If you want to have an epic glow up before 2026, look no further than this article. I’m talking about big, noticeable change that will leave you wondering who you used to be back in 2025. If you’ve thought about ‘glowing up’ but don’t know where to start, then these tips are here for you.
As we’re nearing the end of the year, I firmly believe that there’s no better time to glow up that now. Let’s start the new year off on a positive note. We’ll focus on healthy habits to develop, how to take care of your skin and hair, and how to transform into the best version of yourself. If you’re overwhelmed, don’t be! You can glow up easily – you just need to know where to start.
What is a ‘glow up?’
‘Glow up’ is an internet term to refer to someone drastically improving their appearance. It’s a popular buzz word online and if you scroll on TikTok or Youtube, you’ll find countless videos on how to ‘glow up.’ Whether that be regarding hair, exercise, or being more mentally active, glowing up is a small word to describe big change.
With that out of the way, let’s focus on the ways you can glow up. It’s possible to make significant changes to your appearance and overall health, you’ve just got to stick to it.
1) Work with what you’ve got
I’m going to be real with you – you’re probably not going to glow up and look like Zendaya. Unless you already resemble her in some way, don’t expect to look like someone you’re not. When you glow up, you’re not turning into another person but rather enhancing what you’ve already got.
It’s a common misconception I see when people talk about glowing up. They expect that they’re going to transform into completely different people, but at the end of it, they’re still themselves. Part of glowing up is acknowledging what you have and figuring out ways to improve yourself in healthy, noticeable ways. While this first step doesn’t seem as exciting as talking about hair masks or skincare tips, it is vital on your glow up journey. Love who you are, be confident in yourself, and trust me, people will notice that.
2) Develop healthy habits
This doesn’t seem like a vert fun tip, but it genuinely makes such a difference. If you want to see a change in yourself, you have to start taking care of your body. That means drinking water, eating healthy foods, and moving your body in some way. If you start now and develop these healthy habits, not only will you look different than before, but you’ll feel different.
It can be hard to figure out how to create these habits – and it’s even harder to stick to them. But if you’re serious about glowing up, you’ve got to commit to it. Carry a water bottle around with you. Research nutritious recipes that you’d actually want to eat. Go for a 15 minute walk around your neighborhood and look up a yoga video on Youtube. Take care of your body in these small but impactful ways, and before you know it, you will notice a change in yourself. Go into 2026 stronger, healthier, and happier.
3) Figure out your hair type
Hair is everything. If you have a cute outfit but a bad hair day, people are going to notice your hair instantly. You will look way more pulled together if your hair is neat, and here is how to accomplish that.
Firstly, you need to figure out your hair type. Search up a hair chart and figure out what level of curly or straight hair you have. Once you figure that out, research the proper ways to take care of your hair. Maybe you need more moisture or a better conditioner. Try out a hair mask. Lay off the heat for a while and experiment how your hair wants to naturally fall. Sleep with a bonnet or put your hair in a protective hairstyle. Seriously, when your hair is healthy, it makes a huge difference in your appearance. If you’re trying to glow up, give your hair the attention it deserves.
If you want to learn more about your hair and how to treat it, check this article out! Click here to read
4) Prioritize sleep
You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again – you need to be getting good sleep. Now, I get it. I love staying up way later than I should, but trust me, getting enough sleep makes such a difference. Not only will you look more rested, but you’ll feel so much more better. When your body is given the chance to slow down and recharge, you’re setting yourself up for further success down the line.
It’s important to find out how much sleep your body actually needs. You’ve probably heard that 8 hours of sleep is preferred, but that might not be true for you. You might find that you really need 6 or 10 hours to feel truly recharged. I recommend experimenting for a few nights to see how you feel the next day with a certain amount of sleep. Get 8 hours one night, then 9 hours the next. Log how you feel and figure out the right amount for your body. Glowing up doesn’t just mean looking better, it also means feeling better.
5) Find a good skincare routine
Skincare is a huge trend right now in the beauty community, and it makes sense why. Your skin is an important organ and your face is often the first thing people notice about you. If you suffer from acne or hyperpigmentation, it’s easy to feel self conscious about your skin. I struggle with dark spots and clogged pores, and the way my skin looks can severely impact my whole self image. But since skincare is so prominent, there’s a lot of information on how to treat your skin.
Similarly with hair, you need to find out what type of skin you have. You might have oily, sensitive, or dry skin, and the products you use might not be what your skin actually needs. Once you figure out your skin type, the next step is to identify what you want to fix. If you’ve got clogged pores or acne scars, research what products to use. Figure out what your skin needs, whether that’s a topical cream, a change in diet, or a hormonal issue. If you’re still struggling, contact your dermatologist to get their advice. Don’t let a few pimples stop you from becoming the person you want to be!
6) Create a wardrobe that suits you
Finding the right clothes is a huge gamechanger. If you find a style that suits your vibe, flatters your body type, and makes you feel good, then you’re on the right path to glowing up. Don’t stress about it all at once – cultivating a wardrobe takes time and research, but it’s nothing you can’t handle!
I struggled with finding my own style for a long time, but once I did, it was an instant game changer. I used to be someone who only wore sweatshirts and jeans, and while that’s still a classic comfy look, I’m no longer afraid to try new looks. Now, I wear skirts I never thought I could pull off, color combos that feel fresh and exciting, and styles I used to pin on Pinterest.
The point is to find clothes that you love and that you feel confident in. Confidence is the key to glowing up, it really is. Spend some time looking at what colors you gravitate towards or what types of aesthetics you want to go for. When you have a good idea of how you want to dress, you’ll lock in to the version of yourself you want to be.
7) Be passionate about something
Passion is an underrated advantage to glowing up that not many people seem to consider. Like I’ve said, glowing up is about feeling better as well, and when you’re passionate about something, you’re happier. Take up a hobby or spend time cultivating one you already love. Read before bed or take up painting. Make that recipe you’ve had saved for months. Go on a run or try out your hand at photography. When you have something to do that isn’t scrolling online, you’ll become more active in your own life.
I know it can be hard to balance work or school and your own personal life. You might not feel like you have enough time to try a new hobby. And I get that, but I promise you do. It’s all about time management, which doesn’t sound fun but can dramatically change your day-to-day life. If you’ve got some time to spare, don’t open TikTok. Use your time to grow your skills at something you’re passionate about. When you have an interest that you love, you’ll find yourself in a happier state of mind. And being happier can be a significant factor in glowing up.
8) Focus on the little details
You might be thinking that glowing up is all about big change, and you have to do big things to achieve that. But I believe that the little details make such a huge impact on your appearance and self and shouldn’t be forgotten. These details can include taking care of your nails or keeping your skin moisturized. Accessories on your clothes or person help to pull outfits together and adds another level to your look. Maybe even trying a different colored mascara that brings out your eyes more! Whatever it is, these tiny details go a long way towards achieving your glow up journey.
There are so many little details that you can focus on that truly help bring the final touches to your glow up. Once you’ve mastered your hair and perfected your skincare routine, give some time to the smaller parts of glowing up. It’s as simple as trying on a new pair of earrings that elevates your style or spending more time on your dental hygiene. All together, these small details build towards helping you maintain your glow up in subtle but important ways.
To tie it all together…
Glowing up can seem like a complicated transformation, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to research what works best for your body and try to enhance what you’ve already got. Sometimes small changes can make a huge impact. All you need to do is take a risk, make some lifestyle adjustments, and experiment to see what works for you and your body. Be proud of who you are and flaunt what you’ve got!
