How to Master the Wet Hair Look in 6 Steps

Red carpet beauty looks serve as a major source of inspiration and trends, and if you’ve been paying close attention, you might have noticed several celebs rocking the wet hair look. But even if you don’t have a glam squad to create the look for you, you can still sport a wet and glassy hair look all on your own. The best part? It’s actually pretty simple to create. So if you’re hoping to get in on the trend and try out a new hairstyle,  follow this step-by-step guide to master the wet hair look for yourself. 

1. Start With Damp Hair 

While you might think you’d have to start with soaking wet hair for this style, that's not actually the case. And once you hear the reason why, we promise it will all make sense. In order to master the style, you actually have to start with damp hair because if your hair is dripping wet, the hair gel you use in the following step won’t stick. And if the gel doesn’t adhere to your strands, you won’t be able to sculpt your hair into perfection. So, be sure to air dry or blow dry your hair until it’s damp to the touch. 

2. Choose The Right Hair Gel 

Choose a non-sticky, high shine hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Extreme Style Gel. The strong hold hair gel will keep hair locked in place, all day and night.

3. Apply Gel To Your Roots And Lengths

When it comes to achieving the wet hair look, it’s important not to skimp out on applying a good amount of product 一 this is your permission to go to town with your hair gel. Take a generous helping of gel and work it through your hair, starting at your roots. To achieve a sleek look, focus most of the product at your roots. Feel it out to see what you like the best, but keep this in mind: Essentially, the more gel you add, the wetter your hair will look. 

4. Comb Your Hair Back 

Depending on the look you’re going for, there are a variety of combs and hair brushes you can use to style your strands. For this look, consider opting for a fine tooth comb to create a more relaxed appearance. If you prefer a perfected, sleek look, opt for a boar bristle brush. Once you’ve applied a generous amount of hair gel, take the comb and work it through your hair from root to tip. 

5. Spritz On A Glossing Spray 

Once the roots of your hair have a nice glossy finish, it’s time to focus on the rest of your hair. Make the bottom of your hair blend with the top by using a glossing spray. While you’ll want to work some gel through your lengths, adding most of the wet-looking shine from a glossing spray will ensure the hair isn’t too heavy.  

6. Keep The Style In Place With Hair Spray 

As with most hairstyles, using a hair spray at the end of the process can help to keep the style intact. Use a shine-enhancing hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented, and spray it all over the hair. You can also use the hair spray to keep any baby hairs or flyaways controlled. 

Next: How To Create A Faux Bob In 5 Easy Steps

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Senior Art Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Adriana Perez-Bell, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Model: Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick