3 Slicked Back Hairstyles for Women

You’ve seen it walking the 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 hairstyle—the slicked-back ‘do. Whether it’s slicked into a ponytail or left cascading down the back of your head, a slick hairstyle emanates sophistication. In fact, the super-sleek look can be quite the refreshing change from your normal beachy waves, bouncy curls, and expertly-woven braids. That’s precisely why we’re such fans of this trend! 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, find three slicked-back hairstyles for women.

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 of 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

Flat iron

Fine-tooth comb

Brush

Bobby pins

Clear elastic

SLICKED-BACK HAIRSTYLE #1: SLICKED-BACK PONYTAIL

If you like to keep your hair off your shoulders, a slicked-back ponytail could be the right option for you!

Get the look:

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 your hair is straight, evenly apply a dollop of hair gel from your hairline back to the crown of your head. Use a fine-tooth comb to distribute the product through your hair.

Step 3: Smooth hair into a high pony

Brush your hair to smooth out any lumps and bumps, then use a clear elastic to tie it into a high ponytail.

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 bobby pin to secure it in place on the underside of your pony.

Step 5: Finish with hairspray

Spritz your ‘do with a strong hold hairspray and go about your day with a secure, slick hairstyle.

SLICKED-BACK HAIRSTYLE #2: SLICKED-BACK AND LONG

If you’re feeling extra-bold and want to show off your length, why not mimic Hollywood’s favorite hairstyle at the moment? Leave your hair down and slick it back for a red carpet-worthy style.

Get the look:

Step 1: Make it straight

You know the drill: Help protect your tresses with a heat protectant spray before breaking out your flat iron.

Step 2: Add volume

Using a fine-tooth comb, tease your hair at the crown and on the underlayer of hair nearest to your hairline.

Step 3: Smooth the sides back

For this look, you want the sides of your style 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 the volume you’ve created up 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. Use your fine-tooth comb to smooth the hair 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 shine mist.

SLICKED-BACK HAIRSTYLE #3: SLICKED-BACK BUN

Want to keep things sleek and professional? Consider rocking a slicked-back bun. Perhaps the most intense of our slicked-back hairstyles, this option truly makes your face (and makeup look) the center of attention.

Get the look:

Step 1: Grab your flat iron

The end result may be different, but this slicked-back hairstyle starts the same as all the others. Get started by spritzing your mane with a heat protectant, then straighten your strands.

Step 2: Use a hair gel

When you’re finished straightening your locks, reach for a hair gel to slick things back. Distribute it throughout your mane, taking caution as to not apply too much product (this can create the appearance of greasy hair—yikes!).

Step 3: Pull your hair into a ponytail

Brush back your hair and pull it into a low ponytail at the base of your neck. Be sure to smooth out any bumps or knots. Secure with a clear elastic.

Step 4: Create your bun

Twist the length of your hair and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, creating your bun. Pin the bun into place with a few bobby pins that match your hair color.

Step 5: Seal the deal

Almost finished! Give your style a quick a spritz of hairspray for a slicked-back style that lasts.

If you're digging these slicked-back hairstyles, we have a feeling you’ll love the look we’re sharing next, too. Here’s How to Get the Wet Hair Look.