A Short & Simple Guide to Getting the Wet Hair Look for Men

A Short & Simple Guide to Getting the Wet Hair Look for Men

Written by: Piers Le Moignan

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Time to read 6 min

The wet hair look for men is currently one of the most popular hairstyles. And, to our delight, it’s also one of the easiest to achieve.


This hairstyle gives off a cool and elevated vibe that works really well for smarter occasions, like fancy dinners or weddings, but it's also a great look for enhancing your everyday style.


Of course, the key to achieving the wet hair look is all in the products.


To help you recreate the suave and sleek wet hair look on your own barnet, we've put together a quick guide on how to do it, including some of our product recommendations for the best results.

Wet Hair Inspiration

There are a few different versions and takes on the wet hair look, including slicked back, combed over, and messy styles.


They all follow very similar steps, but the final look depends on your personal preference and hair type.


For example, if you have thicker and curlier hair, a messier version of the wet hair look might work better for you compared to a slicked-back style.


We've rounded up some of our favourite wet hair looks for men to inspire you:

Slicked Back Wet Hair

A slicked-back style is one of the most classic and stylish wet hair looks for men. This works really well on naturally straight hair or hair that has been straightened with a flat iron.

Curly Wet Hair

Credit: @eyalbooker 

For men with naturally curly hair, the wet hair look can add definition and enhance your natural curls.


It also works really well if you have shorter sides, as you can slick the sides back and leave the texture on top.

Combed-Forward Wet Hair

Credit: @louisvuitton and @uarmyhope 

If you have a long fringe or bangs, the combed-forward wet hair look is a great option. You can work with the length you have and scrape the hair forward for a more dramatic and edgy style.

What Products Do You Need for a Wet Hair Look?

To achieve the perfect wet hair look, you'll need a handful of products that'll help you create the perfect combo of shine, texture, and hold. Let's break them down:

  • Hair Wax or Pomade: These products will provide hold and texture to your hair, allowing you to mould it into a sleek, wet look.

  • Texturising Spray: This product will add texture and volume to your hair, making it easier to style and giving it a more natural finish.

  • Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner: These will add volume and fullness to your hair, making it easier to style.

  • A Wide-Tooth Comb: This will help you distribute the products evenly throughout your hair and create the desired texture.

How to Get the Wet Hair Look

Once you've got your hands on the necessary products, you can get started on achieving the wet hair look. Here's a step-by-step guide that'll help you create the perfect style:

Step 1) Wash Your Hair

Starting any hairstyle on freshly cleansed hair is always the best approach. It'll make it much more manageable than trying to style hair that's already been through a long day.


Use a volumising shampoo to wash your hair and massage the product into your scalp well. A volumising shampoo is best for this style as it'll add fullness and texture to your hair, which is essential for the wet hair look.

Our Thickening Shampoo is a great option as it's specially formulated to add volume and thickness to fine or thinning hair, with results visible from the first wash. It contains a powerful blend of ingredients that help to create a fuller, healthier-looking head of hair and enrich it from a cellular level.

After thoroughly rinsing out the shampoo, condition your hair to help reduce frizz and keep it soft.

Our Thickening Conditioner is also formulated with a blend of ingredients that work to increase hair thickness and promote overall scalp health. When used with our Thickening Shampoo, it'll nourish your hair and help to maintain its fullness.

Step 2) Towel Dry Your Hair

You'll need your hair to be damp when you apply the products in the next step, so towel dry your hair gently to remove any excess water.


Be careful not to rub your hair too vigorously, as this can cause damage and frizz. Instead, use a hair towel to pat and squeeze your hair dry.

Step 3) Apply a Texturising Spray

If you're trying to achieve the curly wet hair look, your next step will be to apply a texturising spray to your damp hair. This will help add definition and enhance your natural curls or add texture if you have straight hair.

We recommend our Marine Mist above all others for this look. Unlike many other sea salt sprays on the market, Marine Mist contains a high density of salt and so works to give hair better texture and definition. Not only that, but it nourishes and cares for your hair at the same time.

Spritz your sea salt spray directly onto damp hair, making sure to apply it evenly.


Then, use your hands to comb through your hair, distributing the product evenly. Use pulsing scrunching motions to work it through your hair, scrunching from the ends or roots upwards depending on where you want more texture.


At this point, you should also part your hair in the desired direction using your fingers. A middle part is popular for this style, but a side part can also work well, depending on your face shape.

Step 5) Apply Hair Wax or Pomade

For slicked-back wet hair, take a small amount of pomade or wax and glide it through your hair, starting at the root and working your way to the ends.


You might be tempted to apply a lot of product, but remember, less is more, and you can build up more if needed.


Take your comb and work the product through your hair, slicking it back and creating the desired shape.


For a more textured wet look, apply the product to your hands and scrunch it into your hair, focusing on the ends for a tousled effect. If you want more definition in certain places, you can apply concentrated amounts of product to specific areas and finger-curl your hair to create more texture.

How to Make Your 'Wet' Hairstyle Last All Day

If you've used a good-quality styling product with strong hold, your hair should stay in place most of the day. But you could also use a hairspray as the final step to lock your style in place. A light mist will be more than enough, and it'll help keep the hair flat.


You can also retouch your hair throughout the day with your styling compound, especially if you have thicker or longer hair. Keep a small amount of product with you and use it to restyle any pieces that may have fallen out of place.


Avoid touching your hair when you don't need to, as well – the more you touch it, the more likely it is to lose its shape.

Summary: Recreating Trending Hairstyles With Salt Grooming

From the wet hair look to other popular hairstyles, we have plenty of style guides for you to follow over on our blog, as well as an elevated range of products that'll help you achieve the desired look.


With our cleansing products and styling essentials, you'll have everything you need to create an abundance of different looks and stay looking and feeling your best.


Shop the full range online today.

FAQs

How Can I Make My Hair Look Wet All Day?

Using a good-quality styling product with a strong hold is key to making your hair look wet all day. You could also use a hairspray for extra hold.

What Men's Hair Product Gives a Wet Look?

A pomade, wax, or gel are the most commonly used products to achieve a wet hair look for men.

Does Pomade Give a Wet Look?

A pomade will create a 'wet' look on your hair if it isn't mattified. Pomades that state they create a shine will have a slightly glossier finish, whereas mattifying creams or pomades won't.

Why Does My Hair Look Wet After Washing It?

If you find your hair looks wet after washing and drying it, it could be because you haven't fully washed out your conditioner. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly, as any residue can make your hair look wet or greasy once dry.


Alternatively, if you use a leave-in conditioner, this could also be the cause.

Piers Le Moignan

Piers Le Moignan is the founder and CEO of Salt Grooming, an award-winning British luxury men’s haircare and styling brand. 


Founded in 2018, Piers has quickly grown the company into a global brand that has distributed to 43 countries and counting.


Headquartered in London, Piers leads an agile workforce of 10 employees and consultants, including the company’s formulation team which features some of the UK’s leading cosmetic scientists. Piers is responsible for overseeing logistics, supply chain, and performance marketing, and is the driving force behind Salt’s product innovation and brand/creative direction. 


Previous to foundership, Piers spent a decade at some of London’s leading creative agencies, developing global brands and communications for the likes of Adidas, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, and more.

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