1. Preparation is Key:
* Hair Length: Slicking back works best with medium to long hair. Shorter hair can be more difficult to control. If your hair is very short, you might need a stronger hold product or consider growing it out a bit.
* Hair Type:
* Fine Hair: Can be trickier as it may lack natural volume and be easily weighed down. Use lightweight products and avoid overdoing it. Consider a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray as a base.
* Thick Hair: May require a stronger hold product and more effort to distribute the product evenly. Work in sections.
* Straight Hair: Naturally lays flatter, so may require more product for hold.
* Wavy/Curly Hair: Can be slicked back, but you'll likely need a strong hold product to maintain the style and may want to embrace some natural texture. Use a comb with wider teeth to avoid frizz.
* Clean Hair: Start with clean, towel-dried or slightly damp hair. Dirty hair can be harder to style and may look greasy more quickly.
2. Product Selection:
The right product is crucial. Consider these options, based on your desired look and hair type:
* Gel: Provides a strong hold and a wet, shiny look. Good for a more structured, defined slick back. Use sparingly, as too much can make hair stiff and crunchy.
* Pomade: Offers medium to strong hold and varying degrees of shine (from matte to high gloss). Provides more flexibility and a softer, less stiff feel than gel. A good all-around choice.
* Wax: Offers a strong hold and a matte finish. Great for adding texture and definition, especially if you want a more tousled, less perfectly groomed look.
* Cream: Provides a lighter hold and a natural, softer look. Good for fine or thin hair, or if you want a very subtle slick back. May not hold as well throughout the day.
* Mousse: Use as a pre-styling product to add volume and texture, making it easier to achieve the slicked-back look and helping it last longer.
* Hair Spray: Use as a finishing product to lock the style in place and add extra hold. Choose a flexible hold hairspray to avoid stiffness.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Product:
* Hold: Light, Medium, or Strong. Choose based on your hair thickness, length, and the desired level of control.
* Shine: Matte, Natural, or High Shine. Choose based on your personal preference.
* Water-Based vs. Oil-Based:
* Water-based: Easier to wash out. Good for everyday use.
* Oil-based: Can provide a stronger hold and more shine, but can be harder to wash out and may build up over time.
* Scent: Choose a scent you like or opt for unscented.
3. The Slick-Back Technique:
1. Towel Dry Hair: Towel dry your hair until it's damp, not soaking wet. Too wet and the product will be diluted and won't hold as well.
2. Apply Product: Start with a small amount of product (about a dime-sized or pea-sized amount, depending on your hair thickness and the product's concentration). You can always add more if needed.
3. Emulsify: Rub the product thoroughly between your palms to warm it up and distribute it evenly. This prevents clumps and ensures a smooth application.
4. Apply Evenly: Starting at the roots, work the product into your hair, using your fingers to distribute it evenly throughout. Pay attention to the sides and back of your head.
5. Comb Back: Use a fine-toothed comb (or a brush for a softer look) to comb your hair straight back from your forehead. Make sure the comb goes all the way to the roots. Comb the sides back as well, aiming for a smooth, seamless look. For a more relaxed look, use your fingers to style it.
6. Shape and Define: Use your fingers or the comb to shape the hair and define the style. You can create more volume at the front by gently lifting the hair with the comb as you comb it back.
7. Add More Product (If Needed): If you need more hold or control, add a small amount of product to specific areas.
8. Set the Style (Optional): For extra hold and long-lasting style, finish with a light spritz of hairspray. Hold the hairspray about 12 inches away from your head to avoid stiffness.
4. Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Slick Back:
* Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for your hair.
* Start Small: Always start with a small amount of product and add more as needed. It's easier to add product than to remove it.
* Even Distribution: Ensure the product is evenly distributed throughout your hair for a consistent hold.
* Comb Direction: Comb your hair straight back, starting from the roots. Pay attention to the sides to ensure they are smooth and sleek.
* Volume: If you want more volume, gently lift the hair at the front as you comb it back. You can also use a blow dryer and round brush to add volume.
* Texture: For a more textured look, use your fingers instead of a comb to style your hair.
* Adjust for Your Hairline: If you have a receding hairline, you may want to avoid a super tight slick back as it can accentuate it. Instead, opt for a slightly looser style with more volume at the front. Consider a side part or textured look.
* Experiment with Parting: While traditionally slicked back hair is combed straight back with no part, you can experiment with a deep side part for a modern twist.
* Wash Out Product Thoroughly: Before going to bed, wash your hair thoroughly to remove the product and prevent build-up.
* For Short Hair: If your hair is short, you might need to use a stronger-hold product like gel or wax. You can also try using a blow dryer and round brush to help shape the hair.
* Blow Drying (Optional): After applying product, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting and comb your hair back at the same time to help shape and set the style. Point the nozzle down to flatten the hair and create a smoother look.
* Don't Overdo It: Avoid using too much product, as it can make your hair look greasy and unnatural.
Example Product Recommendations (These are just suggestions, and you may need to experiment to find what works best for you):
* Gel: American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel
* Pomade: Suavecito Pomade (Original Hold), Layrite Superhold Pomade
* Wax: TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Matte Hair Wax
* Cream: Bumble and Bumble Sumotech
* Hairspray: L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray (Flexible Hold)
By following these steps and tips, you should be able to achieve a stylish and well-groomed slick back. Good luck!