Slicking your hair back creates a polished, pulled-together aesthetic when done right. But without proper technique, the style can easily veer disheveled.
Training stubborn hair to seamlessly slick back requires patience and a strategic process.
Follow these tips and with consistent practice you’ll master the smooth, refined look.
Assess Hair Type and Texture
To determine the appropriate approach, assess factors like density, strand thickness, natural partings, growth patterns and how easily your hair responds to smoothing products. Most slick looks rely on flexible hold styling agents that can weigh down thin or fine hair. Meanwhile, coarser textures may need intensive conditioning to lay flat. Craft a regimen catered to your hair attributes for best results.
Transition Slowly if chemically Treated
Those with permed, relaxed or color-treated hair should transition gradually to avoid breakage. Compromised or porous strands are vulnerable to damage when aggressively smoothed and loaded with product. Begin by only slicking perimeter edges while protecting lengths with braids, buns or hats. Then gradually work up to full slicking as hair health improves. Adjust aftercare to nourish strands and prevent excessive manipulation.
Prep Hair Properly Before Styling
Whatever your hair type, properly prepping is key to creating a blank smooth canvas. Ensure hair is freshly clarified and detangled the day before, allowing natural oils to replenish overnight. Then shampoo just the roots to absorb excess oil before smoothing products adhere best. Apply conditioning treatments mid-length to ends to maximize slip and flexibility when slicking.
Blow Dry In Sections
Work in sections to straighten hair via tension for better slick adhesion. Grab 1 to 2 inch subsections, running a paddle brush down shafts while blow drying on medium heat. Keep the dryer nozzle pointed down each strand’s axis while pulling hair taut. Hit stubborn cowlicks with a concentrated nozzle to soften the follicles’ natural growth direction. Finish with a cold shot to seal the cuticle.
Apply Products Strategically
Serums, gels, pomades and butters each serve a role when training hair back. Prep by evenly applying a nourishing oil or protein cream through mid-lengths and ends first. This protects from hydration loss while priming strands to grip. Then distribute chosen finishing products between palms. Glide hands back from forehead and temples while gently smoothing and liftingroots for volume. Continue directing hair back to evenly coat strands.
Use Tools for Increased Tension
Some textures resist laying flat despite proper product prep. In these cases, tools like hard bristle brushes and fine-tooth combs increase tension to train follicles into submission. With pomade-coated hands, brush hair from front to nape repetitively until the cuticle smooths and shine appears. Then evenly sweep a fine tooth comb back from roots to ends to remove any remaining bumps. Pomade touch-ups may be needed for slick polish.
Set Properly and Troubleshoot
Give your slicked style longevity by setting it properly once complete. Use duck bill clips at the crown to train any stubborn cowlicks to lay back. Then wrap hair in a silk or satin scarf tied tightly at the nape for at least 20 minutes. This allows body heat to further mold hair before the products completely set. To perfect the style over time, note which areas resist slicking and adjust your sectioning, drying, products and setting accordingly.
Maintain Protective Yet Nourishing Aftercare
The routine tugging and tension required to slick hair back makes strands vulnerable to traction alopecia over time. Counteract potential damage by incorporating nourishing and reparative treatments into your wash day routine. Opt for moisturizing, protein-infused shampoos and masks. Handle hair gently when washing and detangling between slick days to prevent excessive manipulation. Protect ends with regular dusting trims and silk accessories.
Be Patient Through the Transition Phase
When first attempting an immaculate slicked style, prepare for a potential awkward stage. Achieving polish takes practice – especially if redirecting hair from its natural growth pattern. Power through the transition with loose updos and accessories until your strands cooperate more easily. Stay dedicated to a consistent regimen catered to your hair’s needs. Eventually the payoff of perfecting the refined, sleek look will be well worth any temporary styling fails.
With diligence, care and these tips you can develop the discipline necessary to train hair back for flawless polished styles.
Embrace the journey to keeping slick looks neat all day long through proper at-home techniques.