The “wet-look” hairstyle is a classic for men. It has been spotted on stars like George Clooney and Brad Pitt, to name a few. Whether it’s worn slicked back or combed over to one side, you just need the right hair product — and lots of it. So, if you’re thinking about updating your hairstyle, this guide is for you.
1. Slick Back
The slick back is a classic rockabilly hairstyle that is easy to style and can make anybody look upscale. To achieve the look, apply a decent amount of gel or pomade to your hair. Then use a comb to brush the hair back and finish with a shine hairspray. The slick back is very versatile, making it a great hairstyle for men with different hair textures and lengths.
2. Side Part
Nothing says chic and sophisticated quite like the side part hairstyle. By shifting your part over to the side, you create the appearance of thicker, fuller, and healthier hair. Suitable for even the most formal occasions, the side part hairstyle is sure to add a sleek touch to your look. To get this style, start by combing your wet hair to your chosen side as you blow-dry it. Once it’s fully dry, you’ll want to apply a decent amount of gel to your hair and finish with some hairspray for ultimate hold and shine.
3. Fringe
For a classic look, nothing beats a hairstyle with a fringe. This type of cut helps to frame the face and creates a look that is both edgy and alluring. Though this style suits a variety of different hair types, it works especially well for guys with wavy hair. To get the wet look, you’ll want to blowdry your fringe down toward the face before applying a dollop of gel to your hair to set it in place.
4. Natural Curls
Wet hair is an excellent option for men with natural curls. To achieve that sexy beach look, apply some sea salt spray to your locks and let it dry naturally. You will also need to apply hair gel and finish with hairspray that has shine. The wet look may be appropriate for certain casual or social occasions, but may not work for professional settings.
5. Pompadour
When it comes to men’s hairstyles, none have stood the test of time quite like the pompadour. With decades of experience, this is a classic style that is steadfast and dependable. While the pompadour goes way back, skilled barbers have reworked the hairstyle to suit contemporary guys. Today, the cut, which is marked by short hair on the sides of the head with longer hair on top, is a very popular choice for gents. To get the wet look, blowdry your hair upwards, apply some pomade, then finish with some hairspray.
6. Hard Part
Wondering how to rock a hard part? It’s very important to get your hair cut by a skilled professional. While it’s possible to create parted hairstyles at home, for the perfect ‘do, you’ll need to explain to a barber exactly how you want your hair to look. Using the right product is also imperative to getting the perfect hard part. As always, there are a variety of options to choose from, but we’d recommend going for wax or gel to get the classic wet look.
7. Comb Over
The comb over is a hairstyle that has stood the test of time. It is versatile and contemporary and frames almost any face. While there are many different versions of the comb over, the idea of sweeping your locks to the side is universal among them all. To get the comb over wet look, apply some gel, and brush your hair to one side. Finish with hairspray that has added shine.
8. Military Haircut
Military men are considered to be bold and self-disciplined which is aptly revealed in the military haircuts that many are seen sporting both on and off the army base. Historically, a military haircut was mostly worn by the personnel, but the last few years have seen military styles such as the undercut, fade, buzz cut, and crew cut surge in popularity among gents. Generally speaking, all military style haircuts are short and neatly gelled in place. They are masculine, timeless, and low maintenance – making them a perfect option for every man. To get the wet look, simply spread gel over your fingertips and apply it to damp hair. Finish with some hairspray for a good hold.
9. Quiff
One of the most stylish and versatile hairstyles is the quiff, which is worn by different age groups and is appropriate for various events. A quiff is similar to a pompadour in that it also features hair that is brushed up and back off the face. To get the wet quiff look, work in a styling product like gel or mousse and distribute it evenly through your hair. To finish, take a strong-hold hairspray and give the quiff a good spritz all over.
10. Long and Messy
Messy hairstyles for gents are all about being quick, easy, and effortlessly stylish. Many men wrongly believe that a messy haircut equals bed head when in actual fact, messy hairstyles equate to an incredible alternative to hair styled in a conventional way. Not to mention that when you go for a messy ‘do, your possibilities are endless. If you’re lucky enough to have naturally wavy or curly locks, then all you need to do is add a bit of sea salt spray to define them. If not, you can always use a hair curler for beach waves. To get the wet look, apply gel through different sections of your long locks.
FAQs
How do you get the wet hair look?
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair, and dry off excess water with a towel, leaving your hair damp. Next, apply mousse or gel to your fingers, and distribute the product evenly through your hair and style as desired, letting it then air dry. You can also use a pomade or wax if you prefer, but this is best done on dry hair. When using wax or pomade, start with a small amount, adding more if you need, and style using either your fingers or a comb for a slicked-back look.
How do men make their hair look wet all day?
You can make your hair look wet all day by styling it with a wet look product. You can choose from mousse, gel, pomade, or wax, depending on your hair and preference. Mousse and gel are used on damp hair, while wax and pomade work better on dry hair. Apply the product with your fingers, as style as desired.
What product makes hair look wet?
Mousse, gel, pomade, and wax can all achieve wet-look hair.
Do you put mousse in wet or dry hair?
Mousse is best used on damp hair if you’re going for a wet look style.
Is using hair gel everyday bad?
Over-use of hair gel can have some adverse side effects. The gel ingredients can be dehydrating, which can lead to hair breakage and a dry scalp, especially if you sleep with it in your hair. Ideally, you want to wash the gel out every night; however, daily washing can also cause issues by disrupting the natural oil production on your scalp. It’s best to mix up your styling products, or even try for some product free days occasionally to give your hair a break and maintain its health.

Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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