Quick answer: to slick back your hair, apply a gel to damp, towel-dried hair, comb it straight back, then blow-dry backwards for extra hold. That gives a sharp, glossy, wet-look slick-back. For a softer, matte slick-back, apply a clay pomade to dry hair and comb or finger it back. Finish with a light mist of hairspray if you need it to last all day.
Wet look or matte: which slick-back?
- Wet-look slick-back: sharp, shiny and very controlled. Uses gel. Best for formal looks, events and short to medium hair.
- Matte slick-back: softer, more natural, with movement. Uses a matte pomade or clay. Best for everyday wear and anyone who doesn't want shine.
- Polished, glossy slick-back: somewhere in between. Uses a wax for shine and definition with a little more flexibility than gel.
How to slick back hair with gel (wet look)
- Start with clean, damp hair. Towel-dry so it's damp, not dripping.
- Take a coin-sized amount of gel such as Strong Hold Styling Gel, or Extra Strong Hold Styling Gel for short hair that needs to stay exactly in place.
- Rub it between your palms and work it through from the roots to the ends, front to back.
- Comb straight back with a fine-tooth comb for a sharp finish, or a wide-tooth comb for visible lines.
- Blow-dry backwards on a medium heat, combing as you go, to set the hold.
- Finish with a light mist of Strong Hold Ecospray if you need it to last through wind or humidity.
How to slick back hair with pomade (matte look)
- Start with dry hair, ideally blow-dried backwards first so the hair is already going in the right direction.
- Take a fingertip-sized amount of a matte pomade such as Mattifying Pomade, a clay-based pomade with strong-medium hold and no shine.
- Warm it between your palms until it's almost invisible.
- Work it in from the back to the front, then smooth everything back with your fingers or a comb.
- Add a little more to any pieces that won't stay. You can rework it through the day.
For a glossier version, use Elastic Moulding Wax, which won Best Defining Styler at the HAIR Awards 2024.
How long does my hair need to be?
Long enough on top to comb back over the crown, usually a few centimetres or more. Shorter sides, such as a fade or undercut, make a slick-back look sharper and stop the sides puffing out. Ask your barber for a cut that suits it.
How to slick back curly or thick hair
Curly and thick hair push back against a slick-back, so it needs more control. Apply a cream such as Shaping Cream to damp hair first for smoothness, then gel on top for hold, and blow-dry backwards. For a softer look, let curls keep some movement at the ends.
Frequently asked questions
Should I slick back wet or dry hair?
Gel goes on damp hair; pomade, clay and wax go on dry hair.
How do I stop my slick-back falling forward?
Blow-dry backwards to train the hair, use a stronger hold, and finish with hairspray.
Will gel make my hair crunchy?
Strong gels can. Use a little less, or use a matte pomade for a softer finish. Insight's gels include organic aloe and ginkgo biloba to keep hair hydrated rather than flaky.
Is slicking back bad for your hair?
Not if you wash product out properly and avoid pulling it tight every day. Combing very hard can stress the hairline over time, so keep it gentle.
How do I wash out gel?
Shampoo as normal; a second wash removes any residue. See how often should you wash your hair?
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About the author
Charlotte Read has spent six years in the hair industry with Insight Professional and holds a First Class BSc in Business Management and Marketing. She writes with reference to real salons across social media and the wider Insight community, and draws on the Insight office team, who between them bring over 100 years of combined experience on salon floors.
Where technical expertise is needed, Charlotte consults Lorraine Matic, Head of Insight UK Education, who brings over 38 years of global experience in colour, technique and hair science.