What’s not to love about slicked-back hairstyles? They instantly make you look put together, work great on most hair types (even greasy hair), and are relatively easy to execute. Most people will be familiar with the slicked-back bun or slicked-back pony, but there are plenty more options to try.
If you’ve just hopped on the slicked-back train, don’t worry. Pro hairstylists say slicked-back hairstyles are very much still in style and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. But they are getting a bit of a modern update: “The slicked-back look has evolved in a retro way,” says Ursula Stephen, a celebrity hairstylist and Moroccanoil stylist ambassador. “I’m seeing lots of ’90s updos making their way back around.”
And for those who tried slicked-back hairstyles before without success, consider giving them another go. “The mistake is almost always the product, not the technique,” explains Sunnie Brook, celebrity hairstylist and artistic director for Biolage. “Gel sits on top of the hair and dries hard. What you actually want is something that absorbs and adds shine without ever setting.” (She recommends The Biolage Hydra Source Moisture Method Scalp + Hair Serum.) According to Brook, “when your hair looks healthy, a slick-back looks modern.”
As for those people slicking their hair back pretty often, getting a haircut to make it easier is worth thinking about. “A slick-back is the ultimate truth teller,” says Brook. “There is nowhere to hide. Clean perimeters are everything.” Brook adds that “the key to a polished slick-back actually starts before styling.” Looking for a specific cut to complement your sleek strands? Stephen suggests that short pixie cuts and short bobs work best with slicked-back hairstyles because “they offer a cleaner finish, beautifully showing off the neckline.”
Ready to get into all the best slicked-back hairstyles? Grab a boar bristle hairbrush or a fine-tooth comb and get scrolling. Keep reading for our favorite slicked-back hairstyles, all approved by experts.
