Summer is finally here, and for reals, I couldn’t be happier.
As much as I love Euro vacations, patio dinners, and cute beachy nails, one thing I don’t love is dealing with frizzy hair when the humidity hits.
That’s why I’ve been completely obsessed with slick back hairstyles lately.
They’re polished, effortless, and somehow make you look put together even when you’re rushing out the door to catch a flight or spend the day exploring a new city. I’ve also noticed slick back hair everywhere this season.
Like celebrities on vacation to stylish women strolling through airports, this look is having a major moment.
The best part?
It works with almost every hair length and texture.
If you’re ready to try this trend, here’s how to create the perfect slick back look, plus 15 hairstyle ideas you’ll want to save for your next salon visit or summer event.
How To Create Slick Back Hair
Creating slick back hair is easier than it looks. Here’s how to create this timeless look.
Step 1: Start With Clean or Second-Day Hair
You can create a slick back style on freshly washed hair or second-day hair. In fact, slightly lived-in hair often holds the style even better.
Step 2: Choose Your Part
One of the easiest ways to customize a slick back hairstyle is with your part.
You can choose:
- A middle part for a modern look
- A deep side part for extra volume
- No visible part for a sleek runway-inspired finish
Use a tail comb to create a clean line before styling.
Step 3: Apply Your Styling Products
The secret to a smooth finish is using the right products.
Popular options include:
- Hair gel (this stuff works when I was in dance!)
- Styling cream
- Hair wax stick (can’t get enough of this stick!)
- Edge control products (love this kit!)
- Lightweight pomade
- Strong-hold hairspray
Apply a small amount through the roots and crown where you want the sleek effect.
Step 4: Brush Everything Smooth
Use a boar bristle brush or smoothing brush to distribute the product evenly and eliminate bumps.
Keep brushing until the hair lays flat against your head.
Step 5: Secure Your Style
Finish with a ponytail, bun, braid, or leave your lengths down.
Add a light mist of hairspray to help your style stay in place all day.
15 Slick Back Hairstyles You’ll Want To Try
1. Classic Slick Back Bun
This timeless style works for everything from weddings to a beach outing. The sleek roots paired with a low bun create a sophisticated finish.
To create this look, start with a middle or side part and apply a small amount of styling gel or smoothing cream to your roots. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair back until it’s sleek and bump-free.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with hairspray and a touch of pomade or a wax stick to smooth any flyaways. Add a pair of gold earrings or sunglasses, and you’re ready for anything from a beach day to a special event.
2. Slick Back Ponytail
A sleek ponytail with a clean part instantly makes any outfit look more polished. Wear it high for a bold, lifted look or low for something more classic and elegant.
To create this style, start by making a middle or side part and apply a small amount of gel or styling cream to your roots. Brush your hair smooth, gather it into a ponytail, and secure it with an elastic.
Finish with hairspray to keep flyaways in place and maintain that sleek, glossy finish throughout the day.
3. Middle Part Slick Back Bun
A crisp center part gives this style a modern feel. It’s one of the most popular slick back looks right now.
To achieve it, create a clean middle part and apply a lightweight gel or smoothing cream along your roots. Use a brush to slick both sides back evenly before gathering your hair into a low bun or ponytail.
The sharp part paired with sleek roots creates a polished look that’s perfect for everything from brunch dates to summer weddings..
4. Low Slick Back Ponytail
Perfect for travel days and warm weather. This hairstyle looks elegant without requiring much effort.
To create this look, make a clean middle or side part and apply a small amount of gel or styling cream to your roots.
Brush your hair smooth and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Secure it with an elastic and finish with hairspray for a sleek, polished style that works just as well for sightseeing as it does for dinner by the water.fort.
5 Slick Back Braided Ponytail
A slick back braided ponytail combines the sleekness of a polished ponytail with the added texture of a braid.
It’s a stylish option that works well for everything from workouts to summer vacations.
To create this look, apply gel or styling cream to your roots and brush your hair back into a high or low ponytail. Secure it with an elastic, then braid the length of the ponytail and fasten the end with another elastic.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the top smooth and sleek while showing off the braid.
6. Deep Side Part Slick Back Style
A deep side part adds softness while still keeping the polished look that makes slick back hairstyles so popular.
To achieve this look, create a dramatic side part using a tail comb and apply a lightweight gel or smoothing cream along your roots.
Brush the hair back while maintaining volume on the heavier side of the part, then secure it into a low bun or ponytail.
The side-swept effect adds a touch of glamour while keeping the sleek, polished finish that defines this trend.
7. Sleek Ballet Bun
This chic hairstyle always reminds me of European summer fashion. It’s simple, clean, and incredibly stylish.
8. Slick Back Claw Clip Updo
When you want something quick, gather your hair into a claw clip and smooth the front sections for an effortless look.
To create this style, apply a small amount of gel or styling cream to your roots and brush your hair back until smooth.
Twist your hair upward and secure it with a claw clip, allowing the ends to fall naturally.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep flyaways in place for an easy hairstyle that looks polished in just minutes.
9. Slick Back High Ponytail
A slick back high ponytail creates a lifted, polished look that instantly feels put together. It’s a great choice when you want a hairstyle that looks both sporty and stylish.
To achieve this look, apply a small amount of gel or smoothing cream to your roots and brush your hair upward toward the crown of your head.
Secure your hair into a high ponytail with an elastic, making sure the sides and top stay smooth.
Finish with hairspray for extra hold and wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a more polished finish.
10. Wet Look Slick Back Hair
This hairstyle combines the polished look of slick back hair with a few soft strands around the face for a more relaxed and romantic feel.
To create it, slick your hair back using a lightweight gel or styling cream and gather it into a low or mid-height bun. Before securing the style completely, leave a few thin sections loose around your face.
You can curl these pieces slightly or leave them natural for a softer finish that works beautifully for date nights, weddings, or everyday wear.
11. Slick Back Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
If you love the sleek look but want something a little softer, this hairstyle is the perfect balance.
The smooth bun keeps everything polished while the face-framing pieces add movement and a flattering touch around your features.
To achieve this look, slick your hair back with gel or styling cream and gather it into a low bun.
Before securing the style, leave a few small sections loose around your face. For an extra polished finish, lightly curl the pieces and set everything with hairspray to keep the bun sleek while maintaining that soft, effortless vibe.
12. Sleek Bubble Ponytail
The sleek bubble ponytail puts a fun twist on a classic slick back style. It’s trendy, eye-catching, and a great way to add extra detail to a simple ponytail.
To create this look, slick your hair back with gel or styling cream and secure it into a high or low ponytail.
Add small clear elastics every few inches down the length of the ponytail, then gently tug each section to create the “bubble” effect.
End with hairspray to keep the top smooth and polished while letting the bubbles add texture and dimension.
13. Slick Back Hair With a Headband
A headband is an easy way to elevate a slick back hairstyle while adding a little personality to your look.
You can choose a padded headband, a thin metal style, or a classic fabric design, it instantly makes the hairstyle feel more polished.
To achieve this look, apply a small amount of gel or styling cream to your roots and brush your hair back until smooth.
Place your headband a few inches behind your hairline and secure your hair into a low bun, ponytail, or leave it down.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep everything sleek and in place throughout the day.
14 Low Knot Slick Back Style
The low knot is one of those hairstyles that always looks chic and effortless. Its clean, minimalist appearance makes it perfect for everything from office days to summer vacations.
To create this look, apply a lightweight gel or smoothing cream to your roots and brush your hair back until sleek.
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a simple knot, and secure it with bobby pins or an elastic.
End with hairspray to keep flyaways in place and maintain that smooth, polished finish all day long.
15 Slick Back Braided Bun
Combine a sleek front with a braided bun for a hairstyle that feels both elegant and unique.
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling slick back hairstyles aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
They’re practical for hot summer days, easy to create before a trip, and stylish enough to wear everywhere from the beach to a rooftop dinner.
Whether you prefer a sleek ponytail, a polished bun, or a braided variation, there’s a slick back hairstyle here for every occasion. Save your favorites and give one a try the next time you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your look.
