5 Slick Hair Hacks for a Sleek and Stylish Look

Slicked back hair

There’s a reason why slick hair has been a popular hairstyle for centuries. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Slick hair is also relatively easy to achieve, once you have the right products and techniques. In addition to providing step-by-step instructions, this article will also provide tips on how to slick your hair without making it look greasy.

The first step to slicking your hair is to choose the right products. You’ll need a good quality pomade or gel, and a fine-toothed comb. If you have thick or curly hair, you may also want to use a blow dryer to help smooth it out. Once you have your products, you can start slicking your hair. Start by applying a small amount of pomade or gel to your hands and then work it through your hair. Use your comb to distribute the product evenly and smooth out your hair. If you’re using a blow dryer, be sure to use a low heat setting and keep the dryer moving so that you don’t damage your hair.

Once your hair is slicked back, you can style it as desired. You can leave it as is, or you can add a part or design. If you want to add a part, simply use the tip of your comb to create a line down the center of your head. If you want to add a design, you can use a comb or your fingers to create any design you like.

Choosing the Right Products

Selecting the optimal hair products is pivotal for achieving a sleek and polished coiffure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the vast array of options available:

Essential Hair Products

Product	Purpose
Pomade	Provides firm hold and shine
Gel	Offers strong hold without shine
Wax	Creates texture and pliable hold
Clay	Gives a matte finish and natural-looking hold

Consider your hair type and desired level of hold when choosing a product. Pomades are excellent for thick, unruly hair, while gels work well for fine, straighter hair. Waxes provide a versatile hold and can create various styles, while clays offer a natural, less structured look.

Types of Pomades

Type	Characteristics
Oil-based	Provides long-lasting hold and high shine
Water-based	Offers medium hold and a more natural finish
Cream-based	Creates a soft, pliable hold with some shine

Oil-based pomades offer the strongest hold but can be difficult to wash out. Water-based pomades are easier to remove and provide a more flexible hold. Cream-based pomades offer a compromise between hold and shine.

Preparing Your Hair

Slicking back your hair is a great way to achieve a sleek, sophisticated look. But before you slick it back, it’s important to prepare your hair properly. Here are a few tips:

Wash and Condition Your Hair

The first step is to wash and condition your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner. This will help to remove any dirt or oil buildup and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed.

Towel Dry Your Hair

After washing and conditioning your hair, towel dry it until it is damp but not soaking wet. This will help to absorb some of the water and make it easier to style.

Apply a Pre-Styling Product

To help keep your hair in place, apply a pre-styling product to damp hair. This could be a mousse, gel, or pomade.

Some popular pre-styling products include:

Product	Hold	Shine
American Crew Forming Cream	Medium	Natural
Baxter of California Clay Effect Style Spray	Flexible	Matte
Redken Brews Thickening Shampoo	Strong	High

Applying the Styling Product

Choosing the Right Product

For slicked back hair, choosing the right styling product is crucial. Gel, pomade, and wax are commonly used, each with its unique properties:

Consider your hair type and desired finish when selecting a product. Thicker hair may require a stronger hold like gel, while thinner hair can benefit from a lighter styling product like wax.

Applying the Product

Divide your hair into sections and apply the desired amount of styling product evenly. Start with a small dab and gradually add more until you achieve the desired hold and shine.

Use your fingers or a comb to distribute the product throughout your hair. For a neat and refined look, comb the hair straight back towards the nape of your neck.

Tips for Even Application

* Apply the product to damp or towel-dried hair to enhance distribution.
* Avoid applying too much product, as this can lead to a greasy or weighed-down appearance.
* Use a light touch and work the product gently into your hair to prevent tangling.
* If the product is too thick, warm it up slightly in your hands to make it more pliable.

Brushing and Combing

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed for slicking hair. Brush in the direction of your hair growth, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Be gentle and avoid pulling or snagging your hair.

Once your hair is brushed, use a fine-toothed comb to smooth out any remaining flyaways or frizz. Hold the comb close to your scalp and run it down the length of your hair, applying gentle pressure. Avoid combing too forcefully, as you can damage your hair.

To achieve a sleek and polished look, use a boar bristle brush or a paddle brush. Boar bristle brushes are particularly effective because they distribute natural oils from your scalp throughout your hair, leaving it shiny and frizz-free. Start by brushing your hair in short, gentle strokes, then gradually increase the length of the strokes as your hair becomes smoother.

For a more defined slicked-back look, use a pomade or gel to help keep your hair in place. Apply the product sparingly to dry or slightly damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use a comb or your fingers to distribute the product evenly and to slick your hair back into the desired shape.

Tool	Use
Wide-toothed comb	Remove tangles and knots
Fine-toothed comb	Smooth out flyaways and frizz
Boar bristle brush or paddle brush	Distribute natural oils and create a sleek finish
Pomade or gel	Hold hair in place and define slicked-back styles

Setting Your Hair with Heat

Using heat tools to slick your hair can provide a sleek and long-lasting finish. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare Your Hair

Wash and condition your hair to remove any dirt or buildup. Towel dry your hair until it’s damp but not wet.

2. Apply Heat Protectant

Spray a heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair to shield it from heat damage.

3. Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into small sections to make styling easier. Start with the bottom layer and work your way up.

4. Straighten Your Hair

Using a flat iron, straighten each section of hair, starting at the roots and moving towards the ends. Hold the iron for a few seconds on each section and avoid over-ironing.

5. Tame Flyaways and Smooth the Surface

To achieve a slick and polished look, follow these additional steps:

Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Gently comb through your hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles or loose strands.
Apply a Serum or Shine Spray: Distribute a small amount of serum or shine spray evenly throughout your hair to tame flyaways and enhance shine.
Use a Boar Bristle Brush: Brush your hair with a boar bristle brush in the direction of growth to distribute the serum evenly and smooth the surface.

Finishing Touches

Once you have slicked your hair, it’s essential to finish with a few final touches to ensure a polished look.

6. Edge Control

To further define the edges of your slicked hair, apply an edge control product using a small brush or toothbrush. Start by applying a small amount to the edges of your hairline and smooth it out with the brush or toothbrush. Use a light touch to avoid over-applying the product and creating a flaky or sticky appearance.

Here’s a table summarizing the key steps for edge control:

Step	Instructions
1	Apply a small amount of edge control product to the edges of your hairline.
2	Smooth the product out with a small brush or toothbrush.
3	Use a light touch to avoid over-applying the product.

Keeping Your Slicked Hair in Place

1. Use a Strong-Hold Hairspray

To ensure your slicked hair stays in place all day, apply a strong-hold hairspray evenly over your styled hair. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away and spray in short, even bursts.

2. Apply Hairspray in Layers

For maximum hold, apply hairspray in thin layers. Avoid saturating your hair in one go, as this can weigh it down. After each layer, allow the hairspray to dry completely before applying another.

3. Use a Finishing Spray

Once your slicked hair is in place, use a finishing spray to seal the style and prevent frizz or flyaways. Finishing sprays typically contain polymers to provide additional hold and shine.

4. Touch Up Regularly

Throughout the day, touch up your slicked hair as needed with a small amount of hairspray. Focus on any areas that may have loosened or lost their hold.

5. Avoid Touching Your Hair

It’s tempting to touch your hair, but resist the urge. Constant touching can disrupt the gel’s hold and cause frizz.

6. Use a Scarf or Headband

In high-humidity or windy conditions, wear a scarf or headband to protect your slicked hair from losing its shape or becoming frizzy.

7. Gel Type and Application

The type of gel you use and how you apply it can significantly impact the hold of your slicked hair. Here are some tips:

Gel Type	Application
Strong-Hold Gel	Apply a dime-sized amount to damp hair, comb through, and style as desired.
Pomade	Rub a small amount between your palms and apply it to dry hair, working it from roots to ends.
Edge Control Gel	Apply a small amount to baby hairs or flyaways to smooth them down and enhance hold.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Not Slick Enough

If your hair isn’t slick enough, try the following:

Use a stronger hold gel or pomade.
Apply the product more evenly to your hair.
Use a comb to spread the product evenly throughout your hair.
Use a blow dryer to heat up your hair and help the product activate.
Sleep with the gel or pomade in your hair to give it time to fully set.

Too Much Product

If you’ve applied too much product, try the following:

Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess product.
Rinse your hair with cold water to help close the hair cuticles and prevent the product from building up.
Use a brush to remove any excess product from your hair.
Reapply the product sparingly, using only as much as necessary to achieve the desired look.

Hair is Frizzy or Flyaway

If your hair is frizzy or flyaway, try the following:

Use a frizz-control serum or spray.
Apply the product to your hair while it’s still damp.
Use a blow dryer to dry your hair on a low heat setting.
Avoid touching your hair too much, as this can cause frizz.

Hair is Greasy

If your hair is greasy, try the following:

Use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil from your hair.
Rinse your hair with cold water to help close the hair cuticles and prevent oil buildup.
Use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil from your hair.
Avoid using too much product in your hair, as this can weigh it down and make it look greasy.

Hair is Dry and Brittle

If your hair is dry and brittle, try the following:

Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Apply a hair mask to your hair once a week to help repair damage.
Use a leave-in conditioner to help keep your hair hydrated.
Avoid using heat styling tools on your hair, as this can further damage it.

Product Buildup

If you’re experiencing product buildup, try the following:

Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess product.
Rinse your hair with cold water to help close the hair cuticles and prevent buildup.
Use a scalp exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and product buildup.
Use a vinegar rinse to help dissolve product buildup.

Hair Loss

If you’re experiencing hair loss, try the following:

See a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Avoid using heat styling tools on your hair.
Take hair supplements to help promote hair growth.

Dandruff

If you’re experiencing dandruff, try the following:

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Apply an anti-dandruff hair mask to your hair once a week.
Use a scalp exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and dandruff.
Avoid using harsh hair products.

Variations on the Slick Hairstyle

Slicked Back Hair with Undercut

This variation combines the classic slicked back style with an undercut, which involves shaving the sides and back of the hair while leaving the top long. This creates a sharp and stylish contrast between the slicked back top and the shorter sides.

Side-Parted Slick Hairstyle

For a more classic and elegant look, try a side-parted slick hairstyle. Comb the hair to one side and slick it back using a styling product. This variation is perfect for formal occasions or professional settings.

Messy Slick Hair

If you prefer a more relaxed and casual style, opt for messy slick hair. Apply a styling product to the hair and comb it back while leaving some strands loose and messy. This variation is perfect for everyday wear or casual outings.

Slicked Back with Quiff

Create a modern and edgy look with a slicked back hairstyle with a quiff. Brush the hair straight back and use a styling product to hold it in place. Then, lift the front section of the hair and create a quiff, which is a small, upward-facing tuft of hair. This variation is perfect for guys who want to add some height and volume to their hair.

Slicked Back with Pompadour

Similar to the quiff, a slicked back hairstyle with a pompadour features a large, sweeping tuft of hair at the front. Brush the hair back and use a styling product to hold it in place. Then, create a pompadour by teasing the front section of the hair and brushing it up and back.

Slicked Back with Fade

For a more modern and sophisticated look, try a slicked back hairstyle with a fade. This variation involves gradually fading the hair from the top to the sides and back, creating a seamless transition from long to short hair. This variation is perfect for guys who want to add some style and sophistication to their look.

High and Tight Slick Back

If you want a military-inspired look, try a high and tight slick back. This variation involves shaving the sides and back of the hair very short, leaving only a small amount of hair on the top. The top hair is then slicked back and held in place with a styling product.

Slicked Back with Beard

For a rugged and masculine look, combine a slicked back hairstyle with a beard. This variation is perfect for guys who want to add some extra style and character to their look. The beard can be styled in any way you like, from a short trimmed beard to a long, flowing beard.

Slicked Back with Accessories

Add some extra flair to your slicked back hairstyle with accessories. You can use a headband, bandana, or hair clip to hold the hair in place and add a touch of style. You can also add some hairspray or gel to keep the hair looking sleek and shiny.

Tips for Different Hair Types

Slicking hair can be achieved on various hair types with the right approach. Here are some tips tailored to specific hair types:

Straight Hair

Straight hair is naturally slickable, making it the easiest type to style. Use a strong-hold pomade or gel, distributing it evenly from roots to tips with a comb or brush. For a sleeker finish, blow-dry hair smooth before applying product.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair requires a bit more effort to slick back. Start by applying a smoothing serum or cream to damp hair. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying hair straight. Finish with a medium-hold gel, working it through hair in sections for even distribution.

Curly Hair

Slicking curly hair requires extra preparation. Wash hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup. Apply a detangling conditioner and leave-in moisturizer to soften curls. Use a brush to distribute a strong-hold gel evenly throughout damp hair. Allow hair to dry naturally or blow-dry on a low heat setting to minimize frizz.

Coily Hair

Coily hair is the most challenging to slick back due to its natural volume and texture. First, shampoo and condition with products designed for coily hair. Apply a generous amount of curl cream or defining gel, raking it through hair with a wide-tooth comb. Use a styling brush to smooth hair and reduce frizz. For a tighter slicked-back style, use a blow-dryer with a concentrator attachment to direct heat towards the roots.

Damaged Hair

Damaged hair needs extra care when slicking back. Choose products that are gentle on hair and provide moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before using styling products. Use a soft-bristled brush or comb to distribute product evenly, avoiding excessive brushing that could cause breakage.

Thick Hair

Thick hair requires more product to achieve a slicked-back look. Use a heavy-duty pomade or gel and apply it in sections. Brush through each section thoroughly to ensure even distribution. For a stronger hold, use a blow-dryer to heat-set the product.

Fine Hair

Fine hair can look greasy if overloaded with product. Use a lightweight styling cream or pomade, applying it sparingly from roots to tips. Comb hair to distribute the product evenly, avoiding over-brushing that could cause breakage.

Short Hair

Short hair requires less product and a shorter application time. Use a small amount of pomade or gel and apply it with a fingertip, working it through cheveux from roots to ends. For a more defined look, use a blow-dryer to direct heat towards the roots.

Long Hair

Long hair requires more product and a longer application time. Divide hair into sections and apply pomade or gel to each section, ensuring even distribution. Use a brush or comb to smooth hair and remove tangles. For a sleeker finish, blow-dry hair straight before applying product.

Slick Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

Slicked hair is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that exudes sophistication and charm. Whether you’re attending a formal event or simply want to elevate your everyday look, slicking your hair back can create a sharp and polished appearance.

Achieving slick hair requires a few essential steps:

Wash and condition your hair: Start with clean, freshly washed hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type to remove product buildup and nourish your strands.
Towel dry your hair: After washing, gently towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture. Be careful not to rough up your hair, as this can cause tangles and breakage.
Apply a styling product: Choose a styling product that provides strong hold and shine. Gel or pomade are popular options for slick hairstyles, but you can also experiment with other products to find the perfect formula for your hair type.
Comb your hair back: Using a fine-toothed comb, brush your hair back from the front of your head to the crown. Ensure your hair is completely smooth and free of tangles.
Apply the styling product: Take a dime-sized amount of gel or pomade and rub it between your palms. Apply the product evenly to your brushed-back hair, starting from the front and working your way back.
Slick your hair back: Use your hands or a comb to slick your hair back tightly against your head. Avoid using too much force, as this can damage your hair.
Set your hair: Once your hair is slicked back, use hairspray to set it in place. Hold the spray nozzle about 6-8 inches from your head and mist it evenly over your hair.

Slicked hair can be styled with a variety of variations, such as a classic side part, a sleek pompadour, or a textured top. Experiment with different partings and styling products to find the look that suits you best.