Slicked back hair is one of those looks that never goes out of style. It's clean, confident, and it works for basically every occasion — from a job interview to a festival. However, getting it right takes more than just running some gel through your hair and hoping for the best.
Whether you're going for a classic slick back hairstyle, a sleek slick back ponytail, or a polished slick back bun, the right prep, the right hair products, and a technique that works for your hair type are what you need to succeed.
To slick back your hair, you'll need a fine-tooth comb, a brush, a blow dryer, and a styling product. Here’s what each one does:
- A comb for a smooth, precise finish
- A brush for smoothing your hair and evenly distributing the product
- A blow dryer for directing your hair backward before applying product — heat styling after product application isn't recommended
- The right slick back hair products — we'll cover which ones we recommend at each step
This step is optional but makes a noticeable difference, especially for thicker or curlier hair. Using a blow dryer on low to medium heat, direct your hair backward away from your face while guiding it with a comb or brush. This trains the hair in the direction you want it to go.
It's time to apply your product. The right product for you depends on your desired final look:
- For sleek, on-the-go styles: The got2b® glued® on-the-go™ wax stick is our top pick for slick backs. Apply it directly to your hair or to your hands first, then smooth through from roots to ends. It gives you 72-hour flexible hold versus untreated hair in high humidity conditions with a shiny, moisturized-looking finish and no crunch feel or finish and non-sticky formula. The moisture-locking formula with coconut oil, castor oil, and shea butter leaves hair feeling nourished, and it feels lightweight enough that it won't weigh your style down.
- For a classic, strong-hold slick back: Squeeze a small amount of the got2b® Ultra glued® Invincible Styling Hair Gel into your palms, rub your hands together, and distribute evenly through your hair from roots to ends. This non-sticky, no-flake gel is powered by a high-tech styling agent — we call it Alpha XTR — for our strongest gel hold ever, and it un-glues easily with a little shampoo when you're done.
- For shorter to medium-length hair: Work the got2b® glued® Spiking Wax through damp hair in the same way. The lightweight wax adds natural shine and leaves no flaking and no white residue. Most importantly for your slick back, it provides fierce holding power.
- For customizable hold and flexible texture: Reach for the got2b® glued® Spray Wax for customizable hold. Turn the nozzle to position 2 for structured hold, or position 1 if you want something more moveable. The lightweight formula works without stickiness or crunch.
Once your product is in your hair, take a comb and work it straight back from the hairline. If you're using the on-the-go wax stick, reach for a thick brush instead of a comb for the best sleek finish.
Work from the front to the back in smooth, even strokes, staying close to the scalp at the roots to get that tight, sleek finish. Pay extra attention to your crown and the sides of your head — these are the areas that need the most thorough product coverage for an even finish. Finally, use a brush to smooth any stubborn sections and press your hair flat against your head.
Tip: Check your hair for any lifted sections. If you spot any, apply a tiny amount of product to your fingertips and smooth the section down, then follow with the comb.
Once you're happy with the shape, finish with the got2b® glued® Blasting Freeze Spray. Hold the can 8–12 inches away from your hair and spray evenly over the surface to make sure your hairdo stays exactly where you want it. The Freeze Spray delivers strong hold that lasts until your next shampoo, so whether you're heading into a long shift, a workout, or a night out, you don't have to worry.
Both the slick back ponytail and slick back bun start the same way. Follow steps 1–4 to get your hair slicked back flat against your head, then follow the steps below:
- Gather your hair at the back of your head and secure it with a hair tie. For a sleek, frizz-free finish, apply the got2b® glued® on-the-go™ wax stick along the hairline and over any flyaways before securing.
- Smooth any stray strands at the hairline with a small amount of gel or wax, then finish with a blast of got2b® glued® Blasting Freeze Spray.
- To lay baby hairs and edges flat, we recommend using a small amount of our got2b® glued® Brow & Edge Gel.
- Follow the same steps as the slick back ponytail, but instead of leaving your hair in a ponytail, twist it around itself and secure it with pins or a hair tie. Finish with the Blasting Freeze Spray.
For a classic slick back, your hair should be at least 3-4 inches long at the front. Shorter than that and there isn't enough length to stay flat. For a slick back ponytail or bun, you'll need more length — at least shoulder length for a ponytail, and ideally longer for a bun.
Absolutely. Work in sections and guide your curls back with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb rather than a fine-tooth comb for the best results.
The got2b® Ultra glued® Invincible Styling Hair Gel washes out easily with a little shampoo, making it a practical option even for daily styling. The got2b® glued® on-the-go wax stick also washes out easily.
You can, and with the right style and products it'll hold through the whole workout. Our recommendation is a slick back ponytail or bun to keep everything contained during high-intensity exercise. Reach for the got2b® glued® on-the-go wax stick, which maintains flexible hold through sweat, and apply it before you head out. Finish with the got2b® glued® Blasting Freeze Spray for extra insurance.
Our top recommendation is the got2b® glued® on-the-go wax stick, which provides 72-hour flexible hold with a 72-hour frizz control and humidity shield versus untreated hair in high humidity conditions. Apply it through your hair, then finish with the got2b® glued® Blasting Freeze Spray to cement the style in place for hold that lasts until your next shampoo.