How to Slick Back Your Hair (Pro Tips)
Want that clean, slicked-back look without looking like you dipped your head in Vaseline?
We will help you get it right—no fluff, no crust, no oil slick. Just smart prep, the right product, and a couple pro-level moves.
How to Slick Back Hair Like a Pro
Step |
What to Do |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
1. Clean Your Hair |
Wash and towel-dry your hair. |
Product works best on clean, damp hair—no grease, no buildup. |
2. Keep It Damp |
Don’t let it air dry—style while it’s still damp. |
Damp hair shapes better and holds style longer. |
3. Choose Your Product |
Pick clay, pomade, paste, or cream based on your hair type and finish. |
The right product = better hold, texture, and look. |
4. Start Small |
Use a dime-sized amount of product. |
Avoid heavy buildup or greasy texture. You can always add more. |
5. Apply Smart |
Pat product on first, then rake through with fingers. |
Even distribution = cleaner, smoother style. |
6. Comb It Back |
Use a wide-tooth comb and follow your natural part. |
Creates a clean, natural-looking slick. |
7. Lock It In |
Let it set. Use hairspray or a bandana for hold. |
Keeps the style in place all day—hands off! |
Step 1: Start With a Clean Canvas
Dirty hair? Nah.
Your slick-back starts in the shower. Towel-dried, clean hair is non-negotiable. If you’re skipping shampoo (respect), at least rinse and condition to soften things up. Product clings better, spreads smoother, and holds longer.
“Greasy roots = floppy style. Clean hair wins every time.”
👉 Want a clean base without stripping your scalp? The Wash gives you a deep cleanse with zero sulfates, zero buildup—just balanced, healthy hair ready to style.
Step 2: Prep While Damp (Not Wet)
Soak it? Nope. Air dry? Too late.
Damp is the sweet spot. Towel off after the shower and get moving—don’t wait till it’s dry. Blow dry if needed, brushing back as you go to lock in the shape.
Got curls? Use a round brush while blow-drying to stretch and smooth things out. You’ll tame frizz and get that sleek, controlled finish that lays flat.
Step 3: Pick the Right Product
Different styles = different tools. Choose based on hold, shine, and your hair type :
Pomade → High shine, low hold. Classic slick.
Best for medium styles or a polished finish.
Clay → Matte finish, strong hold.
Ideal for thick or oily hair. Adds volume, no grease.
Wax → Clean hold, slight shine.
Great if your hair fights back.
Fiber/Paste → Medium hold, low shine.
Good for texture, waves, or casual slick-backs.
Oil/Cream → Low hold, natural finish.
Perfect for long hair or curls you don’t want to smother.
👉 Want zero crunch and a clean, matte hold? Grab the Glacial Clay Pomade —no water, no residue, no shine. Just grip that stays put.
Step 4: Don’t Overdo It
Start small. Seriously.
Scoop a dime-sized amount , rub it between your palms, and work it through the outer layer of your hair first. Let it sit for 15–20 seconds. Still feel tuggy when applying? Run your hands under warm water, pat your hair, and go again. Hydration = glide.
Step 5: Apply with Intention
Don’t attack the roots right away.
Pat the product on top , let it settle, then rake through with your fingers—from ends to roots. This reduces breakage and gives you more control.
Step 6: Comb with the Grain
Use a wide-tooth comb to style. Less tugging, more flow.
Pro tip: Follow your natural part. Forcing it the wrong way? Dead giveaway it’s overstyled.
Then comb it straight back to lock in shape— this is where your look takes form.
"Fingers spread it. Comb finishes it."
Step 7: Lock It & Leave It
Once it’s styled? Hands off.
Touching it breaks down the product with natural oils. Want extra insurance? A light mist of hairspray from 8 inches out keeps everything in place.
Bonus tip: Wrap it in a bandana while it sets if you’re styling before heading out.
Hair Type Cheat Sheet
Thick or Wiry Hair?
Use a heavier product (like our Pomade or a fiber). Blow-dry for control. Consider having your barber thin it out if it’s fighting the style.
Curly or Wavy Hair?
Work in sections. Use our Glacial Hair Cream or paste to hold shape without killing texture. Avoid over-combing—scrunch it, don’t flatten it.
Thin or Thinning Hair?
Keep it light. Our Pomade or cream works better than sticky gels. You want direction, not drag.
Bonus: Wear It With Intention
Slicked-back hair makes a statement. Own it—don’t let it clash with joggers and a hoodie. Clean lines and a sharp fit sell the look.
And hey— keep your edges fresh . Hit the barber monthly to clean up the neckline and perimeter.
Slicking your hair back shouldn’t feel like a chore—or look like a throwback to middle school gel spikes. It’s clean, confident, and zero fuss if you do it right.
