How to Do Slicked-Back Hair (Without Looking Like You Forgot to Shower)
There’s something effortlessly cool about slicked-back hair. It’s a vibe—sleek, polished, a little ’90s supermodel, a little clean-girl-core. Whether you’re heading to work, a night out, or just want to hide the fact that you didn’t wash your hair (we see you!), slicked-back hairstyles are the ultimate low-effort, high-impact look.
But while this style looks simple, getting it right takes a bit more than raking your fingers through some gel and hoping for the best. Celebrity colorist Meri Kate O’Connor gave us the inside scoop on how to get the look just right—without ending up stiff, crunchy, or greasy. Keep scrolling for her pro tips, plus a full tutorial and some of our favorite slicked-back hairstyles to try next.
Meet the Expert
Meri Kate O'Connor is a celebrity colorist at Benjamin Salon in West Hollywood.
How to Do Slicked-Back Hair: Step-by-Step Guide
For a slicked-back style that lasts all day—and doesn’t feel like helmet hair—it’s all about strategy. Here's how O'Connor recommends you get it done:
1. Start With Clean, Dry Hair
We know, we know, dirty hair usually holds styles better. But in this case, O'Connor says, “Clean hair is best so the style doesn’t look greasy.” Noted!
2. Prep and Section
Rather than spending the better part of an hour working to smooth all of your hair at once, O’Connor recommends working in sections to make things more manageable. Split your hair in half horizontally (from ear to ear) and clip the top section out of the way. This is the perfect time to bust out those claw clips we know you’ve been hoarding.
3. Secure the Bottom Half
Next, reach for a boar bristle brush, like INH Hair Never Knotty Brush, which is key for smoothing without stiffness. Brush the lower section back into a ponytail and secure it snugly with an elastic.
4. Smooth the Top Section
Release the top half, brush it back to meet the bottom pony, and secure it with a second elastic right over the first. “By doing it this way,” says O'Connor, “you create a smoother and tighter look with fewer bumps.” From there, you can style the tail of your ponytail however you want. Braid, bun, coil, whatever! Need some inspo? More on that below.
5. Choose Your Finish
Want a dry, soft hold? Spray hairspray before and after brushing. Going for a wet, glossy finish? Use pomade or gel, brushing it in as you go. Just don’t overdo it. “Stay away from oil-based products,” O'Connor advises. “They can make the hair look greasy.”
6. Tame Flyaways
Grab your INH HAIR Quick Slick Flyaway Hair Finishing Stick. “I love flyaway sticks!” says O'Connor. “They aren’t too heavy—just lightly pass it over your hairline and pat it down.”
7. Lock It In
Need staying power? “The key to keeping your hair from losing shape is using enough product and keeping the elastic tight,” says O'Connor. If things start to fall midday, just brush it back again and re-tighten the elastic.
Our Favorite Slicked-Back Hairstyles
1. Slicked-Back Bun With Part
Hailey Bieber’s signature slicked-back bun with a center part is the ultimate minimalist beauty move. It’s polished, effortless, and works for literally every occasion. To recreate it, start with damp hair and use a smoothing gel to define the part. Brush hair back into a low bun, secure tightly, and finish with a flyaway stick for that clean finish. Bonus: It’s a great way to show off your earrings (and cheekbones).
2. Slicked-Back Half-Up Hair
Jasmine Tookes’s slicked-back half-up look is equal parts glam and wearable. Pull the top half of your hair into a ponytail at the crown, keeping it ultra-smooth with gel and a boar bristle brush. Leave the rest of your hair down in waves or straight. It’s the perfect compromise when you want the sleek look but still want to show off your length.
3. Slicked-Back Spiky Bun
Madelyn Cline’s slicked-back spiky bun is giving off-duty model energy with a rebellious twist. Start by brushing hair up into a high ponytail with gel or pomade for hold, then twist it into a bun—but don’t tuck the ends! Let them fan out for that spiked effect. A little hairspray will keep the spikes in place while keeping the base sleek.
4. Slicked-Back Bun With Retro Swoop
Zendaya’s vintage-inspired swoop and bun combo is pure glamour. Start with a deep side part and use a flat iron to shape the swoop’s waves. Slick the rest of your hair back into a low bun, then secure. A high-shine gel will keep the swoop in place, and a light mist of hairspray locks in the drama.
5. Slicked-Back Power Ponytail
Shay Mitchell’s high-gloss ponytail is what happens when sleek meets statement. Use a smoothing serum or gel to slick hair up into a high pony, brushing as you go to avoid bumps. Secure with a tight elastic, then wrap a piece of hair around the base for a red carpet-level finish. Flat iron the ponytail for extra sharpness, and you’re golden.
6. Slicked-Back Waterfall Curls
Bella Hadid gives us the best of both worlds with slick roots and cascading curls. Apply a lightweight gel to the crown, then use a boar bristle brush to smooth hair back and pin it just above the nape. Leave the rest of your curls loose and flowing. It's the perfect style when you want to feel put-together without losing your texture.
7. Slicked-Back Side Part Ponytail
Simone Ashley’s deep side part brings major elegance to the classic pony. After parting your hair, apply styling cream and brush it back toward a low ponytail. Secure it tightly, then use a flat iron or curling iron on the ends depending on your vibe. A swipe of a flyaway stick along the part keeps everything looking flawless.