Hair trends tend to change almost every single year, slicked-back hair is an evergreen style that won’t be going anywhere, anytime soon. First introduced in France in the 18th century, it’s now a red carpet staple, and has been a long-time signature of Hollywood’s finest, including Brad Pitt, Harry Styles, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Leo DiCaprio.

While it might look kinda easy to do, there’s more to it than meets the eye. If you want to give slicked-back hair a try, or if you’re looking to improve your current methods, this step-by-step tutorial will tell you what to do and common mistakes to avoid.

What you need to know before you get started

#1: Your hair should be clean

Your hair should be as clean before you get started. If you’ve got some of yesterday’s product on or even if it’s just a little bit greasy, it’s going to change the final result. So, put down that gel, stop what you’re doing, and jump into the shower ASAP. If you need to get back to basics, here’s everything you need to know about how often you should wash your hair.

#2: Dry your hair with a towel

Towel drying is the only way to go. Gently pat your head to get rid of any excess water, and start styling immediately after.

#3: Stay hydrated

Keeping your hair hydrated is essential if you want a healthy-looking slick back. As soon as you’ve towel dried, grab a conditioner and squirt some onto the palm of your hand (about the size of a quarter), then gently massage it into your hair.

#4: Use a comb

Before you start the actual process, you need to get yourself a solid comb. While some barbers would recommend a fine-tooth one for more delicate strokes, we personally think a wide-tooth comb is the way to go. It’ll prevent any pulling and tugging and it’s more effective at detangling.

How to slick back your hair

#1: Comb your hair

After all that prep is done, it’s time to get started. Take your wide-tooth comb and comb it from the ends into the roots. This requires a lot less effort and you won’t end up yanking your hair out in the process. Let it sit for a moment before going into the next step.

#2: Apply product

Pick a paste or a gel. Generally speaking, pastes hold for longer, and unlike gels, they’re a lot less glossy-looking. Add some of the product onto the outer layer of your hair and let it sit for half a minute. Afterward, run your fingers through it and massage it all the way through.

Kevin Murphy

Sculpting Rubbery Gel

#3: Comb it back

Now this is where the magic happens. Take your wide-tooth comb and gently run it from your forehead straight towards the back. Do this until you’re happy with the shape and texture.

#4: Let it sit

While it might be tempting to play around with your hair at this point, once you’ve combed it all the way back and you’re content with how it looks, do not touch it. As we mentioned before, your hands can be oily and even just a little amount can negatively impact the slickness.

#5: Set with spray

Once you’ve waited a minute or two, finish it all off with a light layer of hair spray to keep your masterpiece in place. We recommend that you apply it about 20 centimetres from your head for the best hold. Et voilà!

How to slick back different hair types

Curly hair

If you have curly or wavy hair, go for a lighter product like a paste. This will give you just the right amount of control without compromising your texture.

Long hair

Long hair can be a little tricky, so we’d recommend a strong pomade to keep everything in place. You’ll also need a stronger wide-tooth comb to be able to comb your hair back effectively.

Thick hair

Have thicker than usual hair? Then keeping it hydrated is essential. Use a conditioner or a leave-in hair mask, and something with higher hold, like a gel.

Thin hair

Like curly hair, if you have thin or thinning hair then stick with something lightweight to avoid any strain. Pastes are a solid choice but you can also try a hair cream.