In this article
Slicked-back hairstyles are cool and simple to achieve without needing an elaborate hairstyle or spending too much time styling.
Whether your hair is in a neat bun for the workplace or a tucked bob or messy ponytail style for a more relaxed look, all you need to do is decide what works for you according to the length of your hair, its texture, hairline, and hold.
There are types of hairstyles that you will be learning in this guide that will show you how to get the ideal basis for slicked-back hair and avoid stiffness.
Choose your slicked-back finish
“Slicked back” refers to the direction and texture of the hair rather than just one hairstyle. The lengths may be left loose or tied into a ponytail, braid, or bun. The finish can be glossy and polished or smooth and soft to the touch.
The middle part and low bun are appropriate for formal occasions, while softly slicked-back lengths or wet looks with sculptural buns are dramatic enough for parties.
Extreme pressure is unnecessary. Sleekness can be achieved through gentler tension, precise placement of products, and secured lengths.
|
Style goal |
Best options |
Length |
Finish |
|
Quick everyday polish |
Low pony, tucked slick-back |
Short to long |
Soft to smooth |
|
Formal simplicity |
Middle-part bun, low bun |
Medium to long |
Sleek |
|
Visible detail |
Slick braid, sculptural bun |
Medium to long |
Defined |
|
Wear hair down |
Flippy side part, slick bob |
Bob to medium |
Smooth with movement |
|
Editorial impact |
Wet look, side-part knot |
Short to long |
Glossy and bold |
Lay a solid foundation
Damp hair provides a smoother surface, whereas dry hair keeps more root volume for softness and smoothness.
Create your part prior to setting it. See whether you have a symmetrical parting or create a deliberate-looking side part.
Brush through to detangle and use a heat protectant before blow-drying with the Laifen SE 2 hair dryer. Make sure to move the dryer around to set your roots where you want them to be. Stop once hair is dry.
Apply a small amount of a light smoothing product. Fine hair requires less product than coarse, curly, and dense hair.
Brush towards the anchor point while holding your base in place not to tighten it again.
Go for chic and practical designs
This range is both elegant and functional for work and leisure.
1. Middle part
Create a center part, make both sides even, and create a low bun or ponytail. Make sure the part remains visible through the crown of the head.
2. Flippy side part
For bobs and lobs, the crown should be smooth and the ends should have an outward curve. The round brush should be used only on the bottom part of the hair.
3. Low ponytail
Tie your hair together in the middle of your nape and make it straight, and tie it. Then take a thin piece of hair and tie it around the elastic.
4. Tucked slick-back
Move the hair away from the face and put it behind both ears. Pins are hidden so that it will not slip out and create an elegant look without having to make a ponytail.
5. Softly slicked back
Gently push the hair back using either fingers or a wide-tooth comb, maintaining the crown height and texture of the hair.
Do chic updos
They help maintain the lengths in order and suit formal events, exercise, warm weather, and hectic days.
6. Sleek low bun
Create a low ponytail, form a bun from it and secure the edges. After that, refine the temples in order not to constantly brush and tighten your hair.
7. Slicked back braid
Form a slick low ponytail and braid the lengths. You can choose either traditional three-stranded look or more stylish rope look. It includes long hair but does not concentrate its weight in a bun.
8. Asymmetrical knot
Create a deep side part and form a knot from the twisted lengths. Make it symmetrical and centered or create an asymmetrical look.
9. Sculptural bun
Separate a ponytail into several parts and twist, loop or fold each one around the roots. Keep the front simple and try the design before an event.
10. Slicked topknot
Tie your hair at the crown without pain-causing tension. Coil or make loops from a ponytail and check whether the topknot is sitting straight.
Leave slicked hair down
The slicked-back style does not always require a ponytail; keeping all or part of the length down adds volume and is effective for short haircuts.
11. Half-up, half-down
Smoothen the hair from the temples to the crown and tie the upper part in a low bun. Make sure that the lower layer is either straight, wavy, curled, or left natural.
12. Glossy slicked hair
Use a product that leaves a wet finish on the roots and upper lengths of your hair and comb it backward section by section. Check the dry result before using the shiny style for any occasions.
13. Slicked bob
Combing a bob backward or behind the ears is enough; maintain the root lift and secure only small sections of hair without repeated slicking.
To get a loose version of any slicked hairstyle, first choose two pieces framing the face, then slick the remaining hair. This way, the result looks more intentional than picking up the strands from the styled base.
Protect your hairline and scalp
There is no need for a slick hairstyle to involve pain. Tension headaches, pucker marks on your scalp, bumps, and trouble moving your eyebrows indicate that you have applied too much force. You should loosen the elastic and build a new one with a less rigid elastic or anchoring point.
It is not necessary to apply the same hairstyle every day in the same way. Switch to high, low, half-up and loose styles, so that the same spots of your hairline would not be strained. Soft ties and carefully placed hairpins will allow you to achieve the desired control without having to pull.
Product buildup is another issue. The application of various oils, waxes, creams, and gels will give you the required shine but will complicate the cleansing process. Use only one product for smoothening and another one for the hold. Put in just the amount of product necessary to keep control over your hair.
At the end of the day, remove hairpins and elastics with care. Untangle the ends of your hair before washing, cleanse your scalp sufficiently to wash away styling products. If your hair becomes dry or rigid, use conditioner for the lengths and apply softer styling products next time.
The haircut also counts for those who like to slick back their hair frequently. The haircut should be clean, with balanced face-framing sections. Bob, pixie and longer cut can be used for this look, but damaged ends and unbalanced breakage will be hardly concealed with it.
FAQs
Are slicked back hairstyles still in fashion?
Yes. Today there is an abundance of options like soft brushed-back styles, clean parts, sculptural buns, wet looks, etc., which makes the concept versatile rather than fashion-focused.
Can I slick back curly hair?
Yes. Do it in sections, apply sufficient moisture for better manageability and use brush/comb according to your hair type. The hairstyle doesn't require that all curls disappear.
Is slicking hair back damaging?
The technique itself is not harmful. Regularly applying tension, using rough brush, build-up, and wearing hair pulled back every day may result in breakage.
How to avoid bumps?
Detangle first, do it in sections, brush in the direction of the anchor line while holding it and secure the hairstyle before styling its surface.
Can I slick back short hair?
Yes. Pixie cuts, bobs, and lobs may complement such styles as tucks, wet looks, flippy, and brushed-back styles that do not require creating a ponytail.
Slicked-back styles will work if the surface is styled but the person feels comfortable. Opt for a style that works for your hair length, prep the roots prior to styling and gradually add volume.
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