The Wet Hair Trend is Hot for Summer: According to the Red Carpet

Jan 11

This summer, the wet hair look is making waves—literally. From high-fashion runways to red-carpet events, this trend is all about exuding effortless glamour with a sleek, just-out-of-the-water vibe. Perfect for beating the heat while staying stylish, the wet hair trend captures the essence of summer: fresh, modern, and unapologetically bold. Equal parts edgy and elegant, this glossy, just-out-of-the-water look is not only runway-approved but also a celebrity favourite.

Icons like Kim Kardashian and Megan Fox have mastered the art of wet-look hair, showcasing its versatility on red carpets and in editorial shoots alike. Whether it’s a slicked-back bun for a poolside soirée or textured, gelled waves for a sunset party, this versatile style works for any occasion. Not only does it complement sun-kissed skin and breezy outfits, but it also keeps hair under control on those humid days. Dive into this trend and discover why wet hair is the ultimate statement for a cool and carefree summer.

Kim Kardashian’s Wet Hair Looks

Kim Kardashian has long been a trailblazer for the wet hair trend, consistently redefining its versatility and glamour. Her iconic wet hair looks have set the standard, inspiring countless iterations on runways and red carpets. The 2019 Met Gala saw her take the trend to new heights with her legendary "dripping wet" hairdo, styled to match her custom Mugler dress, evoking a goddess emerging from water.

In 2017, Kim embraced her platinum blonde era with a lengthened wet look that added an edgy twist to her transformation. At the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, she sported a chic wet side-part hairstyle, exuding understated glamour alongside her mom, Kris Jenner. Most recently, at the 2024 Kering for Women Dinner, Kim stunned with a tousled middle part wet look that perfectly complemented her latex wet-look dress by Balenciaga. Kim's mastery of the wet hair trend proves why she remains one of the most influential beauty icons of our time.

Spring/Summer 2024 Runway

The runway remains the ultimate source for spotting emerging trends, and the Spring/Summer 2024 fashion shows were no exception. These runways serve as creative playground where designers present not just clothing, but also complete looks, including hairstyles, makeup, and accessories that define a cohesive aesthetic. For Summer 2024 wet hair is a standout trend with designers like Vera Wang, Alexander McQueen, and Habey Club embracing it, sending models down the catwalk with sleek, high-shine styles that perfectly complemented their cutting-edge collections.

Textured Middle part

The textured middle part is a stunning take on the wet hair trend, featuring soft, curly waves styled with a sleek, glossy finish. Many of us know this effortlessly glamorous hairstyle as “mermaid waves”. Icons like Kim Kardashian and Megan Fox have repeatedly showcased this style, adding their signature sultry touch to its appeal. JLo also wore the textured look to the 2020 American Music Awards, but with a bob cut. It’s no surprise that these three stars nail this look, as they share the same hairstylist, Chris Appleton, who is a master at creating modern, head-turning hairstyles. With its chic middle part and perfectly undone waves, this wet-look hairstyle is ideal for those who want to exude confidence and sophistication with minimal effort.

Glossy Sweep Back

The glossy sweep back is the ultimate statement hairstyle, exuding sultry elegance with its tousled, swept-back strands and high-shine, wet-look finish. As apposed to the textured middle part, the glossy sweep back look has straighter waves with even more product to give it an ultra soaking wet look.

This head-turning style perfectly complements glamorous outfits, as seen on Kylie Jenner at Paris Fashion Week, where she paired her sequined Maison Margiela dress with a wet-look side part that enhanced the glistening aesthetic. Similarly, Megan Fox stunned at the Sports Illustrated launch in Florida, showcasing her copper-ginger hair in the same style, adding an alluring warmth to her bold look. Shay Mitchell also tried this look with extra long locks for the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. All three icons proved that this hairstyle is as versatile as it is striking, making it the perfect choice for a dramatic yet effortlessly chic vibe.

Sleek and Wavy

This look consists of structured waves and lots of product to keep the hair set in place and looking as wet as possible. Bridgerton breakout star Simone Ashley epitomized this style at The Fashion Awards in London, where she dazzled in a glittering lilac gown and hood from 16Arlington. Styled by Peter Lux, her hair featured a glossy wet finish with a few natural curls softly peeking out from under the hood. The shimmering hairstyle beautifully complemented her ensemble and felt especially fitting for Ashley, who would appear as one of Ariel’s sisters in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Zendaya also nailed this hairstyle at the 2021 Dune premiere, and wore a wet-look dress to complement it even more.

Waterfall Bangs

The side-swept "waterfall bangs" wet hair trend offers a cascade of glossy strands that frame the face with elegance. Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have both embraced this look, showcasing its versatility. Kim brought this style to life with a dramatic, sleek finish that highlighted her signature sculpted features, while Kylie added her own twist at the Jean Paul Gaultier x The Webster’s launch with wet strands romantically framing her face. This trend combines the high-shine drama of wet hair with the soft movement of side-swept bangs, making it a go-to for red carpet moments, runway looks, nights out and Instagram content!

How to get Classic Wet Mermaid Hair

Step 1: Start by adding texture to your hair with a curling wand or hair crimper.

Step 2: Grab a spray bottle and mist water evenly through your mid-lengths to ends untill your hair is 60% wet.

Step 3: Work a generous amount of hair oil or cream through your strands, focusing on even coverage. Don’t be shy—more product equals more shine!

Step 4: Layer it up with gel, scrunching it into your hair wherever you’ve applied the oil/cream. This combo is the secret to achieving that sleek, glossy, wet-look finish.

Step 5: Use a diffuser to scrunch and dry your hair for a perfectly polished result.

Step 6: That’s it—your sleek, high-shine hair is ready to slay!