Table Of Content
Slicked-back hair has been in style for over 100 years, and for good reason. The style can emphasize thick, rich hair, show off bone structure, and create an eye-catching look perfect for everything from business meetings to casual weekend outings. Not only is this classic look extremely appealing, but it’s also super easy to do. Plus, we’ll even direct you toward the best products and tools. The product you choose to slick your hair back with is vital. You need the right amount of hold to make sure your hair doesn’t fall out of place as it dries.
Meghan Markle Went the Slicked Back Bun Route - MarieClaire.com
Meghan Markle Went the Slicked Back Bun Route.
Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Slicked Back Hair Inspiration: 10 Styles We Love
The weight of the hair at the back may be enough to just about cover up the cowlick when slicking it all back. But ultimately, you’ll still need enough length for this option too. But if your hair isn’t long enough to do this, you’ll need to work with the cowlick to stop the hair from sticking up here. When slicking back hair, the most common issue is the swirled cowlick at the crown causing the hair to stick up and outward at the back. If your hair is just stubborn and keeps flopping forward, you may not be using the right styling product.
How to Slick Back Hair Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Spino likes to use the Oribe Rock Hard Gel because it’s great for slicking back the hair, and makes everything stay in place. If you are someone who needs a little extra hold for this look, you can apply the Andrew Fitzsimons Hard Strong Hold Hairspray for a style that is guaranteed to last. Use this amika pick from your root area down through your mid-shaft to add a touch of slickness, especially if your hair is on the dry or dull side. The last thing you want for a slicked back look is for your hair to be frizzy. This pick from amika works to smooth down locks and tame any flyaways before styling your hair.
Wet Slicked-Back Look
It’s fairly simple to get that ultra-cool slicked-back look that you’ve been thinking about trying. Starting with clean, product laden hair, all you need to do is comb your hair back in a way that doesn’t fight with your natural part. This makes it more likely that your hair will stay slicked back all day because it won’t want to flop over all the time. High-shine hairspray is the key to a stunning slick-back ponytail. Spraying it directly on your hair can lead to clumps and/or finish irregularities. Slicked back hair is universally considered professional due to its effortlessly formal and defined aesthetic.
Apply A Pre-Styler
However, if your hair is quite long, don’t forget to check it up from every angle. To accomplish this, you can use a looking glass or the front camera of your cell phone. The slick back hair is the ultimate choice for you if you wish to make your hair look swanky and chic.

Modern Ducktail Haircut
Generally speaking, pastes hold for a longer amount of time, and unlike gels, it's a lot less glossy-looking. Add some of the product onto the outer layer of your hair and let it sit for half a minute. Afterwards, run your fingers through it and massage it all the way through. But, applied to hair, it’ll give you a pinch of sheen with no grip whatsoever. This is a better bet for longer styles that won’t otherwise suffer from flyaways. It’s also good to mix with cream or paste for more added control + shine.
In case you have any lingering questions, these answers should tell you all you need to know. You may have to consider which style works best with your particular face. But we’re sure a pro (or you!) can figure out how to make the style you prefer work. Give the wet-hair look a slight upgrade by switching up your normal part.
Shorter hair might work its way free and stick up over time. This inspiration also follows the natural part to create a relaxed appearance. A matte product keeps the hair looking clean, but it stays out of the face while being securely tucked into her elegant bun. You don’t need to have shaved or buzzed sides to rock slicked-back hair, but it makes your style more noticeable. This inspiration features a pompadour on top, with wax providing plenty of volume and a matte finish. He shaved the sides and let it fade into a slightly longer buzzcut near the crown.
Twisted Buns
I Tried TikTok's Treatment Bun: See Photos - POPSUGAR
I Tried TikTok's Treatment Bun: See Photos.
Posted: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You can have the best of both worlds, accenting waves with a slicked-back finish. Follow Zendaya's lead (which is always a good idea!) and slick the top part back and have hair gradually cascade into loose waves. First, I started with my part and applied the göt2b® glued® Styling Spiking Hair Glue to damp hair where I wanted my hair to be slickety smooth. Once you’ve done this, you can consider defining the side part on one side as well.
For many years, the slick back hair had an air of formality, which made it an extremely popular hair look. Due to this, men and hairstylists create its most sophisticated variations. Lately, slick back hair men used to wear to formal receptions. Hipsters prefer the undercut version as it makes a huge contrast. To soften up the look a little, you can get yourself a high, low or mid-fade. After you have decided on the sides and back, it is time to think about the top.
To that end, you should choose a firm-hold product that will leave you with a high-shine. You can choose a paste, gel, cream, or pomade but make sure whatever you select offers a heavy hold while still keeping your hair shiny. If you prefer vegan bristles, Simich suggests opting for nylon. “The Mermade Hair Styling Brush is specifically designed to remove bumps, glide over knots, and leave a silky glass finish on the hair,” she says. Other options to consider include the Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush ($28) and Olivia Garden NewCycle Styling Combo Paddle Brush ($21).
Moreover, short slicked back hair comes out dapper and clean, which makes it a perfect option for both work and everyday life. To slick back thick and curly hair, consider using a smoothing pre-styler beforehand. Apply pomade to damp hair as opposed to dry to avoid frizz. Vent brushes are useful because they smoothen while not tugging too much.
In case you feel like your slicked hair is too sleek, create a small bouffant at your quiff area to add it some volume. The sides are not the main part of this haircut, so just make them simply fade. Give it a tapered cut and style it with pomade or wax, creating structured and secured top. The slicked back undercut has been one of the most popular hairstyles in recent years. It’s gained its popularity due to the striking contrast between the sides and the top. To achieve the slick back undercut, you need to grow your top hair quite long so that you would be able to brush it back.
As long as you keep it above the minimum length, you should be fine. Once this is done, it’s time for the post-styling, which is just another term for the “actual” styling. This is a great way to add volume quickly in your desired direction. A solution to this would be to style a more modern slick back as opposed to a shiny and traditional one. Matte or low-shine products such as clays, pastes, and putties would be better.
"The celebrities that do this look on the red carpet know they are not made for movement," cautions celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. Generally, slick back hair styles will not harm your hair in any way. However, if your hairline is receding or the hair is thinning, then slicking it back too often can make matters worse. So, just do not wear slick back hair styles too often and when you do, avoid brushing your hair too hard. If you find the traditional slick back look too intense, add a side part to smooth it a bit.
This will allow the mess to stay where it belongs (in the bun) while the rest of your look is slick and conservative. To start, grab a max hold hair gel like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel. Since this one has a high shine finish, it’s perfect for achieving the wet look. This look is a spin on face-framing layers, baby braid twists and antenna bangs in one. Part your hair down the middle with a wide tooth comb and separate a quarter-inch section on each side of your part, at the hairline, for your baby braids.