Runway shows and celebrity red carpet appearances confirm that the warmer months bring the most exciting beauty and hair experiments every year. The biggest beauty movements of 2020 ranged from vintage ponytails and statement hair accessories to electric eyeshadow shades and unexpected eyeliner flicks along the upper lash line that dominated recent months. Yet hairstyles will undoubtedly claim the title of the season's most talked-about look for summer 2020 — think silk scarves, decorative pins, oversized hair ties, and, above all, the beloved wet hair look.
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Season after season, the wet hair effect makes its way onto the runways during spring-summer presentations from the world's most recognized fashion houses. A-list celebrities routinely grace red carpets wearing this glossy finish (recall Kim Kardashian's unforgettable arrival at the 2019 Met Gala or Adriana Lima's captivating appearance at last year's Cannes Film Festival).
Over the years, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Rita Ora, Rihanna, Zendaya, and numerous other stars have stepped out sporting the wet hair look at various occasions.
Put simply, this serves as further evidence that wet-look styling sets the tone for summer fashion. Since the late nineties, this finish has remained remarkably chic. It carries a luxurious quality and pairs beautifully with refined outfits to inject a fresh twist into any ensemble.
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As it happens, this also ranks among the most functional and beneficial styles of the season. The reason? Primarily because it shields strands from losing moisture. During summer, even well-formed curls suffer less damage from soaring temperatures. Apply the look at the beach, and your hair gains protection from the damaging impact of saltwater or chlorinated pool water. Pretty impressive, right? An added advantage: you can pull it off on third-day hair without reaching for any heat tools.
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On the whole, every sign points toward embracing the trendy wet hairstyle throughout summer 2020.
What to consider
There are countless approaches to wet-look styling. You might coat just the roots with gel or work a texturizing product through the entire length, then gather the strands into a low bun, ponytail, or slick them straight back, drawing inspiration from catwalk references. For shorter cuts especially, this styling technique becomes a true lifesaver: it reads as fashionable, offers multiple variations, and takes just a minute to achieve. What a win! Glossy wet strands project a fresh, polished, and sensual vibe — exactly what's called for during the hottest months. This hairstyle transitions effortlessly from refined to daring, making it suitable for formal galas, nightclub outings, beach gatherings, the workplace, and romantic evenings alike.
Step-by-step guide to achieving the wet hair look Let's walk through the process of creating this on-trend style.
- Begin with freshly washed hair and towel-dry or blow-dry it first. Counterintuitively, this look starts with dry hair, not damp.
- Shape the strands in the direction you intend them to fall: pushed straight back without a part, down the center, or swept to one side. All subsequent steps should follow the direction you've established.
- You may straighten the strands or leave them wavy. Dispense gel, mousse, or wax between your fingertips and work the product into dry hair. Start with a small amount and build up gradually as required.
- To achieve a sleek finish, use a fine-tooth comb. For a more tousled, piecey effect, rely on your fingers rather than a comb. Lock everything in with a holding spray, and your wet-look style is complete!
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Afterward, wear the curls loose or secure them into a ponytail, bun, or braid.
Suggestion: if you'd like to give your strands extra nourishment during styling, massage in a hair oil (coconut works well for particularly coarse textures) before applying any product.
Featured image credit: beautycrew.com.au
