Slicking back long hair is a classic and timeless hairstyle that has been popular for decades. It’s a versatile look that can be worn in both casual and formal settings, and it works well for men with different face shapes and hair types. However, achieving a slicked-back style with long hair requires some effort and technique. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the steps to slick back long hair for men, including preparing your hair, styling it, and maintaining the look.
Preparing Your Hair
Before you start styling your long hair into a slicked-back look, you need to prepare it properly. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Wash Your Hair Start by washing your hair with a quality shampoo and conditioner. Clean hair is easier to style, and using conditioner will help to keep your locks smooth and manageable. Use lukewarm water to wash your hair, as hot water can strip away natural oils and make your hair dry and frizzy.
- Blow Dry Your Hair Blow drying your hair before styling can help to give it body and volume. Use a medium heat setting and a round brush to dry your hair while pulling it back away from your face. This will help to create a natural wave that will make slicking back your hair easier. Make sure to dry your hair thoroughly, as damp hair can cause the styling product to break down quickly.
- Apply a Light Hold Styling Product Before applying any heavy hold products, apply a light hold styling product to your damp hair. This will help to keep your hair in place without making it stiff. Use a nickel-sized amount of product and distribute it evenly through your hair. Some good options for light hold styling products include mousse, sea salt spray, or leave-in conditioner.
Styling Your Hair
Once your hair is prepared, it’s time to style it into a slicked-back look. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Decide on Your Part Decide where you want your part to be. A deep side part is popular for a classic slicked-back look, but you can also opt for a center part if that suits your face shape better. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a clean and defined part.
- Apply a Heavy Hold Styling Product Once your hair is dry, apply a heavy hold styling product like pomade or gel to your hair. Start at the back of your head and work the product forward, making sure to distribute it evenly through your hair. Use a small amount of product at first, and add more as needed to achieve your desired level of hold.
- Comb Your Hair Back Using a comb, start at your hairline and comb your hair straight back. Use the teeth of the comb to create a clean part and smooth out any bumps or flyaways. Try to keep your hair close to your scalp as you comb it back, so that it looks neat and polished.
- Shape Your Hair Once your hair is combed back, use your hands to shape it into the desired style. You can create a sleek and polished look by smoothing your hair down, or you can add volume and texture by ruffling it up a bit. Experiment with different styles to find the one that suits you best.
Maintaining Your Style
Slicked-back hair requires some maintenance throughout the day to keep it looking fresh. Here are some tips on how to maintain your slicked-back style:
- Touch Up Throughout the Day Keep a small amount of styling product with you and touch up your hair as needed to keep it in place. Use a small amount of product at a time, and avoid applying too much, as this can make your hair look greasy and weighed down.
- Avoid Touching Your Hair Avoid touching your hair too much throughout the day. This can cause the product to break down and make your hair greasy. If you need to touch your hair, use a comb or your fingers to reshape it gently.
- Wash Your Hair Regularly Slicked-back hair can be prone to buildup from styling products. Make sure to wash your hair regularly to avoid this buildup, which can make your hair stiff and difficult to style. Use a quality shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for your hair type, and rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of product.
Conclusion
Slicked-back hair is a stylish and sophisticated look that works well for men with long hair. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a polished and elegant style that will turn heads. Remember to prepare your hair properly, use the right products, and maintain your style throughout the day to keep it looking fresh. With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon master the art of slicking back long hair.
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