During the summer, especially on vacation, styling your hair isn’t always easy. Whether it’s too hot, too windy, or you’re simply feeling lazy, the ponytail is often the go-to solution. However, there’s a slightly more sophisticated hairstyle that’s just as easy and perfect for the warm weather: the wet hair look. This slicked-back style helps you avoid overusing heat tools after a day at the beach. Plus, it offers a trendy and fresh result, regardless of your hair type or length. Let’s dive in.

A slicked-back twisted bun

The ultimate classic: the bun. While we’re used to wearing it high and loose for a romantic vibe or accessorized with a scarf for a boho look, this summer we’re opting for the sleek bun. Popular among celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Kendall Jenner, this twisted bun at the nape of the neck is ultra-trendy. Besides being easy to create, this wet hair look has a major advantage: once your hair dries, you can let it down to reveal soft waves.

How to do it?
Start by detangling your hair. Gather your hair at the back of your head and tie it into a ponytail. Choose the height that works for you, ensuring the final bun sits low but doesn’t restrict your movement. Then, twist your hair before wrapping it around the base of the ponytail and securing it with pins. For an even more elegant look, create a part in the middle or on the side. In the evening, simply add some gel to maintain the sleek and wet effect.

Glamorous wavy hair

Highlight your beach waves, naturally shaped by the sea salt, by leaving your hair down. But to prevent the evening breeze from ruining your style and tempting you to tie it up, give your hairstyle a twist with this wet hair inspiration.

How to do it?
While your hair is still damp,  slick it back, exposing your forehead and ears. To do this, you’ll need gel or mousse. Take a generous amount and apply it thoroughly to your hair. Choose a product specifically designed for the wet hair look, rather than a standard gel that can leave a stiff, less glamorous effect. Don’t hesitate to apply more until you achieve the desired look. Also, spray your hair with a sea salt spray to enhance the beach wave effect. In the evening, you can add a bit of thermal water to keep the wet look.

Wet hair look for short hair

We especially love the rock & glam vibe of the wet hair look on a short haircut. It’s perfect for a chic evening.

How to do it?
Thoroughly squeeze out excess water from your hair before detangling. Using a comb, create a side part, then add some gel or wax to slick your hair back. For a more refined look, feel free to leave a small strand in the front or accessorize the style with barrettes. Set the style with natural-finish hairspray. We recommend spraying the hairspray into your hand and then applying it with your fingers for a more controlled and less stiff finish.

And don’t forget… the accessories!

Whether your hair is wet or dry, one trend that’s sticking around for summer 2024 is hair accessories. Headbands, claw clips, bows, or big flowers—vintage is back in. Add some flair to your ponytail by tying a scarf around it. Use a headband to structure your wavy hair. Or break up a jeans-and-white-tee look with an oversized bow. In short, hair accessories are a powerful tool to add a touch of sophistication to your vacation outfits.

Picture (c) : Marie Claire

From slicked-back and gelled hair to side-swept locks, the wet look continues to be a favorite among celebrities. It’s the ideal choice for summer due to its practical yet sexy appeal. Say goodbye to the simple ponytail – this year, it’s all about embracing creativity. And trust us, achieving the wet look is easier than you might think. Plus, it works for all hair types and lengths. Well, isn’t that convenient ?

The Sleek and Twisted Bun

A foolproof favorite: the bun. Whether it’s a high and loose bun for a romantic vibe or accessorized with a scarf for a bohemian touch, this summer of 2023 is all about the sleek bun. Many celebrities, including Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner, have been flaunting this style. We’re loving the sophisticated wet look of this sleek bun, which is surprisingly easy to achieve. The charm of this twisted bun? Once your hair is dry, you can let it down for a wavy finish.

How to do it : 

Detangle your hair. Gather your hair at the back of your head and create a ponytail. Decide on the height that suits you for the final bun – it should be low enough to not hinder your movement. Twist your locks and wrap them around the base of the ponytail, securing them with hairpins. For an even more elegant look, create a middle or side part. For an evening look, simply add a touch of gel to maintain the smooth and wet effect.

Glamorous Wavy Hair

Show off your beach waves, naturally crafted by sea salt, by leaving your hair down. However, to prevent the evening breeze from ruining your efforts and tempting you to grab the first hair tie you find, try this wet look-inspired twist.

How to do it :

On towel-dried hair, create a side part. Then, smooth the front section of hair across your forehead, shaping it into a wave. For this step, you’ll need gel or mousse. Take a generous amount and apply it evenly, making sure your hair is saturated. Opt for a product specifically designed for the wet look, as traditional gel can leave a less glamorous stiff texture. Don’t hesitate to apply more until you achieve the desired effect. Also, mist your locks with a sea salt spray to enhance the beach waves. In the evening, you can refresh the wet effect by adding a bit of spring water spray.

Wet Look for Short Hair

We particularly love the rock & glam effect of the wet look on short haircuts – perfect for a chic evening.

How to do it :

Squeeze out excess moisture from your hair and detangle. Use a comb and a bit of gel or wax to slick back your hair. For a more polished look, create a side part or accessorize with hair clips. Finally, set the style with natural-finish hairspray. For a controlled finish without stiffness, we recommend spraying the hairspray onto your hands and then applying it with your fingers.

And Don’t Forget… Accessories !

Whether your hair is wet or dry, if there’s one trend that’s carrying over into the summer 2023, it’s hair accessories. Headbands, claw clips, scarves, or silk scrunchies – the vintage vibe is back. Elevate your ponytail by tying a scarf around it. Add a headband to structure your wavy hair. Or, break up your jeans and white T-shirt look with an oversized scrunchie… In short, hair accessories are the key to adding a touch of sophistication to your vacation looks.

Photo (c) : Harpers Bazaar