20 Slicked-Back Hair Looks

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If you ask any beauty editor or hairstylist to suggest a chic, easy style, chances are high you'll hear the same thing: slicked-back hair.

According to Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and founder of his eponymous hair care brand, the slicked-back look is defined by smoothing back hair with a gel or oil. It can be sculpted into a ponytail, bun, or left loose down the back, and will have a sleek finish. "Usually, there's little height or volume with this hairstyle, so it is a great look to accentuate your facial features, neckline and generally frame your face," Fitzsimons tells InStyle. "This look is particularly popular during the summer, as it keeps your hair away from the face and lifts it away from the back of your neck."

There's a reason why all our favorite celebs — Zendaya, Megan Thee Stallion, and Bella Hadid to name just a few — choose the slicked-back look as their go-to red carpet look: it's timeless and anyone can wear it. "The great thing about a slicked-back hairstyle is the fact that it's so versatile and suited to all hair types or textures," says Fitzsimons. "There is really not one particular hair texture that works better for a slicked-back, which is why this look will always be a leading style since it's effortlessly chic and easy to achieve. Anyone can ace this look with the right products on hand."

What's more: It's easy to DIY. According to Fitzsimons, the first thing you'll want to do is figure out where you want to part your hair. You can pretty much choose whatever you want, but determining this is an important first step to figuring out what you want your slick back to achieve. If symmetry is what you want, for example, he recommends parting your hair down the middle.

Next, it's time to apply product. Fitzsimons likes to smooth hair with a serum all over before brushing it back with a wide-tooth comb. He says that all the hair should ideally be going in the same direction for better shine. Finally, you'll lock hair into place with a strong yet flexible hold hairspray.

Now that you know the basics, it's time for some inspiration. Below, find 20 ways our favorite celebs have worn slicked-back hair. From an edgy ponytail to chic wet-look hair, this guide has got you covered.

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The Classic Slick Back

For a classic slick back like Gigi Hadid, all you need to do is rake your hair back with a generous squeeze of gel. It's simple, easy, and inherently chic.

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Geometric Shapes

For a more conceptual interpretation, get creative with structural shapes. Megan Thee Stallion slicked back her red hot hair and gathered the ends into long spikes to gravity-defying effect.

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Slicked-Back Waves

You can have the best of both worlds, accenting waves with a slicked-back finish. Follow Zendaya's lead (which is always a good idea!) and slick the top part back and have hair gradually cascade into loose waves. Style with a deep side part for some added drama.

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Warrior Bun

At the Barbie premiere in Los Angeles, America Ferrera wore a slicked-back bun that her hairstylist Aviva Jansen Perea coined the "warrior bun." Turn to this style for something classic and bold. "We like to play up the fact that she’s a strong, fierce human," Perea told InStyle. "We loved this strong, timeless, chic look."

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Casually Low

While slicked-back hair and updos often go hand-in-hand, you can opt for something a little less done up. Yara Shahidi wears her slicked-back look with the top smoothed down and her ends casually gathered in a low pony. It's still super chic, just more wearable for everyday.

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Wet Hair

For that I-just-got-out-of-a-shower vibe, pack on the gel for a dose of extreme shine. Here, Shay Mitchell wears her long dark hair slicked back with a few accent tendrils.

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Loose Ends

Slicked-back hair doesn't always have to be ultra-sleek. Here, Michelle Yeoh sculpts her hair back loosely for some added movement.

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Curved Bang Accents

Brazilian singer Anitta styled hers in a bold "C-shape" with the rest of her hair swept back into a classic updo for something bold.

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'60s Mod Pony

For the 2023 Met Gala, Kendall Jenner went '60s mod with a sleek ponytail. The top of her head was smoothed back, with hair intricately wrapped at the base of the pony. Flipped ends added a playful finishing touch.

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Tight Ballerina Bun

Khloe Kardashian is one Fitzsimons' recs for celeb inspo as she wears her hair slicked back often. We especially love this extra taut bun, which pulls focus to her striking smoky eye and nude lip.

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Braided Bun

A slight variation on a classic bun is going the braided route. For the 2023 Met Gala, Vanessa Hudgens swept her hair in a plaited bun for added detail.

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Curly Ponytail

Add some body and volume with a curly slicked-back ponytail. Issa Rae wears hers high at the back of her head with tight curls fanning out to stunning effect.

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Tight and Twisted

If you have fine or thin hair and are worried about hair falling out or breaking, Fitzsimons recommends using a thickening spray, like BOLDIFY’s Thickening Hair Spray, to add grit and density. Once you've amped things up, style your hair like Hailey Bieber's in this tight, twisted bun.

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Slicked-Back Long Braid

A pairing we're all here for? A slick back and long mermaid braid. Kerry Washington harmonizes both elements with ease.

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Deep Side Part

A simple way to change up the classic slicked-back bun is with a side part. Here, Bella Hadid demonstrates how it adds a special touch to an already elegant look.

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Straight and Sleek

You can't go wrong with a sleek and pin-straight ponytail. Dua Lipa wears her long dark hair slicked back up top and the ends flat ironed with lots of shine.

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Platinum Treatment

Kim Kardashian's blonde era was a moment, and if you've gone back and forth between two very opposite shades like the reality TV star, you might want to rethink how you slick back your hair. Fitzsimons says that those with overprocessed or fragile hair should opt for a conditioning treatment or a serum instead of a gel. "[It] will improve the quality of your slicked-back look without the possibility of damage," he explains. Use something like the pro's The Prism Shine Softening Cream, which will not only give you that wet-look effect but also nourish hair with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid.

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Side Swept

Alessandra Ambrosio with slicked-back hair — Carlos Alvarez / Contributor / Getty Images

Give the wet-hair look a slight upgrade by switching up your normal part. Alessandra Ambrosio wears her wet slicked-back look with hair subtly swept to the side to give the hair some depth and dimension.

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Edgy and Slick

While Lizzo's dark blue lip was the talk of this unforgettable VMAs red carpet moment, we'd be remiss not to mention her slicked lengths. The rapper and singer's baby hairs also got the slicked-back treatment, styled in subtle swoops along her hairline.

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High Voluminous Pony

A slick back doesn't always mean a lack of movement. Take a cue from JLo and pair a high voluminous ponytail with a slicked-back crown on top for a very chic look.