strands as they move beneath the water. This accompanies the brand’s recent launch of the Pro Infusion Fluid line. The team, which generally wears gelatin in their hair to keep it stiff, enjoyed trading that in for flowing hair. To celebrate the launch, the brand hosted an event in West Hollywood where the team performed, and a variety of experts spoke on the trend.
Why is fluid hair trending?
“Over the past few years, hairstyles have shifted from stiff to more natural styles that have more movement and flexibility. The super sleek ‘glass’ hair trend has evolved to the fluid hair trend. This incorporates more natural movement that enhances hair’s natural texture,” says Grigoriou. “Women are gravitating toward hair that embraces natural movement and healthy shine. It’s a way to embrace individuality and personal style.”
Lavoy notes that the shiny gloss that comes with this trend reflects light and makes hair appear super healthy. He notes that, as with many trends, fluid hair is a new iteration of trends past. According to Lavoy, the original trend is the silk press, which women of color have been doing for years.
How to get fluid hair
“There are different ways to achieve fluid hair depending on your hair type. For people who have naturally straight hair, it’s more about product selection,” says Lavoy. Grigoriou says it’s all about the ingredients when it comes to achieving fluid hair through a combination of shine, smoothness and natural movement. She recommends using the Pro Infusion Fluid shampoo and conditioner as the perfect base for fluid hair.
“Coconut oil plays a large role in the shine and smooth benefit, and salon-based plant protein penetrates hair and is known to restore strength and moisture,” says Grigoriou. “We also recommend using the Pro Infusion Fluid Smooth Hair Tonic ($7), infused with niacinamide, as a leave-in treatment before blowdrying to further enhance shine and smoothness.”
Lavoy notes that those with curly hair might want to consider a Brazilian blowout if they’re after the fluid hair look. “It will help you maintain a smooth, shiny look with much less effort,” he explains. However, if you want to avoid chemicals, begin with a smoothing balm, blow dry and finish with a flat iron. “For extra shine, use shine drops. Brazilian Blowout Dry Oil ($26) is great because you get the shine without a heavy feel allowing movement to the hair.”
For those with straight hair, Lavoy recommends WOW Dream coat ($28). It has a super reflective shine and locks “out moisture, so it retains that sleek look even in more humid weather,” says Lavoy. Spray it section by section then blow dry with an extra large round brush for a straight look with a bit of movement, he advises. “For wavy hair, you can get the look with a product like Kerastase Soin Acide Chroma Gloss Hair Gloss ($55),” says Lavoy. “Apply from mid-length to ends, and a little goes a long way. Blow dry with a large round brush or paddle brush.”
