28 Slick-Back Hairstyles for Women: Sleek, Chic, and Salon-Ready

As a stylist with over a decade behind the chair, I’ve perfected the art of the slick-back — a versatile, modern look that flatters many face shapes and hair types. In this gallery of 28 salon-ready images, you’ll find variations from high, wet-look slicks to soft, textured versions for medium and long lengths. Slick backs work beautifully on oval and heart-shaped faces and can be adapted for fine, thick, straight, or relaxed curly hair with the right products and technique. My go-to tips: always start with a lightweight leave-in or heat protectant, blow-dry up and back for root lift when you want volume, and use a medium-hold pomade or gel for a glossy finish. For textured or curly hair, smooth with a serum and finger-comb rather than harsh brushing. Throughout this post I’ll guide you on which styles suit your hair and the quick salon techniques I use daily.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Pixie Crop

This slicked-back wet-look pixie is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair and suits medium to thick textures best; fine hair can achieve the look with a volumizing base and lighter product to avoid limpness. Start on towel-damp hair: apply a dime-to-quarter sized amount of strong-hold gel or styling cream evenly through roots and lengths. Use a fine-tooth tail comb or paddle brush to comb hair straight back, shaping the top with your fingers for a smooth curve. For added lift at the front, blow-dry on low with a nozzle while brushing back to set the shape, then finish by smoothing a small amount of high-shine pomade or serum over the surface to lock the wet finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, tail comb or paddle brush, small round brush (optional), and a microfiber towel. Products required: strong-hold gel, lightweight pomade or shine serum, anti-frizz cream (if needed), and a light hairspray for hold. Difficulty: easy–moderate — requires steady combing and product control. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, avoid daily heavy product buildup (clarify weekly), sleep on silk to preserve shape, and refresh by re-wetting and restyling with a small amount of product.

Slicked-Back Wet Look for Short to Medium Hair

Salon-friendly slicked-back wet look suited to straight or slightly wavy hair in short to medium lengths. Fine to medium density holds the shape best; very coarse or tightly curled hair will benefit from a smoothing blow-dry or chemical relaxer before styling. Begin on towel‑damp hair: emulsify a pea‑to‑nickel sized amount of strong‑hold gel or cream through roots to ends. Comb hair straight back with a fine‑tooth comb, then polish with a boar‑bristle brush to distribute product and boost shine. For longer short lengths, set the style with a low‑heat blow‑dry using a nozzle while brushing back, or air‑dry for a softer, more flexible finish. Tools: fine‑tooth comb, boar‑bristle or paddle brush, hairdryer with nozzle. Products: alcohol‑free strong‑hold gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum or oil, anti‑frizz spray, and a light hairspray to lock. Difficulty: easy–moderate — straightforward technique but needs precise product amounts to avoid stiffness or greasiness. Maintenance: refresh with water and a small product touch‑up, clarify weekly to remove buildup, sleep on silk to reduce creasing, and trim every 4–6 weeks to keep clean lines.

Sleek Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob

This slicked-back wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and is ideal for fine to medium hair densities — thicker hair can also wear it with stronger-hold products and a slightly more textured finish. Start with towel‑damp hair: apply a leave‑in detangler, a lightweight smoothing serum, then a medium‑to‑strong hold gel or cream-pomade from roots to ends. Use a tail comb to create a uniform back-swept shape and a fine-tooth comb or brush to smooth the surface while working product through in small sections. Blow-dry on low with a nozzle for direction, or allow to air-dry for a truer wet finish; finger-sculpting while drying keeps the look modern. Tools: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, vent brush, blow-dryer with nozzle, and clips. Products: leave-in conditioner, anti-frizz serum, styling gel or pomade, light hairspray or shine mist. Difficulty: easy–medium — requires product control and even combing. Maintenance: refresh by re-wetting and reworking product, trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape, use weekly deep conditioning to prevent product buildup and preserve shine.

Slicked‑Back Wet‑Look for Short Pixie and Cropped Hair

Suitable for straight to slightly wavy short hair and cropped pixie cuts, this sleek, wet-look style works best on medium-fine to medium-density hair; thicker hair can be thinned by the stylist or smoothed with stronger products. Technique: start with towel‑damp hair, apply a dime‑to‑nickel sized amount of strong-hold gel or styling cream through roots to ends, then use a fine-tooth comb (or tail comb) to comb hair straight back from the hairline, shaping the crown and nape. For extra control, blow-dry briefly on low with a nozzle while holding the hair in place, then finish by smoothing a light shine serum over the surface. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle, clips for sectioning, boar-bristle brush (optional). Products required: strong-hold wet-look gel or pomade, anti-frizz serum or lightweight oil, flexible-hold hairspray for lock-in. Difficulty: easy–moderate — mastering even product distribution takes practice. Maintenance: avoid daily clarifying shampoos (use weekly), refresh with water + small product reapply, trim every 4–6 weeks, and sleep on silk to preserve sleekness.

Short Slicked-Back Wet-Look Hairstyle for Fine to Medium Hair

This short slicked-back wet-look is best suited to straight or slightly wavy fine-to-medium hair; thick hair can work but will require stronger hold and thinner layering. Technique: start with towel‑damp hair, apply a pea-to-quarter-sized amount of strong-hold gel or water-based pomade from roots to ends, use a fine-tooth comb to evenly distribute and comb hair straight back, then smooth with a boar-bristle brush for a polished finish. For a longer-lasting set, use a blow dryer on low while holding hair in place with the comb. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, boar-bristle brush, tail comb (for preciselines), hair dryer with nozzle, and sectioning clips. Products required: strong-hold gel or water-based pomade, anti-frizz serum or lightweight styling cream, finishing shine spray, and light-hold hairspray for extra hold. Difficulty: moderate — straightforward but requires even product application and clean lines to avoid patchiness. Maintenance tips: refresh by misting with water and reworking a small amount of product, shampoo regularly to remove buildup, trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the silhouette, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Slicked-Back Short Pixie with Tapered Undercut (Sleek Wet-Look)

This tailored slick-back pixie with a tapered undercut suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on fine to medium densities. Thick hair can be texturized by a stylist to reduce bulk so the sleek shape sits close to the head. Start with a precision cut: short tapered sides and a longer top (around 1.5–3 in) that blends smoothly at the part. For styling, towel-dry hair to damp, apply a pea-sized amount of lightweight smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner, then distribute a medium-hold water-based pomade or gel through the top. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a clean side part and comb hair back, following the skull line. Finish with a blow-dryer on low while holding the shape with a flat brush for extra smoothness, then lock with a light-hold hairspray and a small dab of shine serum for wet-look gloss. Tools: clippers (for maintenance), scissors, tail comb, flat brush, blow-dryer with nozzle. Difficulty: moderate — requires a skilled cut and 5–10 minutes daily styling. Maintenance: trim every 3–5 weeks, use sulfate-free shampoo, and refresh shape with water plus product between washes.

Slicked-Back Wet Look for Short Hair

This short slicked-back wet look suits straight to wavy hair and works best on fine to medium textures; thick hair can wear it but will benefit from a shorter nape and stronger-hold products, while very curly hair typically needs a relaxed or heat-straightened base. Start on towel-damp hair: apply a light heat protectant or styling cream, then work a medium-hold gel or water-based pomade evenly from roots to ends. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb, then refine direction and smooth with a fine-tooth or tail comb, keeping a slight lift at the crown for shape. Set with low-heat blow-drying while combing back, or air-dry for a wetter finish. Tools: towel, vent brush, fine-tooth/tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle, clips. Products: heat protectant, medium-hold gel or water-based pomade, optional light shine serum, and a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup. Difficulty: easy–moderate; 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance tips: refresh by misting water and reworking a small amount of product, trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain clean lines, and clarify weekly to preserve shine and prevent residue.

Sleek Wet‑Look Tapered Pixie with Deep Side Part

This polished tapered pixie suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on fine-to-medium textures. For naturally curly hair, a light straightening or smoothing cut will help achieve the same sleek finish. The cut is created with clippers on the sides and back (grade 0.5–2) and slightly longer, blended length on top to allow for side‑swept styling. On damp hair, apply a small amount of strong-hold gel or pomade from roots to ends, create a deep side part with a rat-tail comb, and comb the top flat toward the part for that wet look. Use a blow dryer on low with a concentrator to set the shape if you need extra hold, then refine edges with a fine-tooth comb. Tools: clippers, scissors for texturizing the top, rat-tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle. Products: alcohol-free styling gel or high-shine pomade, lightweight serum for frizz control, and a firm-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — precise clipper work and a clean part are key; ask a stylist for the initial cut. Maintenance: trim every 3–6 weeks, use sulfate-free shampoo, clarify monthly to remove buildup, and restyle on damp hair each morning.

Sleek Wet‑Look Short Bob with Deep Side Part

This polished, wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair with fine to medium density; naturally curly or coarse hair will require a straightening step. The look begins with a precise ear‑length bob or cropped lob and a defined deep side part. On damp hair, distribute a medium‑hold styling gel or sculpting cream from roots to ends using a fine-tooth comb to create smooth, uniform direction. Use a vented brush or comb while blow-drying on low with a nozzle to set the part and tension, or air-dry for a stronger wet finish. Finish by smoothing a pea-sized amount of lightweight shine serum or pomade over the surface and locking in shape with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: fine-tooth comb, vented brush, blow-dryer with nozzle, tail comb, and microfiber towel. Products: hydrating shampoo/conditioner, styling gel/cream, shine serum, light hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — styling is quick but requires a clean cut and product control. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to preserve the line, refresh with water and a small amount of gel daily, sleep on silk to reduce frizz, and clarify weekly to avoid product buildup.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Cut with Defined Side Part

This polished slicked-back wet-look is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities; very coarse or tightly curly hair will need smoothing or straightening first. Start with towel‑damped hair. Create a clean side part with a tail comb, then distribute a medium‑to‑strong hold styling gel or water‑based pomade from roots to ends using a fine-tooth comb for an even, glossy finish. Use a blow dryer on low heat while combing the hair back to set volume at the front and lock the part, or let air dry for a truer wet look. Tools: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, boar‑bristle brush (for smoothing), blow dryer, and clips for section control. Recommended products: hydrating shampoo/conditioner, leave-in detangler, high-shine gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum, and flexible hairspray for touch-ups. Difficulty: moderate — simple technique but requires precision to keep the part crisp and product even. Maintenance: refresh daily by dampening and re-combing, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and book trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain clean lines and shape.

Short Slicked-Back Wet‑Look Textured Crop

This modern wet-look crop suits straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities; coarse or very curly hair can wear it if professionally thinned and texturized. Start with towel‑damp hair: apply a medium‑to‑strong hold styling gel or cream evenly from roots to ends, then use a wide-tooth comb to slick hair back while keeping some separation at the crown for texture. Blow-dry on low with a nozzle while combing back to set the shape, or let air‑dry for a more natural sheen. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth/rat-tail comb for shaping, blow dryer with nozzle, and small round brush if you prefer lift at the front. Products: styling gel or cream, light pomade or shine serum for finish, flexible hairspray to lock without stiffness, and a clarifying shampoo for weekly reset. Difficulty: easy–medium — basic combing technique but requires product control to avoid greasiness. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the cropped silhouette, clarify weekly to remove build-up, and refresh daily by re‑wetting and re-slicking; for thick hair, ask your stylist for internal thinning to reduce bulk.

Short Wet-Look Slicked-Back Bob for Fine to Medium Hair

Suitable for fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair, this short wet‑look slicked‑back bob creates a sleek, modern silhouette that’s easy to adapt for day or evening. Styling technique: start with towel-dried hair at roughly 70% damp. Apply a heat protectant and a lightweight smoothing leave-in from mid-lengths to ends; add a small amount of lightweight mousse or styling gel at the roots for control. Blow-dry using a paddle or vent brush and the dryer nozzle to direct hair straight back, working in sections for even tension. When dry, warm a pea-size amount of high-shine gel or pomade in your palms, comb through with a fine-tooth comb to set the slick finish, and lock with a light mist of medium-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, paddle/vent brush, fine-tooth comb, wide-tooth comb and clips. Products required: heat protectant, smoothing cream/leave-in, lightweight mousse/gel, high-shine pomade or wet-look gel, light hairspray and optional shine serum. Difficulty: easy–intermediate (basic blow-dry skill). Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, clarify periodically to remove product buildup, refresh between washes by misting water and reworking a small amount of product, and avoid heavy creams that flatten the shape.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Textured Short Bob

This sleek, wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and is ideal for fine to medium densities; coarse or very curly textures can achieve the look with smoothing and blow-dry prep. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a light smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner, then distribute a medium-hold styling gel or cream pomade from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles, then a fine-tooth tail comb to create the clean slick-back shape, directing hair behind the ears. For added control, warm product in hands before applying and sculpt with fingers or a soft-bristle brush. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, blow-dryer with concentrator (low heat), soft-bristle brush and sectioning clips. Products required: lightweight smoothing serum, medium-hold gel or pomade, light-hold hairspray or shine spray, plus heat protectant if blow-drying. Difficulty: easy–medium — technique is straightforward but precision in product placement and combing matters. Maintenance: refresh daily with a small amount of water and product, cleanse regularly to avoid buildup, and schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep the blunt ends sharp.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob with Deep Side Part

This sleek, wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair at short-to-mid lengths; fine to medium hair achieves the glossiest result, while thick hair may need texturizing or light thinning to lay flat. Start with towel-damped hair and create a clean deep side part with a tail comb. Evenly emulsify a coin- to quarter-sized amount of water-based gel or styling pomade between your palms, then distribute from roots to ends with a wide-tooth comb. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth the hair back, locking strands along the part and around the ears. Blow-dry on low with a nozzle while combing to set the shape, or let air-dry for the truest wet finish; finish with a light mist of high-shine spray and a medium-hold hairspray for longevity. Tools: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, blow dryer with nozzle, clips and a small toothbrush/spoolie for edge control. Products: leave-in lotion or mousse (optional), water-based gel/pomade, shine spray, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–intermediate (10–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with a small amount of water + gel daily, wash regularly to avoid buildup, and trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the blunt shape clean.

Sleek Wet-Look Slicked-Back Lob for Straight to Wavy Medium Hair

Salon-ready sleek wet-look slicked-back lob suits straight to wavy, fine-to-medium density hair and shoulder-grazing lengths. Start on towel-damp hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protectant, then distribute a medium-to-strong hold styling gel or cream-pomade from roots to ends. Using a wide-tooth comb detangle, then a fine-tooth comb to slick hair straight back. For subtle root lift at the front, use a round brush and low heat from a hairdryer with a nozzle while directing hair back; alternatively air-dry for a softer sheen. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, round brush, hairdryer with nozzle and sectioning clips. Products: leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, medium-high hold gel or pomade with shine, light-hold hairspray, and a lightweight finishing serum for ends. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires even product distribution and control to avoid clumping while maintaining crown volume. Maintenance tips: refresh by lightly rewetting and reapplying product, avoid heavy oils at the roots, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and trim blunt ends every 8–10 weeks to preserve shape and reduce frizz.

Wet‑Look Slicked‑Back Short Bob — Textured Chin‑Length Style

This wet‑look, slicked‑back short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities and on chin‑length to collarbone cuts. Start with towel‑damp hair: distribute a pea‑to‑nickel sized lightweight styling gel or cream through roots and mid‑lengths, then add a small amount of shine serum to the ends for gloss. Use a wide‑tooth comb to detangle, then a fine‑tooth comb to slick hair straight back, controlling the hairline with fingers for a soft finish. For extra hold, blast with a blow‑dryer on low through a directional nozzle or let air dry for a truer “wet” finish; a flat iron on low can smooth stubborn waves. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, fine‑tooth comb, blow‑dryer with nozzle, small round brush (optional), and flat iron (optional). Products: lightweight gel or cream, anti‑frizz serum, light hold hairspray to set, and a clarifying shampoo for buildup removal. Difficulty: easy–moderate — requires product control and combing technique. Maintenance: refresh by re‑wetting and reapplying a small amount of product, trim every 4–6 weeks to preserve the shape, and clarify weekly to avoid heaviness.

Sleek Slicked-Back Wet-Look Lob | Textured Short Hair

This shoulder-length slicked-back wet-look lob suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on fine-to-medium densities; thick hair benefits from long layering to reduce bulk. Start with towel-damp hair: distribute a lightweight styling gel or wet-finish cream from roots to ends, using a wide-tooth comb to detangle, then a fine-tooth tail comb to smooth and sculpt the hair back. For extra control, apply a small amount of soft pomade at the hairline. Blow-dry on low with a nozzle while combing back, or let air-dry for a more natural sheen, finishing with a shine serum or glossing spray. Tools: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle (or diffuser), clips and a small brush. Products: lightweight gel or wet-look cream, medium-hold pomade, anti-frizz serum, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — requires even product distribution and clean lines but is quick once practiced. Maintenance: refresh by misting with water and reworking product; get a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep ends neat, use hydrating shampoo/conditioner, and occasionally clarify to prevent buildup.

Wet‑Look Slicked-Back Short Cut with Flipped Ends

This modern wet‑look slicked-back short cut with flipped ends works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and medium to thick density. Fine hair can achieve the look with a lightweight volumizing mousse and texturizing spray; very curly hair will need a blow-dry and light straightening first. Start on towel‑damped hair: apply a strong-hold gel or styling cream evenly from roots to mid-lengths, then use a fine-tooth comb to create a defined side part and comb hair back. Blow-dry with a small round brush or vent brush, directing the top backward and smoothing sides close to the head. Use a flat iron on the ends to flick them outwards for that flipped finish. Tools: blow dryer with concentrator, fine-tooth comb, small round brush, flat iron, and clips. Products: heat protectant, strong-hold gel/pomade, light shine serum, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—precision parting and product distribution matter. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks to preserve the shape, avoid heavy product buildup by clarifying monthly, refresh daily with a little water and product, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

Sleek Slicked-Back Undercut with Defined Side Part

This modern undercut suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the shape with root-boosting products and careful blow-drying, while very curly hair will need smoothing first. The cut is built with short clipped sides that blend into a longer top, finished with a precise side part or shaved hard part for definition. To style, towel-dry hair, apply a light heat-protectant and volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry the top back using a vent or round brush to lift and shape. Create the part with a fine-tooth comb, smooth the top back, and lock the shape with a medium-to-strong hold pomade or cream for shine; use a matte paste if you prefer texture over gloss. Tools needed: clippers and guard set, scissors for blending, fine-tooth comb, blow-dryer, vent/round brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizer or mousse, pomade/wax/paste, light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — straightforward for a professional, manageable at home with practice. Maintenance: clipper touch-ups every 2–4 weeks, top trims every 6–8 weeks, and regular clarifying washes if using heavy products to avoid buildup.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Cut — Textured, Low-Maintenance Style

This slicked-back wet-look short cut is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities; thicker hair also adapts well when softened with thinning and layering. To achieve the style, work on towel-damped hair: distribute a lightweight leave-in conditioner through mid-lengths, then apply a medium-hold gel or styling cream from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and a tail comb to shape the hair back, clipping sides if needed. Blow-dry on low heat with a nozzle while combing the hair back to set direction, or allow to air-dry for a softer finish. Warm a small amount of matte paste or pomade between your palms and run through the ends for separation and control, finishing with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray for longevity. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, wide-tooth comb, tail comb, vent brush and clips. Products: hydrating shampoo, lightweight leave-in, medium-hold gel/cream, finishing paste, anti-frizz serum and light hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the nape and layers clean, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and refresh with water plus a tiny product touch-up for same-day styling.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Crop for Short Hair

This slicked-back wet-look crop is ideal for straight to slightly wavy short hair and fine to medium densities; coarse or very curly hair can achieve the style but will need a smoothing primer and stronger hold. Technique: start on towel-dried or slightly damp hair. Work a small amount of smoothing leave-in or cream through roots to ends, then apply a strong-hold gel or pomade for shine. Create a clean side part with a tail or fine-tooth comb and comb the hair straight back, keeping it close to the scalp. For extra control, low heat blow-dry with the comb in place or allow to air-dry before locking the shape with a mist of high-hold hairspray. Tools needed: fine-tooth/tail comb, vent brush, blow dryer with nozzle, and clips for sectioning. Products required: smoothing leave-in or cream, strong-hold gel or pomade, shine serum or spray, flexible/hard-hold hairspray, and a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup. Difficulty: easy–moderate — precision and product control matter. Maintenance: refresh daily with water and a dab of product, trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the cropped silhouette, and clarify weekly to avoid residue.

Short Textured Pixie with Undercut and Voluminous Top

This modern pixie pairs a close undercut with a longer, textured top for height and movement. Suitable for straight to slightly wavy hair and fine-to-medium densities — coarse hair can work but may require more texturizing. The salon technique: clipper the sides and back to a short, blended fade or skin undercut, then scissor-cut the top to remove weight and add layers with point cutting and texturizing shears for separation. Styling technique: towel-dry and apply a light volumizing mousse or root lifter, blow-dry the top while lifting at the roots with fingers or a small round brush, then define pieces with a matte paste or styling wax, working from roots to tips for hold and texture. Tools needed: clippers with guards, scissors, thinning shears, blow dryer, small round brush, wide-tooth comb. Products required: pre-styler (mousse or spray), matte paste or cream wax, light hairspray or sea-salt spray for finish; optional texture powder for added lift. Difficulty: professional cut recommended; daily styling is low–moderate (5–10 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 3–6 weeks for the undercut, 4–8 weeks for shape, use regular conditioning and occasional deep-conditioning if heat-styled.

Slicked-Back Textured Short Bob — Wet-Look Layered Crop

This slicked-back textured short bob works best on straight to wavy hair with fine to medium density; it can also be created on thicker hair when slightly layered. Start with towel‑damp hair: distribute a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a smoothing cream through mids and ends. Use a blow-dryer with a nozzle and a medium round brush or your fingers to direct hair straight back, lifting at the crown for volume. For added smoothness, lightly run a flat iron over top sections, then work a small pea-sized amount of matte pomade or medium-hold gel through lengths to achieve the controlled wet look and piecey texture. Finish with a light mist of flexible hairspray and a few drops of shine serum on the ends only. Tools needed: blow-dryer, round brush, tail comb, flat iron (optional), sectioning clips. Products: volumizing mousse, smoothing cream, pomade/gel, flexible hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — roughly 10–20 minutes. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, use sulfate-free shampoo and weekly deep conditioning, refresh style by misting water and reworking product, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.

Sleek Slicked-Back Wet-Look Low Bun

This timeless slicked-back wet-look low bun suits straight to slightly wavy hair and fine-to-medium textures best; very coarse or curly hair will need extra smoothing and heat work. Start with towel-damped hair: apply a lightweight heat protectant, a smoothing cream or anti-frizz serum, then distribute a strong-hold gel or pomade from roots to ends with a wide-tooth comb. Use a boar-bristle or smoothing brush to direct hair straight back and blow-dry briefly on low with a nozzle for a controlled finish (or allow to air-dry for a true wet look). Gather into a low pony at the nape, twist into a tight bun and secure with an elastic and discreet bobby pins; refine the hairline with a fine-tooth tail comb and a little extra gel. Tools needed: tail comb, boar-bristle brush, blow-dryer with nozzle, elastic, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, smoothing cream/serum, strong-hold gel or pomade, shine spray or light oil, and a firm-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — precise smoothing takes practice. Maintenance: refresh with a tiny amount of gel or water, sleep on a silk scarf to avoid frizz, and deep-condition weekly to prevent product buildup and dryness.

Wet-Look Slicked-Back Short Bob — Sleek, Glossy Texture

This slicked-back wet-look short bob is ideal for straight to slightly wavy fine or medium hair and works best on jaw-length to collarbone cuts. Very coarse or tightly curled hair will need smoothing or chemical/texturizing prep. For salon-style results, start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then a pea-sized amount of medium-hold gel or styling cream from roots to ends. Use a fine-tooth comb to comb hair straight back, creating a smooth, uniform direction. Blow-dry on low with a nozzle while holding the comb in place to set the shape, or air-dry for a stronger wet finish. Finish by emulsifying a small glossy pomade or hair oil through mid-lengths and ends for shine and separation, then lock with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: fine-tooth comb, paddle brush, blow dryer with nozzle, tail comb for precision, flat iron (optional). Products: leave-in conditioner, medium-hold gel/cream, glossing pomade or lightweight oil, flexible hairspray, weekly deep conditioner. Difficulty: easy–moderate — quick once practiced. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, refresh daily with water + gel, clarify monthly to avoid build-up, and use bond/repair treatments on bleached hair.

Slicked-Back Short Wet-Look Bob

This slicked-back wet-look bob suits fine to medium hair textures and works well on naturally straight or slightly wavy hair. For clients with thicker hair, thinning or texturizing the ends helps the style lie flat. Start on towel-damped hair: apply a medium-hold, high-shine gel or styling cream evenly from roots to ends, then use a wide-tooth comb followed by a fine-tooth tail comb to smooth hair straight back. Finish by blow-drying briefly on low with a nozzle to set the shape or allow to air-dry for a softer finish. To refine the edges and slight inward tuck at the nape, use a flat iron on low heat if needed. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, blow dryer with nozzle, flat iron (optional). Products: shine serum or oil, medium–strong gel or pomade, light mist hairspray, clarifying shampoo for buildup removal. Difficulty: easy–moderate — requires precision combing. Maintenance tips: refresh daily with water and a small amount of product, avoid heavy buildup by using a clarifying shampoo once weekly, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and book trims every 4–6 weeks to keep the blunt shape neat.

Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob with Textured Ends

This slicked-back wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and is ideal for fine to medium densities; thicker hair can achieve the shape with strategic thinning and light layering. Start with towel‑damped hair: apply a water‑based styling cream or medium-hold gel from roots to ends, then use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product and a fine-tooth comb to smooth the top and create the backward sweep. Blow-dry on low while combing back for lift at the crown, or let it air-dry for a truer wet finish; a flat iron can be used on low heat to polish ends if necessary. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, blow-dryer (diffuser optional), flat iron, and clips. Products: heat protectant, water-based gel or pomade for shine, light hairspray to set, and a lightweight serum to tame flyaways. Difficulty: easy-to-moderate — quick to create but requires product control for a clean finish. Maintenance: refresh daily by reapplying a small amount of gel or water, deep-condition weekly to prevent product buildup, and trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the textured ends sharp.

Slicked-Back Pompadour with Volume — Short to Medium Hair

This slicked-back pompadour suits short to medium lengths and works best on straight to slightly wavy hair with medium to thick density. Start on towel-damp hair: apply a small amount of root-lifting mousse or volumizing foam and a heat protectant. Blow-dry while lifting the front section with a round brush or vent brush to create height, directing hair back and smoothing the sides with a fine-tooth comb. Use a tail comb to refine the parting and shape. For the wet, high-shine finish, warm a pea-sized amount of strong-hold pomade or styling gel between your palms and comb through from roots to ends; a light shine serum can be added sparingly. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, round/vent brush, fine-tooth comb, hair clips, and optional flat iron for stubborn cowlicks. Difficulty: intermediate — requires coordinated blow-dry shaping and product control. Maintenance: refresh shape each morning with a small pomade touch-up or water mist, use dry shampoo between washes to reduce oil, and schedule side trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain the crisp silhouette. Deep-cleanse weekly to remove product buildup.

Choosing the right slick-back depends on hair texture, length, and the look you want — professional polish or relaxed edge. For sleek, long-wearing results, I recommend prepping hair with a moisturizing shampoo and light conditioner, apply heat protectant, and use a blow-dryer with a round brush to direct hair back. For hold: a water-based pomade gives shine without stiffness; a gel is best for wet-look styles; and a texturizing cream or mousse keeps movement in softer variants. Weekly deep-conditioning treatments will keep hair healthy under repeated styling, and regular trims prevent split ends that disrupt the sleek line. If you’re unsure which of the 28 styles fits you, book a short consultation at my salon or send a photo — I’ll recommend personalized product choices and a step-by-step routine. With the right technique and products, slick-back hairstyles are an easy, chic way to elevate any outfit.