There’s something about slicked back hair that always makes me think it should be combined with motorcycle boots and a leather jacket. It’s just an effortlessly cool style that’s perfect for a night out and we’ve been seeing it around NYFW lately. Unfortunately, I have the wrong kind of hair for the slicked back look — it just really doesn’t jibe with my locks. So, I employed the help of our super hip CMO, Lesley, to show you how to get this sleek coiffure. We opted for a sleeker slick back, since it was a little more demure than some of the windblown looks we’ve seen.
1. Straighten Your Hair
Start by running a flat iron through your hair. You want it to have a straight, sleek look, so get out any creases or waves. For this, we used Revlon Smoothstay Straightener ($24.99, amazon.com). (Be sure to check out Jen’s review of the Revlon Smoothstay Straightener!) Since you’ll be slicking your hair back, straighten it as though you’re brushing it back. And keep that straightener on, since you might need it later. But not TOO hot. Using heated styling tools on high is a no-no for your hair since it can cause cracks in the cuticles (protective scales) that leave you with dryer, duller hair (Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair). Keep hot styling tools to 347°F (175°C) and below, and try to limit heat styling to three to four times a week max (American Academy of Dermatology).
2. Add Some Volume
Take a volumizing mousse and spritz some in your palms so you have more control. We used Sebastian Volupt Volume Building Spray Gel ($19.99, amazon.com). Then, run it through the roots on the top of your head to add some hold.
Finally, lift up the front of your hair and tease just behind the crown to add volume to the top of the style.
4. Smooth Those Sides
For the sides, we added a generous — but not too generous! — helping of the Sebastian Volupt Volume Building Spray Gel, combed it back and finished off with a few spritzes of No. 9 Structuring Mist for Wizards by Davines for good measure.
3. Comb Back and Add Hold
Comb and and straighten the hair at the crown (not the hair you’ve teased) over the teased party. Spray all over with hair spray. We used No. 9 Structuring Mist for Wizards by Davines ($22.68, amazon.com) and combed back.
5. Add Some Sleek Shine
This look isn’t complete until you’ve added a little shine. For that, we used Wella Mirror Polish Shine Serum ($14.99, amazon.com), lightly finger combing it through the ends of her hair and then combed through her hair a final time.
Before and After Photos
Now you’ve got a super chic look for a night out. Go make everybody jealous!
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