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Sleek, polished, and undeniably chic, slick back hairstyles remain a go-to for women seeking a timeless yet trendy look. From casual natural hair looks to elegant updos, this versatile style can suit any occasion. Below, explore 27 stunning ideas for slick back hairstyles, complete with care tips and a MidJourney prompt for each.
Classic Sleek Back Bun
The classic sleek back bun is a hallmark of sophistication. With hair tightly combed back into a smooth, low bun, this hairstyle works wonders for volleyball games or elegant dinners alike. It’s perfect for those with straight hair or wavy hair textures and suits all face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces.
Hair Care Tips: To achieve this style, use a smoothing serum like the Moroccanoil Treatment to tame frizz and add shine. Secure with a strong-hold hairspray, such as L’Oréal Elnett Satin. For longer wear, consider using an elastic that matches your hair color.
Wet-Look Slick Back Hair
For a bold and contemporary vibe, the wet-look slick back is a must-try. This style creates a high-gloss finish, mimicking the appearance of freshly dampened hair. Ideal for short hair, curly hair, or long hair, it highlights the face and complements bold makeup looks.
Hair Care Tips: Use a lightweight gel like Ouai Matte Pomade for hold, paired with a finishing spray like Kenra Shine Spray for that wet-look finish. Avoid overloading with product to prevent a greasy appearance.
Low Slick Back Ponytail
The low slick back ponytail offers a simple yet chic solution for casual outings or formal events. The hair is smoothed back into a tight, low ponytail that exudes both professionalism and style. This look flatters women with long hair and works well with natural hair textures.
Hair Care Tips: Start with a heat protectant spray like Tresemmé Thermal Creations before flat ironing. Use a serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease to ensure a sleek finish. Secure with a no-damage hair tie for added comfort.
Slick Back Bob with Shine Finish
The slick back bob is a statement look that oozes high fashion. Short and sleek, this style is ideal for women with short hair who want to emphasize their jawline. The addition of a high-shine finish adds a modern twist.
Hair Care Tips: To maintain the style, apply Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to damp hair before blow-drying. Use a flat iron for added precision, and finish with Redken Shine Flash 02 for that glossy finish.
High Gloss Slick Back Pixie Cut
A high-gloss slick back pixie cut is the epitome of edgy yet refined. With short layers brushed back, this look is perfect for those seeking a quick and low-maintenance style. It’s especially flattering for curly hair or textured strands.
Hair Care Tips: Use a molding cream like Bumble and Bumble Sumotech to define the layers and achieve a polished look. Add a spritz of Oribe Superfine Hair Spray for a lightweight hold.
Slicked-Back Braided Ponytail
Combine practicality with style with the slicked-back braided ponytail. This hairstyle pairs a smooth, slicked-back crown with a long braid that cascades down the back. It’s great for soccer practice or casual weekends.
Hair Care Tips: Apply a smoothing gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel to tame the crown before braiding. Use a detangling spray like It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In to prepare the braid and finish with a lightweight oil for shine.
Voluminous Slick Back Crown with Loose Ends
This unique take on the slick back style combines a voluminous crown with loose ends for a natural hair look that’s both chic and casual. It’s ideal for wavy hair textures and works beautifully for a sport or elegant occasion.
Hair Care Tips: Use a root-lifting mousse like Living Proof Full Root Lift for volume. For the loose ends, add a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream. Secure the crown with bobby pins for extra hold.
Half-Up Slick Back with Twisted Details
The half-up slick back is a playful yet sophisticated style. With the top section slicked back into intricate twists, this hairstyle is perfect for volleyball practice or a romantic evening out. It works well on curly hair, short hair, or long hair.
Hair Care Tips: Use a texturizing spray like Drybar Triple Sec for added grip. Create the twists with precision and secure them with clear elastics. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus.
Slick Back with Side Part for Medium Hair
The slick back with a side part offers a polished and refined look that frames the face beautifully. This hairstyle creates a sleek appearance with a defined side part, adding depth and symmetry. Ideal for medium-length hair, this style is perfect for women who want to balance sophistication with modernity. It suits straight hair and wavy hair, complementing oval, square, and round face shapes.
Hair Care Tips: Use a lightweight pomade like American Crew Pomade to achieve a sleek finish. Comb through the hair with a fine-toothed comb to define the part, and set the style with a flexible hold spray such as TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist. For added shine, a drop of Biosilk Silk Therapy works wonders.
Textured Slick Back for Curly Hair
The textured slick back is a creative take on the traditional slick back, designed for curly hair. This style embraces the natural texture of curls while maintaining a sleek appearance at the crown. It’s perfect for those with natural hair, offering a cute and versatile look for both casual and formal settings.
Hair Care Tips: Start by applying a curl-enhancing cream like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to define the curls. Use a strong-hold gel, such as Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel, to slick back the crown. For added definition, diffuse the curls with a blow dryer and finish with a light mist of Mizani Humidity Resistant Mist.
Ultra-Sleek High Ponytail with Slicked Sides
The ultra-sleek high ponytail is a dramatic and bold hairstyle that exudes confidence. Hair is slicked tightly against the scalp and gathered into a high ponytail, creating an elongated and elegant silhouette. This style suits long hair and is perfect for high-energy occasions like volleyball games or formal galas.
Hair Care Tips: Use a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard before flat ironing the hair for a smooth base. Apply a strong gel, such as Got2b Glued Styling Gel, to slick the sides. Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic band, and wrap a small strand around the base for a polished finish.
Layered Slick Back for Long Hair
The layered slick back takes advantage of long, flowing layers to create a voluminous and dynamic style. The crown is sleek, while the layers fall naturally for a soft, elegant finish. This style is ideal for long hair and complements all hair textures.
Hair Care Tips: Apply a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 to damp hair before blow-drying. Use a flat iron to smooth the crown, and finish with a lightweight oil, such as OGX Renewing Argan Oil, to enhance shine and reduce frizz.
Edgy Slick Back with Shaved Design
The edgy slick back with a shaved design is a bold and modern choice. The shaved section adds a dramatic element, while the slicked-back hair keeps it polished. It’s perfect for women seeking a sport or high-fashion aesthetic.
Hair Care Tips: Maintain the shaved section with regular trims and define the design with clippers. Use a gel like Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel to keep the slick back neat and in place. Add a shine serum like Kerastase Elixir Ultime for a glossy finish.
Messy Slick Back with Soft Waves
The messy slick back with soft waves combines a casual and chic vibe. The crown is slicked back, while the ends are left wavy for a natural, undone appearance. This style is ideal for curly hair or wavy hair and suits casual outings or relaxed formal settings.
Hair Care Tips: Apply a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to enhance natural waves. Use a medium-hold gel for the slick back section and secure with bobby pins. For a touchable finish, use a flexible hairspray like Pantene Pro-V Airspray.
Asymmetrical Slick Back Lob
The asymmetrical slick back lob offers a modern twist on the classic lob haircut. This style features one side slightly longer than the other, with both sides slicked back for a sleek and edgy appearance. It’s a versatile choice for medium-length hair, especially for those with straight hair or lightly wavy hair textures.
Hair Care Tips: Use a straightening balm like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day to smooth the hair before styling. Define the asymmetry with a flat iron and lock the style in place with a medium-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper. Add a touch of shine serum like Verb Ghost Oil for a glossy finish.
Metallic Finish Slick Back for Straight Hair
The metallic finish slick back adds a futuristic edge to straight hair by incorporating a high-shine, almost reflective finish. This bold and fashion-forward style is perfect for formal events or creative photoshoots and works best on longer hair lengths.
Hair Care Tips: Start with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner like Redken All Soft. Use a heat protectant before flat ironing the hair for maximum sleekness. Apply a metallic gloss spray such as IGK Speechless Hair and Body Dry Oil for the metallic effect.
High Slick Back Bun with Braided Accents
The high slick back bun with braided accents combines sleek sophistication with intricate detailing. Hair is pulled up into a high bun, with small braids wrapping around its base for added texture. This hairstyle is perfect for soccer players or those attending elegant events.
Hair Care Tips: Use a styling gel like Got2b Ultra Glued to smooth the hair into the bun. Create the braids using a lightweight wax for grip, such as Cantu Shea Butter Twist & Lock Gel. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a strong-hold spray like TRESemmé TRES Two.
Low Sleek Knot with Slicked-Back Top
The low sleek knot exudes understated elegance, with the hair slicked back into a smooth knot at the nape. This style is a great choice for formal occasions or minimalist looks, working beautifully on long hair and medium-length hair alike.
Hair Care Tips: Apply a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease to tame flyaways. Secure the knot with a clear elastic and bobby pins. Use Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray for a polished finish that lasts all day.
Long Slick Back with Ombre Color Effect
The long slick back with an ombre color effect blends smooth styling with a vibrant color transition. Hair is slicked back from the roots, showcasing an ombre that flows from dark roots to lighter ends. This style is perfect for those with long hair who love bold yet chic looks.
Hair Care Tips: Maintain the ombre with a color-protecting shampoo like Pureology Hydrate. Use a lightweight gel for the crown and enhance the ends with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray. Consider regular deep-conditioning treatments to keep the ends healthy.
Glossy Slick Back Pixie with Tapered Sides
The glossy slick back pixie with tapered sides offers an edgy yet polished look. The tapered sides provide structure, while the glossy slick back adds a touch of elegance. This style is perfect for women with short hair who want a low-maintenance yet bold look.
Hair Care Tips: Apply a high-shine pomade like Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade to slick back the top. Use a small comb for precision, and finish with a light mist of Kevin Murphy Session Spray for hold without stiffness.
Slick Back with Feathered Ends for Medium Length
The slick back with feathered ends creates a balance between sleekness and movement. The crown is slicked back, while the feathered ends add softness and dimension. This style is ideal for medium-length hair with layered cuts.
Hair Care Tips: Use a root-lifting mousse like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray at the crown. For the ends, apply a smoothing cream such as Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion to define the feathered layers. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray like R+Co Outer Space.
Double Slick Back Braided Bun
The double slick back braided bun combines intricate braiding with the simplicity of a slick back. Hair is parted in the middle and braided into two sections, then twisted into buns. This creative look is ideal for sport or cute casual events.
Hair Care Tips: Use a styling gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel to slick back each section before braiding. Secure the braids with clear elastics, and twist them into buns, pinning in place with U-shaped hairpins. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin.
Slick back hairstyles offer a world of versatility, from quick styles for soccer games to elegant updos for formal events. Try out these ideas, adapt them to your unique style, and elevate your look with these modern, fashionable choices. Leave a comment below to share your favorite!
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