How to Slick Back Hair: The Glossy, No-Flake Way to Nail the Look

Looking for that sleek, sculpted, high-gloss slick-back style? You don’t need sticky gels or flakey pastes to get the super sophisticated “snatched”  look.

With the right styling trifecta—Pop & Lock, Cult Favorite, and Texas Hold ’Em—you can create smooth, pulled-back styles that look polished, feel soft, and stay in place.

Here’s how to get slicked back hair the Color Wow way.

What to Use to Slick Back Hair

STEP 1: Gloss + Control with Pop & Lock

If you want a wet-look finish or need to tame frizz and add shine while styling, start with Pop & Lock.

• Perfect for textured, dry, or frizz-prone hair
• Use on damp or dry strands to smooth, define, and gloss
• Great when you're wearing your slick-back down, in a bun, or ponytail

How to use it:

Apply to damp or dry hair. Use “praying hands” to smooth over the surface, then comb hair back into shape. Add more to detail ends or define part lines.

STEP 2: Sculpt + Set with Cult Favorite Hairspray

If you want brushable hold—something strong enough to control, but flexible enough to restyle—this is it. Unlike traditional hairsprays, Cult Favorite:

• Locks in style without stiffness
• Never flakes, yellows, or dulls colour
• Leaves hair touchable, glossy, and under control

How to use it:

Mist over hair as you comb into your slicked-back shape. Add extra control to the crown or sides as needed. The great thing about this superlight, non-sticky formula? You can keep layering on hair as you style without fear buildup.

STEP 3: Keep Hair Slicked Back with Texas Hold ’Em

When you want serious stay-put power, this is your final step. Texas Hold ’Em delivers:

• Bold hold that lasts
• 82% style retention in humidity*
• Heat + UV protection

• Zero flaking, zero crunch

How to use it:

Finish your look with a light mist from 10 inches away. Focus on areas that need hold and humidity resistance (like around your face or crown).

*Independent study, 8 hrs in 60% RH.

@colorwowuk If your slick back isn’t holding up… let us introduce you to Texas Hold’Em🧚 #colorwow #texasholdem #colorwowhair #slickback #slickbacktutorial @laurenaamara ♬ original sound - Color Wow UK

Pro Tips for Slick-Back Perfection

• Want a wet-look finish? Layer Pop & Lock generously on damp hair and sculpt with a comb.

• Creating a tight bun or ponytail? Use Cult Favorite to tame surface frizz before locking it in with Texas Hold ’Em.

• Skip heavy gels—they flake, feel stiff, and kill shine.

FAQ About Slicked Back Hair

Are slick backs bad for your hair?

If you style your hair every day in a supertight, slicked back style it can put stress on your roots and even cause breakage if your hair is very dry and brittle.

To keep your hair optimally strong and supple:

1) Treat your scalp with a strengthening treatment like Color Wow Youth Juice, which has ProcapilⓇ known to help anchor hair at the roots. 

2) Build up strands’ resilience with heat activated (and heat protectant) Kale Cocktail, proven to reduce breakage by 50% with one blow-dry! 

Can you do a slick back with wet hair?

It’s best to allow hair to partially dry and start on damp hair for a glassy, wet-look finish. Use Pop & Lock to smooth and add shine, then sculpt with a comb and lock it in with Texas Hold ’Em.

Does slick back hair suit everyone?

There is a slick back style for everyone, it’s all about placement and finish. Deep part, middle part, low bun, or full-back—customise it to your face shape and vibe.

Can I use a hair mask for a slick back?

Not recommended. Masks like Dreaming are treatments, not stylers—they’re designed to repair, not hold. Use them beforehand to smooth and prep hair, then style with Pop & Lock or hairspray.

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Read more styling advice on the Color Wow Blog:

• How to Add Texture to Your Hair
• Why Won't My Hair Hold a Curl? Here's What's Happening
• How to Style Fine, Thin Hair