Q After I shower, I like to use my fingers to create nice hairstyles with my slightly
damp hair. However, once my hair dries, I am unable to recreate the same look with styling products. How can I get the after-shower look for my hair?

A As you are more adept when working with wet hair, why not stick to what you do best and style your hair when it is wet instead of trying to recreate the look with dry hair.

What you need are the right styling products to keep your hair in shapeover the course of the day.

Avoid clay products, as these have a matte texture that won’t give you the wet-look.

Water-based hair gels are the best products when aiming for the sleek, wet look. Gatsby’s Wet And Hard Extra Shine Styling Gel, $6.80, is great for wet-look hairstyles.

Remember to pick a gel that suits your hair length and texture. As a general rule, use gel with extra-hold strength for thick hair and a normal strength gel for regular and fine hair.

June Ng, executive styling director of J’s Salon, recommends L’Oreal Professionnel’s Tec Playball Extreme Honey, $32, which has a strong hold
for straight hair.

Its Playball Pearl Whip, $30, is ideal for those with curly hair as it has good holding power and is not too oily.

After showering, towel-dry your hair as styling products will slow down the rate at which your hair dries and cause dandruff to form in wet hair.

Spread a glob of hair gel onto yourfingertips and work the product into your hair as you style it.

Remember not to brush your hair or the gel bonds will break, causing your hair to lose its shape.

For additional staying power – as gel may melt when you are out in the sun, causing your hair to lose its shape – add a liberal coat of hairspray to set the look.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.