How To Do a Sleek (Not Crunchy!) Wet Hair Look

As far as trends go, we're all about the nostalgic takes that bring us back to simpler times. Grunge makeup is having a moment, people are wearing body glitter again, and the zig-zag hair part is once again popular. Of all the current throwback trends, the wet look has us the most excited.

Celebrities such as Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, and Bella Hadid have recently worn their hair in this style — and it's easy to see why. It's edgy, sexy, and timeless — all in one. Plus, as celebrity hairstylist and Matrix Brand Ambassador, Castillo, says, it's always been a vibe.

Of course, you can't just walk out of the shower and call it a day. After all, once your hair dries, you won't have that sleek, nearly dripping look. To achieve the wet look, you need to know what products to use and how to use them to lock in the style.

Consider Your Hair Type and Length

For starters, determine your hair type. How you get the wet look will differ if you have textured hair or not, it's not one-size-fits-all. You should also consider your hair length. Shorter hair will work the products from root to tip, whereas medium-length and longer hairstyles will concentrate the products on the roots to the middle of the hair shaft.

Castillo says that something everyone can do is to part the hair to elevate the look and balance out the overall energy of this style. You can do a middle part, a side part, or even the very 90s-inspired zig-zag part. For a more traditional wet hair look, comb it back in a sleek, slicked-back look.

VIDEO: Zig-Zag Parting Is the Edgy, Y2K Trend That's About to Make a Comeback

Wet Look Tips for Curly Hair

If you have a strong curl pattern or a tight kink, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Veluer Creative, Michael Dueñas, says to use a very strong-hold gel and hair oil on damp, towel-dried hair. Take these two products and blend them together in your hand, and use a fine-tooth comb to work them into your hair as you comb it to your desired style.

Then, he recommends adding some weight to the ends of your hair with some hair clips to slightly pull the curl out. Leave them in as your hair dry rooms and then remove them. "This will create an all-day hold while keeping the style locked in," he explains.

Wet Looks Tips for Straight Hair

Castillo says that other hair types can coat dry hair that's already been styled in a lightweight oil and lightweight gel from roots to end for a sleek, oily finish. (He recommends using Matrix's A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil and A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel.)

"When finishing this look I want to make sure that all the hair is saturated in product and the hairline and part are all controlled," he says. Before wrapping up the look, he says to spritz hair from roots to mid-length with a strong-hold hairspray.

Make a "Wet Look" Cocktail

If you want a wet hair look that lasts all day, your best bet is to make a mixture of products. Dueñas says to use a cocktail of mousse, conditioner, and a lightweight gel on damp, towel-dried hair to achieve a wet look that'll last all day.

"The conditioner adds comb-ability and softness to your hair, which allows you to scrunch your hair and still have a wet look," he explains. "The mousse and gel together create a strong hold that has pliability."