25-05-2025
My ultimate guide to having the best hair in 2025 - from the treatment worth investing in to the must-have beauty gadget: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.
Off the back of both fashion week here in Australia and the glamorous red carpet of Cannes Film Festival, I've been in a pretty blissful beauty bubble.
All in the name of work (yes, I love my job), I've spent a lot of time staring at the stunning makeup looks on the models and A-listers, but it's the hair that's having the biggest moment. Have you seen Bella Hadid 's blonde transformation? Just stunning.
Right now, we're living in a golden age of hair innovation. From fancy new tools that promise salon-quality styling at home, to the rise in destination scalp care 'spas' and serums that treat your roots and locks like skincare, the tech really is taking over.
As someone who lives and breathes beauty, I've had my hands (and hair) in everything over the years, and although I may only be one hair type, I'm happy to report that 2025's trends are more inclusive than ever.
Smoothing treatments are back in a big way (hello, keratin revival), reformulated to be gentler, more customisable, and free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. Think sleek strands without the stiff, overly flat finish of the past.
Crimped locks are most definitely back in vogue too – as seen on the models at AFW's runway shows Bianca Spender and Amiss. Which is perfect timing with the surge in barrelled wavers hitting our shelves this winter - to which I can confirm ghd's newest gadget is now certified, by me, as one of the best on the market.
And correct me if I'm wrong, (I'm not), but are simple trims now a thing of the past? I'm referring to the haircut that's been the talk of my beauty editor friends recently. Dubbed the 'ultimate' hair transformation, this tailored experience will set you back a cool $750. Worth the hype? Apparently so, but more on that below.
Whether you're chasing glossy, frizz-free strands, looking to treat your scalp to a little TLC, or ready for full hair re-do, I've got you covered with these budget-friendly finds, luxe splurges, and everything in between.
Crazy about Keratin
Is it just me, or is everyone getting a keratin smoothing treatment lately?
Specifically, the Kerasilk one - aka the secret behind all those gorgeous, confident, frizz-free women strutting around like Leslie Bibb with their new, and super-smooth 'c*nty little bobs'.
I had my mane treated with it a few years ago when it wasn't so well-known, and honestly, I really loved it. For about three glorious months, my hair air-dried smooth, barely needed a straightener, and didn't puff up the moment I walked outside.
When debating 'do I really need it', I'm just warning that you may have to choose between this and your three-monthly anti-wrinkle injections, because at around $500, it's not exactly spare change. However, the payoff is silky, humidity-resistant strands with way less styling stress.
It's not a straightening treatment per se, as your curls and waves aren't erased, just softened and smoothed into submission. A stark contrast to those polka-straight treatments years ago that left your locks looking, well, just a bit flat.
Perfect if your hair has a mind of its own and you'd like to reclaim a bit of control. It doesn't last forever, but for a season of low-maintenance good hair days? Worth it.
Tool on trial
When I think of hair tools, ghd is always top-of my mind for being innovators in their field. I saved up for my very first straightener when I was 14 and I've been a loyal customer ever since.
Which is interesting, because when it comes to their latest launch – the new Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver ($290) – I feel like they're the last ones to market.
Maybe we've just saved the best until last? Because upon trying this (rather hefty) new hair crimping device, my locks were transformed within minutes.
Featuring dual temperature sensors for 185˚C heat across three barrels, meaning you also get a more consistent bends in the hair, and curved edges for zero indentations. Waves were seen on the models at AFW's runway shows like Bianca Spender and Amiss (pictured left)
I parted my hair into three sections and worked from the bottom to the top, holding the tool on my strands for a maximum of five seconds each time.
A stand-out for me is the fact that my strands didn't seem to steam with this tool. With others on the market, I've often felt the plates are so hot they might be burning my hair (I could also be paranoid though).
It's down to the fact that it features dual temperature sensors for 185˚C heat across three barrels, meaning you also get a more consistent bends in the hair, and curved edges for zero indentations.
Another big tick is the safety, thanks to plastic ends attached to it to stop users (me in particular) singeing the tops of their ears or foreheads accidentally.
The 'ultimate' hair cut
I never thought I'd say this, but I found a haircut that costs more than my last weekend getaway - and I'm still thinking about getting it.
Named the 'Texture Edit,' this $750 chop by Sydney hair guru John Pulitano is less about snips and more about a hair transformation.
Involved is a full scalp analysis, a hair facial, and a bespoke cutting technique that somehow makes your hair look good undone.
It's designed to hold shape and swagger for 12 weeks, meaning it grows out like it's got a stylist on speed dial – or so it promises.
Yes, the price is eye-watering and not for every budget, but for those willing to invest, it's being called the new gold standard in personalised, precision hairdressing by Sydney's elite (AKA all my other beauty editor friends).
The follow-up cuts drop to $390 which softens the blow slightly, but when you break it down, it's $250 per month for hair that behaves, flatters, and pretty much styles itself.
I am very intrigued – so I promise to report back if I can scrape together enough pennies before my next trim is due. Maybe he'll let me go rogue and get a fringe? Probably not.
My frizz-fighting product picks of the week
John Frieda Silk Drench Smoothing Water ($20.99)
Think of this like a hair gloss for some serious shine
Think of this like a hair gloss for some serious shine.
I was skeptical at adding yet another step in my shower routine, but after one use my hair was beaming and so manageable after.
First shampoo your locks, then apply this rinse infused with rice oil and glycerin to help treat frizzy, damaged hair, through your mid-length and ends, rinse, then go in with your conditioner as usual.
TRESemme's Lamellar Shine Spray ($18)
I have since given away all my other heat protecting sprays, because this is The One.
A 'heat-activated shine' this product protects up to 230C.
I apply it on my towel-dried strands after my hair oil, and my frizz and flyaways are now basically non-existent.
I should mention that I trialled this during Sydney's rainiest month of the year.
A 'heat-activated shine' this Tresemme product (left) protects up to 230C, while the AG Care Frizzproof Argan Anti-Humidity Finishing Spray (right) is great for locking in your freshly tonged curls and won't leave any sticky residue thanks to the ultra-fine spray nozzle
AG Care Frizzproof Argan Anti-Humidity Finishing Spray ($38.99)
Not new, but worth a mention as one of my favourite frizz-fighting hairsprays for every hair type.
It only offers a very light hold, but it's great for locking in your freshly tonged curls and won't leave any sticky residue thanks to the ultra-fine spray nozzle.
Hair boosters to know about
Just because we all need another product to add to our list (sorry), scalp serums are now very much a thing.
If you're not yet clued up, think of them like skincare for your scalp. Very light in consistency, designed to leave on, and act as targeted treatments to address specific scalp concerns like dryness, flakiness, itchiness, and hair thinning.
Bouf Haircare Tonic ($34.95)
I was lucky enough to get a sample of this tonic a couple of months before it's launch date (the whole range is available tomorrow by the way), and although I can't talk to my transformative growth results right now, I'm assured that after 90 days I will.
The solution is applied directly to the scalp morning and night and has a fancy patented FGF5 hair tech to stimulate hair growth.
By NIKŌL SO'L THIC ($109)
This brand is the first that I know of to offer hair growth and strengthening power as well as SPF sun protection too.
I know we're in the depths of winter, but any product that defends against UV damage gets a tick from me
The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and is formulated with active ingredients including 3% Procapil®, which help enhance and strengthen your hair follicles while boosting density too. Apply morning or night and rub it in.
That's a wrap on this week's POLISHED deep dive.
Whether you're ready to invest or just want your hair to behave in this dreadful rain we're all having, there's never been a better time to shake up your routine.
If there is one thing I've learned though, it's that good hair days don't just happen - they're made, with a little help from the right tools, treatments, expert advice… and a product list as long as your hairbrush handle.
