How to Get the Perfect Slicked-Back ‘Do

You’ve seen it walking down runways and red carpets, plastered on the front of magazines, and even strutting down the street: That’s right, we’re talking about the season’s hottest must-wear hairstyle—the slicked-back ‘do. Whether it’s slicked into a ponytail or left cascading down the back of your head, a slicked hairstyle emanates sophistication. In fact, the super-sleek look is quite the refreshing change from the normal beachy waves, bouncy curls and expertly woven braids. That’s precisely why we’re such fans of it! Not for the faint of heart, slicked-back hair brings all attention to your face, allowing your bone structure to be the star. Does this sound like a hairstyle you’d want to try? Below, we show you how!

What You Need to Create a Slicked-Back ‘Do

Whether you want to wear it up or wear it down, creating a slicked-back ‘do is easy with the right products on hand. Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, you’ll be ready to achieve your soon-to-be go-to style!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Extreme Style Gel

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Nutri-Gloss High Shine Glossing Mist

Flat iron

Fine tooth comb

Brush

Bobby pins

Hair tie

How Wear Slicked-Back Hair Up

If you like to keep your hair off your shoulders but want to add a little je ne sais quoi to your look, a slicked-back ponytail or bun could be the right option for you!

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Straighten your hair. Slicked-back hair is all about making strands look really sleek. To create the perfect base for your hairstyle, spray your strands with a heat protectant and flat iron your hair.

Step 2: Add gel. Once you’re done, evenly apply a dollop of gel from your hairline back to the crown of your head. Use a fine tooth comb to distribute the product all through your hair.

Step 3: Smooth hair into a high pony. Brush your hair to smooth out any lumps and bumps, then tie it into a high ponytail with a hair tie that matches your hair color.

Step 4: Wrap your hair tie. To conceal your hair tie and give your look a little extra detail, wrap a small strand of hair around the base of your ponytail and use a hair-colored bobby pin to secure it in place on the underside of your pony.

Step 5: Finish with hairspray.

Spritz on a strong hold hairspray and go about your day.

How to Wear Slicked-Back Hair Down

If you’re feeling extra-bold and want to show off your length, mimic Hollywood’s favorite hairstyle of the moment by leaving your hair down and slicking it back for maximum model style.

Step 1: Straighten your hair. You know the drill: Help protect your tresses with a thermal spray before flat ironing them.

Step 2: Add volume. Using a fine tooth comb, tease your hair at the crown and on the under layer of hair nearest to your hairline.

Step 3: Smooth the sides back. You want your sides to be completely slicked-back and close to your head. After you’ve smoothed your hair back, use a flat bobby pin to secure the sides in place without taking away from any of the volume on top.

Step 4: Add gel to the top section of hair. To achieve the famed slicked-back look, evenly distribute gel to the topmost layer of hair so that the exterior of your volume will be super-sleek. Use your fine tooth comb to smooth it all back.

Step 5: Finish with hairspray. To help make sure your hair stays in place, spray it with a strong hold hairspray, then follow up with a glossing mist.