Slick back hairstyles are the epitome of sophistication and style, offering a polished appearance that works for any occasion.
Whether you’re heading to a formal event or just want to add a touch of elegance to your everyday look, slick back ideas are versatile and chic.
This hairstyle flatters various hair types and lengths, making it a go-to choice for those who crave a modern, effortless aesthetic.
If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that sleek, smooth finish without frizz or flyaways, you’re in the right place.
From classic wet looks to more textured approaches, there are endless ways to rock slick back hairstyles.
These ideas not only keep your hair looking neat but also help you exude confidence and grace.
In this article, we’ll explore the best slick back hairstyle ideas to inspire your next look.
Discover how to master the sleek aesthetic while adapting it to your hair type and personal style.
Whether you prefer a dramatic shine or a subtle, natural effect, there’s a slick back style waiting to be your new favorite.
19 Best Slick Back Hairstyles for a Chic Look
1. Sleek High Shine Slick Back
Achieve a high-glamour look with this sleek high shine slick back hairstyle.
The hair is meticulously combed back with a glossy finish, making it ideal for formal events or red carpet occasions.
This style suits those with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair and works exceptionally well on medium to long lengths.
For maintenance, use a strong-hold gel and a shine-enhancing serum to keep it looking impeccable throughout the day.
Pair it with statement earrings for a sophisticated touch.
2. Textured Wet Look Slick Back
This textured wet look slick back is perfect for those who love an effortless yet bold appearance.
The hair is styled backward with a wet effect, giving it a carefree, fashion-forward vibe.
Ideal for short hair lengths and those with naturally fine hair, this look is both edgy and sophisticated.
To achieve this style, use a lightweight styling gel and comb through to maintain the natural texture.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the shine and hold.
3. Polished Side-Slicked Bob
The polished side-slicked bob combines chic sophistication with modern elegance.
Hair is styled to one side with a glossy, well-groomed finish, making it perfect for professional settings or upscale events.
This look is especially flattering on fine to medium hair textures and suits oval and heart-shaped faces.
To maintain the smooth finish, apply a smoothing serum and comb through with a fine-tooth comb, securing with a flexible hold gel.
Keep makeup bold for a striking contrast.
4. Sleek Low Ponytail with Glossy Finish
This sleek low ponytail with a glossy finish exudes a sense of poise and class.
Hair is slicked back tightly with a polished shine and secured into a low ponytail, ideal for both casual and formal occasions.
Best suited for straight or relaxed hair, this hairstyle flatters elongated and oval face shapes.
Use a high-shine pomade for an ultra-glossy effect and secure with a tight hair tie.
Mist with a flexible hold spray to ensure all flyaways are tamed.
5. Classic Slick Back Bun
The classic slick back bun is the epitome of timeless elegance.
The hair is smoothed back seamlessly into a bun at the nape of the neck, creating a sophisticated silhouette.
This look is ideal for formal events, weddings, or any occasion requiring a refined aesthetic.
Use a smoothing gel and a boar bristle brush to achieve a flawless slick back effect before twisting the hair into a bun.
Secure with hairpins and finish with a shine spray for a lasting glow.
6. High Slick Back Ponytail with Volume
The high slick back ponytail with volume is a bold and sophisticated look that elevates any outfit.
The hair is pulled up tightly with smooth volume at the crown, creating a structured and refined silhouette.
Ideal for long, straight hair, this style works well for formal events or nights out.
Use a volumizing mousse at the roots before brushing the hair back and securing it into a high ponytail.
Finish with a high-shine serum and a touch of hairspray to keep it looking flawless all night.
7. Elegant High Ponytail with Soft Waves
This elegant high ponytail combines slick back styling with loose, romantic waves, making it perfect for a classy, yet playful look.
The top is tightly slicked back, while the ponytail itself is styled with soft, voluminous waves.
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Best suited for medium to long hair lengths, it flatters most face shapes and adds a touch of feminine grace.
Apply a strong-hold gel at the roots and comb the hair back, then curl the ponytail with a wide barrel iron.
Mist with a flexible hold spray to maintain the shape without stiffness.
8. Sleek High Ponytail with Natural Texture
The sleek high ponytail with natural texture is a versatile and practical choice for both casual and formal settings.
The hair is slicked back neatly while retaining a subtle texture that adds depth and dimension.
Ideal for straight or wavy hair, this look can be worn to work or to a stylish evening event.
To achieve the look, use a lightweight smoothing cream before gathering the hair into a high ponytail.
Secure with an elastic and finish with a shine spray to keep it looking polished.
9. Tousled Slick Back Pixie
The tousled slick back pixie is a chic and edgy hairstyle that combines structure with texture.
The hair is slicked back from the face but left slightly messy for a carefree, modern touch.
Ideal for short hair and oval or heart-shaped faces, it’s a great choice for those who love low-maintenance styles with a high-fashion edge.
Use a texturizing gel and rake your fingers through the hair to maintain volume while keeping it slicked back.
Finish with a lightweight wax to define the tousled strands.
10. Glossy Slick Back Bob
The glossy slick back bob is all about refined elegance and sleek, mirror-like shine.
Hair is parted slightly off-center and slicked down to create a smooth, glossy surface that exudes sophistication.
Perfect for medium to short lengths and straight hair textures, this look suits formal occasions and upscale events.
To maintain the glossy effect, use a shine serum and a fine-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly.
Lock it in with a firm-hold hairspray to ensure a long-lasting, flawless finish.
11. Messy Slick Back Top Knot
The messy slick back top knot is a relaxed yet trendy option for everyday wear.
Hair is pulled back smoothly from the face and gathered into a high, loosely tied bun with a few flyaways for a natural touch.
This look suits women with medium to long hair and works well with slightly wavy or straight textures.
Ideal for casual outings or low-maintenance days, it keeps hair away from the face while maintaining a chic vibe.
Use a lightweight gel to smooth back the hair and secure it with a hair tie, leaving some strands loose for added charm.
12. Platinum Slick Back Undercut
The platinum slick back undercut is an edgy and daring look that showcases bold individuality.
The hair on top is styled back with volume, while the sides are shaved close to the scalp for a sharp contrast.
Perfect for those with fine to medium hair who want a statement style that is both stylish and low-maintenance.
Apply a strong-hold pomade to the top section and use a fine-tooth comb to achieve a smooth, voluminous slick back.
Finish with a touch of shine spray for a sleek, polished look.
13. Smooth Slick Back Long Hair
The smooth slick back long hair look is all about creating a glossy, streamlined silhouette that exudes sophistication.
Hair is pulled back from the forehead and smoothed down the length, showcasing the natural shine and sleekness.
Ideal for women with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair, this style suits both casual and formal settings.
Use a high-gloss serum and a flat brush to create the slick effect, then set with a flexible hold hairspray to maintain its shape.
This style works especially well with minimalist outfits and statement accessories.
14. Double Twist Slick Back
The double twist slick back is a unique take on the classic slick back, adding a twist detail on each side of the part.
This style is ideal for those with medium to long hair who want a touch of creativity without sacrificing sleekness.
The hair is divided into two sections, twisted backward from the temples, and secured at the crown.
Apply a smoothing cream before twisting, and use bobby pins to hold the twists in place.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the look intact and shiny throughout the day.
15. Slicked-Back Chin-Length Bob with Flipped Ends
The slicked-back chin-length bob with flipped ends is a modern twist on the classic bob, combining sleekness with a playful edge.
The hair is styled backward from the face, with the ends flipped out for a dynamic and youthful effect.
This look suits women with straight or slightly wavy hair and works best on chin-length cuts.
Apply a styling cream to damp hair and blow-dry while brushing back.
Use a flat iron to flip the ends outward, finishing with a flexible hold spray to maintain the shape.
16. Slick Back Ponytail with Laid Edges
The slick back ponytail with laid edges is a stylish and polished look that effortlessly combines sleekness with intricate detailing.
The hair is pulled back tightly, with edges meticulously styled into soft, swooping patterns that add a touch of artistry.
This look is perfect for women with naturally thick or textured hair who want a sleek yet detailed finish.
To achieve this look, use a strong-hold gel to smooth the hair back and style the edges with a fine-tooth comb or edge brush.
Finish with a shine spray to keep it looking flawless throughout the day.
17. Smooth and Short Low Slick Back Ponytail
The smooth low slick back ponytail is a classic and elegant hairstyle that works well for both professional and formal occasions.
Hair is gathered at the nape and secured tightly, with baby hairs styled into delicate waves to add softness and femininity.
Ideal for straight or relaxed hair types, this look pairs beautifully with minimalist outfits and subtle makeup.
To get this style, apply a smoothing cream and use a boar bristle brush to achieve the sleek effect.
Lock the style with a long-lasting hairspray to maintain its glossy appearance.
18. Braided Low Bun with Slick Back
The braided low bun with slick back is a sophisticated and versatile hairstyle that combines sleek styling with a textured bun.
The hair is pulled back tightly and woven into a neat braided bun at the nape, creating a clean and polished look.
This style works especially well for natural hair or braided extensions and is ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Use a styling gel to smooth back the roots and braid the length before wrapping it into a bun.
Secure with bobby pins and finish with a shine-enhancing spray for a flawless finish.
19. Slick Back Hollywood Waves
The slick back Hollywood waves hairstyle is a glamorous and timeless look that exudes vintage sophistication.
The hair is styled sleek at the crown and transitions into flowing, sculpted waves cascading down the back.
Perfect for evening events, weddings, or any formal occasion, this style works best on medium to long hair with natural shine.
To achieve this look, start by smoothing the crown with a styling cream and use a large-barrel curling iron to create uniform waves.
Brush through gently to merge the waves into a smooth, flowing pattern, and finish with a high-shine spray to keep it glossy and intact.
How can I make my slick back hairstyle last all day?
To make your slick back hairstyle last throughout the day, start with clean, slightly damp hair and use a strong-hold styling product to lock it in place.
Comb the hair backward smoothly, ensuring every strand is in place.
Finish with a high-quality hair spray to seal the style and reduce frizz.
Additionally, consider using a setting spray with shine for that sleek, polished effect.
What face shapes suit the slick back hairstyle best?
Slick back hairstyles are incredibly versatile and work well on most face shapes.
They particularly complement oval and heart-shaped faces, as the style naturally elongates the face and accentuates the jawline.
If you have a round or square face, adding volume at the crown or opting for a slightly textured slick back can help balance your features and create a flattering silhouette.
