"Liquid Hair" Is One of the Internet's Most-Searched Hair Trends—How to Get It

Actress Dakota Johnson at the world premier of Sony Pictures' Madame Web with liquid hair

(Image credit: Steve Granitz/Getty Images)

Dakota Johnson is one of those actresses who possess an effortlessly cool style that's as timeless as it is trendy. Whether she's photographed stepping in and out of hotels on the streets of Manhattan flanked by adoring fans or attending red carpet movie premieres (most recently for her role in Marvel's Madame Web in February), she always has a finger on the pulse of what's happening in the fashion-and-beauty world.

The actress's signature hair is created by celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend, who also has been behind the looks of Riley Keough, Olivia Wilde, Elizabeth Olsen, and Aubrey Plaza. Below, we're taking a close look at the polished, flowing hairstyle Johnson is frequently spotted wearing, commonly referred to as liquid hair. With the help of celebrity hairstylists and the best products for ultra-shiny, smooth hair, you'll have liquid hair in no time.

What Is Liquid Hair, and How Can I Get It at the Salon?

"[Liquid hair] typically involves applying products (think serums, gels, or oils) to achieve a shiny, wet look! I love the versatility and the modern vibe of these looks! The popularity of liquid hair is coming from the runways, fashion editorials, and being seen on celebrities," says colorist, hairstylist, and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Patricia Elness. One of the easiest ways to get the specific look you're after during a salon visit is to use the right terminology in reference to a style or cut.

At the end of your salon visit, you should have a polished, glossy, straight style with movement just like a shimmering waterfall. "Liquid hair is ultra-sleek, shiny hair that, when it moves, looks like liquid. It's best worn straight. Of course, when our favorite celebs wear styles, we always want to try them," says hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Brendnetta Ashley. "When you head to the salon, you want to ask for a polished blowout. The key to this look is creating a very refined, polished hairstyle." It's also a good idea to bring a few pictures of the hairstyle for your stylist to reference, so be sure to give Pinterest a good scroll for inspiration!

How Can I Get Liquid Hair at Home?

You don't have to book a salon visit to get the liquid look. "With liquid hair being all the rage, it's a look that is fairly easy to create yourself at home. The key to achieving the mirror-like shine off of your color? You want to make sure you are starting with a rich, healthy, high-shine color. Start with a deep color that is not only glamorous but nourishing on your hair," Wendy Burns, lead research hairstylist for Schwarzkopf Keratin Color, tells us. "When it comes to styling a liquid look, less product is more. You don't want to produce a greasy texture or flat color with an abundance of hair products."

Burns also recommends creating a cocktail of a smoothing product and leave-in conditioner to deliver long-lasting, straight strands. For the final touch, spritz the hair with a thermal protectant. Then run a flat iron over your style. Elness encourages proper hydration of the hair by using an anti-frizzing shampoo and conditioner to help get the hair as smooth as possible. After flat-ironing the hair, go in with an oil and a lightweight finishing spray (her favorites are the Fibre Clinix Bonding Light Oil and OSiS+ Elastic Light Hold Hairspray) to add shine and provide all-day hold.

If you're on the hunt for even more products to create a look the unofficial liquid-hair queen, Dakota Johnson, would be jealous of, keep scrolling for an edit of 17 transformative serums, treatments, oils, and more.

Treatments for Satin-Like Strands

Actress Dakota Johnson is seen in Manhattan with liquid hair

(Image credit: MEGA/Getty Images)

Smoothing Serums and Oils

Actress Dakota Johnson at the world premier of Sony Pictures' Madame Web with liquid hair

(Image credit: Steve Granitz/Getty Images)

Shine-Enhancing Stylers

Actress Dakota Johnson is seen in Manhattan with liquid hair

(Image credit: James Devaney/Getty Images)

Helpful Hair Tools

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.