Spent a little too much time in the shower doing your hair care routine and now you're late for work? But wait, how can you go with soaking wet hair when you don't have time to blow dry it? Don't worry, there are plenty of work-friendly styles you can try with wet hair. Let's get started.

How to Prep Your Hair

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Before we jump into styling, you'll need to quickly prep your wet hair. Start by gently pressing and blotting your hair with a towel to get rid of excess water—microfiber towels are best for this because they're soft and highly absorbent.

Next, take a wide-tooth comb and carefully detangle your hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to avoid hair breakage. This is a good time to apply a leave-in conditioner if you have one, especially if your hair tends to frizz or dry out.

Next, depending on your hair type and the style you're aiming for, consider using a styling product like mousse for volume. Make sure to comb your hair again after applying any product so that it's evenly distributed.

How to Style Wet Hair

With a few simple techniques, you can rock wet hair to work. Here's how to do it:

1) Sleek Low Bun

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Step 1: Comb your hair back to smooth out any tangles.

Step 2: Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a tight bun, and secure it with a hair tie.

Step 3: For a sleeker look, apply a small amount of hair gel or serum before twisting.

Step 4: Use bobby pins for extra hold, especially if you have layers that might escape.

2) Braided Crown

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Step 1: Part your hair down the middle and create two equal sections.

Step 2: Braid each section starting from the front and work your way back.

Step 3: Wrap the braids over the top of your head like a headband and secure the ends with bobby pins behind your ears.

3) Twisted Half-Up, Half-Down

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Step 1: Take a section of hair from each side of your head.

Step 2: Twist these sections towards the back of your head.

Step 3: Secure the twisted sections with a hair tie or bobby pins at the back of your head. Make sure the rest of the hair falls naturally.

4) Low Ponytail with a Twist

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Step 1: Pull your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie.

Step 2: Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to cover the hair tie.

Step 3: Secure the wrapped piece with a bobby pin underneath the ponytail.

5) Wet Look Waves

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Step 1: Apply a curl-defining cream or mousse to damp hair to emphasize your curl pattern.

Step 2: Gently scrunch your hair with your hands to encourage natural waves.

Step 3: Allow your hair to air dry, or if you're in a hurry, leave it as is for a genuine wet look.

6) Simple Side Braid

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Step 1: Gather all your hair to one side.

Step 2: Braid your hair loosely, starting from just behind your ear.

Step 3: Secure the end with a hair tie and gently tug at the braid for a fuller appearance.

7) Top Knot Bun

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Step 1: Pull your hair up to the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie into a ponytail.

Step 2: Twist the ponytail around the base to form a bun, and secure with another hair tie or bobby pins.

Step 3: For a sleek finish, smooth any flyaways with a bit of gel or serum.

8) Space Buns

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Step 1: Part your hair down the middle into two sections.

Step 2: Create a high ponytail on each side of your head, where you want the buns to sit.

Step 3: Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins or hair ties.

Step 4: Loosen the buns slightly with your fingers for a more relaxed look.

9) French Braid

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Step 1: Start with a small section of hair at the top of your head and begin a standard braid.

Step 2: As you braid, gradually add more hair from each side into the braid, working your way down the back of your head.

Step 3: Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue with a regular braid and secure the end with a hair tie.

Step 4: Gently tug at the sides of the braid to loosen it for a fuller, more relaxed appearance.

How to Avoid Damage to Wet Hair

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Taking care of wet hair is crucial since it's more vulnerable to damage than dry hair. Here’s how you can handle it gently to avoid breakage:

1) Limit Heat Styling

Heat styling wet hair can "boil" the water inside the hair shaft, leading to brittle hair and split ends. If you must use a blow dryer, wait until your hair is slightly damp rather than soaking wet. Always use a heat protectant product, which acts as a barrier between your hair and the heat, and choose a hairdryer with multiple heat settings, starting on the coolest one. Better yet, allow your hair to air dry as often as possible.

2) Apply Leave-In Treatments Gently

If you use leave-in conditioners or treatments, apply them gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. These products can provide extra protection and moisture but should be used properly.

3) Trim Regularly

Even careful handling can't prevent all wear and tear. Consider getting regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can result in weaker, thinner hair. Styling wet hair can make this problem worse, so remember this tip.

4) Avoid Brushing When Soaking Wet

Wait until your hair is damp or almost dry before brushing. Brushing soaking wet hair increases the likelihood of breakage. If you need to remove tangles while your hair is very wet, stick to a wide-tooth comb.

5) Protect Your Hair Overnight

If you go to bed with wet hair, loosely braid it or put it in a loose bun to prevent tangling and breakage from moving around in your sleep. Use a silk or satin pillowcase or silk scarf to help it dry overnight without frizz.

Summary

Each of these hairstyles takes advantage of your hair's natural texture and moisture, turning the challenge of wet hair into a styling opportunity. With these steps, you'll be able to quickly and easily create looks that are both functional and fashionable for work.

And to keep these easy hairstyles in place all day, consider using Burlybands. These thick hair ties are designed to hold even the thickest, wettest hair without slipping or damaging your hair. Shop with us today.