You might have heard some crazy things. Well, this one takes the mickey and it might top them all. In search of achieving that chic wet-look hairstyle, you might be more than surprised by what some professional stylists use for your hair instead of you know what…, lubricant. Yes, you read that right! It turns out that one of the oddest secrets in hairdressing involves using water-based or silicone-based lubricants to create the glossy, high-fashion wet hair look you often see on the red carpet.
The key to this trick is that lubricant has a texture that adds a shiny, wet finish to hair without drying or getting crunchy like traditional gels or mousses. The water-based version is the easiest to apply and wash out, but for those who need more structure, the silicone-based lube is ideal. The silicone holds the shape of a pre-styled hairdo while still giving it that sleek shine, although it does take a bit more effort to wash out.
Tom Smith, international colour director for Evo Hair and ambassador for Olaplex, reveals that this trick has been used by session stylists on celebrities before major red carpet events. Unlike mousses or gels, lubricant doesn’t dry into the hair or make it feel stiff. Instead, it leaves it shiny, soft, and natural-looking, as if it’s wet without actually being soaked.
My Experience with the Lubricant Hair Hack
Curious to see if this red carpet trick really worked, I decided to try it for myself. I chose a water-based lubricant since I knew it would be easier to wash out and wouldn’t weigh my hair down too much. Here’s how it went:
- The detail is into how I am pre-styling my hair. First, I styled my hair into loose waves. I wanted to keep some shape to my hair while adding that wet shine.
- How I am applying the lube also matters for the process to be successful. I took a small amount of the lubricant and ran it through my hair with my fingers, starting at the roots and working my way to the ends. It’s important to use just enough to get the shiny look without making your hair greasy or heavy.
- I was really surprised by how well it worked overall! My hair had a wet, glossy finish that looked like it came straight from a fashion magazine. It didn’t feel sticky or heavy, and unlike some gels, there was no crunchy feeling once it dried. It looked slick, polished, and super high-fashion.
The Benefits of Using Lubricant for Wet-Look Hair
Using lubricant for a wet-look hairstyle offers several unique benefits that set it apart from traditional products like gels or mousses. First, unlike these typical styling agents, lubricant doesn’t dry stiffly into the hair. Instead, it keeps the hair soft and manageable, allowing it to hold that wet appearance while still feeling natural. This ensures your hairstyle remains flexible and touchable, rather than rigid or crunchy.
Another great advantage is that the shine lasts for a long time because of the lubricant. Most traditional ones fade with time and make your hair dull, this one maintains the fresh, washed shine all day long. This shine ramps up the wet-look effect, making it look like you just got your hair from the stylist, even hours afterward.
Using lubricant can help in achieving defined texture. The smooth, slick quality of the lubricant allows each hair strand to stand out clearly, giving the overall style a sleek and polished look. It creates a light, airy texture that maintains an elegant, clean finish, avoiding the clumping that sometimes occurs with other wet-look products. This definition and the ability to control individual strands make lubricant a preferred choice for those seeking a modern, glossy look without the drawbacks of traditional styling agents.
Tips for Trying This at Home
- Better to use sparingly. You don’t need a lot, just a small amount will go a long way. Start with less and add more if needed to avoid overdoing it.
- Choose your lube wisely. If you’re going for a lighter hold and an easy wash-out, stick with water-based lubricant. If you need a style to hold for hours and don’t mind the extra washing, then silicone-based might be your best bet.
- Wash thoroughly after. Especially if you’re using silicone-based lubricant, make sure you wash your hair thoroughly afterward to prevent any build-up.
From Red Carpet to Everyday Glam
Who would have thought that something quite foreign to the whole idea of hair would become a stylists’ and celebrities’ favorite tool? This trick was a game-changer in many ways, promising to create that sleek, effortlessly chic look without using heavy styling products.
As Tom Smith says, “It’s all about creating a high-fashion finish that looks like you’ve just stepped off a runway.” And the best part? This wet-look hairstyle is remarkably easy to pull off at home, even if you’re not hitting the red carpet. Whether making a statement at an event or just adding some oomph to the everyday look, this odd little beauty secret could be just what you’ve been looking for.
So, next time you’re going for that wet, glassy look, why not try lubricant? It might just be the new secret weapon in your hair that keeps it sleek and effortless.
