What’s not to love about slicked-back hairstyles? They’re easy to achieve, work on almost every hair type, and instantly make you look put together with minimal effort. The best part? They’re very much still in style and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
If you’re looking to try the hairstyle, you’re in the right place. Ahead, we show you stunning ways to rock slicked-back hair. So, sit tight as we dive in.
What’s Special About Slicked Back Hairstyles?
Slicked-back hair involves gathering your hair away from your face to keep it as sleek as possible. It can be worn with your hair down, in a half-up, half-down look, in a ponytail, or in a bun. The coiffure is classy and perfect if you’re trying to imbibe the clean girl aesthetic. The style first gained popularity in the 1920’s, but has had a resurgence due to its versatility, timelessness, and edge.
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How to Perfect the Slicked-Back Hairstyle
Here’s how to nail the look, depending on your hair type:
Fine Hair
Use a lightweight volumizing mousse on your strands to keep them from looking too flat. Then apply a flexible-hold hairspray to secure your hair in place without weighing it down.
Thick Hair
A styling cream or strong-hold gel helps to ensure control. Distribute the product evenly with a boar bristle brush. Smooth everything down, then add a top layer of strong-hold hairspray to finish for extra durability.
Curly Hair
Apply a curl-defining cream or leave-in conditioner generously, section by section. Then use a hair net or flat clips to keep it in place without flattening its texture.
Short Hair
Use gel and/or hairspray to keep your hair under control for longer. The key is to start with a light-hold styling product for control, then finish with a strong-hold formula to lock it in.
How to Rock Slick Back Hairstyles for Your Face Shape
This hairstyle suits every face shape, but to get the most out of it, you’ll have to make some modifications so it better suits your facial structure. For example, center-parted slicked-back hairstyles elongate round faces, while a side part helps to balance heart-shaped faces. And for angular faces, a flatter, slicked-back look or one with volume at the crown creates a proportion.
While you aim to balance your facial angles and curves, don’t be scared to play around with different variations until you find what you feel most comfortable in.
Slick Back Hairstyles You Should Recreate ASAP
Here you go:
The Classic Slick Back
Take your hair back with a generous amount of gel. This style is simple, easy, and effortlessly chic.
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Sleek Middle Part
To create this look, section your hair before you slick it back, then leave a part in the middle. Use a rattail comb for a razor-sharp part. Feel free to make it a bun so your facial features stand out better.
Geomeric Slicked Back Hairstyles
Feeling creative? Add structural shapes to your hair. Megan Thee Stallion’s style is a great example. The rapper slicked back her red hair and gathered the ends into long spikes for a dramatic effect.
Slicked-Back Hairstyles with Flippy Side Part
If you’re wearing your hair down, flip out the ends to accentuate the side part and contrast the slicked crown. To create it, use a round brush only on the ends of your hair, not the roots.
Curly Slicked-Back Hairstyles
Slicked-back hair can be achieved with any and every hair texture. So if you have curly or kinky hair, pull your roots back and let the rest of your natural curls shine in a ponytail.
Slicked-Back Braid
A low slicked-back ponytail finished off with a long braid is timeless and chic. It’s a low-maintenance style yet elevated, perfect for the red carpet or a night out with your girlies.
Slicked Half-Up, Half-Down
If you can’t choose between leaving your hair down and putting it up, how about you rock it both ways? This style gives off a youthful and playful vibe.
Wet Slicked-Back Hairstyles
For an I-just-got-out-of-the-shower look, style your hair with a generous amount of gel. It’ll create an extremely shiny look. Pair it with a few tendrils for more accents.
Pulled-Back Low Bun
A sleek low bun is one of those looks that will never go out of style. To create the look, smooth your temples after the bun is secured, not before, to avoid losing all the tension you create while securing the hair.
Slicked-Back Hairstyles with Undone Strays
Face-framing tendrils soften your facial structure. Add them to your slick hair. For a more intentional look, place the pieces before you slick your hair, not after. That tiny detail is the difference between effortless and messy strays.
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