Slicked-back hairstyles are timeless, stylish, clean, yet edgy. This look has been incredibly popular for decades, and we completely understand why. However, it's not like you can just roll out of bed with such a hairstyle. It requires some knowledge and skills. Especially if you want it to stay in place all day without wild strands suddenly coming loose and hanging in front of your Eyes. It looks odd, and you don't want that. That's why today we're going to look at how to style this hairstyle best so you can withstand any gust of wind.
The reasons your hairstyle doesn't stay in place
You might be wondering why your hairstyle doesn't stay slicked back throughout the day. There's no straightforward answer because there are quite a few different reasons why your style might not hold. Therefore, we're going to go through the most common reasons. You can see which one might be the culprit for you!
Hair Type
The most common reason your Hair doesn't stay slicked back is your Hair Type. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it. You might have straight Hair, curly Hair, thick Hair, thin Hair, you name it. Curly Hair is quite stubborn and is more likely to come loose when combed back. Also, thick Hair with more volume is a tricky opponent for this hairstyle. The rule is: the fuller and thicker, the heavier. The heavier, the more gravity will do its thing sooner. Straight Hair that isn't too thick is the easiest hairstyle for this look.
Growth direction
Another reason you can't do much about yourself. All hair has a certain growth direction. For some men, the Hair grows towards the front, which is tricky if you want your Hair to go back. The crown can also be a difficult spot. Within a small area on your head, hairs grow in all different directions. It's also harder to direct them all in the same direction and keep them there.
Sebum production
Then there's sebum production that can throw a wrench in the works. If you have hyperactive sebum production, your Hair will get greasy much faster than usual. These oils form a layer on the hairs and can eventually repel the products you use. As a result, the hairs might fall forward again during the day.
Wrong products
Now, here's something you can do something about! When you use the wrong products for your hairstyle, you can be sure that your hairstyle will fall forward again during the day. If you have thick Hair and use a product with a light Hold, there's not enough power in it, and you can be sure it will fall forward.
Tips to keep your Hair falling back
We wouldn't be us if we didn't give you some tips! Of course, it's possible to wear your Hair confidently back despite all the reasons it's not working now. Some Tips & Tricks are needed for that. Take notes:
1. Use a Hair Dryer
Blow-drying is a secret weapon that almost all men use who wear their hair slicked back. By blow-drying your Hair when it's wet, you can 'bend' your Hair and thus slightly change the hair direction. You also add more volume to your Hair, making it less heavy and more airy. This makes it much easier to style, and that's why a Hair Dryer is number 1 when it comes to slicked-back hairstyles.
2. Have your hairstyle thinned out
Hear us out. If you really have thick and difficult Hair, it's a good idea to have your hairstyle thinned out at the barber or hairdresser. It doesn't change much about the appearance but does ensure that your Hair is 10 times easier to style.
3. Choose a Shampoo that maintains your sebum production
Opt for a good (natural) Shampoo so that your sebum production doesn't go into overdrive. Don't wash your Hair daily either. That will cause your Hair to become greasy faster. This way, you won't get oils in your Hair that fight against the products you use.
4. Use the right products
Your best friend if you want to wear your Hair slicked back is the right hair product! Many people make a mistake here. You shouldn't get greasy products to keep your Hair tightly back. Fortunately, there are plenty of products that are a good match for this look.
Which products ensure that my Hair falls back?
Of course, there are also different hairstyles that you wear back. For example, you have classics like the slickbacks and quiffs. If you want to go for the John Travolta a la 'Grease' look, you can use a Oil-Based Pomade with a high Shine. Water-Based Pomade with a high Hold is most used by men who wear their Hair back. The Reuzel Pomades are recommended because they have a different Pomade for every Hair Type and length.
You can also use a Hair Wax, but only if you have short Hair. The Hold is not good enough for unruly or longer hairstyles. Do you have longer Hair? Then a Hair Clay is recommended again with a high Hold and matte finish. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a Hair Paste. With this, you can add a lot of variation and the product can often be restyled throughout the day. So if a strand falls forward? No problemo, just style it back with your hand through your Hair. It's as easy as pie!
Of course, a good Finishing Spray is the finishing touch. Once you've blow-dried your Hair and styled it with the right products, finish it off with a hairspray that ensures your hairstyle doesn't come undone.
Good luck!
Your friends, The Alpha Men