It wouldn’t be Fashion Week without wet-look hairstyles on the runways. Its appeal lies in the effortless, high-fashion vibe that brings a touch of luxury to any outfit. And yes, brides can totally rock this trend too! The wet look offers a sleek, modern twist on traditional wedding hairstyles and adds a high-fashion vibe that suits everything from sophisticated city weddings to laid-back beach ceremonies. You choose it as your main bridal look for the ceremony or switch things up for the party. This hairstyle works for all hair types, and stays put all day.
We’ve turned to Anna Vereta, a wedding and editorial hairstylist, for a guide on how to create the wet-hair look, complete with the best products. Keep reading to see how you can achieve this style for yourself.
Meet the Expert
Anna Vereta has been a professional wedding makeup artist and hairstylist for over 9 years, working at the highest level within the beauty industry. She is best known for her signature clean and fresh makeup look and lively hairstyles. Her passion is to reveal the inner beauty and light of every woman. Throughout her journey, she took different courses and tried various techniques to find her own vision and signature style. Anna is currently accepting makeup and hairstyling jobs for destination photoshoots and weddings across Europe and teaches other beauty enthusiasts and makes helpful beauty guides.
How to Do a Wet-Hair Look
Anna says you’ll need one of these products on hand to achieve the perfect wet-hair look: hair gel, foam, mousse, wax, or jelly oil. For a more defined, glossy effect, she recommends using R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel or R+Co Freeway Defining Spray Gel. If you prefer a lighter finish, foam or mousse is a great option—Anna likes thickening and volumizing TIGI Bed Head’s Queen For A Day. If you are into products having another texture, consider TIGI Wanna Glow Jelly Oil, which has a more fluid consistency, or TIGI Bed Head Stick, a denser, matte wax that provides hold and texture without the shine.
Start with damp hair—spritz some water first to make brushing easier and reduce the amount of product you need. Apply your chosen product evenly, sectioning off the hair and working through each layer. Once applied, shape your hairstyle with a comb and let it dry naturally or with a blow-dryer (but avoid brushing afterward).
The great advantage of this hairstyle is that it’ll stay in place all day with the right wet hair products and styling. However, asking your stylist for touch-up product recommendations is always smart, just in case you need to smooth down any stray hairs or refresh the shine.
Wet-Hair Look Tips for Different Hair Types
The wet-hair look can work for any hair type, but how you apply styling products will depend on your hair’s texture and length—just be sure not to overdo it.
For fine hair, Anna recommends opting for lightweight textures or flexible-hold gels to avoid a greasy finish. Heavy gels can weigh the hair down, so keep it light. If you have wavy hair, use a curl-enhancing gel to define your waves while keeping the wet effect. Apply the gel from roots to ends, shaping your hair as desired.
Mousse, foam, or oil works best for thick or straight hair. If your hair is especially thick or long, consider dividing it into sections, working from ear to ear, to ensure even product coverage and a consistent wet look throughout.
Wet-Hair Look Inspiration
Many celebrities have showcased the wet look hair on red carpets and at premieres, giving us major style inspiration. Think Kim Kardashian and Zendaya, who have effortlessly pulled off this sleek trend. Of course, it’s also a runway staple. At The Attico Spring 2025 RTW show, models strutted down the runway with damp, loose waves, channeling mermaid vibes. If you’re looking for more inspiration, models like Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Taylor Hill have also embraced this chic, glossy hairstyle.
At the recent presentation of KYHA‘s new bridal collection—perfect for cool, modern brides—we couldn’t help but notice the focus on the wet-hair trend. It’s a bold, fashion-forward look that fits right in with daring concepts. We love using it as a second look in the WEDVIBES editorials, and we encourage brides to consider it as a striking beauty option for their big day.
The wet-look hair is a bold, edgy, yet timeless choice that fits various wedding vibes—whether you’re going for glamour, sophistication, or casual elegance. If you want to embrace runway show ambiance, this glossy hairstyle is perfect as your main look or a cool second style for the reception and party. The best part is that it is easy to recreate! Just follow these steps and use the wet hair look products Anna Vereta recommended, and you’ll be all set. For extra confidence, consider having your hairstylist on hand throughout the day to keep everything flawless.
