Prepare to elevate your grooming game with the ultimate guide to slicking back hair, a timeless and sophisticated style that exudes both confidence and effortless cool. Whether you desire a sleek and polished look for a formal event or a more relaxed, textured style for everyday wear, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the techniques, products, and styling tips to achieve a flawless slicked-back mane.
To embark on this hairstyling adventure, gather your essential tools: a comb, brush, and a high-hold styling product, such as pomade, wax, or gel. For added shine and definition, consider incorporating a hairspray or serum into your arsenal. Before applying any product, ensure your hair is freshly washed and towel-dried. Slightly damp hair provides the optimal canvas for styling, allowing products to distribute evenly and penetrate the hair shafts.
Now, let’s dive into the practical steps of slicking back your hair. Using the comb, gently detangle your hair, working from the roots to the tips. This will help prevent any snags or breakage during the styling process. Next, apply a generous amount of your chosen styling product to your palms and distribute it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the top and sides. Use your brush to smooth the product through your hair, ensuring every strand is coated. Finally, use your hands or a comb to shape the hair into your desired style, whether it be a classic slick back, a side part, or something more experimental.
Prepping Your Hair
Achieving a slicked-back hairstyle requires meticulous preparation to ensure smoothness and hold. Here are the essential steps to prepare your hair for a flawless finish:
Washing and Conditioning
Start by thoroughly washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and impurities. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and soften your hair. This will make it more manageable and easier to style.
Towel Drying
Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing or wringing it, as this can damage the hair follicles. Instead, pat it dry or use a soft cotton towel to gently absorb moisture.
Brushing and Detangling
Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. Use a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This will help distribute the natural oils from the scalp and make the hair more manageable for styling.
| Optional Step | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Blow Drying | If you have thick or curly hair, blow drying it on low heat can help to straighten it and remove any remaining moisture. |
| Heat Protectant Spray | Applying a heat protectant spray before blow drying can help to prevent heat damage and keep your hair healthy. |
| Styling Cream | A small amount of styling cream can help to add moisture and shine while also reducing frizz. |
Applying Styling Products
Before applying any styling products, it is essential to ensure your hair is clean and towel-dried. Damp hair is easier to style and will hold the slicked-back look better. There are different essential products you can use:
Hair Gel
Hair gel is a popular choice for slicking back hair because it provides a strong hold and a wet look. To use hair gel, dispense a small amount (about a quarter-sized dollop) onto your fingertips and work it into the palms of your hands. Evenly distribute the gel through damp hair, starting from the roots and working towards the tips. You may need to use more gel depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Brush or comb your hair to achieve the desired slicked-back style.
| Hair Gel Strengths | Hold | Shine |
|—|—|—|
| Low | Soft, flexible hold | Minimal shine |
| Medium | Moderate hold, suitable for most hair types | Medium shine |
| High | Strong, rigid hold | High shine |
Pomade
Pomades offer a slick, shiny look and hold that is less stiff than hair gel. They are often oil-based or water-based, with water-based pomades being easier to wash out. Follow the steps below to use pomade:
– Scoop a dime-sized amount of pomade onto your fingernails and rub it between your hands until it warms up and becomes pliable.
– Apply the pomade evenly to damp or dry hair, focusing on the roots and working towards the ends.
– Comb or brush your hair to distribute the pomade and achieve the desired slicked-back look.
Using a Brush or Comb
To slick back your hair using a brush or comb, follow these steps:
1. **Start with clean, towel-dried hair.** If your hair is dirty, it will be more difficult to slick back and will appear greasy.
2. **Apply a styling product.** A good styling product will help to hold your hair in place and give it a sleek, polished look. You can use a pomade, gel, or wax, depending on the desired hold and finish.
3. **Brush or comb your hair back.** Use a soft-bristled brush or comb to gently brush or comb your hair back from the front of your head to the back. Start at the roots and work your way to the tips. Use firm, even strokes and be sure to smooth out any bumps or tangles.
4. ****If you want a more defined look, you can use a comb with finer teeth.** This will help to create a more polished finish.
5. **Secure your hair with a hairspray.** Once you have slicked back your hair, use a hairspray to help keep it in place. Hold the hairspray about six inches away from your hair and spray evenly. You can use a light-hold hairspray for a more natural look or a strong-hold hairspray for a more polished finish.
Tips:
- To create a more natural look, use a light-hold hairspray and brush your hair back loosely.
- For a more polished look, use a strong-hold hairspray and comb your hair back tightly.
- If you have thick hair, you may need to use a stronger-hold styling product.
- If you have fine hair, you may want to use a lighter-hold styling product to avoid weighing your hair down.
Slicking Back from the Nape
This technique is ideal for creating a sleek and refined look. Follow these steps:
1. Prepare Your Hair
Wash and condition your hair thoroughly to remove any dirt or oil. Towel dry your hair and comb it through to remove any tangles.
2. Apply Pomade
Apply a small amount of pomade to the palms of your hands and rub them together. Distribute the pomade evenly through your hair, focusing on the roots at the nape.
3. Comb Back
Using a fine-tooth comb, comb your hair straight back from the nape. Apply gentle pressure to smooth down the hair and ensure it lies flat.
4. Shape and Define
– Use a brush or comb to create a defined shape at the back of your head.
– For a more dramatic look, you can create a “ducktail” by lifting the hair slightly at the nape and brushing it back.
– To enhance the slickness, use a pomade stick or hairspray to touch up any flyaways or stray hairs.
Slicking Back from the Crown
To slick back your hair from the crown, follow these steps:
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Apply a generous amount of product to your hair. Start at the crown of your head and work it down to the nape of your neck.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product and remove any tangles.
- Brush your hair back from the crown using a boar bristle brush. Start at the top of your head and brush down toward the nape of your neck, keeping the brush close to your head.
- Smooth down any flyaways at the temples and sides of your head using a brush or your fingers.
- Once your hair is slicked back, it’s important to use the right products to keep it in place. Experiment with different brands and formulations of hair pomade, gel, or wax to find the one that works best for your hair type and style.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold your style in place all day or night.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
Step Description 1 Start with clean, dry hair. 2 Apply a generous amount of product to your hair. 3 Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product and remove any tangles. 4 Brush your hair back from the crown using a boar bristle brush. 5 Smooth down any flyaways at the temples and sides of your head using a brush or your fingers. 6 Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold your style in place. Finishing and Polishing
Once you’ve applied the product and combed your hair into place, you’re almost there. But to achieve that perfect slicked-back look, you need to finish and polish your hair.
6. Check for Flyaways
After you’ve combed your hair into place, take a close look in the mirror for any flyaways. These are small hairs that stick up or out from the rest of your hair and can ruin the sleek, polished look you’re going for. Use a small amount of product on your fingertips and gently smooth down any flyaways.
If you have a lot of flyaways, you can also use a hairspray with a strong hold to help keep them in place.
Alternatively, you can try using a bobby pin to secure any particularly stubborn flyaways.
Maintaining the Slicked Back Style
Maintaining a slicked-back style requires regular grooming and care to keep the hair in place and looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining the slicked back look:
Wash and Condition Regularly
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt or product buildup. Use a conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and prevent dryness.
Use a Pomade or Gel
To achieve a strong hold and slicked-back look, apply a pomade or gel to damp or dry hair. Work the product through your hair from roots to ends, using a comb or brush to distribute it evenly.
Blow Dry
Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to dry your hair while combing it back in the desired direction. This will help set the product in place and create a sleek, defined finish.
Retouch as Needed
Throughout the day, touch up your hair as needed by applying more product or using a comb or brush to smooth down any flyaways.
Use a Finishing Spray
To add extra hold and shine, apply a finishing spray to your hair once it is styled. This will help keep your hair in place for longer.
Avoid Over-Brushing
Over-brushing your hair can disrupt the slicked-back style and release product from the hair. Brush your hair only as needed to smooth down flyaways and maintain the desired shape.
Protect from Moisture
To prevent moisture from ruining your slicked-back style, wear a hat if it is raining or snowing. Avoid exposing your hair to extreme humidity, as this can cause it to frizz and lose its hold.
Dealing with Cowlicks and Thick Hair
Dealing with Cowlicks
Slicking hair back requires mastering the art of controlling hair direction, especially in the presence of cowlicks. Cowlicks are sections of hair that grow in an opposite direction, creating an unruly swirl or bump on the scalp. The secret to managing cowlicks is to identify their location and employ strategic combing.
- Wet Your Hair: Dampening your hair makes it more pliable and easier to manipulate.
- Locate the Cowlick: Examine your scalp and determine the exact location of the cowlick.
- Brush Away from the Cowlick: Using a brush or comb, gently stroke the hair away from the center of the cowlick in a radiating motion.
- Hold and Dry: Once the hair is brushed away, hold it in place using a hair dryer or bobby pins and let it dry completely.
Slicking Back Thick Hair
Slicking back thick hair can pose a challenge due to its weight and volume. To achieve a smooth, slicked-back look, follow these steps:
- Start with Clean Hair: Begin with freshly washed and towel-dried hair for maximum hold.
- Use a Prestyler: Apply a prestyler product, such as a mousse or powder, to create volume and texture.
- Comb and Section: Create natural partings and section your hair into manageable pieces.
- Brush Back: Using a firm-bristled brush, brush each section back towards the crown of your head.
- Apply Product: Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to the hair, working it through from roots to ends.
- Shape and Hold: Use a wide-toothed comb to shape the hair and hold it in place.
- Use Bobby Pins (Optional): If necessary, secure the hair at the back with bobby pins for added stability.
- Set with Hairspray: Seal the look with a strong-hold hairspray to prevent flyaways and ensure a lasting slicked-back style.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not Slick Enough
Possible Causes:
- Not using enough product
- Using the wrong type of product
- Not applying the product evenly
- Not combing or brushing through the product thoroughly
Solutions:
- Use more product, especially at the roots and in areas where the hair is thicker.
- Switch to a product with a stronger hold.
- Divide the hair into sections and apply the product in small amounts, working it through each section thoroughly.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or brush to distribute the product evenly and smooth out any flyaways.
Hair Looks Greasy
Possible Causes:
- Using too much product
- Using a product that is too oily
- Not washing the hair often enough
Solutions:
- Reduce the amount of product you use and focus on applying it to the roots and problem areas.
- Switch to a product with a matte finish or less hold.
- Wash your hair more frequently, especially if your scalp tends to be oily.
Hair Feels Crunchy or Stiff
Possible Causes:
- Using too much product
- Using a product that is too drying
- Not combing or brushing through the product thoroughly
Solutions:
- Reduce the amount of product you use and focus on applying it to the roots and problem areas.
- Switch to a product with a more moisturizing formula.
- Work the product through the hair thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb or brush to break up any clumps and distribute the product evenly.
Hair Doesn’t Stay Slicked Back
Possible Causes:
- Using a product with too weak a hold
- Not applying the product evenly
- Not combing or brushing through the product thoroughly
- Environmental factors (e.g., humidity, wind)
Solutions:
- Switch to a product with a stronger hold.
- Divide the hair into sections and apply the product in small amounts, working it through each section thoroughly.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or brush to distribute the product evenly and smooth out any flyaways.
- Consider using a hairspray or other styling product to add extra hold, especially in humid or windy conditions.
Aftercare and Restyling
To maintain the sleekness of your slicked-back hair, regular care and restyling techniques are essential. Here are some tips to help you:
Daily Care
• Brush your hair regularly to distribute natural oils and prevent tangles.
• Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
• Avoid over-washing your hair, as this can dry it out and make it more prone to breakage.Restyling
• To restyle your slicked-back hair, start by dampening it with water.
• Apply a small amount of pomade or gel to your hands and work it through your hair, starting from the roots and moving towards the tips.
• Use a comb or brush to distribute the product evenly and create a sleek look.
• Finish by applying hairspray to hold the style in place.Tips for Different Hair Types
Hair Type Tips Fine Hair Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add body and fullness. Thick Hair Use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup and prevent greasiness. Curly Hair Use a curl-defining cream or gel to help control frizz and define your curls. By following these aftercare and restyling tips, you can maintain a sleek and stylish slicked-back hairstyle.
How to Slick Back Hair
Slicked-back hair is a classic and versatile hairstyle that can be worn by men and women of all ages. It is a simple style to achieve, but there are a few tips and tricks to getting it just right.
To slick back your hair, you will need the following supplies:
- A comb
- A hair brush
- Hair gel or pomade
- A blow dryer (optional)
Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps:
- Start by combing your hair to remove any tangles.
- Apply hair gel or pomade to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way out to the ends.
- Use a hair brush to smooth your hair back from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
- If desired, you can use a blow dryer to set your style.
Slicked-back hair can be styled in a variety of ways. You can wear it with a side part, a middle part, or no part at all. You can also add a little extra height to the top of your head by teasing your hair before you slick it back.
Slicked-back hair is a great choice for special occasions or for everyday wear. It is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and it is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
People Also Ask About How to Slick Back Hair
1. What is the best hair gel for slicking back hair?
There are a variety of hair gels that can be used to slick back hair, but some of the most popular include:
- Murray’s Pomade
- American Crew Pomade
- Layrite Superhold Pomade
- Baxter of California Clay Pomade
2. How can I slick back my hair without making it look greasy?
To slick back your hair without making it look greasy, be sure to use a small amount of product and apply it evenly throughout your hair. You can also avoid using a blow dryer, as this can cause your hair to frizz and look greasy.
3. How can I slick back my hair if it is short?
Slicking back short hair can be a bit more challenging, but it is still possible. To do so, you will need to use a strong hair gel and apply it to your hair in small sections. Once you have applied the gel, use a comb to brush your hair back from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
