How to Perfect the Slick Back
Achieving the perfect slicked-back hairstyle might seem effortless, but there's more to it than meets the eye. While it appears to be a simple, sleek look, mastering this style requires the right technique, products, and attention to detail. If you find your slick back starts falling apart midday or just doesn’t look quite right, we've got some tips for you. Let's dive into how you can create a slick back that's both classic and modern, with just the right amount of hold and shine.
Make Sure Your Hair is Long Enough
To create a slick back, the hair starting at the front of your hairline typically needs to be at least 4 inches long. This length allows enough hair to smoothly comb back without it springing out of place or separating. If your hair is shorter, it may be difficult to achieve the desired sleek effect, as the strands won’t have enough weight to stay down.
Keep in mind that the right products can help manage shorter hair, but for a truly classic slick back, a longer length provides the best result. And for those with extra long hair - consider tying the back into a low ponytail to keep things tidy while still maintaining that signature sleek appearance.
Use the Right Product & Tools
Pomades are the go-to product for slick backs, offering a smooth, shiny finish with medium to strong hold. If you’ve attempted slick backs in the past and they’ve fallen apart, or if you have especially thick and curly hair, you’re going to want a product that explicitly states having a strong hold. Our Whiskey Bar Firme (Strong) Hold Pomade gives hair a strong grip that is proven to maintain slicked-back hairstyles all day long - now with the added bonus of containing our signature Whiskey Bar scent! This masculine fragrance boasts woodsy and smoky notes, beautifully complementing the classic appearance of a slick back look.
WHISKEY BAR FIRME (Strong) Hold Pomade
- Strong all-day hold
- Water-based formula washes out with ease
- Holds thick, curly, or unruly hair
- Won’t damage or dry out hair
- Can easily be reactivated and refreshed throughout the day by adding some water
- Popular Whiskey Bar scent, also available in Original Suavecito scent
To style a slick back you’re going to want a sturdy comb that is strong enough to work through both your hair and the pomade. A comb like the Deluxe Amber Dressing Comb is made with Zyl Acetate, which is strong enough for all hair types and will last you a lifetime. It’s also dual-sided, so you can use the fine-tooth side to create a clean, sharp look and use the wide-tooth side to add a bit more texture or relaxed finish.
The combination of these two products will ensure you are equipped with the highest quality tools to create the highest quality slick back style.
DELUXE AMBER DRESSING COMB
- Semi-flexible material won’t tug hair
- Hand cut, rounded teeth won’t snag hair
- Both wide and thin teeth to help you customize your style
- Made with durable Zyl Acetate
- Amber color and gold logos for a timeless look
Avoid the Dreaded Slick Back Split
One of the biggest challenges with a slick back is keeping it smooth and intact without splitting down the middle halfway through the day. To avoid this, make sure you evenly distribute your styling product from root to tip, focusing extra attention on the natural parting of your hair. Each head of hair has a natural parting and for some, it can be a lot more stubborn than others. In order to combat this, you’ll want to comb in the opposite direction of that parting first and then directly comb it back.
You can take this a step further by using a blow dryer while you do this combing technique. The added heat will force your hair in the right direction more easily. Do this repeatedly and your hair will eventually start to lose that stubborn part, making it ready to style with pomade.
Rub a small amount of pomade between your hands and apply it to your hair evenly. Use the fine-tooth side of your comb to thoroughly comb the hair straight back, ensuring there are no gaps or uneven sections. You can also smooth your hair down with your hand after each pass of the comb. This will help prevent your slick back from looking lumpy. Although a little pomade goes a long way, you can add a little extra as you go until you achieve your desired look.
Once you’ve finished styling, avoid touching your hair throughout the day as this can disrupt the hold and cause it to separate. Regular trims also help, as split ends and uneven lengths can lead to unwanted gaps in your style.
Before you attempt this process, watch this video to get a better sense of the technique required for this hairstyle. For a limited time only, we are offering 20% off on the Whiskey Bar Firme (Strong) Hold Pomade and Deluxe Amber Dressing Comb with code B-SLICK. Buy now before this code expires!
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the slick back is all about the right combination of technique and quality products. With enough practice, you can be sure to rely on this classic hairstyle whenever you want something polished, sophisticated, and timeless.
