How to Get the Wavy Wet Hair Look for Mermaid-Inspired Style

It's rare that a celebrity style trend comes along that's easy to reproduce on your own. It's also rare that a hair style works effortlessly with lots of different hair types. So when we heard about the wet-hair look, which is apparently both easy to do and works for any hair, we were intrigued.

Not only that, beachy, tousled hair is the easiest way to transform yourself from "regular person" into "straight-up mermaid" and we are here for anything that turns you into a magical, ethereal sea witch.

So what is the wet-hair look, and how can you get it? Read on to find out!

What Is the Wavy Wet Hair Look?

The wet-hair look is exactly what it sounds like: it makes your hair look wet. And you wouldn't be crazy for thinking that doesn't immediately sound all that appealing. What celebrity hairstylist would send their client down the red carpet with wet hair? Don't we normally spend hours with our blowdryers making sure hair is dry before we leave the house?

Well...yes, but the vibe of the wet-hair look is more "lounging poolside" than "running late." Don't think "bedraggled rat." Think damp, tousled waves. Think Bond girl walking out of the sea in a white bikini. Think about how amazing your hair looks after a day at the beach when the saltwater is doing it's thing. That's what we're going for here.

The Sea Witch Aesthetic & Its Hair Inspiration

The Sea Witch Aesthetic is another trend on the rise in 2025, and it goes hand-in-hand with the wet-hair look. It encompasses things like metallic eye shadows, sparkly nails, dark siren makeup, and dramatic, ultra-feminine outfits.

This aesthetic is all about mystery and ocean vibes. It's almost like the other side of the Coconut Girl Aesthetic. You're a siren, lounging on some rocks, waiting for some hapless sailor to come along so you can lure him to his death. It's magic, it's power, and it's a hit with celebs like Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian. Pinterest is predicting that it will be one of the biggest trends of 2025.

How to Achieve Wavy, Wet-Look Hair

So now that we have a better idea of what the wet-hair look is, how do we get it?

Before we dive in, it's important to remember what we're aiming for: natural, effortless waves that look damp and tousled without being greasy or crunchy. Prepping your hair, choosing the right products, and using those products sparingly will be crucial to achieving the right look.

Prepping Your Hair

To get this look, you'll need to start with (spoiler alert) wet hair. Start with hair that has been freshly washed and deep conditioned. Squeeze with a towel to get some of the moisture out until it's about 60% dry. You don't want your hair dripping, but you want it damp.

A key aspect of this style is extra moisture. Use a conditioner like Olaplex No. 5 Maintenance Conditioner after you shampoo, and scrunch a serum into damp, towel-dried hair if you have very dry hair.

Keep a spray bottle on hand to spritz down and keep the hair wet if the process takes you a while.

Creating the Waves

Next, we'll be using product to create loose, natural waves. Depending on your hair type, you'll need different amounts and types of products. Let's break it down.

Fine Hair

Fine hair won't need a lot of product to achieve this look. We recommend mixing a small amount of curl cream into some extra-hold hair gel like Tresseme Extra Hold or Aussie Instant Freeze. This will help prevent the gel from leaving your hair crunchy.

Scrunch the mixture into your hair from roots to tips and let the hair air dry. Avoid brushing or running your fingers through your hair. You want the hair to cling to itself and naturally section as it dries.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair girls will want to prep damp hair with mousse before applying hair gel from root to tip. This will keep some moisture in and accentuate your natural curls.

Don't hold back on product! Your type of hair can handle a lot, and you can also use hair clips or the end of a sectioning comb as the hair dries to dramatize the waves.

Curly Hair

For curly hair, moisture is key. Start with a leave-in conditioner and try mixing a pomade and maybe even a serum into your gel before you start. Use a paddle brush to detangle as you go, and don't be afraid to use more product that you think you need - it will elongate your curls and weigh them down a little, which is exactly what you want for this look.

Finishing the Look

No matter your hair type, you want to finish with a serum and hairspray. This will lock in that extra moisture look for a super glossy finish, and keep the hair from becoming frizzy or dry throughout the day.

Best Products for The Wet Hair Look

To achieve this look, selecting the right products is essential. Here’s a list of recommended products categorized by hair type to help you nail the style.

For Fine or Straight Hair:

1. Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner

• Recommendation: Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
• Benefits: Lightweight, hydrates without weighing hair down.

2. Strong-Hold Gel

• Recommendation: Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel
• Benefits: Provides definition and hold without adding excessive weight.

3. Shine Spray

• Recommendation: Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine
• Benefits: Enhances shine without greasiness.

For Wavy Hair:

1. Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner

• Recommendation: Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
• Benefits: Moisturizes and detangles while enhancing wave definition.

2. Curl Cream

• Recommendation: DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler
• Benefits: Defines waves and curls, adding moisture and shine.

3. Lightweight Gel

• Recommendation: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
• Benefits: Offers hold and frizz control while allowing natural movement.

For Curly Hair:

1. Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner

• Recommendation: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
• Benefits: Deeply hydrates and nourishes curls.

2. Curl Enhancing Gel

• Recommendation: Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator
• Benefits: Defines curls and provides a strong hold with a wet look.

3. Hair Oil or Serum

• Recommendation: Moroccan Oil Treatment
• Benefits: Adds shine, smooths frizz, and enhances the wet look without weighing curls down.

For Thick or Coarse Hair:

1. Intense Leave-In Conditioner

• Recommendation: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
• Benefits: Deeply moisturizes and detangles thick hair.

2. Strong-Hold Styling Gel

• Recommendation: La Bella Super Hold Gel
• Benefits: Provides maximum hold and definition for thick, coarse hair.

3. Finishing Shine Spray

• Recommendation: Kenra Shine Spray
• Benefits: Gives brilliant shine while leaving hair feeling lightweight.

Styling & Accessories for a Full Sea Witch Vibe

Once you've nailed your wet-look hair, you're going to want to complement with a mermaid-inspired outfit and accessories.

Metallic Tank Top

The easiest way to dip your toe (pun totally intended) into the mermaid style is with a simple metallic or shimmery tank. Pair with jeans to play the look down, or with a flowy skirt for full-on #mermaidcore vibes.

Form-Fitting Maxi Skirt

What's a mermaid without her tail? Recreate that look with a full-length skirt that hugs your figure with a little bit of movement. Make it metallic blue-green, or sparkly rose-gold and you're well on your way to your sea witch era.

Shells

Necklaces, bracelets, earrings. Even a cute, sequined clutch or a sparkly purse. Shells are versatile and can go anywhere, and they're the perfect complement to the sea witch aesthetic.

Complete Your Wavy Wet Hair Look with Our New Swim Line

Where better to rock your new sea witch look than poolside or at the beach? Our Floral Fusion line takes the sea witch aesthetic to the tropics with fun, bold prints and big splashes (again, pun definitely intended) of color.

Yes, we know it's only March, but a girl can dream of summer, can't she?