How Do Black Women Get the Wet Look for Hair
The Wet Look has become a massive hair trend on social media during the first half of 2019, particularly on YouTube. Recently, everybody with some sort of curl or wave to their hair has been trying it out.
What is the Wet Look?
Just in case you've never heard of it before, the Wet Look is a hairstyle that looks wet when your hair is actually dry.
It's created by adding large (and I mean LARGE) amounts of curl defining products – gel, mousse, creams – to your hair to slick and weigh it down, and
NaturalNeiicey (pictured) shows how it looks paired with a glossy glow – think lounging at the poolside in the sun, looking effortlessly bronzed.
Does the Wet Look work for Type 4 Hair though?
Initially, I thought that this would only work for wavy or curly textured hair – so not for me! Whilst I do have some curls and waves, the majority of my strands are of the kinky-curly variety.
However, a video by Janae Mason inspired me to give it a go for myself. Her curl pattern is similar to mine and her results were pretty good. She also provided a method and products that I thought would work for me. I believe wholeheartedly in having fun with my natural hair, so why not?
Check out the video here to see my method and results:
My Method
- Starting out on freshly washed and deep conditioned hair, I worked in sections – without small sections, this would have been a complete fail! I also had my mist spray bottle to hand to keep my hair soaking wet.
2. I began with Cantu for Natural Hair Define and Shine Custard – for moisture, clumping and slicked-down shine.
3. After smoothing this product onto each section, I detangled with my Denman brush.
4. Next, I used TWO gels – I needed serious hold! Firstly, Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel – for elongation, what else?
I followed this up with Activilong Paris Control Sculpting Gel in Strong Hold (no. 4) – to add extra hold.
5. Then I used the Mane Choice Pink Lemonade and Coconut Mousse to really smooth my hair down.
6. Finally, I used one of my favourite edge controls from Creme of Nature for my hairline. Now, edge control is usually optional for me, but for this style, its a must!
7. I covered my hair with two scarves – one for the front of my hair and one to keep the length of my hair at the back in place – and air dried.
Results
This is a little close-up of my hair after 2-3 days of scarves, gel, edge control and patience! A short video summary is available on my Instagram here. Full results can be seen in this video.
What did trying the Wet Look teach me?
1. Don't be afraid to try new product combinations
I would never have tried out a custard, plus a gel, plus another gel, plus a mousse – ever! Whilst the results were quite heavy, sticky and a real labour of love, I actually got my hair the flattest that it's ever gotten in over four years of natural hair! I know what I'll be using next time I try out a slick low puff or bun.
2. Hair density matters
I've seen this look tried on a variety of hair types, and in my opinion, the best results have been on low-density hair (regardless of hair texture or pattern). Hair that is very dense and thick just doesn't quite hang the same way. That doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with thick hair at all – it is the absolute best for voluminous styles – but it does make a massive difference when to achieve a look that is more weighed or slicked down.
3. A hooded dryer is your friend
I don't own a hooded dryer and I kinda wished whilst drying my hair that I did. For one, this style takes AGES to air dry. Even after a few days, the under layers of my hair
4. Tweak the method to work for you
For some people, this style worked just fine with three products instead of four, some used creams, some used hair ties, some used pins… watching different people trying this style out reminded me of how important it is to know your
5. Your hair is unique – and that's ok
For me, this was a fun experiment. Even though the style I ended up with didn't quite achieve the look I was going for, I'm not going to get down on myself or my hair because of it. We do live in a world where hair that is 'laid' is glorified. Whilst it's amusing to see the versatility of what type 4 hair can do, it doesn't bother me that my hair doesn't easily lay flat or doesn't have that sought-after silky shine. There are things that type 4 hair can do easily that no other hair types can do, and that's a great thing. I accept my hair for what it is: thick, multi-textured, kinky-curly and beautiful.
Have you tried the Wet Look out, and how did you find it?
Or what other hair trends have you tried on your curly, kinky or
Much love,
Mary
How Do Black Women Get the Wet Look for Hair
Source: http://thecurlycloset.com/the-wet-look-on-type-4-natural-hair/