The wet hair look has been a constant presence on the catwalk for a while, but Beyoncé’s performance at the 2020 Grammys took it to a new level, showing off the style potential of his trendy way to wear your hair. Find out how to style the wet hair look to make it work for your own tresses.
Whether you’re looking for the right products to give your hair a sleek look or prefer to try hairstyle with damp hair, discover a few expert stylist tips for getting the wet hair look just right, either for a special occasion or for a day at the office.
Basics of the Wet Hair Look
If you want to get the best look, you shouldn’t fight the natural texture of your hair, whether it’s straight, wavy or curly. Start by washing your hair with a purifying shampoo, that clears out any product buildup and will make your hair look and feel better.
Without rubbing too much, towel-dry your hair to get rid of the excess water and you’re good to go for the next step: applying the right product for the wet hair look. Whether you choose pomade, wax, gel or mousse, it’s important to only apply the product on your hair, avoiding your scalp. Too much products at the root will make your hair look greasy and unwashed, not sleek. You can also use a texturizing cream or wax if you want to bring a little bounce to your curls.
How to Style the Wet Hair Look for Short Hair
The easiest tip on how to style the wet hair look is to go slick back your hair. This masculine-inspired style can be a great way to add a bit of edginess to your look. You can also slick your hair back asymmetrically using your product of choice, but make sure you don’t load it up with product at the roots.
Leave-in conditioner works wonders on damp hair, so you’ll know that once it’s completely air-dried your hair will also be moisturized for its new look. A curling cream is a great option to add more texture, but don’t use it too close the the roots. If you’ve got a problem with frizz, make sure you use a product that will keep your hair sleek for more than it takes for it completely dry.
If you think that your look is too masculine after you style the wet hair look for short hair, pair it with a feminine makeup, whether you prefer a smokey eye effects or bold lips, but never both at the same time.
How to Style the Wet Hair Look for Medium Hair
If you’ve got plenty of hair to work with but not so much that it gets in the way, you can try a lot of diverse looks, from the wet ponytail to the center parts with extra texture at the tips. While you could go wet all the way for short hair, it’s better to mix textures for medium hair. A root to tip wet look might work on the runway, but it’s a bit too much for every day wear.
For the wet ponytail, secure your hair at the nape of your neck. If it’s naturally straight and still damp, all you need is a light hold hairspray to set it in. You can also try teasing the ponytail a bit for a more contrasting look, while keeping your hair sleek on top.
Another great look is a center part. Apply product at the roots to keep it wet, but add some texture towards the ends, either with a products of with a curling iron on a low temperature setting. With medium length hair and the wet look, you’re better off with a makeup that looks fresh and simple, but the smokey eye look can also work if it’s not overpowered by too much black.
How to Style the Wet Hair Look for Long Hair
Long hair means you can try any updo with a sleek finish. High-gloss pomade is the best product to get the look, but it still works best on slightly damp hair, after you warm it up between your fingers for a few seconds.
For a more wavy look, work curl cream into your hair with a wide-tooth comb and use your fingers to add a little texture and definition by gently scrunching it.
If your hair is straight and fine, you can use a thickening mousse to get extra volume, but stick to the sleek look on top. The curl definition looks best under your ears when you’re working out how to style the wet hair look.
The pompadour updo is a great choice, along with buns or French twists. The secret to these cool look in wet hair is to keep a smaller region sleek, never go for the full effect.
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