Slick it and Stick it: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get the Perfect Slick Back
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Grip it. Smooth it. Slay it. with our first-ever Gripping Gel Pomade and Hair Gel Wand, bringing the iconic staying power of our fan-favorite Power Grip Primer to your hair for sleek buns, snatched edges, and polished flyaway control. The slick-back era is hereβand our Gripping Gel Pomade is your backstage pass. Channeling the iconic hold of Power Grip Primer, this sculpting gel delivers the perfect balance of hold and flexibilityβstrong enough to help keep hair in place, yet smooth enough to avoid crunch or stiffness. Whether youβre aiming for a tight, snatched ponytail or the trending slick bun, weβre sharing our guide to mastering this technique for a smooth, slick bun look that lasts. Shop the Power Grip collection.
Hair Products and Tools Youβll Need to Create the Perfect Slick Back
Before we dive in, letβs take a look at the tools youβll need to achieve the perfect ponytail. Creating a smooth, long-lasting slick back hairstyle doesnβt require a professional kitβbut it does require the right basics. Each tool plays a specific role in helping you achieve maximum control, shine, and hold without bumps, flyaways or a hair meltdown moment just as you need to head out the door. ο»ΏPower Grip Stick and Slick Gel Pomade: This is the MVP of any slick back ponytail or bun! Gel pomade gives you the best of both worlds: the hold of a gel with the shine and flexibility of a pomade. This gel pomade offers a powerful hold and long-lasting grip.
Power Grip Slick Styler: If your slick back looks bumpy or frizzy, a boar bristle brush is the missing piece. Boar bristles help smooth hair at the root, evenly distribute product, and help your hair lay flatβespecially at the crown and sidesβwithout creating static or breakage.
Lucky for you, our NEW Power Grip Stick & Slick Hair Gel + Brush Kit features the two essentials for nailing that slick back pony look. At only $11, itβs a must for anyone trying the slick back pony for the first time, or for those who are masters at the look.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Perfect Slick Back
Now that youβre fully equipped with the right tools, itβs time to put everything to work. Whether youβre going for a tight slick back ponytail or a chic, low-key bun, these steps will help you get a smooth, glossy finish that stays putβno bumps, no crunch, no mid-day touch-ups.
Step 1: Start With Slightly Damp or Prepped Hair
The best slick backs start with the right base. You can work with clean hair or day-two hairβboth can deliver great results, depending on your hair texture. Freshly washed hair tends to be softer and a little more slippery, so adding a touch of moisture (or lightweight product) helps give it grip. Day-two hair often has a natural texture that makes slicking back even easierβjust smooth any uneven areas before you begin.
Slightly damp hair is ideal because it allows gel pomade to spread evenly from root to tip. This gives you more control, helps eliminate bumps at the crown, and keeps fly aways from popping up as you brush. If your hair is fully dry, lightly mist it with a spray bottleβthink hydrated and pliable, not wet.
A tip from our e.l.f.s: Starting with evenly prepped hair means less product, smoother brushing, and a sleeker finish that lasts longer!
Step 2: Apply Gel Pomade Evenly
When it comes to gel pomade, a little goes a long wayβseriously. Using too much product right away is the fastest route to crunchy hair or buildup at the roots. Start with a pea-sized amount of our Power Grip Stick and Slick Gel Pomade for fine hair, a dime-sized amount for medium hair, or a quarter-sized amount for thick or textured hair. You can always add more, but itβs much harder to take it away.
Before applying, warm the gel pomade between your palms. This softens the product and helps it glide smoothly through the hair instead of clumping in one spot. Once itβs evenly distributed on your hands, begin applying at the roots first, where you need the most control.
ο»ΏUse your fingers to work the product into the crown and sides, then lightly pull any remaining product through the lengths. This keeps the roots sleek and secure while allowing the rest of your hair to stay smooth and flexibleβnot stiff or sticky!
Step 3: Brush Hair Back Using a Boar Bristle Brush
This is where the bun-making magic happens. Using our Power Grip Slick Styler, start at the forehead and brush straight back toward the crown, following the shape of your head. Work in small sections and use steady, even strokesβno aggressive brushing required. To avoid brush marks or streaking, keep the brush flat against the head and maintain consistent pressure as you move backward. If you notice lines forming, lightly mist the area with water or smooth a tiny bit more gel pomade over the surface, then brush again.
Step 4: Set the Style for Long-Lasting Hold
Youβve smoothed, brushed, and perfectedβnow itβs time to lock it in. How you set your slick back can make all the difference between a style that lasts an hour and one that stays all day. If you have the time, air-drying is the gentlest option. Letting your gel pomade set naturally helps maintain shine and flexibility while avoiding any chance of over-drying. This works especially well for softer slick backs or medium-hold styles where you still want a little movement. ο»ΏNeed things to set fasterβor want extra hold? Grab a hair dryer on low heat. Gently blow-dry, keeping the airflow smooth and controlled. Finish with a blast of cool air to help seal your style.
For extra polish, you can lightly smooth a tiny amount of finishing product (think serum or pomade) over the surface to tame any last flyaways. Keep it minimalβthis step is about shine, not slip.
For touch-ups throughout the day, reach for our NEW Power Grip Hair Gel Wand, a grippy (but not sticky or crusty!) finishing wand perfect for smoothing strands down or taming pop-ups throughout the day.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Slick Back
How to avoid flaking: Flaking usually happens when too much product is layered too quickly. Start with less gel pomade, apply evenly, and avoid mixing too many styling products at once. Clean layers = smooth results. Preventing greasy buildup: Focus product at the roots and smooth any excess through the lengths with your brush. If hair starts to look heavy, blot gently with a tissue at the crown or reset with a clean boar bristle brush.
Adjusting hold for fine vs. thick hair:
Fine hair does best with lighter layers and medium hold to avoid weighing it down. Thick or textured hair can handle a bit more product and stronger hold to keep everything sleek and secure.
Touch-up techniques throughout the day:
ο»ΏSkip finger-combing, which can create frizz. Instead, use a gel styling wand like our Power Grip Hair Gel Wand to smooth flyaways and keep your slick back looking fresh.
Common Slick Back Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Using too much gel pomade: More product doesnβt mean more holdβit usually means crunch or buildup! Start with a small amount, build gradually, and remember you can always add a touch more where needed. Applying to soaking wet hair: Hair thatβs too wet dilutes the product and makes it harder to control. Aim for slightly damp hair so the gel pomade grips evenly and sets smoothly.
Skipping the boar bristle brush:
Using the wrong brush can lead to frizz, streaks, and uneven texture. A boar bristle brush smooths the hair cuticle and distributes product evenly for that sleek, polished finish.
Over-brushing once set:
ο»ΏOnce your slick back is in place, step away from the brush. Over-brushing can disturb the product and cause hair to lift or separateβset it and forget it!
Slick Back Variations You Can Try
Classic slick back: Smooth, clean, and timeless. This version keeps hair brushed straight back with a glossy finish and works for everything from everyday wear to dressed-up moments. Low slick back bun or ponytail: Chic and understated, this style sits at the nape for a softer, more relaxed feel. Itβs perfect when you want sleek roots without a super high, snatched look. Wet-look slick back: Turn up the drama by using a bit more gel pomade and extra shine. This look leans bold and editorialβgreat for nights out or when you want that just-stepped-off-the-runway vibe.
Textured slick back for thicker hair:
ο»ΏKeep the roots sleek while letting natural texture shine through the lengths. This creates contrast and movement, making it ideal for thick, wavy, or curly hair types.
