The Wet-Hair Trend Is Here to Stay

Fashion Month may still be underway, but there are already a few standout beauty moments that stole the show during the kickoff at New York Fashion Week. From bob haircuts to "humid" makeup, there were likely quite a few looks that landed on your mood board. Still, you might want to make room for one more, because the wet-hair trend is all but a guaranteed hit as we approach the holidays and glam season.

This sculpted hair trend has been spotted on some of Hollywood's biggest stars during award season, but Jason Wu brought it to the runways at his spring/summer 2024 show. "There [was] a deconstructed element to this collection," hairstylist Jimmy Paul said in a press release of the inspiration behind the looks. "I wanted to create a look that felt like the models just emerged from a shipwreck . . . a wet, nearly drenched appearance without sacrificing the fluid movement of the natural hair texture."

The wet-hair trend has been spotted on celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Ciara and is extremely versatile. Kardashian has worn hers styled in an extra-long ponytail, and Ciara's has been referred to as "liquid waves" because of how they cascade down her back. Lizzo even wore a finger-waved version to the 2022 BET Awards. The look feels very editorial, but whether you have a special occasion coming up, want to get in on the mermaidcore beauty trend, or need a new way to embrace your third-day hair, Paul shared some tips on how to get the look.

Wet editorial hair is fairly simple to achieve, and you likely have all the necessary tools at home. "Once dampened, begin sectioning the hair and apply hair gel throughout," Paul says. "Use a comb to distribute it from root to end." After sufficiently working the gel into your hair, follow up with a shine serum and what is arguably the most important part of this look: mousse.

"Scrunching some mousse into the hair adds texture and hold," he says. If you want to just leave it there, set with some hairspray, like Tresemmé's Ultra Fine Hairspray ($7). If you're going for that runway-ready swoop spotted at the show, create a deep side part with a finger-wave bend across the forehead. Then, you'll want to brush the rest of the hair behind the ear. Paul's pro tip? "Set the wave in place with a cover clip, then remove it once the hair is dry."

It's safe to say that the wet-hair trend won't be going anywhere anytime soon. If you need some timely inspiration, we rounded up some of the best versions we could find ahead.