Slick back style that saves the day
Slicked back hair is more than just a style—it’s a statement. Whether you’re going for a glossy runway finish, a tidy everyday look, or something effortlessly in between, the right approach and products make all the difference. And yes, you can do it without flyaways, greasy overload or that stiff, crunchy feel. Here’s how we love to create that perfect slick back, with a soft, touchable finish that stays in place.
When you want great hair without washing it
There’s nothing wrong with skipping wash day—actually, your hair probably thanks you for it. On those in-between days when your roots are starting to show a bit of oil and you don’t have time (or just don’t feel like it), a slick back style is the perfect solution. Slightly dirty hair actually makes the look easier to pull off. The natural oils help with hold and shine, giving your style that polished, intentional look with minimal effort.
To keep things fresh, we love starting with a few sprays of Invisidry Shampoo at the roots. It keeps the style from falling flat while still allowing your natural texture to do the work. Brush the product through gently—this removes any excess oil and gives your hair a soft, clean scent without disrupting its natural grip.
Creating the smooth, sculpted slick back
Now for the styling. Start by brushing your hair straight back from the hairline, keeping it close to the scalp. For a more polished look, go in with a fine-tooth comb. If you want volume or a looser feel, a paddle brush works beautifully.
For hold and structure, we love layering in a soft wax like Minerals Wax Gabbro or Schist, depending on your hair type. Warm a small amount between your palms and glide it through the lengths of your hair, focusing on the top and sides. These formulas give texture and control, without stiffness or that overly glossy finish that can make hair look greasy instead of styled.
Make the wet look work for you
The wet look is all about finding the right balance of shine and shape. Instead of overloading hair with gel, build your look with lightweight layers. Start with wax for structure, then finish with a flexible hairspray like Finishing Spray to lock the style in place without making it stiff. Mist it lightly all over, then go in with your comb one more time to set the shape.
If you’re after a high-shine finish, you can add a little extra wax just to the top layer. This gives that sleek, hydrated look without dragging down the roots or making the ends heavy.
Keep flyaways under control
Flyaways are the quickest way to make a sleek style look undone—but they’re also super easy to manage. Use the back of your comb or even your fingertips to smooth them down with a touch of wax or a spritz of hairspray. Press gently along the hairline and crown to lay them flat. A toothbrush or spoolie brush works great for detail work around the face and ears, especially for finer baby hairs.
From sleek pony to sculpted shine in no time
Whether you’re in a rush, skipping a wash, or just feeling the cool simplicity of a slicked back look, the right products let you style with confidence. Clean, vegan and kind to your hair, every product we use is designed to care for your strands while giving you long-lasting style. Explore our hair styling products to create a classic slick back look.
