Are you ready to master one of the most timeless hairstyles ever? Slicked back hair has been turning heads for decades, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. This classic look gives you that sharp, put-together vibe that works whether you’re heading to a big meeting or a night out with friends.
The best part about slicked back hair? It’s way more versatile than you might think. You can rock this style for professional settings where you need to look polished, or dial it down for casual hangouts. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Ready to transform your look? We’re about to share 5 game-changing tips that will help you achieve that perfect slicked back hair style every single time.
What is Slicked Back Hair?
Let’s start with the basics. Slicked back hair is exactly what it sounds like – your hair is combed straight back from your forehead, creating a smooth, sleek look. This style has some serious history behind it. Think classic Hollywood stars from the 1920s and 1930s, or even modern celebrities who still rock this timeless look today.
The key characteristics of slicked back hair are pretty simple: it’s sleek, smooth, and neatly combed back without any bumps or flyaways. Your hair lies flat against your head, creating clean lines that look incredibly polished.
Here’s the cool thing – slicked back hair works for almost everyone. Whether you have thick hair, thin hair, straight hair, or even slightly wavy hair, you can make this style work for you. The length can vary too. You don’t need super long hair to pull this off, though having at least a few inches on top definitely helps.
Benefits of Slicked Back Hair
Why should you consider trying slicked back hair? Let us count the ways! First off, this style screams professionalism. When you walk into that important meeting or job interview with perfectly slicked back hair, you’re sending a message that you pay attention to details and take care of yourself.
But here’s what might surprise you – slicked back hair is actually pretty low maintenance once you get it right. Unlike some hairstyles that need constant touch-ups throughout the day, a well-executed slicked back look can last from morning to night with minimal fuss.
The versatility factor is huge too. Slicked back hair isn’t just for men – women can absolutely rock this look and look amazing doing it. You can wear it to formal events, casual outings, or anywhere in between. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your hair – one style that works for multiple occasions.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Hair Products
Here’s where a lot of people go wrong with slicked back hair – they grab whatever hair product is lying around and hope for the best. Big mistake! The products you choose can make or break your entire look.
For slicked back hair, you want products that give you both hold and shine. Pomade is often the go-to choice because it provides that glossy finish while keeping everything in place. Hair gel works great too, especially if you want a stronger hold. Wax is another solid option, particularly if you prefer a more matte finish.
But here’s the key – you need to pick products based on your specific hair type:
- Thick hair: You can handle heavier products like strong-hold pomades or gels
- Thin hair: Go for lighter products that won’t weigh your hair down
- Curly hair: Look for products with extra hold to keep those curls smoothed back
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and formulas until you find what works best for your slicked back hair goals.
Tip 2: Prep Your Hair Properly
You wouldn’t paint a house without prepping the walls first, right? Same goes for slicked back hair – preparation is everything. Start with clean hair. Wash it with a good shampoo and follow up with conditioner to create that smooth base you need.
Here’s a pro tip: don’t skip the blow-drying step. While your hair is still damp (not soaking wet), blow-dry it in the direction you want it to go – straight back. This sets the foundation for your slicked back hair style and makes the styling process so much easier.
Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying. Your hair takes enough of a beating from daily styling, so protect it from heat damage. This step is especially important if you’re planning to make slicked back hair a regular part of your routine.
The goal here is to create the perfect canvas for your styling products. Your hair should be completely dry and smooth before you start applying any product.
Tip 3: Master the Combing Technique
Now comes the fun part – actually creating your slicked back hair masterpiece. This is where technique really matters, so pay attention to the details.
Begin by distributing your selected product consistently throughout your hair. Don’t simply pile it on the surface – ensure it’s applied from the roots to the ends. First, use your fingers to spread the product, then take your comb to finish.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Start combing from your hairline, moving straight back
- Use smooth, even strokes – no jerky movements
- Make sure you’re combing all sections of your hair, not just the top
- Go over it a few times to ensure everything is perfectly smooth
The tool you use matters too. A fine-tooth comb gives you the most precision for slicked back hair, but some people prefer a brush for the initial smoothing. Try experimenting to discover what works best for you.
Remember, the goal is to create one continuous, smooth surface with no bumps, lumps, or stray hairs sticking out.
Tip 4: Lock in the Style
You’ve done all this work to create the perfect slicked back hair look – now you need to make sure it stays that way all day long. This is where a good finishing product comes in handy.
Hairspray is your best friend here. Choose one with a strong hold and spray it evenly over your slicked back hair. Don’t go crazy – you want to lock in the style without making your hair feel like a helmet.
Some people prefer finishing creams or serums for a more flexible hold. These products can add extra shine while still keeping everything in place. The choice depends on your personal preference and how long you need your slicked back hair to last.
For touch-ups during the day, carry a small comb and maybe a travel-size product. Sometimes you just need to smooth down a few pieces that have shifted, and having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.
Tip 5: Maintain Healthy Hair
Here’s something a lot of people overlook – you can’t have great slicked back hair if your hair isn’t healthy to begin with. Damaged, dry, or brittle hair just won’t cooperate no matter how much product you use.
Regular trims are essential. Even if you’re growing your hair out for slicked back styles, you need to keep the ends healthy. Split ends and damage will make your hair look messy and unkempt, which is the opposite of what you want.
Pay attention to your scalp health too. All those styling products can build up over time, so make sure you’re washing your hair thoroughly and maybe using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove residue.
Don’t forget about deep conditioning treatments. Your hair works hard to maintain that slicked back look, so give it some extra love with regular conditioning masks or treatments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s talk about the mistakes that can ruin your slicked back hair game. The biggest one? Using way too much product. More isn’t always better – in fact, it’s usually worse. Too much product makes your slicked back hair look greasy and heavy instead of sleek and polished.
Another common mistake is rushing the combing process. Take your time to get every section smooth. Sloppy combing leads to an uneven finish that doesn’t look professional at all.
Don’t neglect your hair health in pursuit of the perfect slicked back look. Using harsh products every day without proper care will damage your hair over time, making it harder to achieve the style you want.
Conclusion
There you have it – 5 professional tips that will take your slicked back hair game to the next level. Remember, this classic style is all about the details: choosing the right products, prepping properly, mastering your technique, locking in the style, and maintaining healthy hair.
The beauty of slicked back hair is that it works for so many different occasions and hair types. Whether you’re going for that vintage Hollywood vibe or a modern professional look, these tips will help you nail it every time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the style your own. Every person’s hair is different, so what works perfectly for someone else might need tweaking for you.
