Glazed Doughnut Hair – We Can’t Believe It’s a Trend

Published 19th Jul 2023 by Josie Jackson

First TikTok had Glazed Doughnut Nails, then there was Glazed Doughnut Skin – and now Glazed Doughnut Hair is trending across social media. But where did this new style come from, and what inspired it? HJ decided to do a little digging…

What is Glazed Doughnut Hair?

The ‘glazed’ trend is all about high-shine and enhanced gloss, which pairs great with slicked-back styles. That being said, whether it’s soft waves, sleek stands or a snatched bun, the glazed effect can be applied to all. It’s also versatile when it comes to hair lengths, with Jonathan Andrews, Fudge Professional Global Ambassador, explaining: “This technique works well on long hair, however it can be just as effective on short hair, as it can easily be slicked behind the ears, or curve into the nape.”

Similar styles, such liquid hair, have been trending for a while, however as Samantha Cusick explains: “The Glazed Doughnut Hair trend focuses on mimicking the glossy and shiny appearance of doughnut glaze, while the 'liquid hair' trend aims to create the illusion of flowing and fluid hair.” Discussing the style further, Jonathan adds: “This trend is leaning away from the bedhead, beach babe looks we often associate with summer, and nodding towards an expensive, healthy-looking finish. This trend couldn’t be more perfectly timed with hot weather wreaking havoc with frizz and making hair unmanageable and wild.”

Where did Glazed Doughnut Hair Come From?

Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Sofia Richie have all been seen sporting Glazed Doughnut Hair, and with a combined Instagram following of over 118M, it’s not surprising that this trend has been adopted by so many followers. In fact, #glazeddoughnuthair and #glazeddonuthair have over 1.1M searches on TikTok at the time of writing.

How To Make Glazed Doughnut Hair Relevant in the Salon 

The most straightforward way to incorporate Glazed Doughnut Hair into your salon is through styling and finishing. For soft-looking hair and extra shine, Samantha’s recommends the combination of Olaplex No.6 to add moisture and remove any frizz, and Olaplex No.7 oil for extra shine. If slicked-back and glossy is your focus, Jonathan suggests Fudge Aqua Shine Serum.

Beyond styling, there are additional ways to embrace Glazed Doughnut Hair in your salon, including colouring and toning. Amelia Evans, Colour director at HARE & BONE and Goldwell Ambassador, shares: “First and foremost, healthy and conditioned hair will help you achieve the glazed look. A glazing gloss toner such as Goldwell Colorance Gloss Tones, which only take 10 minutes, will give you great results, leaving hair in a healthy, glossy condition – plus, the service can be bespoke to each client, which acts as an extra selling point.”

Meanwhile, if your client is displaying an interest in the Glazed Doughnut Hair trend, why not take this as an opportunity to discuss at-home care? "After washing their hair, recommend they finish with a refreshing rinse of cold water,” says Angelo Seminara, Goldwell’s Global Brand Ambassador. “This cool blast helps flatten the cuticle and seal in moisture, ensuring a smoother surface that reflects light and amplifies shine.”

Are There Any Benefits to Hopping on the Latest TikTok Trends?

It might have an odd name, but embracing Glazed Doughnut Hair, or any TikTok trend, could benefit you in more ways than one, particularly if you’re looking to grow on social media. Samantha highlights that increased visibility and community engagement are both potential perks, however she also explains: “It's crucial to consider your individual goals, authenticity, and the suitability of the trends for your brand or personal style. It's essential to balance participating in trends with maintaining your unique voice and ensuring that your content aligns with your values and objectives.”

Josie Jackson

Josie Jackson

Published 19th Jul 2023

Josie supports the team with content for the print magazine, website and social media channels at HJ. Having grown up in a salon environment (thanks to her hairdresser mum) and even working as a Saturday girl before getting her degree in English Literature, Josie feels right at home in the industry. Although she’s experimented with a few creative colour looks in the past, she always comes back to blonde, and loves all things hydrating and bond building.

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