Ever wondered how to pull off wet styling your hair? If this is a question you’ve been asking yourself, this one is for you. Let’s go through the nitty-gritty of wet styling, its benefits, and how you can wet style straight, wavy, kinky, and curly hair like a pro.
What is Wet Styling?
What is wet styling? According to Evan Joseph, a professional hairstylist, wet hair styling is the process in which hair products are applied on dripping wet hair, after which excess water is squeezed out of the hair.
A common term used to refer to wet styling is wash and set. Wet styling is quite popular due to how convenient and versatile it is. You can rock it in a simple outing with friends and family or at an elegant event.
Wet Styling vs Damp Styling
Wet styling is not the same as damp styling although both of them are usually confused with each other. The main difference is that while wet styling is done when the hair is wet, damp styling is done on damp hair. That is, for damp styling, the water is squeezed out of the hair before styling or applying hair products.
Benefits of Wet Styling
There are many benefits associated with wet styling. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
1. Healthy-looking hair
Wet styling makes the hair look smooth and shiny. In addition, if your hair is damaged or fragile, wet styling will help you restore it to a healthy state.
2. Easy to Style
Hair is easier to style while wet, especially for curly and kinky hair types. The wetness reduces tangles and makes it easier to style your hair into your preferred hairstyle. You’ll also find that with wet styling, your hairstyle stays intact throughout the day.
3. Saves on Time
Wet styling saves on time since you don’t need to wait for the hair to dry before styling it. This makes it perfect for days when you’re short on time and still need to look put together for video calls or nights out.
4. Keeps the Hair Hydrated
In wet styling, hair products are applied to the hair when it’s still dripping wet. As a result, the hair stays hydrated thus being less susceptible to brittleness, and frizz. It is also a great way to prevent dry hair.
5. Suitable for all Hair Types
The beauty of wet hairstyling is that it works on all hair types. Whether you have straight, curly, wavy, or coily hair, you can pull it off. Although wet styling looks different on the various hair types, it has the same amazing benefits.
Wet Styling on Different Hair Types
There are four main hair types from type 1 to 4. Each hair type is unique and requires special care. Knowing the right way to take care of your hair is an important step towards loving your hair type.
Wet styling is a process that can be applied to all hair types but is rather popular amongst women with naturally curly or wavy hair.
Wet hair styling for type 1 hair – Straight/Fine hair
Straight hair, otherwise known as fine or thin hair is a hair type that lies straight on the scalp. It is soft, shiny, most times oily, and has a poor tendency of holding curls. When it comes to wet styling, straight hair benefits immensely from the frizz-fighting benefits.
Wet styling type one hair is a straightforward process. The first step is to apply oil or serum to your wet hair. This reduces hair damage. Next, apply alcohol-free mousse from the root of the hair to the tip. Finally, squeeze out the excess water. You can leave your hair like that if you want to achieve a straight look.
However, if you want to create gentle curls, divide your hair into four equal sections, braid each of them and tie each in a bun. The tighter you make the braid, the stronger the wave will be. Untie each bun and separate the waves once your hair is dry. You now have gentle curls without much effort.
For low waves with smooth roots, separate your hair into two partitions and twist each partition to the side. Keep twisting your hair till you reach the tip. Next, spin each twist into a low bun and secure it with an elastic band. Squeeze out excess water for easy drying. Unravel each bun and separate the waves when your hair is dry.
To give more volume to your wet hairstyle, add some hair extensions. They are easy to install and are available in a variety of colors that will blend in with your hair. You can even get yourself an application kit to make adding extensions more seamless.
Wet Hair Styling for type 2 hair
When it comes to wavy hair, you need to be more careful. Wavy hair has some similarities to straight hair but has a loose S-shape towards its tip. You will need to focus on forming your desired texture while avoiding frizz.
Amy Abramite, a hairstylist and the creative director at Maxine Salon in Chicago, recommends applying a mousse from the roots to the ends of the hair before wet styling. Thereafter, make use of a detangling wet brush to separate the waves.
Lightly squeeze your hair in the form of a compass to encourage a nice wave pattern to form without the frizz. Avoid messing with your hair while it’s wet to avoid your desired style from scattering. Let your hair dry naturally; also do not touch or apply anything on the hair until it dries. After the hair is completely dry, you can use a claw clip to add a dash of elegance to your look.
Wet Hair Styling For Type 3 Hair
Curly hair gets a lot of benefits from wet styling. For this hair type, it is best to style your hair while still in the shower and your hair still has a lot of moisture.
Apply hair milk on your wet hair to get medium curls. For stronger curls, apply a curl cream to soften them. Since curly hair tangles easily, use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove the tangles without breaking your hair. Afterward, apply a product of your choice to hold the style in place. You can then squeeze out the excess water and style your hair as you wish. There are many curly hairstyles you can choose from.
Wet Hairstyling for Type 4 Hair
Type 4 hair is coily or kinky hair. Its curls are a lot tighter than other hair types. The hair also tangles easily and is more susceptible to frizz. Wet styling is a must for you if your hair falls under this category. This is because wet styling arranges and keeps each coil together in a uniform texture. Wet styling keeps kinky hair shiny, moisturized, and intact.
To begin wet styling your kinky hair, you need to divide your hair into sections; preferably, four partitions. Next, you apply a hydrating lotion to each section and highlight the coils. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle. Layering hair oil at the top helps in sealing the cuticle.
When you’re done with styling, just like wavy hair, allow your hair to dry without disturbance. Do not brush, touch, or comb your hair as the curls can untwist and become messy.
Depending on the style you want to achieve, you might need to add clip-in extensions to elevate the look. You can find more detailed information on how to install clip-in extensions for type 4 hair here.
Wet Styling Techniques for Curly
Type 3 hair benefits the most from wet styling. That is why we’re taking a closer look at the different techniques you can use for wet styling if you have curly hair. This way, you can easily change up your look by simply switching to a different wet styling technique. Here are the techniques you can use.
1. Finger-coiling
This technique is to achieve an enhanced curl definition; it is used especially when the hair has been straightened to help restore the pattern of the curls back to their natural state.
Finger-coiling is a fairly easy technique, all that is required is your index finger. If you want to finger-coil your hair, divide your hair into partitions and apply any curl cream of your choice to your soaking wet hair. Comb through the hair for an even application.
Coil each of the curls tightly around your index finger, working through each partition. Apply an enhancing curl gel to hold the shape of the ringlets. Finally, squeeze out excess water and allow the hair to dry and style as desired.
2. Shingling
Shingling is a technique that is ideal for hair that experiences a lot of shrinkage. This makes it perfect for types 3 and 4 hair.
In this styling technique, products aimed at enhancing curls such as curling creams, leave-in conditioners, or hair gel are applied to the hair. The shingling method requires you to separate and smooth the product through each curl.
Although shingling is a time-consuming process, with the right products, it is an incredible way of achieving fresh-looking curls.
3. Twist-out
Twist out is the most common wet styling technique, it is also the easiest. To create a twist out, the first step is to clean and detangle your hair. Next, part your hair into 4 partitions, after which styling products should be applied. Finally, create your twists or flat twists then allow your hair to sit overnight or air-dry while going about your daily activities.
When you’re ready, undo the twists and style as you wish. Simple, right?
4. Braid-out
The braid-out technique is similar to the twist-out technique. However, instead of two-strand twists/ flat twists, three-strand braids are made. Braid outs enhance your curl patterns and give your hair a wave-like definition.
This procedure creates less frizz, unlike the twist-out method. It is terrific for people who do not like shrinkage as braids tend to stretch out hair while still giving it the wavy look.
To accomplish the braid out technique, you have to divide your hair into eight sections and braid/twist each part. Twirl the finishes of the braids and afterward, pin the twists to your head to get them into place.
How to Get the Perfect Wet Hairstyle Each Time
Nailing the wet hairstyle every time is as simple as following a few tips. It doesn’t matter what your hair type is. These tips will work for you. All you need is to practice and you’ll get a hang of it. Here are the tips.
1. Evenly Section Your Hair
Always make sure that you section your hair evenly. This ensures even distribution of the hair products you’re applying. As a result, you’ll be able to easily achieve your desired look.
2. Apply Products On Wet Hair
The point of wet hairstyling is to style the hair while it’s still wet. Apply products from the root to the tip and massage them gently into the hair for maximum penetration.
3. Style While Wet
Your hair should be shaped quickly before your hair starts drying. When it comes to wet styling, time is critical. You need to work fast in order to get the results you want.
4. Cover Your Hair
While waiting for your hair to dry, you should cover it to avoid interference. The best way to do this is by wrapping it with a silk scarf. You should also avoid touching your hair until it is fully dry.
If you’ve not tried wet hairstyling before or you simply didn’t know how to do it right, you have no excuses now. It is simple, effective, and suitable for all hair types. All the information you need is contained right here. Simply put, apply your preferred product to your wet hair, detangle, style, and let it dry. You’re now ready to go. Just carry a compact mirror to check up on your style and put back a few stray hairs.
Looking for more hair advice and styling tips? Subscribe to our newsletter to step up your hair game.