Why Your Thick Hair Won’t Slick Back (And Fixes)

by Yvette in , Comment — Updated July 7, 2025

Wondering how to slick back thick hair without it puffing up, falling flat, or slipping out of place? You’re not alone—what seems like a simple style can quickly turn into a frustrating battle when you’re working with thicker strands.

In this guide, we’ll break down why slicking back thick hair is more challenging than it looks, highlight the common issues you’re likely facing, and share practical solutions that actually work.

Key Takeaways

  • Thick hair requires tailored techniques for slicked-back styles – Achieving a sleek look with thick hair isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding your hair’s texture and moisture needs is essential to prevent puffiness, flatness, or frizz.

  • Proper preparation and product layering make all the difference – Starting with damp, towel-dried hair and using the right combination of wax sticks, strong-hold products, and light hairsprays helps maintain structure without stiffness.

  • Common mistakes—like applying products to overly wet or dry hair—can ruin the look – Using too much or too little product, neglecting the right tools, or skipping prep steps are frequent missteps that impact results.

  • Slicked-back styles are versatile and timeless – With a solid foundation, the look can be adapted for different hair types, occasions, and personal styles—ranging from formal polish to effortless everyday wear.

Why Thick Hair Doesn’t Stay Slicked Back

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Slicking back thick hair might seem easy—just comb it and go. But if you’ve tried it, you know thick hair doesn’t always cooperate.

It’s full of volume, texture, and resistance. When dry, it’s hard to shape; when damp, it can puff up or fall flat. That’s why achieving a smooth, sleek look is trickier than it seems. Understanding how different hair types respond allows you to determine the most suitable treatment.

Using the same routine for every hair type just doesn’t cut it—thick hair has its own needs, and understanding them is key to styling it right. One major lesson I learned: moisture matters. Slicking back dry hair left it stiff and frizzy; too wet, and it turned flat and heavy.

The solution? Damp hair. Towel-drying helps products go on evenly, and blow-drying after helps set the shape. It’s a method most stylists recommend. But it’s not just about moisture. Baby hairs can mess up a sleek look, and long hair tends to fall out.

To fix that, I use a wax stick to tame flyaways and layer product on longer sections, finishing with a light mist of hairspray for hold that’s firm but flexible.

Product choice matters, too. Some make thick hair sticky or dull. The best ones give strong hold, control frizz, and leave a natural finish—no crunch.

In the end, thick hair needs hydration, structure, and the right prep. Treat it like fine or curly hair, and you’ll end up with puff or flakes. But if you work with your texture and use the right tools, a smooth, long-lasting slick-back is totally doable.

The First Things You Might Be Doing Wrong

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Credits: @contactmarysanchez / Pinterest

Once I understood that thick hair needs more than just a comb and wishful thinking, I had to face the common mistakes that were ruining my slicked-back look. Here’s what I learned—and fixed.

1. Using the Wrong or No Hair Product

I used to think thick hair could be slicked back with water and a brush but I was wrong. The right products make all the difference. Some experts recommend a water-based pomade or wax for strong hold and easy cleanup.

A favorite among stylists is one that offers control and a shiny finish without stiffness. If you’re going for a full slick-back style, skip lightweight creams—those are better for thin hair or shorter cuts.

2. Applying Too Much or Too Little

I used to pile on product, thinking more would give me more hold. Instead, it made my hair look greasy and weighed down. Now, I start with a dime-sized amount and build up only if needed. This helps me get a cleaner, more polished look with minimal effort.

3. Styling Hair That’s Too Dry or Too Wet

I learned that the key is towel-dried, damp hair. When it’s too wet, the product slips off; when it’s dry, it won’t spread evenly. Now, I apply product while my hair is still slightly damp, then use a hair dryer on a low setting to lock in the shape. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in holding the style.

4. Ignoring How Much Control Your Hair Needs

Thick hair demands structure—but that doesn’t mean forcing it to behave like straight hair. Sometimes, it’s about working with your natural texture. If you have wavy or curly hair, you might not achieve a glass-smooth finish—and that’s fine.

I use a flat iron for extra pizazz when I want a sharper look. On most days, a wax stick plus a light layer of hairspray provides enough flexible hold.

5. Skipping the Right Tools

You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need the right tools. A wide-tooth comb keeps the style from breaking apart. A soft-bristle brush helps with baby hair and smoothing the top layer.

I keep bobby pins and a ponytail holder handy for full slicked-back styles or when I’m going for a more timeless hairstyle.

Fixing these five things changed everything for me. I stopped fighting my hair and started guiding it with the right approach. That’s how you go from frustration to a sharp, versatile style that lasts.

Choosing the Right Products for Thick Hair

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Credits: @instyle / Pinterest

Once I improved my technique, the next step was finding the right products to turn my morning mess into a lasting, polished look.

Thick hair needs three essentials. I start with a wax stick for firm hold without stiffness—it’s key for slick-back styles. Then I apply a strong-hold product, like gel or pomade, to lock in the shape.

Finally, I finish with a flexible-hold formula—usually a light hairspray or serum—to smooth flyaways while keeping some movement, so the style doesn’t look stiff.

Before any styling, I add a leave-in hair mask. Choose one that delivers nutrients, repairs damage, and boosts shine from within—especially if you have long, thick hair. I use a dime-size amount on towel-dried hair, wait four minutes, then begin styling. That deep hydration makes a noticeable difference in both control and shine.

When I need extra smoothing—especially with wavy or coarse hair—I reach for a flat iron at this stage. I gently clip sections and run the iron through once or twice. It sharpens the texture and preps the strands for a sleek finish. It’s become a secret weapon in my routine.

The market for wax sticks has grown quickly as the slick-back trend gains popularity. Favorites include the Briogeo Sleek Stick, praised for its yuzu oil and plum scent, and Samnyte’s budget wax stick, known for its creamy glide and high shine at just $8. Both deliver a sleek look without weighing the hair down.

People often ask whether to choose lighter products or stronger hold. In my experience, balance is best. A lighter product—like a smoothing serum—keeps the style flexible on relaxed days.

But when I want a sharp, long-lasting look, I layer products in this order: leave-in mask, wax stick, pomade or gel, then a light mist of hairspray.

Here’s a quick rundown of how I use these steps:

  1. Wash and towel-dry hair
  2. Apply a leave-in hair mask
  3. Use a flat iron on damp-dry hair if needed
  4. Swipe wax stick on roots and hairline
  5. Apply strong-hold pomade for structure
  6. Lightly mist with flexible-hold hairspray

Choosing the right products made the slicked-back hairstyle feel easy, not forced. It took me from daily frustration to a versatile, classic look. And it can do the same for you.

Step-by-Step Tutorial to Slick Back Thick Hair

Once I found the right products and prep routine, I needed a reliable method I could stick to. Here’s my go-to step‑by‑step tutorial for thick hair:

  1. Wash and condition with moisture-rich products: I use formulas that hydrate without weighing my hair down. Favorites include Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate and Ceremonia Deep Moisture Conditioner—both known for adding strength and softness.
  2. Apply a leave-in hair mask or primer: While my hair is still damp, I apply the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. It strengthens the strands and preps them for styling. A good leave-in helps products absorb evenly and adds long-lasting shine.
  3. Towel-dry until the hair is damp: Reaching that “just right” damp stage is crucial—not soaking wet, not fully dry. This helps styling products work more effectively and leaves your finish smooth, not crunchy.

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Credits: @pluvanda / Pinterest

  1. Use a hair dryer for shape and volume control: On low heat, I use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to blow-dry in the direction I want my hair to stay. This helps reduce puffiness and defines the slicked-back shape from the start.
  2. Apply styling product: I glide a wax stick (like the Nexxus Slick Stick) along my roots and sides, then layer in a strong-hold gel or pomade to lock in the shape. This combo gives just the right amount of control for thick, wavy hair.
  3. Secure with bobby pins or a ponytail holder if needed: For a full slick-back or longer layers, I use pins or a hair tie to keep everything in place. It helps maintain a clean, tight finish.
  4. Finish with a light layer of hairspray: A flexible-hold spray adds staying power without stiffness. I mist it once over the top to set everything in place.
  5. Add extra pizazz (optional): On days when I want a sleeker look, I apply a finishing serum or run a flat iron over select strands for added sharpness and shine.

This routine helps me go from frizzy to sleek with minimal effort, and the results last. Once you try it, you’ll see how much control you actually have over your style.

Styling Tips for Different Hair Types

This part builds on the routine we covered. Here are extra styling tips tailored for your hair texture:

  • Curly Hair (Detangle and Use a Stronger Hold): Curly strands often resist slicking back, so detangling is key. Start by gently combing damp hair with a wide-tooth comb. Then apply a gel-pomade mix to provide strong hold and shine. Reducing frizz early helps curls lay into your slick-back style more easily.
  • Fine Hair (Opt for Lighter Styling Products): Fine or thin hair can look greasy with heavy products, so stick to a lightweight paste or cream. A small amount—about a pea-sized dab—is enough to guide strands without weighing them down. This creates a clean, soft, and sleek style with natural movement.
  • Straight Hair (Use Heat Tools for Shape): Straight hair responds well to styling direction. I start with damp hair, blow-dry using a paddle brush, then use a flat iron on a low heat setting to lock in the shape. Finishing with a round brush or flat iron helps control volume and smooth the texture, making it easier to hold a full slick-back style.
  • Wavy Hair (Define Texture Before Slicking Back): Wavy hair needs definition before smoothing. Apply a curl mousse or light gel to damp strands to shape the waves, then let your hair air-dry or diffuse briefly. Once set, slick back the top section. This technique highlights your wave pattern while delivering a style that’s both polished and texturally rich.

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Source: womensalphabet.com

  • Tips for Thinning Hair to Avoid Flatness: Thin hair can become flat when slicked back too tightly. To avoid flatness, blow-dry with a round brush for volume at the roots, then apply a lighter styling product. Experts say volume spray at the crown before styling adds lift and prevents the sleek look from looking flat. This gives shape without losing sleekness.

Each hair type has its quirks. The key is to prep correctly, choose products that match your texture, and use minimal heat or styling tools. That’s how you nail classic looks or full slick-back styles that feel polished and authentic.

Inspiration from Classic Looks & Trends

When I first tried the slicked-back style, I assumed it was just a passing trend. But the more I explored, the more I realized it has deep roots in timeless fashion. From vintage icons to modern influencers, slicked-back hair has always made a statement—constantly evolving with each era while staying effortlessly classic.

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Credits: @clairemurphy99x / Pinterest

Some styles just never fade. These are a few timeless vintage hairstyles that continue to shape today’s slicked-back finishes:

  • The 1950s pompadour made famous by Elvis Presley—volume on top, slick sides
  • The sharp side part, worn by Cary Grant and later by Don Draper on Mad Men
  • The wet-look bun, a staple on fashion runways and Hollywood red carpets
  • The slicked-back undercut, blending old-school structure with modern fade techniques
  • The center-part low ponytail, often seen on red carpets for its sharp, clean silhouette

Each of these styles shares one thing: control and shine. That’s what gives them their classic, sharp look.

The slicked-back hairstyle saw a major comeback over the last few years. Starting with the rise of the “clean girl aesthetic” in 2022—popularized on TikTok and worn by celebs like Hailey Bieber and Zendaya—the look became a go-to for minimalists.

In 2024, slicked styles are going softer and more wearable. Instead of stiff, gel-heavy finishes, people are choosing flexible-hold waxes, hydrating primers, and subtle shine sprays. The look is still sleek but more relaxed—think smooth edges with natural volume.

And that’s a rise in low-maintenance versions of slicked hair, mixing structure with movement for a more modern vibe.

You don’t need a red carpet to pull off this look. I’ve adapted it for casual settings by:

  • Using lighter products for a flexible finish
  • Leaving a bit of volume on top to avoid a flat look
  • Swapping tight buns for low, loose ponytails or half-up styles
  • Using wax sticks just at the hairline to control flyaways without stiffening the whole style
  • Pairing it with everyday outfits—athleisure, button-downs, even denim jackets

Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it simple, a slicked-back hairstyle provides a clean base that complements any outfit. It’s structured, stylish, and surprisingly easy to customize. That’s what makes it more than a trend—it’s a modern classic.

Maintaining the Look with Minimal Effort

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Credits: @annigrigoryan_ / Pinterest

After getting the slicked-back style just right, the next step is keeping it that way, without starting from scratch every day. I’ve learned that with the right products and habits, you can make your style last and still look polished on Day 2 or 3.

Keep It Fresh with Simple Routines

At night, I wrap my hair in a silk scarf or use a silk pillowcase to avoid frizz and flattening. In the morning, I lightly mist my hair with water or a leave-in conditioning spray, then smooth it back with my hands or a soft brush.

If needed, I touch up the hairline with a wax stick or flexible-hold pomade. That’s usually enough to revive the sleek finish.

Day 2 Fix Tips

Some days, I don’t need a full reset. Here’s what I do instead:

  • Comb through with a wide-tooth comb to refresh the shape
  • Reapply product only where needed—usually the sides or crown
  • Restyle into a quick low bun or mid-ponytail if the front looks good, but the back needs help

These tricks save time and maintain a deliberate, intentional look, rather than a messy one.

Transition into Versatile Styles

One of my favorite aspects of the slicked-back look is how easily it transitions into other styles. If I’m short on time or want a change, I turn it into:

  • A tight low bun using the same product base
  • A sleek ponytail for a sharper look
  • A half-up slick style with volume left at the ends

This makes the style flexible and practical. With just a few tools and a minute or two, I can keep my hair looking sharp all week, without having to wash or restyle from scratch every day.

Next Step – Elevating Your Slicked-Back Style

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Credits: @shortnslick / Pinterest

Once I became comfortable with the basics, I wanted to take my slicked-back look a step further. With just a few upgrades, I found ways to make it cleaner, sleeker, and more versatile, whether I was heading to work or a formal event.

  • Adding a Polished Look for Formal Events: When I need the style to look more refined, I part my hair neatly (center or deep side), slick everything back tightly, and use a shine-enhancing serum or gloss spray. I often finish with accessories—a minimalist clip, a black ribbon, or metallic pins. These small details add a clean, polished look that works for weddings, dinners, or formal settings.
  • Mastering the Long Way for Better Results Over Time: I used to rush the routine, but giving it an extra 5 minutes made a real difference. Over time, I learned how my hair responds to heat, moisture, and different products. That’s how I mastered the slicked-back style for my own hair type. It’s about consistency. The more I practiced, the easier it got—and the better it looked.
  • Using a Hair Dryer and Flat Iron for Advanced Control: To step things up, I now use my hair dryer to set direction. I blow-dry backward using a round brush for lift or a paddle brush for a flatter, sharper shape. When I want extra smoothness, I finish with a flat iron to press out puffiness, especially near the crown or ends. These tools help me manage volume and texture for a cleaner finish.

Upgrading your slicked-back style doesn’t mean adding time—it just means using smarter steps. The little changes make a big impact, and over time, your style becomes second nature.

Conclusion

You can absolutely rock a slicked-back hairstyle—even with thick hair. It’s not about forcing your hair into shape. It’s about understanding your texture and working with it.

With the right products, a solid prep routine, and a bit of technique, the look becomes effortless. You don’t need hours in front of the mirror or a shelf full of styling tools. You just need a smart approach.

Start with the step-by-step tutorial. Stick to it for a few days. Adjust according to your hair’s needs. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm, and your sleek look will come together naturally.

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