How To Get The Wet Hair Look In 4 Easy Steps

For many generations, the wet hair look has been a typical hairstyle. However, this well-known red-carpet look is back in the limelight because of the hairdos sported by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Miley Cyrus. As a result, many people are now following in their footsteps, getting the right haircuts and learning hair tutorials for the classic wet hair look.

The wet hair look is one of the easiest hairstyles which can be worn with little effort. No wonder it is so hyped in hair fashion trends. However, it can be tough to find the correct products to get that perfect wet hair look. This article will guide you to achieve this hairstyle and discuss the products you may use. Keep reading to know more about this wet hair trend and what goes into styling your hair this way.

Before You Get Started

• Before adding hair cream or gel, lay your hair flat with a hot air brush. You may also use a blow dryer and a paddle brush to flatten your mane.
• You can use a hair gel-oil blend for a slick finish, which is crucial for the wet air look.
• The wet look is the easiest to achieve on short bobs. You can use a gel serum or a hair pomade on dry hair and comb.
• Make sure the hair gel or hair wax is non-sticky and provides good shine to your hair.

What You Will Need

The secret to the wet hair look is the layering of hair styling products. However, don’t go overboard with layering too many hair products as it will cause build-up. And excessive use of hair care products may also lead to allergic contact dermatitis or scalp irritant contact dermatitis (1).

Find a mix of styling products to build up moisture in the hair that stays throughout the day. To achieve the wet hair look, you will need many styling products along with a few hair tools.

• Wide-Toothed Comb: A wide-toothed comb will help you part and spread products evenly through your entire hair.
• Hair Gel: Hair gel is the main product for a sleek wet hair look. It also provides long-lasting hold to your hair and gives it definition. If you are going for a wet hair look, it is best to choose an organic hair gel that contains natural ingredients.
• Hair Cream: Hair creams are great products that provide a smooth and natural shine to your hair. Hair creams and hair mousse also help to prevent split ends (also called trichoptilosis). Hair cream is great for people with dry, wavy, and curly hair.
• Hair Gloss Spray: Gloss spray is a mist product that will help keep your wet hair look shiny and in place.
• Hairspray: Hairspray is great to keep your wet hair in place for a really long time.

Now, let’s take a look at the steps to achieve the wet hair look.

How To Get The Wet Hair Look

1. Wash And Towel-Dry Your Hair

The first step to achieve the wet hair look is to wash your hair. Towel dry your hair before using any hair products. This is because the best way to get a wet-looking hair texture is to lock down the hair when it’s half-dried.

As sopping wet hair won’t absorb any of the hair products to achieve that wet hair look, it’s better to towel dry the hair before using these products.

A towel is great for people with straight hair. However, if you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, it is best to use a T-shirt to dry your hair. Using a T-shirt will prevent frizz in your hair.

Quick Tip

To get a wet hair look, don’t rub your hair with a towel just blot until it’s 60% dry.

2. Applying A Hair Gel-Cream Mixture

Hair gel is great for adding hold to your hair, while a hair cream adds volume and moisture. When you use these two products together, they help keep your hairstyle in place. The two products combined also help in making it look touch ably soft and shiny.

Take a quarter-size amount of each product in the palm of your hand and mix them together for your wet hair look.

The method of applying these products varies according to your hair length.

• For Short Hair: Apply the gel-cream mix from roots to tips. This method will help keep your hair smoothed down against your scalp.

• For Medium To Long Hair: Apply the gel-cream mixture from the roots to the mid-length of your hair. This helps mimic how your hair dries naturally after a wash.

• For Fine To Straight Hair: Use less cream-gel mix. This will help maintain the volume, mainly near the root area.

• For Curly To Coily Hair: Use more gel-cream mix than normal. This will help in maintaining the movement of your hair and moisturizing it while avoiding that crunchy look.

Quick Tip

The amount of hair gel needed depends on the texture of hair, adding too much can cause clumps as your hair should be coated with it and not stick together due to it.

3.  Add Shine

To achieve an extra slicked-back look, you can use a fine-toothed comb. This will help in smoothening down baby hairs (if you have any) and your roots.

A wide-toothed comb will help you achieve a natural and beachy look. Such a type of comb will pull your hair away from your face and also help in defining wavy hair.

Once the gel-cream mixture sets on your hair, you can spritz on a hair gloss spray all over your hair. This will help make your hair shine and make it look wetter.

4.  Hairspray

Layering your hair with gel, cream, and gloss helps in making your hair look damp and wet. To make it look even wetter, you can apply hairspray before all the previous products dry completely.

There you have it – a few simple steps to achieve a timeless and classic look. We hope that this article has helped you in understanding how to get that wet hair look. Rock this effortless look at your next party!

We learnt how to get a wet hair look but there are also a few things one must avoid. Check them out below.

What To Avoid For A Wet Hair Look

1. Overuse Of Styling Products: Avoid excessive application of gels, mousses, or hair sprays as it can weigh down the hair and make it appear greasy.

2. High Heat: Limit the use of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons or curlers, as excessive heat can cause dryness and damage.

3. Skipping Hair Protection: Not using heat protectants or UV-protective products can lead to hair damage and color fading.

4. Harsh Brushing: Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage. Avoid vigorously brushing the hair when it is wet to prevent damage.

5. Using Heavy Oils: Opt for lighter oils or serums designed for a wet hair look as heavy oils can make the hair greasy.

Nagam, a YouTuber, shares her personal experience of getting the wet hair look. She accompanies her father (a hairstylist for over 40 years) who helped her achieve a flawless look. As an inspiration, she adds, “I think Kim K honestly was one that brought this whole wet hair look and I think she rocks it the best (i).” She starts by working on improving the texture of her hair, heads to partition process, water spraying, and other steps to put the whole lux look together.

Infographic: The Wet Hair Look Simplified

The sleek and fashionable wet hair trend has been around for a while and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It is a versatile style and easy to pull off, whether you are going for a laid-back, beachy vibe or a more polished and professional appearance. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the easy steps you need to follow to get the wet hair look in no time.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it healthy to keep your hair wet?

No, it is not healthy to keep your hair wet. Your hair strands absorb water and swell to hold the moisture. The continuous swelling forces your hair to become more susceptible to breakage and damage.

Does coconut oil make hair look wet?

Yes, using coconut oil on dry hair is the easiest and quickest way to get that sleek and shiny wet hair look.

What hair types work best for the wet hair look?

Mostly all hair types work best for the wet hair look. But it works best on wavy and straight hair.

How long will the wet hair look last?

The wet hair look might last for a day as the products usually rub off while sleeping. However, there are stronger pomades and gels that might let the look last for a week.

Can I create the wet hair look without washing my hair?

Yes, you can create the wet hair with hair styling products like gels, waxes, and pomades.

Can I achieve the wet hair look without using styling products?

You can simply use water, but it won’t give you the perfect wet hair look or be long-lasting. Alternatively, you can use oil to achieve this look. .

Is it OK to wet my hair every day? Does wetting the hair often damage it?

No, you should not wet your hair every day. Wetting your hair very often might damage your hair as it makes them fragile to get easily broken. It also leaves your scalp more prone to infections.

Should we comb wet hair?

No, we should not comb wet hair as it is more porous and breakable. Instead, wait for your tresses to dry and then softly brush through them.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Create the ultimate wet hair look that is sure to turn heads! Check this video with easy-to-follow tips and tricks to see how you can style your hair like a celebrity!

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Precious RutlinLicensed Cosmetologist

     

Precious Rutlin is a licensed cosmetologist, board-certified trichologist, complementary alternative health practitioner, and holistic health educator with 9 years of experience. She aims to bridge the gap between Western medicine and businesses that want to incorporate a mind, body, spirit approach to their organization’s culture. When she is not teaching for Dr. Kari Williams (creator of Goddess Locs and celebrity...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He has a deep understanding of the nuances involved in beauty and lifestyle content. Prior to this, he worked across various...more

Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments. This enables her to offer valuable insights and recommendations to...more