I’m Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade behind the chair, and I’ve curated 24 slick back hairstyles for women to show how versatile this trend can be. Whether you’re after a high-glam wet look for an event, a polished low bun for the office, or a textured slick-back for casual days, these styles can flatter many face shapes and hair lengths when tailored correctly. In the salon I often combine lightweight pomades, smoothing serums, and a boar-bristle brush to achieve control without stiffness. This gallery includes sleek ponytails, low and high buns, undercut variations, pixie slick-backs, and relaxed textured finishes to inspire your next appointment. I’ll also share practical tips on product selection, prep routines, and simple at-home techniques so you can recreate salon-worthy slick backs with confidence.
Textured Short Pixie with Side‑Swept Fringe
A modern textured pixie that works especially well on fine to medium hair, and can be adapted for thicker hair by adding graduated layers for movement. The cut features short tapered sides and a longer, choppy crown and fringe for soft volume and feminine sweep. To style: towel-dry hair to damp, apply a lightweight mousse or sea‑salt spray through roots and lengths, then blow‑dry using fingers or a small round brush to lift the crown. Finish by working a pea‑sized amount of matte paste or texturizing clay through the ends and fringe to define pieces and create separation. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, small round brush or wide-tooth comb, fine-point tail comb for sectioning, and barber/shear scissors for precision cuts at the salon. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea spray, texturizing paste/clay, and a light flexible hold hairspray; color-treated blonde should include a color-safe shampoo and occasional deep conditioning. Difficulty: easy–medium for daily styling once cut is right. Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to keep shape, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce breakage, and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve style and volume.
Textured Choppy Pixie with Wispy Fringe
This textured, choppy pixie with a wispy fringe flatters fine to medium hair and works well on naturally straight to soft wavy textures; very thick hair can wear the look with strategic thinning. In-salon technique: the cut is created with short, layered sections and point-cutting or a razor to achieve feathered ends and movement. Style by applying a lightweight volumizing mousse to damp hair, rough-drying with your fingers or a diffuser to build lift at the crown, then texturizing with a small round brush at the roots if extra control is needed. Tools needed: blow dryer, small round brush, flat iron (optional for smoothing the fringe), and sharp haircutting scissors for maintenance. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, a matte paste or light wax to define pieces, and a flexible hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate — the daily style is quick but the initial cut requires a precise, experienced stylist. Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, use dry shampoo between washes to restore texture, avoid heavy conditioners at the roots, and refresh shape with a dab of paste and finger-tousling.
Textured Tousled Short Pixie-Bob with Side-Swept Fringe
This textured, tousled short pixie-bob with a side-swept fringe is ideal for fine to medium hair and flatters natural waves and loose curls. The layered cut creates volume at the crown and soft, face‑framing movement. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair—apply a heat protectant and a small amount of volumizing mousse at the roots. Rough-dry using your fingers or a diffuser to boost lift, then use a 1-inch curling wand or flat iron to bend random sections for a lived-in texture. Smooth the fringe with a round brush while blow-drying for shape. Finish by separating pieces with a matte paste or light cream and lock shape with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, round brush, 1-inch curling wand or flat iron, vent brush and clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt spray, matte paste/pomade, light-hold hairspray and a weekly deep conditioner. Difficulty: intermediate—cutting should be done by a professional; styling takes 5-10 minutes once learned. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh texture with sea-salt spray between washes, avoid heavy conditioners at the roots, and use a nourishing mask weekly.
Textured Short Pixie with Wispy Fringe and Flipped Ends
This textured short pixie is ideal for fine to medium hair and straight-to-wavy textures; thicker hair works too but will benefit from professional thinning. The cut features short, layered sides, a soft, wispy fringe and slightly flipped back nape for playful movement. Styling technique: towel-dry and apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry using fingers to lift the crown and a small 1 round brush to shape the fringe. Use a small flat iron or 19–25 mm curling wand to add subtle bends and flip the ends for definition. Tools needed: blow dryer, 1 round brush, small flat iron or curling wand, wide-tooth comb, and clips for sectioning. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root lift, sea-salt or texturizing spray, a light matte paste or cream for piece-y definition, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate — daily styling takes 5–10 minutes after a salon cut. Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh texture with a dry texturizing spray between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce breakage and preserve shape.
Slicked-Back Wet Look Short Bob — Sleek Tucked-Behind-Ear Style
This slicked-back wet-look short bob is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair and fine-to-medium densities. For naturally curly or coarse hair, pre-straighten with a flat iron before styling. Start with freshly washed, towel-damped hair; apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to detangle, then a generous pea-sized amount of strong-hold styling gel or styling cream evenly from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product, then a fine-tooth tail comb to sculpt hair back and create smoothness, tucking ends behind the ears. If you need extra sleekness, blast with a blow dryer on low using a nozzle while combing, or lightly run a flat iron over mid-lengths and ends. Finish with a shine serum or lightweight pomade for gloss and a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray to lock the shape. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, blow dryer (nozzle), flat iron (optional), clips. Difficulty: Easy–moderate; 10–20 minutes. Maintenance: refresh daily by dampening and reapplying small product amounts, clarify weekly to prevent buildup, schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep the blunt line, and use anti-humidity spray in damp climates.
Platinum Slicked-Back Pixie — Wet-Look Short Cut
This slicked-back, wet-look pixie is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on fine to medium textures. For thicker hair, ask your stylist to thin and layer the crown for easier control. Start with towel-damp hair: apply a small amount of strong-hold gel or styling cream evenly from roots to ends, then comb the hair straight back using a fine-tooth comb for a smooth, uniform direction. Use a blow-dryer on low heat with a nozzle while continuing to shape the hair back with a brush or your fingers to set the style. Tools: fine-tooth comb, vent or paddle brush, blow-dryer with nozzle, and clips for sectioning. Products: strong-hold gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum, anti-yellow (purple) shampoo for maintenance, and a light-hold hairspray to lock the look. Difficulty: moderate — styling is quick but requires product control to avoid flaking. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape, tone monthly for platinum upkeep, use purple shampoo weekly, and refresh the wet look between washes with a small amount of water and gel. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve shine.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Pompadour with Deep Side Part
This polished wet-look short pompadour with a defined deep side part suits straight to slightly wavy hair and medium to thick density best; fine hair can achieve the shape with lightweight volumizing products and a shorter cut. Start with damp, towel-dried hair. Create a precise deep side part with a tail comb, then comb the front section upward and back to build a small pompadour roll while smoothing the sides back toward the nape. Use a small round brush or boar-bristle brush and a hairdryer on low heat to set the lift, directing airflow from roots to ends. Tools: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, small round brush, hairdryer with nozzle, and clips. Products: water-based strong-hold pomade or gel for the wet finish, lightweight blow-dry mousse for added hold on fine hair, a shine serum (sparingly), and a firm-hold hairspray to lock shape. Difficulty: intermediate — requires precision parting and measured product application. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap to protect the shape, refresh with a dab of pomade or water in the morning, shampoo regularly to remove buildup, and schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain the crisp lines.
Short Textured Slicked-Back Pixie — Platinum Blonde
This short, slicked-back textured pixie suits straight to slightly wavy hair and can be adapted for fine, medium or dense hair. The professional cut features tapered sides and a longer, textured top created with point-cutting and light thinning to maintain movement. For the salon cut: use clippers on the sides (adjust guard to desired length), scissors over comb on the crown and texturizing shears to remove bulk. At home styling: towel-dry to damp, apply a lightweight leave-in or mousse for volume, blow-dry backwards with fingers or a vent brush to lift the roots, then work a pea-sized amount of matte paste or light pomade through the top. For a wetter finish, use a small amount of water-based pomade and comb back. Tools needed: clippers, scissors, texturizing shears (salon); blow-dryer with nozzle, vent or round brush, fine-tooth comb (home). Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, texturizing paste, light pomade, light hairspray. Difficulty: low–moderate — quick daily styling but requires precise cutting. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, weekly purple shampoo for platinum tones, professional bleach with bond-building treatments, and deep conditioning monthly to prevent dryness.
Sleek Combed-Back Pixie with Volume and High Shine
This polished short pixie is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair with medium to thick density. The cut features tapered sides and a longer top that’s combed back for height and a glossy finish — excellent for oval, heart and angular face shapes; fine hair can work with added root lift. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a light heat protectant and a small amount of volumizing mousse or root booster at the crown. Blow-dry with a round or vent brush, directing hair back while lifting at the roots, then refine shape with a fine-tooth comb. Finish by warming a pea-sized amount of medium- to strong-hold pomade or styling cream between palms and smoothing through the top for shine; lock with flexible-hold hairspray if needed. Tools needed: hairdryer, round/vent brush, fine-tooth comb, small styling brush, and clippers for maintenance. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or powder (for finer hair), pomade/creme, flexible hairspray, clarifying shampoo for buildup. Difficulty level: moderate — daily styling is quick but achieving clean lines requires a professional cut. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks, use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo, clarify weekly to remove product, and refresh with a dampening spray and small product touch-up between washes.
Short Textured Pompadour — Slicked-Back Quiff for Thick Hair
This short textured pompadour (slicked-back quiff) works best on straight to wavy hair and is ideal for medium to thick densities. Fine hair can still achieve height with volumizing products and a root-lifting blow dry; very curly hair will need a smoothing step first. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a golf-ball-sized amount of volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, then rough-dry while lifting at the roots with a round brush or vent brush to build volume. Use a nozzle on the hairdryer for control and a comb to shape the quiff back from the hairline. Finish texturing with a small amount of matte paste or light pomade worked through the mid-lengths and ends; for a sleeker wet look use a glossing pomade. Tools: hairdryer with nozzle, round brush, vent brush or wide-tooth comb, clips, optional flat iron. Products: heat protectant, volumizer, styling paste/pomade, light hairspray, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: moderate — requires practice to balance volume and shape. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, overnight sleep on a silk pillowcase, and refresh with dry shampoo and a fingertip of product between washes.
Sleek Wet‑Look Slicked‑Back Low Bun — Glossy, Smooth Finish
A modern slicked‑back wet‑look low bun works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and on fine to medium densities; thick hair can wear it too but may require stronger hold products or light texturizing. Start on damp, towel‑dried hair: distribute a medium‑hold styling gel or wet‑finish pomade from roots to ends, then use a fine‑tooth comb and paddle brush to smooth hair straight back. Gather hair at the nape and secure into a low bun with an elastic, tucking and pinning any loose ends with bobby pins for a neat silhouette. Finish by smoothing edges with a small amount of edge control and misting with a high‑shine spray. Tools needed: fine‑tooth comb, paddle brush, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins, and a blow dryer if you prefer a quicker set. Products required: medium‑to‑strong gel or pomade, shine spray, flexible hairspray, and optional edge control. Difficulty: easy to moderate — requires precision but no advanced skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap in a scarf, refresh by rewetting and reapplying a small amount of gel, and shampoo regularly to avoid product buildup and maintain scalp health.
Sleek Wet‑Look Low Bun — Slicked‑Back Chignon for Formal Occasions
This sleek wet-look low bun is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair in medium to thick density. Fine hair can wear the style with a lightweight volumizing mousse applied at the roots; very curly hair should be blow-dried or flat-ironed smooth first. Technique: create a defined side part, apply a smoothing serum and medium-to-strong hold gel or pomade from roots to ends, then use a fine-tooth comb to slick hair back toward the nape. Gather into a low ponytail, twist into a tight coil and wrap into a compact bun. Secure with a snag-free elastic and 3–6 long bobby pins, and tame baby hairs with a toothbrush and a little edge control. Tools needed: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, paddle brush, elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips, and optional blow dryer or flat iron. Products: smoothing serum, medium/strong-hold gel or pomade, heat protectant, and a finishing hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 10–20 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with a light spritz of water and a dab of gel, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and avoid overusing heavy products to keep the scalp healthy.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look for Short Hair
This polished slicked-back wet-look is ideal for short to mid-length hair and works particularly well on straight to slightly wavy textures. It suits fine, medium and thick hair when you adjust product choice — lightweight alcohol-free gel or styling serum for finer strands, and cream pomade or styling balm for denser hair to prevent excessive stiffness. Technique: start on towel‑damp hair, distribute a small amount of product evenly from roots to ends, rake through with fingers and then smooth back with a fine-tooth or tail comb. Set the shape with a blow dryer on low heat and a nozzle for control, or allow to air dry for maximum shine. Tools needed: fine-tooth/tail comb, vent brush for smoothing, blow dryer with concentrator, and sectioning clips for precision. Products required: heat protectant, medium-to-strong hold gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum, and a light hairspray to lock the finish. Difficulty level: easy to moderate — straightforward but requires measured product application. Maintenance tips: clarify once weekly to remove buildup, refresh daily with a small amount of product, and trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain the clean silhouette.
Textured Short Pompadour with Low Skin Fade — Modern Tapered Crop
This polished short pompadour with a low skin fade suits straight to slightly wavy, medium-to-thick hair and works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. The cut features closely clipped sides that blend into a longer, textured top so you can build height and movement without excessive length. Technique: start with a clean, towel-dried base; use clippers (0–2 guard) to create the skin fade at the nape and sides, then scissor-over-comb the top to remove bulk and add texture with point cutting. Styling: apply a light pre-styling spray or volumizing mousse, blow-dry the top upward with a round brush or fingers for lift, then finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte paste or medium-hold pomade through the hair and sculpting a subtle pompadour shape. Tools and products: clippers and trimmer, scissors, round brush, blow-dryer with nozzle, tail comb, pre-styling spray, volumizer, matte paste/wax, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium—fade blending is best left to a professional; daily styling is quick. Maintenance: trim every 2–4 weeks to keep the fade sharp, deep-condition monthly, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the lift.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob — Sleek, Glossy Finish
This slicked-back wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and suits fine to medium densities; thicker hair can wear the style if thinned at the perimeter. From a salon perspective, start on towel‑damp hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, then distribute a medium‑to‑strong hold gel or glossy styling cream from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles, then a fine-tooth comb to smooth hair straight back, securing sections with clips if needed. Optionally lightly run a flat iron over ends for a sharper finish. Tools: fine-tooth comb, paddle brush, clips, blow dryer with nozzle (low heat) and flat iron (optional). Products: leave‑in detangler, alcohol‑free gel or pomade for shine, anti‑frizz serum or lightweight oil, light hold hairspray for longevity. Difficulty: moderate — precise combing and product balance are needed to avoid stiffness or greasiness. Maintenance: refresh each morning by dampening and reapplying a small amount of gel, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and book trims every 6–8 weeks to maintain the blunt silhouette and glossy shape.
Sleek Short Pompadour with Tapered Nape and Brushed-Back Crown
This sleek short pompadour with a tapered nape and brushed-back crown suits straight to slightly wavy hair and medium-to-thick density best; fine hair can still achieve lift with volumizing products and targeted root blow-drying. Salon technique: taper or clip the sides and nape while leaving length on top, then blow-dry the top up and back using a round brush and a concentrator nozzle to create height. Light backcombing at the crown builds structure, followed by smoothing with a tail comb for a polished finish. Tools: hairdryer with concentrator, medium round brush, vent brush, tail comb, small round brush for the crown, flat iron (optional) and sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, medium-to-strong pomade or styling cream for hold and shine, lightweight gloss serum, and flexible hairspray to lock shape. Difficulty: moderate — requires practiced blow-drying and product control to balance volume with a sleek finish. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the taper clean, use dry shampoo between washes to preserve lift, refresh with warm water and a small amount of product, and deep-condition weekly if you heat style frequently.
Slicked-Back Short Pixie Crop with Voluminous Crown
This modern slicked-back pixie crop works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and suits fine to medium density. Very thick or extremely coarse hair can wear the look but may require texturizing or thinning in the salon to avoid bulk. Start with towel-dried hair: apply a light volumizing mousse or root-lift spray at the crown, plus a heat protectant. Blow-dry using a round brush or vent brush to lift the roots and direct hair back; a comb or tail-comb helps create the slick, structured shape. Work a small amount of matte paste or medium-hold pomade through mid-lengths to ends to achieve separation and a wet-sheen finish at the top; smooth sides with a fine-tooth comb. Tools needed: blow dryer, round/vent brush, fine-tooth comb, tail comb, hair clips, optional flat iron for smoothing. Products required: root volumizer or mousse, heat protectant, pomade/paste or styling cream, light hairspray or texturizing spray. Difficulty: moderate — practice controlling volume and product amount. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, shampoo as needed (2–3× weekly), use clarifying wash monthly to remove buildup, and refresh with misting and a touch of pomade between washes.
Slicked-Back Short Pixie — Wet-Look Pomade Finish
This slicked-back short pixie works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and is ideal for fine to medium textures; very thick hair will require thinning or stronger-hold products. Start with towel-damped hair. Apply a pea-to-quarter-sized amount of high-shine pomade or styling gel evenly through the lengths, concentrating at the roots. Use a fine-tooth tail comb to comb the hair straight back from the hairline, working in sections for a smooth finish. Briefly blow-dry on low with a nozzle while combing to set direction, or allow to air-dry for a stronger wet-look sheen. Tools: fine-tooth comb, paddle or vent brush, blow dryer with nozzle, and a tail comb for precision. Products: water-based pomade or medium-hold gel, lightweight smoothing serum for shine, heat protectant, and a light-hold hairspray to lock the style. Difficulty: easy–medium — simple technique but requires product control to avoid stiffness or greasiness. Maintenance tips: refresh daily with a small product amount, wash or clarify every 2–3 days if using heavy product, schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain the shape, and avoid applying too much at the roots to prevent buildup.
Slicked-Back Wet Pompadour — Short to Medium Hair, High-Shine Finish
This slicked-back wet pompadour suits straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities; thick hair can work with stronger hold products and sectioning, while very curly hair should be straightened first. Start with towel‑damp hair: apply a heat protectant, then a volumizing mousse at the roots if you need lift. Work a pea‑to‑nickel sized amount of strong-hold gel or water-based pomade through hair, focusing on the crown and front. Use a fine-tooth comb or tail comb to direct hair backward and a round or vent brush to lift the front while blow-drying with a nozzle for controlled airflow. For extra height, blow-dry the front up and back, then smooth with a comb. Finish by warming a small amount of pomade between palms for shine and to tame flyaways; lock with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round/vent brush, tail comb, clips, optional flat iron. Difficulty: intermediate — needs product control and precise blow-drying. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh with water + small product touch-ups, avoid daily heavy product buildup, and trim sides every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Cropped Bob with Textured Ends
Perfect for straight to gently wavy hair, this slicked-back wet-look cropped bob works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can wear it with volumizing mousse or light root lift, while curly hair should be smoothed beforehand. Start on towel-damp hair: distribute a water-based gel or cream through roots to ends with a wide-tooth comb, then refine with a fine-tooth comb to slick hair straight back, tucking behind the ears. Use a blow dryer on low with a nozzle while holding the comb to set the sleek shape, or allow to air-dry for a stronger wet finish. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle, and a flat iron for stubborn kinks. Products: lightweight water-soluble gel or pomade, anti-frizz serum, light shine spray, medium-hold hairspray, and clarifying shampoo to remove buildup. Difficulty: intermediate — straightforward steps but requires even product distribution and precise combing. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the cropped silhouette, clarify weekly to prevent residue, deep-condition as needed, and refresh daily by re-wetting and applying a small amount of gel.
Sleek Wet‑Look Slicked‑Back Hair — Glossy Low Bun or Pulled‑Back Style
This sleek wet‑look slicked‑back style works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and can be adapted for medium to long lengths. For very curly or coarse hair, pre‑straightening or smoothing with a blowout will give the cleanest finish. Start on damp, towel‑dried hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, then a pea‑sized amount of strong‑hold gel or styling cream through the lengths. Use a fine‑tooth tail comb and a boar‑bristle brush to smooth hair back from the hairline, directing into a low ponytail or bun depending on the desired finish. Seal with a shine serum or glossing spray and a light mist of strong‑hold hairspray. Tools: tail comb, boar‑bristle brush, hair tie, bobby pins, small toothbrush or edge brush for baby hairs, and a blow dryer if you need to set the shape. Difficulty: easy to moderate — straightforward for pros, beginners should practice product amounts and smoothing technique. Maintenance: refresh by misting with water and reworking gel, sleep with a silk scarf to protect the finish, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and condition regularly to avoid dryness at the hairline.
Slicked-Back Tapered Pixie with Undercut — Sleek Wet-Look
This tapered, slicked-back pixie with a close undercut delivers a polished, androgynous look that flatters oval, heart, and angular faces. Best suited to fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair; thick hair benefits from weight removal (thinning) and longer top lengths. Technique: start with clipper sides and taper using a #1–#3 guard, scissor-cut the top to desired length and add soft texturizing points. For styling, towel-dry to damp, apply a pea-sized amount of strong-hold pomade or styling gel through the top, then comb back using a fine-tooth comb while blow-drying on low with a nozzle to set the direction — finish with a light mist of high-hold hairspray for longevity. Tools needed: electric clippers, scissors, thinning shears, fine-tooth comb, blow dryer with nozzle, mirror. Products required: heat protectant, medium- to strong-hold pomade or gel for a wet-slick finish, light wax for texture if desired, and a clarifying shampoo. Difficulty level: moderate — requires professional cutting for clean tapers but easy daily styling. Maintenance tips: refresh tapers every 3–5 weeks, deep-condition weekly, and clarify once a week to prevent buildup.
Slicked-Back Short Hair — Wet-Look Textured Crop
This sleek, wet-look cropped style works best on straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities; thick hair can wear it with some thinning or stronger-hold product. Start on towel‑damp hair: apply a light leave‑in or smoothing cream at the roots then a medium‑hold gel or styling cream through lengths. Use a wide‑tooth comb or a fine comb to brush hair straight back, creating a clean part if desired. Blow‑dry on low with a nozzle while combing back to set direction, or let air dry slightly for a true wet finish. For added polish, warm a small amount of pomade or shine serum between palms and smooth over the surface. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, vent or paddle brush, fine comb, and optional flat iron for stubborn waves. Products: leave‑in conditioner, medium‑hold gel/cream, light pomade or shine serum, and a flexible finishing spray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — quick to create but requires precision. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and refresh daily with a water spritz and a dab of product rather than heavy reapplication.
Sleek Wet-Look Slicked-Back Short Hair — Pomade Slicked Short Style
This sleek, wet-look slicked-back style works best on short to short-medium lengths and suits straight to slightly wavy hair. Fine to medium-density hair will achieve the smooth, close-to-the-head finish most naturally; very thick or curly hair may require thinning or a light straightening pass. Start on towel‑damp hair: distribute a water‑based gel or medium-hold pomade from roots to ends, then use a fine-tooth comb to brush hair straight back from the hairline. For extra control, use a blow dryer on low heat with a nozzle while combing back to set the shape, then finish with a little shine serum for that wet effect. Tools: fine-tooth comb or tail comb, paddle brush, blow dryer (nozzle), hair clips and a flat iron if needed. Products: water-based gel or pomade, styling cream for frizz control, lightweight shine serum, and a flexible-hold hairspray to lock edges. Difficulty: easy-to-moderate — the technique is simple but requires clean lines and product control. Maintenance: refresh with a small amount of water and pomade between washes, trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape, and use a clarifying shampoo weekly if you use heavy products.
From my salon experience, the key to flawless slick-back styles is healthy hair and the right products. Keep hair trimmed to remove split ends, use weekly deep conditioning if you heat-style often, and always apply a heat protectant before blow-drying or flat-ironing. For fine hair, start with a volumizing mousse at the roots before smoothing; for thick or coarse hair, reach for a creamier pomade and a lightweight oil to tame frizz without heaviness. Work product through damp hair for a wet look, or apply to dry hair for texture and definition; finish with a soft-bristle brush and a flexible-hold hairspray along the hairline to control flyaways. Experiment with part placement and bring reference photos from the 24-image gallery to your stylist so they can customize the cut and technique. With the right prep and a few minutes of practice, slick-back hairstyles give a polished, contemporary finish for any occasion. — Lena