SLICK BACK HAIR: HOW TO ACHIEVE THE SLEEK AND SHINY STYLE
The beauty of slick back hair styles? Their simplicity. Tapping into the clean aesthetics that continue to take over the runway, red carpet and our social feeds, these trending tresses are making major waves in the hair care space… and we couldn’t be more pleased.
From scraped-backed buns and polished ponytails to curly and classic finishes, slick back hair styles can be adapted to suit any occasion. Need inspiration for your next rendezvous? Whether that be an office meet, dinner date or weekend walk, we’ve rounded up all the best slick back hair styles that will see your strands through this season and beyond.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Slick Back Bun
- Slick Back Ponytail
- Classic Slick Back
- Curly Slick Back
- Short Hair Slick Back
- Best Products For Slick Back Hair
- Slick Back Hair FAQs
HOW TO CREATE A SLICK BACK HAIR STYLE
SLICK BACK BUN
With snatched finishes continuing to steal the spotlight, there’s no surprise that the slick back bun reigns supreme when it comes to slick back hair styles. And while it looks like you’ve put a lot of effort into it, it’s actually one of the easiest looks to achieve.
How to achieve a slick back bun:
Start by smoothing down towel dry or damp hair with your go-to gel, mousse or lightweight cream. If your hair is dry, don’t worry, you can still achieve this look by simply dampening your locks with water or a leave-in conditioner. Apply your styling product evenly through your hair from roots to end, evenly distributing it with a fine-tooth comb. - Using the same comb, smooth your locks back from your forehead to the nape of your next – making sure you get rid of any bumps and flyaways.
- Gather your hair into a ponytail. For a low bun place the ponytail by the nape or for a higher style place it nearer the crown of your head.
- Take the ponytail and gently twist it in one direction until it begins to form a coil. Then, wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of your elastic, creating a bun shape. You can make the bun as tight or loose as you prefer, but for the sleek look, we suggest keeping it tight and neat.
- Secure your bun in place with a hair band to ensure it doesn’t shift.
- Then to finish off smooth down any baby hairs with your chosen pomade, before setting the style with a light spritz of strong-hold hairspray. Hold the spray about 8–10 inches away from your hair to avoid making it too stiff.
SLICK BACK PONYTAIL
A structured ponytail is a great complement to any slick back hair style. But the key to achieving this look lies in the prep. Before even picking up your hairbrush or styling products you need to decide where you want your parting and ponytail to sit as this will define how you section and direct your brush. We recommend a high ponytail when wearing high neck clothing and a lower ponytail for strapless and V-necks.
How to achieve a slick back ponytail:
- Once the height and placement of your ponytail is picked, spray your brush with a high-shine hairspray. Why your brush and not your hair? We’re glad you asked. Spraying the formula directly on your lengths can lead to bumps and clumps, whereas applying to your brush will ensure a sleeker but not wet finish.
- Next, comb your tresses from your parting back to the crown of your head (for a high ponytail) or back of your neck (for a low ponytail). If you notice any pesky flyaways during this stage, you may need to smooth these down with your go-to styling serum or gel.
- Now your hair is all gathered in place it’s time to secure your look with an elastic band. For a clean aesthetics, it’s best to use a band that matches your hair colour.
- Finally if you spot any areas that need smoothing out go over it gently with a detailing brush or use hair gel, spray or pomade to tame any flyways around the hairline and at the nape.
CLASSIC SLICK BACK
The ultimate one-and-done look, the classic slick back hair is just as easy as it is effortless. Characterised by its combed back appearance, this fan favourite keeps your tresses away from your face and works well for both casual and formal occasion. Plus, tailored to suit all hair types (we’re talking everything from straight and wavy to curly and textured), the look radiates a polished appearance with a little bit of edge.
How to achieve the classic slick back look:
- Start by applying a generous amount of your strong-hold gel or pomade onto damp or dry hair.
- Then take a fine-tooth comb and gently comb your lengths from your hair line to the nape of your neck.
- Once your look is in place, secure its by misting your mane with a strong-hold hairspray. Hold the spray about 8–10 inches away from your locks and lightly spritz to avoid crunchiness.
- To finish off smooth any flyaways or baby hairs with a small amount of styling cream and lightly comb them into place to ensure a sleek and polished sign off.
CURLY SLICK BACK
Sick back hair is not just for those with straight or wavy hair. Oh no, it’s a finish that everyone can emulate no matter your hair texture. So, whether you’re a 4B or 3C, achieving curly slick back hair is all about balancing the natural texture of your curls with a controlled, smooth finish.
How to achieve a curly slick back style:
Start by washing your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo and a moisturising conditioner to keep your curls hydrated and defined. - To enhance your curl pattern while ensuring hold, apply a curl cream, leave-in conditioner or a curl activator to your damp hair. This will define your curls and help eliminate frizz. Distribute the product evenly using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Take a fine-tooth comb or your fingers to gently comb your curls backwards. Start at the front and work your way to the back, making sure the curls are shaped in the direction you want. If you’re looking to keep volume at the roots but still have a slicked back appearance, focus on combing the front and sides while letting the back curls fall naturally.
- Depending on what look you’re going for you may want to secure your locks with a hairband. For a more controlled style, you can gather your curls into a low ponytail or bun. This will keep the sides sleek and leave the back free to show off your natural curl pattern. Of if you prefer not to tie it back, simply keep the sides and front of your hair slicked back with product while leaving the rest of the curls loose.
Finally smooth any flyaways or baby hairs with a small amount of styling cream and lightly comb them into place before locking in your look with a gentle spritz of hairspray. For some extra shine, add a gloss or light oil to give your curls a healthy finish.
SHORT HAIR SLICK BACK
The best way to shake up shorter strands? With a slick back style that’s just poised as it is polished. Whether you’re sporting a butterfly bob, mullet or pixie cut, with the right products and hair tools you can achieve a sleek sing off with just a few simple steps.
How to slick short hair back:
- For a short, slick back style it’s best begin by rubbing a strong-hold pomade or cream between your palms before evenly distributing the formula through your damp hair.
- This will keep your locks in place, without making them look too stiff. Of, if you are wanting to amp up the volume, start by applying a mouse to your roots before the styling products to ensure a little extra lift.
- Using a fine-tooth comb, brush your lengths back, starting from your forehead and gently pulling the hair towards the back of your head. If you have shorter hairs on the sides, you may want to use your fingers or a smaller comb to make sure the sides are nice and sleek.
- Lock in your look with a light spritz of hairspray and add a touch of shine by adding hair oil to your ends.
BEST PRODUCT FOR SLICKED BACK HAIR
141
£20.00
4
£11.50
1
£18.00
29
£20.00
70
£24.00
626
£28.00
5
£132.00
96
£29.50
31
£28.00
9
£31.00
7
£17.50
433
£28.00
40
£21.00
4
£42.00
1
£21.00
SLICK BACK HAIR FAQS
What hair type is best for slick back?
While all tress types and textures can emulate slick back hair, the best hair type for this sleek hairstyle is typically thick, straight or wavy. This is because slicking back ‘dos require a good amount of volume and texture to hold the look in place.
Is slicked back hair high maintenance?
The level of maintenance for a slick back hair style depends on your hair type, products you use and the style you’ve chosen. The maintenance level will vary based on how thick, curly, or long your hair is. For some, it becomes a simple daily routine, while others might find it more time-consuming.
Is slicked back hair damaging?
Slicked-back hair doesn’t inherently cause damage, but certain practices like excessive use of heat, tight styling or overuse of heavy products can lead to hair damage if not managed properly. To avoid damage, use the right products, be gentle when styling, and maintain a good hair care routine that includes regular washing and moisturising.
So, now you know how to achieve your favourite slick back hair style it’s time to decided whether you’re going for a polished ponytail or sleek short style for your next rendezvous…
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
