I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style.

I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style.

      There are very few hairstyles from my childhood that have remained with me, but my weekly slick-back buns have truly endured over time. I have vivid memories of my parents styling my hair with a spray bottle, a boar-bristle brush, and a lot of gel to control my 3b/3c curly hair before school. Although I didn't realize it at the time, watching them helped me learn the basics of achieving a smooth, frizz-free bun at an early age. Nowadays, I still wear slick-backs weekly and have nearly perfected the art of creating a sleek look that lasts all day. Like many others, I choose this style when it feels appropriate. Sometimes it’s for formal occasions, and other times it’s just for a polished appearance with minimal effort, or to keep my hair away from my face until the next wash day. I believe it's a foolproof style, but I truly think that having the right hair products is crucial for the final result. To make your search easier, I'm sharing the best slick-back products available, with insights from master hair educator and stylist Kimberly Michelle. Keep reading for our top suggestions.

      **Best Products for Slick-Backs in 2026**

      **Apply Leave-In Conditioner**

      While optional, leave-in conditioner is an excellent starting point if you need to detangle your hair. Michelle recommends starting with smooth, fully detangled hair, working on it when dry or slightly damp if the hair has texture. I've relied on Pattern's leave-in for over five years for knot removal and styling. For a lighter option, consider Innersense's Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner spray.

      **Add Gel**

      Gel is the essential product for your slick-back. I prefer Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Don't Shrink Curling Gel, but if you have more textured hair, you might find Eco Style Olive Oil Gel beneficial (which I also tried and enjoyed). Kenra Professional's Styling Gel 17 Strong Hold Hair Gel is effective for straight, wavy, and fine hair. “I apply my holding product in sections, starting from the nape and moving to the crown, then the sides, and finishing at the front,” notes Michelle. “I also adjust the amount based on the hair’s texture and density.” She mentions that finer hair typically requires less product, whereas thicker or more textured hair may benefit from applying in smaller sections.

      **Brush It In**

      To direct your hair into a secure position, Michelle suggests using a smoothing brush. Boar-bristle or combination brushes are popular, which is why I love the Bounce Curl Volume Edgelift Brush. It smooths my hair for a bun and features small ridges for curl definition when I wear my hair down. It's one of those versatile products I can’t live without. If you’re willing to invest more, La Bonne Brosse's Small Brush No2 is another excellent option for straight, wavy, or fine hair.

      **Secure It With a Hair Tie**

      This step is essential: having a strong hair tie is a must. To minimize breakage, I prefer satin scrunchies like the ones below. I also ensure I’m not pulling my hair back too tightly. “The key is to avoid excessive tension,” Michelle advises. “A good slick-back should look sleek due to your technique and product placement, not because the hair is pulled too tightly.”

      **Style Your Edges**

      This step is optional, but if you want to style your edges, consider a tool like the Fenty Beauty The Sidestick 3-in-1 Edge Styling Tool to use with your chosen gel. “[The Fenty tool] is excellent for detail work as it combines a brush, comb, and precision tip in one tool,” says Michelle. “It allows for much control when refining the hairline and shorter hairs.” Since baby hairs can be delicate, you might choose a gentle formula that still offers hold, such as the Ruka Hair Hold Me Down Edge Control Gel. “One of my favorite tips is to wrap a silk or satin scarf around the hairline and crown for about five to ten minutes while the style sets,” Michelle suggests. “This helps tame any stray hairs and creates a smoother finish.”

      **Final Touches**

      Sometimes, you need to hear this: finishing sprays and wax sticks are the unsung heroes of slick-backs. They’re quick to apply, and the sticks are particularly handy for touch-ups on the go. The Got2b Glued Wax Stick and Not Your Mother's Wax Stick provide a strong hold, making them ideal for textured hair. If you prefer a gentler hold that also softens hair, I recommend the Oribe Smoothing Wax Stick. Although it's pricier than some alternatives, it’s absolutely worth it, especially when you’ve already used a lot of product throughout the week and want to avoid buildup. While I personally don’t use finishing spray, Michelle highly recommends Kenra Platinum Finishing Spray 26

I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style. I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style.

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I style my hair in a slicked-back look several times a week—these are the only products that maintain my style.

To attain the ideal slick-back hairstyle, it's essential to use the right products. Check out these 14 must-haves that editors and hairstylists recommend for achieving the look.