As licensed stylists at Jenny’s Salon in Mechanicsburg, we’re thrilled to see the resurgence of one of the most sophisticated, versatile hairstyles: slicked back hair. Whether you call them “slicky rickys” (as we affectionately do in the salon) or simply slick back hair, these polished styles have become the go-to look for everyone from Hollywood A-listers to fashion-forward professionals. Let us share everything you need to know about mastering this timeless trend, including a surprising insider secret that’s been a beauty industry staple for decades.
What Is Slicked Back Hair?
Slicked back hair is a styling technique that involves smoothing hair away from the face and securing it in a sleek, polished position. This classic style features:
- Hair brushed or combed straight back from the hairline
- Smooth, glossy finish with no flyaways
- Clean lines and sophisticated appearance
- Versatile styling for various occasions
- Timeless appeal that transcends trends
The beauty of slick back hair styles lies in their ability to look both effortlessly chic and meticulously polished simultaneously—a rare combination that explains their enduring popularity across decades and demographics.
Why Slicked Back Hair Is Perfect for the Holidays
The holiday season brings packed schedules, numerous events, and the constant need to look pulled-together. Slicked back hair offers the perfect solution for busy celebrations and gatherings.
Quick and Easy Styling
One of the greatest advantages of slickback hair is the minimal time investment required. Unlike elaborate updos or intricate curling routines, achieving perfect slicked back hair takes just minutes once you master the technique. This makes it ideal for holiday mornings when you’re rushing to prepare for gatherings, quick transitions from day to evening events, last-minute party preparations, and busy travel days when styling time is limited.
Timeless Elegance
Slicked back hair exudes sophistication that photographs beautifully for holiday cards and party photos. The polished appearance works seamlessly with both casual holiday sweaters and formal evening attire. The classic nature ensures your holiday photos won’t look dated years from now, and the clean lines complement festive makeup and jewelry without competing for attention.
Slicked Back Hair Women: Feminine Sophistication
Modern Interpretations for Women
Slicked back hair women’s styles have evolved far beyond the severe looks of decades past. Contemporary versions offer softness and versatility while maintaining that signature polish.
Low Slicked Back Ponytail: Hair is smoothed back and secured at the nape, creating elegant simplicity perfect for both professional and social settings.
Slicked Back Bun: A sophisticated option for formal events, this style keeps hair completely secured while showcasing facial features beautifully.
Half-Up Slicked Style: The front sections are slicked back while leaving length down, offering a balanced look that’s both polished and romantic.
Slicked Back with Texture: Modern variations incorporate textured ends or waves at the back while keeping the front sleek and smooth.
Slicked Back Hair Men: Classic Masculinity
Contemporary Men’s Slick Back Styles
Slicked back hair men’s styles range from business-professional to fashion-forward, offering versatility for various lifestyles and preferences.
Classic Gentleman’s Slick: Traditional styling with medium-hold product creates timeless sophistication perfect for professional environments and formal occasions.
Modern Textured Slick: Combines the sleek front with intentional texture through the length, offering a contemporary update on the classic.
Undercut with Slick Back: Shorter sides contrast with longer slicked back top sections, creating dramatic, fashion-forward appeal.
Casual Slick Back: Less structured versions work for everyday wear while maintaining that polished appearance.
How to Slick Back Hair: The Professional Technique
Step-by-Step Application
Step 1: Start with the Right Foundation Begin with clean, slightly damp hair. While some prefer completely wet hair, slightly damp provides better control and prevents excessive product buildup.
Step 2: Apply Your Product This is where technique becomes crucial. Work product through your hair from roots to ends, ensuring even distribution. The amount depends on your hair length and thickness—start conservatively and add more if needed.
Step 3: Comb or Brush Backward Using a fine-tooth comb or paddle brush, smooth hair straight back from your hairline. Work in sections if you have thick hair, ensuring every strand is directed backward and lies flat.
Step 4: Set and Secure For longer hair, secure with elastics, pins, or clips as desired. For shorter styles, the product alone holds the style in place.
Step 5: Finish and Polish Use additional product on any flyaways, mist with light-hold hairspray for extra security, and smooth edges with a clean brush or your hands.
The Hollywood Secret: KY Jelly for Slicked Back Hair
The Industry Insider Tip
Here’s a beauty secret that professional stylists in Hollywood, LA, and NYC have used for decades: water-based KY Jelly creates some of the sleekest, longest-lasting slicked back styles. This surprising product offers several advantages that make it a backstage staple at fashion shows and photo shoots.
Why It Works: The water-based formula provides exceptional hold without the crunchiness of traditional gels or the greasiness of heavy pomades. KY Jelly keeps hair moisturized throughout wear, preventing the dry, brittle appearance that some styling products create. The clear formula adds brilliant shine without looking artificial or overly greasy. It washes out completely with regular shampoo, leaving no buildup or residue.
How to Use It: Apply a small amount to damp hair, working from roots to ends. The product should be used sparingly—a little goes a long way. Comb through thoroughly to distribute evenly, then style as desired. The formula dries with flexibility, allowing you to touch up throughout the day without reapplying.
Professional Note: While this Hollywood trick works beautifully, it’s worth noting that professional styling products are formulated specifically for hair and offer benefits like heat protection and nourishing ingredients. The KY Jelly technique is best reserved for special occasions or when you need that extra-sleek finish rather than as an everyday styling solution.
Product Recommendations for Slicked Back Hair Styles
Professional Styling Products
Beyond the Hollywood secret, several professional products create excellent slicked back results:
High-Shine Pomades: Provide strong hold with glossy finish, perfect for classic slick back looks that need to last all day or evening.
Styling Gels: Offer firm hold without weight, ideal for creating structured styles that maintain their shape.
Hair Creams: Create softer, more natural-looking slicked styles with flexible hold and subtle shine.
Finishing Sprays: Lock styles in place while adding extra shine and controlling flyaways throughout wear.
Maintaining Your Slicked Back Style
All-Day Longevity
To keep your slickback hair looking perfect from morning through evening, carry a small comb for quick touch-ups, keep a travel-size product for refreshing, use blotting papers on the scalp if needed to control oil, and avoid touching your hair excessively throughout the day.
Protecting Your Hair
While slicked back styles look fabulous, maintaining hair health remains important. Use deep conditioning treatments weekly to counteract product buildup, give your hair breaks between slicked-back styling days, protect hair with quality products that include nourishing ingredients, and always wash thoroughly to remove all styling products before bed.
Slick Back Hair Styles for Different Hair Types
Fine Hair
Fine hair benefits from lightweight products that provide hold without weighing hair down. Build volume at the crown before slicking back for balanced proportions, and consider slightly looser styles that don’t pull hair too tightly against the scalp.
Thick Hair
Thick hair requires stronger-hold products to maintain the sleek appearance throughout the day. Work in sections to ensure thorough product distribution, and consider having hair slightly thinned by a professional to make slicking back easier.
Curly or Wavy Hair
Naturally textured hair can absolutely achieve stunning slicked back looks. Start with straightening products or techniques if you want completely smooth results, or embrace your texture by slicking back the front while leaving natural texture at the back. Use more product to control texture and maintain the sleek front sections.
Professional Styling at Jenny’s Salon
Expert Application
While slicked back hair is achievable at home, professional styling ensures flawless results for important occasions. At Jenny’s Salon, we provide expert product selection and application, customized techniques for your hair type, styling education so you can recreate the look, and access to professional-grade products that deliver superior results.
Special Occasion Styling
For holiday parties, weddings, or other important events, professional styling guarantees your slicked back hair will photograph beautifully and last throughout the occasion without constant maintenance.
Whether you’re embracing slicked back hair for the holidays, adopting it as your signature style, or simply trying something new, this timeless look offers sophistication and versatility that works for virtually any occasion. At Jenny’s Salon, we’re experts at creating customized slick back hair styles that complement your features, work with your hair type, and fit your lifestyle perfectly.
Contact us to schedule your appointment at Jenny’s Salon today! We can help you master the best slicked back hair styles in Central PA!
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