As temperatures rise, so does the desire to go lighter, brighter, and shinier—and this summer, it’s all about the warm tones with mirror-like shine. Blending one of the top haircare trends, Glass Hair, with the most in-demand hair color trend, Rose Gold hair, has created the ultimate duo: Rose Gold Glass Hair — a warm, high-gloss finish that’s wearable, effortless, and endlessly in demand.
Monique McMahon, Wella Professionals Australia Ambassador (@moniquemcmahoncolour), the artist behind the inspiration, is breaking down this trend just in time for sunny season. “[Rose Gold Glass Hair is] a freehand inspired Illuminage with a mix of balancing mid tones of rose wood into light delicate rose gold tones,” she says. And offers that the key to the finished look is to “layer with Shinefinity golden top glaze for irresistible silky shine.”
The Trend Toward Rose Gold Glass Hair
The reflective finish of the glass skin trend has been reimagined for hair and tailored for the summer months. It’s all about shine, smoothness, and the perfect warm tone. In addition to a healthy-looking high-shine finish, add in the soft, sunkissed dimension from rose gold and you’ve got a look that’s flattering on a variety of skin tones. The essential detail that sets this trend apart is the expert layering of lightening, toning, glazing, and shine-enhancing care. Here’s how to get the look.
Create the Look: Rose Gold Glass Hair
The starting level, the inspiration and the end goal are essential to creating a look that you’ll love. But when it comes to enhancing color a step beyond the ordinary, it all comes down to the layers.
Step 1: Base Layer – Illuminage
Illuminage is a freehand, root-shadowed balayage technique that delivers lightness where you want it and softness everywhere else.
The Formulas:
Lightening Formula A:
- 30g Blondor Freelights
- 45g Freelights 6%, increasing to 9%
The Steps:
- Use Blondor Freelights for precision—its texture makes it perfect freehand painting and a soft, seamless lift.
- Section the hair to frame the face and map out brightness.
- Begin with diagonal slices at the nape, holding the hair at 45° for optimal tension.
- Apply mid-to-ends first, layering Blondor Freelights where more lift is needed.
- Use a balayage board and plastic wrap for control and clean separation.
- Around the hairline, paint close to the roots and diffuse between ribbons for the softest blend.
- Finish with ULTIMATE SMOOTH Shampoo and Blondor Seal & Care.
Toning – Adding Rose Gold
The Formulas:
Formula B (Root Shadow):
- 10g 6/ + 10g 6/19
- 20g 1.9% + 20g Post Service Treatment
Formula C (Mid-Tone):
- 5g 8/ + 15g 7/53
- 40g 1.9%
Formula D (Blonde Toning):
- 20g 10/53 + 40g 1.9%
The Steps:
- Section the hair into three zones: hairline, mid-section, and top.
- Apply Formula C to the mid section and Formula D to the lengths and ends.
- For the top, tap in Formula B at the roots, and blend into C and D through the lengths and ends.
- Rinse, then follow with ULTIMATE SMOOTH Shampoo and Color Post Treatment.
Step 2: Top Glaze Layer with Shinefinity
Create a glassy finish with Shinefinity’s zero-lift, zero-damage color for up to 250% shiner hair¹, up to 50% smoother hair² and up to 50% softer hair².
¹versus untreated bleached hair ²Instrumental testing vs. our regular demi
The Formulas:
Formula E:
- 10g 09/3 + 10g 09/05
- 20g Bottle Activator
Formula F:
- 20g 09/3
- 20g Bottle Activator
The Step:
Apply Formula E to the perimeter for added rose tone, and Formula F on top for golden reflect. This will give you A completely customized glow with added depth, warmth, and radiance.
Step 3: Finish Layer - ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum
Seal in the shine with the full ULTIMATE SMOOTH regimen—a must-have to maintain Rose Gold Glass Hair.
Wella Professionals ULTIMATE SMOOTH Shampoo ($35.00), Wella Professionals ULTIMATE SMOOTH Conditioner ($35.00), Wella Professionals ULTIMATE SMOOTH Intense Mask ($35.00), ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum ($25.00).
Featuring ULTIMATE SMOOTH Shampoo, ULTIMATE SMOOTH Conditioner, ULTIMATE SMOOTH Intense Mask and ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum. This regimen provides nourishment in 30 seconds and smoothness that lasts up to 3 days¹ with 2x less frizz when using the full regimen².
¹If unwashed for 3 days versus untreated ²When using shampoo, Mask and Miracle Oil Serum vs. non conditioning shampoo.
Easy Upkeep: Night Repair While You Sleep
To keep glass hair glossy, add in ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum—a leave-in that works overnight to reduce friction damage and lock in hydration. Delivering 8 hours of hydration and up to 6x smoother hair¹after just one night. Pair with Miracle Hair Rescue for 24/7 care.
Wella Professionals ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum ($24.00).
¹Vs. non-conditioning shampoo
