Despite its unapologetic, classist references, it is, at its core, the ideal look if only we weren’t bogged down by the wear and tear of everyday, 9-to-5 drudgery. Rich girl hair is hair that gleams with a healthy, freshly blown-out shine, but with an ever-so-slight bend, as if it’s been slept in till noon (because what workweek?). The whole look is uptown polish, but with a downtown twist. Whether it’s called rich girl hair or upgraded normcore, we’re all about anything that makes us look chic, but with a low-key glam. Let’s get to it:
How to Get Shiny Hair with Soft Bends (a.k.a. “Rich Girl Hair”)
Step 1: Wash hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Choose a silicone-free system that rebuilds broken bonds (with a caviar complex and some coconut oil to boot), like Nexxus Therappe Rebalancing Shampoo and Nexxus Humectress Restoring Conditioner. They provide softness and nourish strands without a dulling weigh-down. This is crucial for that offhand gleam that remains the hallmark of the look.
Step 2: Spray on a thermal protectant.
A good heat protectant both moisturizes hair and guards strands from harmful direct contact with hot tools. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Defense Spray helps shield against damage and frizz during the drying and styling process.
Step 3: Blow-dry hair till 90 percent dry.
First use a vented (or slatted) brush, then switch to a paddle brush, moving in a firm, downward motion, once hair is noticeably just damp.
Step 4: Heat up that 1 1/2” curling iron.
Measure the mid-length of hair and curl sections loosely, leaving hair on for the shortest amount of time possible. Rich girl hair usually has a bend near the hollow of the neck, or below the chin. Some experts say to just leave it for two seconds, depending on how fine your strands are. The key is to just end up with a bend, not a full wave… and definitely not a complete ringlet or curl.
Step 5: Work in random sections.
Don’t bend all sections the exact same way, or you risk a more formal, uniform-looking curl à la Hollywood red carpet waves. The look is more undone. Alternate your sections, and even mix up the thickness of each.
Step 6: Gently brush out the bends with your fingers
Carefully shake up your new loose waves for a natural, tousled effect.
Step 7: Spritz on some shine spray.
For a more natural-looking sheen, form a letter L with your arms—this ensures, more or less, a 12” reach—and dust hair with an equal coating of shine spray. TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1 is lightweight and gives a natural look and feel. How’s that for jet-setting style?