Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
Hair waters are the speedy at-home hair treatment perfect for major smoothing and shine
By Chloe Burcham &Charlotte Bitmead
4 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
A new wave of conditioners is taking over our bathrooms, promising silky smooth strands in as little as seven seconds. It’s time to make room on your shower caddy for a hair water.
For many of us, our hair care routine hasn’t changed for years. Of course, there’s the go-to shampoo and conditioner combo we swear by, maybe a leave-in conditioner or hair oil and, if we’re really sensible, a reliable heat-protection spray. But hair waters have earned a firm place in our routines as of late. They quickly gained momentum in the product development space, promising to condition hair and strengthen strands in mere seconds.
You might’ve heard the hype surrounding hair water back in 2020, when L’Oréal Elvive released its innovative 8 Second Wonder Water in the UK. The launch quickly blew up on TikTok with users reporting soft, healthy-looking hair in just one use. But now other brands are following suit, tweaking formulas and developing their own variations of the viral hair water.
How do hair waters work?
Unlike a traditional creamy conditioner, hair waters have the same lightweight consistency as water. They work by harnessing ‘lamellar technology’, which deposits proteins and amino acids back into any damaged areas along the hair cuticle. Simply rinse over the hair and leave for a few seconds before rinsing off with warm water.
Hair waters are great for all hair types – as the lamellar technology works to fix areas of damage, dryness and porosity, without building up residue or weighing down the hair. The only downside is that you typically don’t get as many uses out of a hair water as you do a traditional bottle of hair conditioner.
Intrigued by this new hair hero? Below we round up 10 of the best hair waters on the market that can transform your tresses in just one hair wash…
10 best hair waters for silky smooth strands
Garnier Ultimate Blends Pineapple Hair Drink Liquid Conditioner
Vegan, cruelty-free and formulated with 97% natural-origin ingredients, this fruity hair water contains ultra-thin lamellas that work to coat the hair fibre in a veil of moisture. The result? Visibly nourished, glossy hair with touchable softness.
Shop Garnier Ultimate Blends Pineapple Hair Drink Liquid Conditioner at Lookfantastic, £9.99
L’Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 8 Second Wonder Water
The OG hair water has now been updated with this hyaluronic acid-infused formula. The extra shot of hyaluronic acid works to further hydrate each individual strand – for visibly plumped hair that’s full of body and bounce.
L’Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 8 Second Wonder Water at Lookfantastic, £11.99
Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment
Shop Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment at Cult Beauty, £63
Cécred Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Powder Ritual
Apply to sections of the hair and leave for 15 minutes to let the hair-strengthening formula do its thing. Wash, then apply the milky Silk Rinse and leave it on for another five minutes before doing your final rinse. It’s a process but trust us, it’s worth it.
Shop Cécred Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Powder Ritual at Cecred.com, £52
Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Gloss
Shop Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Gloss at Sephora UK, £47
Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment for Deep Repair and Strengthening
Matrix Total Results High Amplify Shine Rinse Nourishing Hair Treatment
This hair water has been designed with major shine in mind. It helps hair catch and reflect the light, for a glistening sheen without any silicone residue.
Schwarzkopf Gliss 7 Seconds Express Hair Repair Treatment
If your hair feels straw-like or dull, this is a great glossing treatment for you. It aims to be as effective as a five-minute hair mask in only seven seconds and is infused with oleic acid and marula oil to help hydrate hair follicles, leaving the hair feeling smooth and silky.
Shop Schwarzkopf Gliss 7 Seconds Express Hair Repair Treatment at Amazon, £9.39
Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask
Another super speedy hair mask option, this softening treatment is packed with antioxidants and amino acids that help to seal the cuticle and boost elasticity. In just 60 seconds, hair is left feeling more hydrated, shine is boosted and your colour looks more vibrant.
Umberto Giannini Smooth Hair Juice
Rich in antioxidants, this conditioning water is infused with the brand’s raspberry and blackberry fruit extracts. Hair feels silky smooth and appears naturally glossy with a refreshing berry scent.
Images: Courtesy of brands
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