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Addison Rae’s $30 Glass Hair Hack for the VMAs 2024: Styling Secrets Revealed

Discover all the products, tips, and behind-the-scenes secrets that achieved Addison Rae’s sleek 'glass hair' look for her dazzling VMAs debut.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Discover all the products, tips, and behind-the-scenes secrets that achieved Addison Rae’s sleek 'glass hair' look for her dazzling VMAs debut.

Addison Rae’s $30 Glass Hair Hack for the 2024 VMAs: The Complete Breakdown

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) red carpet is a stage where the world’s biggest music stars showcase their boldest fashion and beauty looks. In 2024, Addison Rae—the Gen Z pop sensation and “Diet Pepsi” singer—made her VMAs debut in an iconic vintage-inspired ensemble, but it was her unbelievably sleek, high-shine ‘glass hair’ that truly stole the spotlight.

For those who marveled at Addison’s hair and wondered how it stayed smooth, shiny, and flawless all night, you’re not alone. With insider guidance from expert stylist Lucas Wilson and universally loved amika products, Addison Rae’s look is not only achievable, but surprisingly affordable. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every headline, secret, and step needed to recreate Addison Rae’s VMAs glass hair style—from product picks to expert tips and frequently asked questions.

The Red Carpet Impact

Walking the VMAs red carpet is high-pressure; expectations for both style and glamour are monumental. Addison Rae was styled to stun in her first VMAs appearance, blending a retro bullet bra, matching panties, and a voluminous tutu, but the unmissable glass-like finish to her hair became the centerpiece for beauty enthusiasts around the globe.

Her glass hair gave the perfect contrast to the softness of her lingerie-inspired outfit, proving that a modern, polished hairstyle can maximize the drama of a bold fashion statement.

Key features: Ultra-smooth, high-shine, and touchably soft waves.
Inspiration: 1980s Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ era, infused with playful showgirl elements.
Styling team: Lucas Wilson (hair), Dara Allen (styling), Pat McGrath (makeup), and Mei Kawajiri (nails).

Glass Hair Goals: What Is Glass Hair?

Glass hair isn’t simply straight, shiny hair—it’s an approach that merges impeccable smoothness, mirror-like shine, and a healthy, reflective surface. The look is versatile for all textures but shines brightest (pun intended) on undulating waves and soft curls, giving a youthful, almost futuristic finish.

Key aspects of glass hair include:

Reflective, mirror-like shine with no frizz or flyaways.
Soft, brushable waves or sleek straight locks.
Touchable movement and a smooth texture, never stiff or crunchy.

Inside Addison’s Hair Styling Process: Secrets from Lucas Wilson

Lucas Wilson, Addison’s hairstylist, explained the inspiration behind her VMAs look: “The goal was to combine showgirl glam with Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’—leaning into the feminine, playful energy while keeping the hair visibly healthy and anchored in place all night.”

Health and hold: Products selected for moisture, shine, and reliable, flexible hold throughout the night.
Easy application: All the core products used are available for under $30, making Addison’s look as attainable as it is aspirational.

The Product Playlist: Every Amika Must-Have for Addison’s Glass Hair

Wilson used a range of amika products—known for their salon-worthy results and high ratings—to build Addison’s hair from the foundation up. Here’s the exact breakdown of products, in order of use:

Product	Purpose	Application
Plus Size Perfect Body Hair Mousse	Adds body and lift to wet hair	Apply to damp hair; blow-dry for volume
Blockade Heat Defense Hair Serum	Protects hair from heat damage	Apply before using curling iron
Supernova Moisture & Shine Cream	Gives moisture, smooths, adds shine	Apply to dry, styled hair after brushing out waves
Glass Action Hydrating Hair Oil	Strengthens, nourishes, removes static, boosts sleekness	Layer after shine cream on brushed hair
Fluxus Hairspray	Locks style in place—no stiffness	Light mist to hold the shape and shine

Each product is celebrated by users and professionals for its high rating and reliability. The end result? Long-lasting, commercial-grade shine you can achieve at home.

Step-by-Step Addison Rae VMAs Glass Hair Tutorial

Prep: Start with clean, damp hair. Apply Plus Size Perfect Body Hair Mousse evenly from roots to ends—even if you’re opting for waves or curls, volume at the base is key for movement.
Blow dry: Using a round brush, blow-dry until completely dry, focusing on lifting the hair at the crown.
Heat protect: Before any heat styling, use Blockade Heat Defense Hair Serum. This avoids brittleness and helps maintain the integrity of your hair even at high temperatures.
Style with a curling iron: Working in sections, loosely curl the hair with a 1-inch barrel iron set to high heat for soft waves.
Brush out: Once cooled, gently brush out the curls to create smooth, undulating waves.
Moisturize & shine: Apply Supernova Moisture & Shine Cream throughout, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. This acts as a lightweight leave-in for maximum shine.
Treat with oil: Follow with Glass Action Hydrating Hair Oil to boost sleekness and remove static.
Finish & set: Mist with Fluxus Hairspray to lock the style without stiffness—gentle hold that maintains a touchable bounce.

Why Amika Products Stand Out

Affordability: Each featured product is under $30, bringing celebrity glass hair within reach.
Quality: Near five-star ratings on Amazon with rave reviews about moisture, shine, and hold.
Salon-grade results: Used by professional stylists for red carpet events and commercial shoots.
Hair health: Many products, especially the shine cream and hair oil, add nourishing benefits while protecting hair from everyday stress.

Celebrity Inspiration and Style Evolution: Madonna Meets Gen Z

Addison Rae’s glass hair was inspired by the “Like a Virgin” Madonna era—channeling a blend of showgirl charm and retro drama. Her team leaned into this reference to balance her provocative white lingerie outfit (custom Miss Claire Sullivan) and tulle tutu.

Stylist’s vision: “We wanted to make sure her hair was healthy and protected while still staying in place all night,” said Wilson.
Playful peacocking: The style nodded toward the fun, expressive spirit of classic MTV and the irreverence of early pop icons.

Making Glass Hair Work for You: Everyday Tips

You don’t need to be walking a red carpet to glow with glass hair. Here are everyday tips:

Use lightweight, hydrating products—avoid heavy oils that can flatten fine hair, and opt for leave-ins that add shine without weighing down.
Prioritize heat protection when styling with hot tools; this is essential for maintaining health and shine.
Brush out styled waves to create movement before applying finishing creams and oils.
Seal with flexible hold hairspray for maximum shine and minimal crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is ‘glass hair’ and who can wear it?

A: Glass hair is ultra-sleek, mirror-shine hair that looks polished and healthy. It works for all hair types but needs good conditioning, styling, and shine products to achieve the look.

Q: Can I get Addison Rae’s glass hair look without professional help?

A: Yes! With the right products (like the amika range), careful heat protection, and a step-by-step approach, salon-level results are possible at home.

Q: Does glass hair require straight hair?

A: No. Glass hair suits soft waves or curls; the key is brushing out any texture and layering shine products for a sleek, reflective finish.

Q: Are amika products safe for color-treated hair?

A: Yes. Amika’s creams, oils, and serums are suitable for most hair types, including color-treated and chemically processed hair.

Q: How can I make the shine last all night?

A: Start with a moisturized base; use serum and cream after heat styling, then finish with hairspray to seal it in. Avoid touching your hair too much once you’ve applied your final layer.

After the VMAs, beauty communities on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube lit up with praise for Addison Rae’s style. Fans loved the throwback Madonna inspiration, but the glass hair itself became a viral challenge for users wanting to recreate the look.

Influencers and stylists posted tutorials, often tagging amika products and emphasizing the accessibility of Addison’s routine.
Product reviews surged for the supernova shine cream and glass action oil, citing results “exactly like Addison’s.”
Social media tags: #GlassHair #VMAsHair #AddisonRae #Amika

Affordable Glamour: Everyone Can Achieve Glass Hair

Addison Rae’s VMAs hair proves that with the right products and techniques, luxury glamour is accessible—no celebrity stylist required.

Red carpet confidence: Shine and health combine for a powerful beauty statement.
Products under $30: The amika line works for all budgets.
Tried, tested, and loved: Consistent high ratings and professional reviews back up the hype.

Glossary: Glass Hair Terms and Concepts

Glass hair: Super-shiny, smooth hair that reflects light like glass.
Leave-in conditioner: Lightweight, hydrating formula for ongoing moisturization and smoothness.
Heat protectant serum: Specialized product that shields hair from hot tools, preventing damage.
Flexible hold hairspray: Finishing spray offering hold without stickiness or stiffness.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Glass Hair at Home

Consistent conditioning: Weekly masks and daily moisturizing keep hair healthy.
Limit heat styling: Use tools at the lowest effective temperature.
Trim regularly: Prevent split ends that disrupt shine.
Invest in satin pillowcases and hair accessories: Minimize static and breakage overnight.

Inspired Looks: Addison Rae’s Bold Hair Moments

While her glass hair look wowed at the VMAs, Addison Rae is no stranger to transformative hair moments. She recently debuted neon pink hair, showing that her signature shine and healthy style are possible across colors and textures. Her approach: bold experimentation, healthy maintenance, and using trusted styling staples.

Final Thoughts: The Addison Rae Glass Hair Legacy

Addison Rae’s VMAs 2024 debut not only set a new standard for red carpet style, but also made ‘glass hair’ the trend of the year. Affordable amika products, simple steps, and stylist-approved tips come together for a look anyone can recreate—bringing Hollywood shine to everyday life.

Channel your inner pop icon and experiment.
Protect your hair, nourish it, and let your style shine.
Remember: Great hair is always possible with the right routine and a little red carpet inspiration.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb