Kayla Young
The wet hair look has evolved from a sultry red-carpet classic to become an on-trend hairstyle that’s easy to do and can work on practically any hair type. The sleek, high-shine finish makes this hairstyle high-impact, and often seen on celebrities and fashion moguls all over the world.
But wet hair dries! Are you wondering how to keep the wet hair look all day?
- Perhaps the biggest downside of choosing a wet-look hairstyle is the possibility of your hair drying before you want it to.
- Depending on your hair type, the result of your hair drying could be anything from minimally noticeable to catastrophic.
- Keeping your wet-look hairstyle lasting longer requires some preparation and a suitable hair product, depending on your hair type.
This article will discuss how to get the best, drip-free wet look and how to make it last throughout the day.
Contents
How To Keep The Wet Hair Look All Day
Here are the best ways to keep your hair looking wet without looking slick — all day long!
1. Hair Gel
Hair gel is the most frequently used product among those sporting a wet-look hairstyle and can be extremely effective in keeping your hair looking moist for longer.
Hair gel is the most frequently used product among those sporting a wet-look hairstyle and can be extremely effective in keeping your hair looking moist for longer.
Here’s what to do:
Wash
First, you will want to wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo to get rid of any excess oils that may affect the application of your hair gel. Be sure to wring out excess moisture when you’re done so that your hair is not dripping heavily.
Treat
While not absolutely essential, applying a treatment to your hair such as an oil serum or coconut oil are great ways to help lock moisture in. This will also help keep your hair looking healthy even when you’re not going with a wet look.
Note that hair gel can dry out your hair if you use it too much, so some extra coconut oil will help
Apply
Next, depending on the length and texture of your hair. You’re going to take enough gel to cover all your hair and rub it between your hands until even.
You’re then going to rake your fingers through your hair from the scalp down and evenly spread the gel through your hair.
Design
Finally, you can use a fine or wide-toothed comb to help thoroughly spread the gel to any areas you may have missed and help you achieve the wave pattern you’re looking for.
Once complete, lock your finished hairstyle in place by using a spray such as a spritz or a shine mist.
2. Hair Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are not only a great way to restore moisture to damaged or dry hair. They are an excellent product to help give you a wet look that you’re after.
Leave-in conditioners generally contain a protein designed to help your hair look thick and hold your look for longer.
Leave-in conditioners generally contain a protein designed to help your hair look thick and hold your look for longer.
When using a leave-in conditioner, it’s important to ensure that your hair is not drenched in water beforehand. You will need to only slightly dampen your hair which can be done with any spray bottle filled with water.
Once your hair is damp, you can apply the conditioner by running your fingers through your hair and evenly distributing it throughout your hair.
Finish it off by running a comb-through to cover any spots you may have missed.
3. Hair Mousse
Hair conditioning mousse is most effective if you already have naturally curly or wavy hair since it requires much less effort to maintain a long-lasting wet look with these hair types.
Start by dampening your hair using water and a spray bottle (it doesn’t hurt to wet your hair every day), and then run your fingers through your damp hair to get rid of any knots that may be present. Be careful if using a comb to do this, as your hair is at its most vulnerable when wet and can break easily.Â
Next, you will apply the mousse evenly to your hair and scrunch your hair in portions for two to three seconds each to help maintain the wavy structure.
Allow the mousse to dry. Before you finish up, apply a bit of spritz to help set your style in place.
If you have wavy hair and aren’t sure whether you want hair gel or hair mousse, see that link.
4. Hair Pomade
Hair pomade is most effective for those with naturally thicker or coarse hair types — low porosity hair.
Wash
Start by deep cleansing your hair to remove excess oils and old product residue that may be present in your hair.
Brush
Brush your hair thoroughly, ensuring that your remove all kinks and knots.
Apply
Spread the pomade evenly throughout your hair using your fingers. This may take some time to complete for more coarse hair types, but be sure not to miss any spots.
Tie
Once the pomade is applied, a good trick is to tie your hair into two pigtails without leaving any hair untied. Leave your hair tied for 30 minutes, and you’ll start noticing the wavy pattern beginning to form.
You can leave the pigtails in place for longer if you prefer deeper waves.
Spray
Apply some spritz or shine mist to your hair when complete to lock it in place.
How Long Should I Leave Products in My Hair?
While using hair care and styling items are everyday essentials for many, leaving such products in your hair for excessive periods is strongly not recommended.
The longest you should go between washes when using the products mentioned above is 48 hours. Hair care products such as hair gel will form a layer on your scalp that clogs your pores and can lead to scalp irritation such as dry flakes or bumps.
When using hair products, choose ones with a good reputation and use as few unfamiliar chemicals as possible.
Conclusion
A wet-look hairstyle can be for everyone regardless of your hair type or texture. While it is a relatively easy style to create, it can be slightly trickier to maintain for long periods if you’re not using the right method to suit your hair type.
Gels, conditioners, mousses, and pomade are the most common products used, and each can work especially well when used on the right hair type.
Investing in a good hair serum or oil will help bring out the best in these products and keep your wet look looking better for longer.
And maybe don’t go for the wet look every day. Take breaks and your hair will stay healther.
