The line between chic sleek and wet rat is thin—here’s how to nail your slick back styles every single time.

Here’s a secret (that is not particularly well-kept)—the easiest way to salvage two- or three-day hair is with a slick back. You can turn your dirty locks from icky to fresh with little more than some hair wax, hairspray and a fine-toothed comb, and it’s a great look for day-to-day errands and glam events alike.

There’s just one thing: If done wrong, sleek can just look greasy. Obviously, if you’re trying to channel your inner clean girl, this is exactly what you’ll want to avoid. Unfortunately, finding the right routine takes a lot of trial and error—that is, unless, you’ve got our hair handbook on hand. Ahead, find our step-by-step guide to the perfect non-greasy slick back every time:

Step 1: Start with day-old hair

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by J (@jennierubyjane)

In fact, the greasier, the better! Not only are the oils from your scalp going to help to nourish your hair in this tight style, but they also work to hold your hair in place while you work.

Step 2: Detangle your tresses—thoroughly

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Virtue Labs (@virtuelabs)

If you’re keen on avoiding lumps and bumps at all costs, detangling is non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter what style you’re going for—if you haven’t detangled, you won’t get good results. Detangling your hair also helps to distribute the oils from your scalp, which can make your hair more manageable to style overall.

For this, you’ll want to work from the bottom up, tackling the ends before moving up to the mid-shaft of your strands and ultimately your roots. When you can run your brush through your locks with no resistance, you’re ready.

Step 3: Apply product

For those rocking week-old hair, you might be able to get away with an au naturel slick back—that means using your self-made grease to style your hair. But, if not, investing in a good hair clay, wax or gel is key.

TIP: If you have thinner hair, you’ll want to use a more lightweight wax like Percy and Reed’s Session Styling Hair Wax (priced at RM117) to avoid serving wet rat. Conversely, for thick-haired ladies, you’ll need to use something more heavy-duty like Hanz de Fuko’s Claymation (priced at RM125) to keep your frizz in check. Just make sure to start small and layer it up as needed to avoid using too much product!

Step 4: Take your time 

Once the product is in, it’s time to work it through your strands. For this step, we recommend first using your go-to hairbrush to lay the groundwork for your desired style. Then, once you’ve settled that, you can then go in with a fine-toothed comb or boar bristle brush to smooth and slick down any frizz or strays.

Don’t rush it—the more you rush, the less sleek the results will be! 

Step 5: Finishing steps 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Briogeo Hair Care (@briogeo)

Once you’ve got your style down, it’s time for the finishing touches. For this, using a slick stick is your best bet. Our pick is Briogeo’s Style + Treat™ Yuzu + Plum Oil Sleek Stick (priced at RM118)—it effortlessly smoothes frizz and strays for a perfect pulled-back style, and it does it without leaving your hair looking greasy. Plus, its hair-caring formula is infused with yuzu extract, plum oil and a Super B-Complex to protect and condition your hair with all-day wear. 

TIP: The formula is made to deliver 24-hour hold and frizz protection, but you can still keep this travel-friendly styling stick on hand for emergency touch-ups!

Once you’ve perfected your style, you can go in with a matte hairspray to set your style and reduce any extra shine. And, if your hair is still too shiny, you can opt to mist a fine dry shampoo over the top to take away the extra shine.

Now that you’ve got yourself the perfect slick back, there’s only one bit of advice we have left: Don’t overdo it! While the style looks cute, you’ll want to avoid making it an every day thing—believe us, there’s nothing fun about getting traction alopecia.

For more beauty reads like this, click here