Slick back
Everything back, wet, and it holds all day.
The look
Everything combed back, nothing standing up. The wet shine is on purpose: you want it looking styled, not like you just rolled out of bed. Best on straight or wavy hair. If yours is fine, you’ll need more hold to keep it back.
Why this product
The Blue gel. Hold 5 and the highest shine in the range, and Ovanza rate this one Strong Shine themselves. Wax is the wrong tool: it shines, but it holds at 4 and never sets, so the front drops back down inside two hours. A wedding, or a long day out in the heat? Once it dries, one light pass of the spray over the top locks the shape and stops it moving.
Step by step
- Wash it, leave it damp. Not dripping.
- A walnut of gel, rubbed between your palms.
- Comb straight back with a wide comb, sides included.
- Leave it to dry. Want it to last till night? One light pass of spray once it is dry. One, not more.
What to avoid
Never on dry hair. It clumps and flakes white. And don’t add more to buy more hold; the extra just runs down your forehead when you sweat.
Common questions
What does a slick back actually look like?
Which product gets me a slick back?
What should I avoid with a slick back?
Read next
- Matte or shine hair wax for men? Choose by the lookMatte, shine and the wet look — which one suits you. Our matte pair is a clay wax and a pomade, and neither is on the shop yet.
- How to remove hair wax without damaging your hairStyling wax does not rinse out with water alone. The order that works: oil first, warm water second, two light washes instead of one hard scrub.
- How much hair wax to use — and how to apply it unseenMost wax problems are a dosage problem, not a product problem. The right amount, wax on dry hair and gel on damp, and why it turns white.