How to Master Slicked-Back Hair (aka the Wet Hair Look)

Images: Imaxtree

We’ve picked up a lot of good beauty tips from the runways recently. From fresh ways to wear blush to flipping the script with edgy underliner, our repertoire has expanded exponentially. But there’s one hair trend that seems a bit impractical IRL: slicked-back hair.

Also referred to as the wet hair look, soaking locks in gel or mousse has become commonplace at fashion shows. Surprisingly, the tactic produces a wide variety of results. For those blessed with curls, the technique adds extra bounce to spirals. It works wonders on the roots of a classic low pony by providing a slick foundation and even helps define shorter hairstyles. And whether you part your hair down the middle or off to one side, wetting down your locks will give an instant uplift.

With searches on Pinterest for slicked-back hair ticking upward, you can bet we’ll be seeing the wet hair look off the runways this year. The key to making the trend translate is picking the right products. We like Redken’s Full Frame 07, which actually looks wet even after it dries. Wella Professionals’ EIMI Sculpt Force is another strong option since all you have to do is apply it to wet hair and let your strands air-dry. (For extra shine, finish with Wella Professionals’ EIMI Glam Mist Shine Mist.)

Now that we’ve got our arsenal lined up, here are 19 slicked-back hair looks from the runways for inspo. Whether you’re looking to go subtle or supersaturated, you’ll find a style that suits.

[ Next: 5 Hair Trends We’re Obsessed With From the Spring 2018 Runways ]

Slicked-Back Hair

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Believe it or not, the wet hair look can be subdued. Take the slightly slicked-back strands at Moncler Gamme Rouge Fall 2017, an easy way to dive into the trend.
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Slicked-back hair looks even better with a few strands left free-flowing. Use this trick when you’re going for a natural, I-just-stepped-out-of-the-shower vibe.
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One of the benefits of slicked-back hair is tons of texture. You can enhance the effect by scrunching your locks as soon as you wet them down with gel or mousse.
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With the low pony still trending, wetting down your roots is a fresh way to liven things up. To contrast the slicked-back top, curl the end of your tail.
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Slicked-back ‘dos don’t have to fall flat. After wetting down your mane with gel, sculpt your roots into a side part to create extra volume.
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For a daytime look, don’t be heavy-handed with product. Simply slick back hair with a modest amount of mousse or gel for the appearance of damp hair air-drying.
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Slicked-back hair works well on short hair, too. Add gel to the top and work a wide-toothed comb through it for a cool, raked effect, but let your ends stay dry and blunt.
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It also looks great with a side-parted style. Opt for a shine serum instead of gel for the faux wet look and hold back on the second half of your bob with a bit less product to create a more fluid look.
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We recommend waiting till the weather warms up before rocking this saturated style from Yohji Yamamoto’s Spring 2018 show. Eye pencil face scribble optional.
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When you have models walking by waterfalls on the runway, their strands are bound to get a little wet. For Chanel’s Spring 2018 show, hair was center-parted and soaked (and sometimes placed under a hat) in preemptive fashion.
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Gel down your hair from roots to midway down your mane. Then curl the dry portion into supermodel waves a la Brandon Maxwell Fall 2017.
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Fake super saturation by wetting your hair down with a spray bottle from top to bottom. Add in a cream before brushing strands back. It may seem counterintuitive, but lightly dry your locks with a diffuser, then finish with hair shine for a sleek style that’ll look wet for hours.
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Instead of soaking hair down to mid-length, stick to just the roots for piecey texture all the way back to your crown.
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Attention curly gals: slicked-back hair looks totally boss on above-the-shoulders cuts and it will help add definition to your spirals. Work in some volumizing mousse and finish with a dressing cream to give the illusion of wetness. Add in oversized dangling earrings to balance things out.
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Give a classic ponytail a little twist by soaking strands before wrapping it back on itself with a black elastic to shorten the tail. Leave some locks out of the loop for a face-framing effect.
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Redefine helmet head by weighing down your roots with a heavy dollop of gel. Blow out the hair below your ears for a super sleek antidote.
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If you love the way your hair looks right after you emerge from the pool, Marni’s got the style for you. For that fresh-from-a-dip vibe, don’t smooth back every strand by letting a few curls loose.
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Brush back your strands and apply generous gel up top to set the style in place. Use some hair clips to secure the bottom dry half for 15 minutes to lock that section in place. Once the clips are pulled, spray with hairspray for all-day hold.
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And the award for wettest locks goes to Hood By Air. At the brand’s Spring 2017 show, hair was covered in gel oil all the way from the roots to the ends.