On a recent trip to Seoul, South Korea, Soko Glam curator and co-founder Charlotte Cho discovered a game-changing new hair trend. And let it be known: If it's new to Cho, an expert on all things K-beauty, it's new to *everyone*—well, Stateside at least.
As for her mane-elevating find, it was something she just kind of happened upon during a touch-up at the salon."I get my hair dyed in Korea because it's so much cheaper there," Cho explains."My hair wasn't in the best shape and my hairstylist asked me if I use a 'hair essence.' He was shocked when I said I didn't because apparently everyone does there."
A post shared by SOKO GLAM (@sokoglam)
A photo posted by on
As you may know, the "essence" skincare category was created in Korea and basically consists of ultra-concentrated liquids or lotions packed with active ingredients that improve the overall appearance and health of skin. The hair equivalents function in much the same fashion, coating the hair with nutrition while moisturizing to prevent dryness.
"Hair essences are similar to the essences you put on your skin because they're very lightweight—they're not heavily oiled serums," she says. "They really help with shine, volume, and making your hair feel soft."
While you may be hesitant to add *yet* another step to your haircare regimen, the beauty of an essence is that its feather-light consistency means it layers really well with other products. Not to mention smells lovely and will leave your strands feeling refreshed, plus shiny. The latter of which we can't really say for dry shampoo, can you? Below find three of our favorites:
1. Skinfood Apple Mango Volume Essence Hair Mist, $10; sokoglam.com.
2.Shisheido Fitit Aquair Moist Hair Pack Naoshi Essence, $29.35; sears.com.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
3. Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk, $18; sokoglam.com.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong Published
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender Published