Have you ever admired the sleek, polished look of a smoothly slicked back hairdo and wished to achieve it yourself? This classic hairstyle, often seen on red carpets and fashion runways, is surprisingly easy to master at home. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps, tools, and techniques to help you achieve a perfect sleek back hairstyle that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're aiming for a glossy, Hollywood glam look or a sophisticated, businessman chic style, this versatile hairstyle is a timeless classic. So, grab your favorite styling products and let's dive into the world of smooth, slicked back hair.
Preparing Your Hair for a Slick Back Look
Before you begin, it's crucial to prepare your hair for the style. This step ensures that your hair is clean, healthy, and easy to manage, resulting in a smooth, polished look.
Start by washing your hair with a high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can leave your hair feeling dry and dull, which may affect the final sleekness of your style. After shampooing, follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and shiny.
Choosing the Right Hair Products
Selecting the right styling products is key to achieving a truly sleek and polished look. Avoid heavy gels that can leave your hair feeling sticky or crispy. Instead, opt for a high-hold, low shine pomade or gel.
Look for products that provide a strong hold but still allow for some movement, so your hair looks naturally smooth rather than stiff or greasy. Some popular options include Baxter of California Clay Pomade, Hanz de Fuko MOD Medium Hold Pomade, or Layrite Original Pomade.
Drying Your Hair: The dryer, the better
After washing and conditioning your hair, towel-dry it gently to remove excess moisture. Be sure not to rub your hair roughly with the towel, as this can cause frizz and breakage.
For the smoothest results, blow-dry your hair thoroughly using a vented brush or a round brush with boar bristles. Blow-drying your hair straightens the cuticles, resulting in a smoother, shinier surface. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, using a medium heat setting to avoid damaging your hair.
Styling Your Hair Slicked Back
Now that your hair is clean, dry, and prepped, it's time to start styling. Follow these steps for a flawlessly slicked back look.
Work in small sections, starting at the front of your hairline. Apply a small amount of pomade or gel to your fingertips, then gently comb your hair back, using your fingers to control the direction and ensure smooth coverage.
Mastering the Comb-and-Slick Technique
A classic fine-tooth comb is your best friend when it comes to sleeking back your hair. The small teeth help to smooth the hair and distribute product evenly, ensuring a smooth, polished finish.
Start by lightly misting your hair with a fine-hold hairspray to help tame any flyaways. Then, using your comb, gently work the product through your hair, starting at the roots and moving down to the ends. Continue to comb your hair back in the desired direction, using the comb to guide your hair into place.
Creating Height and Definition
If you want to create some height and definition at the front or Crown, use your fingers to lift and shape your hair before smoothing it back into place. You can also use a small amount of product to create a side part or a more structured style at the front.
Once you've achieved your desired look, lightly mist your hair with a medium-hold hairspray to ensure all-day hold without crunchiness. This step also helps to tame any lingering flyaways and keeps your style looking fresh and polished all day long.
Maintaining and Refreshing Your Slick Back Style
With proper care and maintenance, your sleeked back hairstyle can last for several days. Here's how to keep your style looking its best:
When sleeping, tie your hair back in a loose, low ponytail or a bun to prevent tangling and breakage. You can also wear a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and reduce hair damage.
Refreshing Your Style Throughout the Day
Over time, your hair may lose its shine or become slightly disheveled. To refresh your style, carry a small amount of your chosen pomade or gel in a travel-sized container.
Gently smooth a small amount of product onto your fingertips, then lightly pat and comb your hair back into place, using your fingers to control the direction. Avoid applying too much product, as this can weigh down your hair and create a greasy appearance.
Washing: How Often is Too Often?
While it's tempting to wash your hair daily to maintain its sleek appearance, over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness. Instead, opt for a every-other-day washing schedule, using a dry shampoo or texture spray on the off days to refresh your style and add volume.
Choose a dry shampoo formula that's lightweight and non-residue, like Batiste Original Dry Shampoo or HLO H BeautyRefresh Dry Shampoo, to keep your hair looking and feeling clean and fresh.
Embrace the timeless appeal of the slicked back hairstyle, and experiment with different variations to find the perfect look for you. Whether you're aiming for a classic, polished appearance or a more edgy, modern style, with the right tools and techniques, you'll be rocking a sleek, sophisticated look in no time. Happy styling!