17 Smart, Easy Styling Ideas for Wet Hair That Don't Look Sloppy

The wet-look hairstyle is the belt bag of the beauty world… It’s super-trendy and makes an appearance season after season, yet you’re a bit intimidated by it. When it’s done right, though, it completes your look. Often seen as a wildcard among popular hair trends, wet hairstyles can look sloppy. Fortunately, we've seen enough flawlessly executed wet-hair looks in our day that we've picked up some winning tricks.

From Miley Cyrus and Zendaya to the Hadids, celebrities have mastered how to rock the wet-hair look with an effortlessness ease looking polished and refined. While wet hair’s been popular on the red carpet, it can be translated into an everyday look. The ultimate benefit? Going with an easy wet-hair look not only looks stylishly cool, but relieves damaged hair of hot tools.

Discover the below hairstyle ideas on how to manage wet hair while also looking sophisticated.

Bella does the silky slick-back the best. Layer a considerable amount of gel to the crown of your hair to smooth it back, leaving your ends loose and free.

Tame wet curls by parting your hair down the middle and securing one side behind the ear. The simplicity of the one-ear tuck elevates this look.

Embrace Sofia Richie's incredibly glossy style by playing with this half-up pony. Add extra product at the roots to create the ultimate wet illusion.

Accessorize the gelled-down look with fashionable hair pins. This look easily translates from day to night and also gives the hairstyle a more playful look.

Go glam by sweeping your hair to one side while maintaining a faint wave. Polish your look with an glamorous old-school curl in your bangs.

This gives me major early '00s vibes. Remember when everyone was obsessed with the art of scrunching? It saved time, and honestly, it can look professionally done.

Don't want to overdo the gel? Loosely work the gel into your middle part, creating the wet illusion without completely weighing your hair down.

As the queen of wet hair, Kim nails this 'do by opting for thicker, fuller curls rather than loose beach waves. By alluding to a fullness in her wet curls, KKW's hair is far from unruly.

Proof that your hair does not need to be down to pull off wet hair. First, comb gel through your straight middle part, smoothing down your hair to each side. Complete the look by pulling your hair back into a low bun. Does it get any easier?

This is a simpler wet look for Selena; however, she reveals that your hair doesn't have to look drenched in order to dabble with the trend. Opt for more of a damp look by gently wetting your natural hair texture and simply letting it go.

Gel your bangs back and allow your ends to be loose. Take a cue from Zendaya and go for curls to dress up your look.

Another glossy ponytail. Try calming the ponytail with a fashionable braid, and complete this hairstyle with a final pass of oil to add shine.

Short hair? No problem. Strategically comb your bangs back, creating defined lines on the sides. Pro tip: Gently brush out a few fly-aways in the front.

Adding a headband is always a good idea.

Miley has been a true stan of wet-look hairstyles. Gel your natural hair until it begins to look wet. Then go back through and make sure there are no fly-aways.

Ditch the middle part and slick your hair all the way back to create that "middle school swim team" hair. Wear this wet-hair look like Sofia in a cozy sweatshirt, or dress it up with gold hoops and sequined number for a night out.

Though similar to Kaia's other wet-look hairstyle, if you have short hair, the smallest tweaks can make the biggest difference. Here, Kaia's bangs are softly gelled to the side, making for a softer style.

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This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.