No hairstyle quite gives effortless chic like the wavy wet hair look. This hairstyle is part of the larger sea or ocean beauty trend forecasted to take over 2025. The trend encompasses all things sea: from siren makeup to mermaid nails. The wavy wet hairstyle exudes everything water and beach related, from mermaid braids to artistic edges that mirror ocean waves. If you’re looking for your next hairstyle, let this hair trend offer some inspiration. 

Y2K Inspired Wet Look

A wet look on straight hair is always a muted yet stylish statement. To achieve the look, apply water mixed with conditioner in a spray bottle to your wig or straight bundles. This style is a great way to add some versatility to your straight hairstyles. Plus, it creates an effortless look that nostalgically screams “I just hopped out the shower.” Wetting your simple middle part bussdown turns you instantly into a Y2k video vixen.

Mermaid Braids 

Wavy wet hair can be incorporated into your braid hairstyles too. After all, mermaid braids and boho braids were some of the breakout braid hairstyles this year. These hairstyles scream vacation by the water. Details of these braid styles include wavy attachments to the straight braids that give Black mermaid. As a pro tip, make your braid style last longer by investing in human hair wavy add on bundles. 

Wet Wash & Go

Update your typical curly wash and go by transforming it into a wet look. It’s a common misconception that the wavy wet hair look can only be achieved on looser hair textures. Try out the style by starting on drenched hair. Work in small sections applying leave-in conditioner and a loose water-based gel. 

Dramatic Edges

Take your wavy wet look hairstyle up a notch with dramatic edges. Although edges aren’t a new addition to hairstyles for Black women, they are so customizable. Shape your edges into swoop designs that imitate the waves in the ocean. Create your desired artistic edges with a rattail comb and a light gel before sealing it in with a heavy hold hair spray. 

Classic Slickback

Slickbacks aren’t only reserved for buns and ponytails. Give your forehead some spotlight by slicking your tresses straight back. This is a clean and classic look that will add a touch of elegance to your aesthetic. Plus, you won’t worry about your hair constantly being in your face. This OG hairstyle is especially fit for the women with a widow’s peak or smaller foreheads. 

Wet, Wavy, and Short

Spice up your pixie cut or new curly cut by adding some wetness to the mix. Simply douse your strands in water and apply a light gel. This hairstyle mirrors an edgy biker look, highlighting the blunt spikes in your tresses. Let the short layered strands frame your face. 

Wet and Spikey Bob

If you’re looking to get a bob this season, try wetting your hair for a new style. Rihanna even donned a wet bob in 2018, pairing it with a bold red lip stick. Add the wavy wet hair look to your preppy bob, because it makes you look more free and less put together. 

Long and Wavy

Speaking of mermaids and sirens, legends of these beings include them having long wavy, wet hair. Recreate the look of these mythical creatures with long wavy and wet strands of your own. To keep your waves in longer, purchase burmese curly bundles which stay wavy. Reactivate the waves with a curl spray or water in a spray bottle mixed with gel.