How to force hair to slick back

Look, getting your hair to actually stay slicked back? It takes more than just slapping on some gel. Real talk—you need the right combo of products, heat, and technique if you wanna beat those stubborn cowlicks or thick texture into submission. Here's how the pros actually nail that all-day hold.

What products are essential for forcing hair to stay slicked back?

Honestly, the whole thing starts with what you're putting in your hair. You need a system that grips like crazy and holds all day without turning into a flaky mess.

If you're really gonna force it, layer a pre-styler first—mousse or salt spray works wonders for volume. Then hit it with your main product. And don't even think about skipping the hairspray at the end, that's what locks everything in.

How do you force a slick back on thick or curly hair?

Thick or curly hair is the real enemy here. The trick? Work with your texture, not against it. Sounds obvious, but people mess this up all the time.

• Step 1: Wash and condition with something smoothing to kill the frizz.
• Step 2: Throw in a leave-in conditioner or oil—gotta get that slip and moisture going.
• Step 3: Wide-tooth comb while your hair's still damp. Don't rush it.
• Step 4: Blow-dry backwards with a round brush or Denman brush. Point the nozzle down to flatten those cuticles.
• Step 5: Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade in sections, combing each one back like you mean it.
• Step 6: Boar bristle brush over the top to smooth things out and kill any bumps.
• Step 7: Hit it with cold air from the dryer to set, then spray with high-hold hairspray.

How do you force a slick back on fine or thin hair?

Fine hair's a different beast entirely—you don't want it looking flat or greasy. That's the death of the look.

• Step 1: Volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Gotta build some body first.
• Step 2: Root-lifting spray or mousse on damp hair. This is non-negotiable.
• Step 3: Blow-dry upside down for volume, then switch to directing it back.
• Step 4: Go light—water-based pomade or gel only. Heavy oils will ruin you.
• Step 5: Comb back with a fine-tooth comb, applying product in thin layers. Patience.
• Step 6: Boar bristle brush to smooth and distribute evenly.
• Step 7: Set with flexible-hold hairspray. You don't want it stiff as a board.

How do you maintain a slick back all day?

Here's the thing—even the strongest products fail if you don't maintain. Humidity, wind, your own hands... it all works against you.

• Touch-ups: Keep a small comb and travel-size hairspray or edge control in your bag. Quick fixes save the day.
• Environment: Stop touching your hair. Seriously. Your hands have oils that break down the product.
• Sleep protection: Wrap it in silk or satin. Or use a silk pillowcase. Friction is your enemy at night.
• Refresh: Morning routine? Lightly dampen with water, add a tiny bit of product, comb it back. Good as new.

Frequently Asked Questions