Hi, Im Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade of salon experience. Slick-back hairstyles for women are a timeless way to showcase facial features, create a polished look, and work across hair lengths and textures. In this post I share 28 curated image examples – from glossy slicked-back buns and ponytails to textured, undone versions for curly and fine hair. These styles suit strong jawlines, oval faces, and anyone wanting low-maintenance elegance for events, work, or nights out. Ill explain product choices (pomade, gel, lightweight cream), the right brushes and blow-dry techniques, and how to prep hair to hold sleekness without weighing it down. Expect step-by-step styling tips, protective alternatives for fragile hair, and variations to make each look modern. Whether youre heading to a red carpet or a weekday meeting, these slick-back looks can be adapted to your hair type and lifestyle.
Sleek Wet-Look Sculpted Pixie with Deep Side Part
Suitability: Best on straight to slightly wavy hair, fine to medium density. Works well for short back-and-sides or pixie lengths with at least 2–3 inches on top for the sculpted front. Styling technique: Start with towel‑damp hair. Create a precise deep side part with a tail comb, then distribute a medium‑to‑high hold wet‑finish product evenly from roots to tips. Use a wide-tooth comb to slick sides back and a fine-tooth comb to sculpt the front into a controlled lift or mini pompadour. Low heat from a blow dryer with a narrow nozzle helps set shape while using your fingers or a small round brush to shape the front. Finish by smoothing with the comb and locking the style with a strong flexible hairspray for long hold. Tools needed: tail comb, fine-tooth comb, small round brush, blow dryer with nozzle, optionally a small flat iron for stubborn cowlicks. Products required: strong-hold gel or pomade (wet finish), smoothing serum or oil for shine, light hairspray, clarifying shampoo for removal. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires precise parting and product control. Maintenance tips: Trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain clean lines, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and refresh daily with a little water and product to restyle.
Sleek Textured Short Pixie-Bob with Voluminous Side Sweep
This sleek, textured short pixie-bob with a voluminous side sweep suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works well on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve similar lift with strategic layering and root-lifting products. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a small amount of volumizing mousse at the roots. Create a deep side part, then blow-dry using a medium round brush to lift the crown and smooth the sides, directing hair back and slightly under at the nape. Use a flat iron to refine the top sweep and add a subtle outward flick to the ends for movement. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, flat iron, tail comb and clips. Products: heat protectant, root-lift mousse or spray, lightweight pomade or styling cream for control, light-hold hairspray and a shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — styling is straightforward but requires precision cutting to maintain shape; ask your stylist for stacked back layers for natural volume. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the crown down.
Sleek Wet-Look Slicked-Back for Short to Medium, Straight or Wavy Hair
This sleek wet-look slicked-back style works best on straight to slightly wavy hair at short to medium lengths. Fine hair will benefit from added control and shine; thicker hair may need a smoothing cut or light thinning for the same polished finish. Technique: start with clean, towel-damp hair. Work a small amount of smoothing leave-in or cream through the lengths, then distribute a strong-hold, high-shine gel or pomade from roots to ends. Using a fine-tooth comb, comb hair straight back in sections for even coverage and shape. Optionally blow-dry on low with a comb attachment for extra set, then reapply a thin layer of product and smooth with a boar-bristle brush for a mirror finish. Tools: fine-tooth comb, boar-bristle brush, blow-dryer (optional), tail comb for precision. Products: smoothing leave-in, strong-hold gel or pomade, light hairspray, weekly clarifying shampoo and a hydrating mask. Difficulty: easy–moderate — straightforward but requires even product distribution for a clean result. Maintenance: refresh with water and a dab of product, clarify weekly to remove buildup, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape and shine.
Slicked-Back Wet‑Look Short Bob
This slicked-back wet‑look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair with fine to medium density; thicker or curly hair can also achieve the look after smoothing with a flat iron. Technique: start with clean, towel‑damped hair. Apply a pea‑to‑nickel sized amount of wet‑look gel or styling cream evenly from roots to ends, then comb hair straight back with a wide-tooth comb, following with a fine-tooth tail comb or boar‑bristle brush to refine the sleek channels. Use a blow dryer on low/cool with a nozzle to set if needed, or let air dry for a truer wet effect. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth/tail comb, boar‑bristle brush, hair clips, blow dryer (nozzle) and optional flat iron. Products required: weightless leave‑in conditioner, medium‑hold wet gel or pomade, light shine serum, and a flexible‑hold hairspray for longevity. Difficulty: easy to moderate — quick once technique is practiced (10–20 minutes). Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain blunt ends, clarify weekly if product builds up, refresh with water + styling cream between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob — Glossy Blunt Crop
This slicked-back wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and is especially flattering for fine to medium densities. For curlier textures, smooth and stretch the hair with a blow-dryer or flat iron before styling. Start on towel-damped hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, a small amount of smoothing serum at the ends, then distribute a medium-to-strong hold gel or styling cream from roots to tips. Use a fine-tooth comb or a vent brush to comb the hair straight back, creating even tension and a neat hairline. For pinpoint control, finish edges with a tail comb and a tiny bit of pomade. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb (detangling), fine-tooth comb (sleeking), blow-dryer with concentrator (optional), flat iron (optional for smoothing), and clips for sectioning. Recommended products: leave-in detangler, heat protectant, high-shine gel or pomade, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — precise cutting and even product distribution are key. Maintenance: refresh daily with water and a dab of gel, use sulfate-free shampoo, deep-condition weekly, and schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain the blunt length and clean edges.
Sleek Slicked-Back Medium Hair with Flipped Ends
This polished, slicked-back medium-length style with outward-flipped ends suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on medium to thick textures. Fine hair can wear this look with root lift and a lightweight volumizer; very curly hair should be relaxed or straightened first for the glossy finish. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner through mid-lengths and ends, then a medium-hold gel or styling pomade at roots for hold. Use a fine-tooth comb to direct hair back and a round brush (1–1.5 inch) while blow-drying with a nozzle to smooth the top; flip the ends out with the brush or a flat iron to create the subtle outward curve. Tools: blow-dryer with nozzle, round brush, fine-tooth tail comb, flat iron, clips. Products: heat protectant, smoothing cream, medium-hold gel/pomade, light-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires control for an even slick and clean flipped ends. Maintenance: refresh with damp fingers and a dab of product, dry shampoo at roots between washes, and trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the flipped ends crisp.
Sleek Wet-Look Short Bob — Slicked-Back Top with Flared Ends
This polished wet-look short bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium textures; thick hair can achieve the look but may require thinning and stronger hold products. Start on towel-damped hair: apply a light smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner, then a medium-hold styling gel from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product and a fine-tooth tail comb to sculpt a clean, slicked-back top. Blow-dry with a concentrator nozzle on low heat while combing back; finish the ends with a round or paddle brush to create the subtle flared-out tip. For added sleekness, a flat iron can be used briefly on low heat. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle, paddle/round brush, flat iron (optional), sectioning clips. Products required: leave-in smoothing cream, medium-hold gel or wet-look pomade, heat protectant, lightweight hairspray, anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate — basic combing and product control. Maintenance: refresh by dampening roots and reapplying a small amount of gel, trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain the blunt tip, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look — Sleek Low-Profile Style for Straight & Wavy Hair
This polished slicked-back wet-look works best on straight to slightly wavy hair in medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve the style with volumizing primer and extra product, while very curly textures need a blowout or flat iron first. Start on towel-damped hair: apply a lightweight smoothing serum and a medium-to-strong hold gel or pomade evenly from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product, then a fine-tooth comb or boar-bristle brush to brush hair straight back toward the nape, setting the hairline and keeping ears exposed. Tools: fine-tooth comb, boar-bristle brush, blow-dryer with concentrator (optional), flat iron (for stubborn waves), and sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, smoothing cream or serum, high-shine gel/pomade, light hairspray for flyaways, and clarifying shampoo for weekly buildup removal. Difficulty: intermediate — requires even product distribution and steady hands to avoid patchiness or a greasy look. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with a water spritz plus small amount of product, wash every 1–3 days, and use a clarifying treatment monthly to prevent residue.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob — Textured Jaw-Length Bob for Fine to Medium Hair
This slicked-back wet-look bob works best on fine to medium hair and relaxed texture; thick hair can wear it with professional thinning and anti-frizz smoothing. Start with freshly washed, towel‑damp hair. Work a pea‑to‑nickel sized amount of alcohol‑free strong‑hold gel or styling cream through roots to ends using a wide‑tooth comb to distribute product evenly. Use a paddle brush or comb to sweep hair straight back, lifting slightly at the crown for natural volume. Blow‑dry on low with a nozzle while brushing back, or air‑dry for a shinier, more natural wet finish. Finish with a small dab of lightweight pomade or shine serum on the outer layer to enhance gloss and separation, and mist with medium‑hold hairspray if extra hold is needed. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, paddle/tail comb, hairdryer with nozzle, small brush, and clips. Products: clarifying shampoo occasionally, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in detangler, strong‑hold gel, lightweight pomade, anti‑frizz serum, hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium; 10–15 minutes. Maintenance: refresh daily with water + a little gel, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the blunt shape.
Slicked-Back Short Pixie with Deep Side Part — Wet-Look Finish
This polished, slicked-back short pixie with a deep side part suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on fine to medium density strands. The cut is cropped at the nape with longer top lengths to comb back for a sculpted profile. Styling technique: start on towel-damp hair, apply a lightweight heat protectant, then a water-based pomade or strong-hold gel to distribute product from roots to ends. Create a clean deep side part with a fine-tooth comb, comb the top back and smooth the sides toward the nape, using a round or vent brush and a hairdryer on medium heat to set volume at the front. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, vent or small round brush, hairdryer with concentrator, clips for sectioning. Products required: heat protectant, water-based pomade or styling gel (firm hold), high-shine serum or spray, clarifying shampoo for weekly use. Difficulty level: easy–medium (salon cut recommended for part placement). Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks, refresh daily with a pea-sized amount of pomade, wash regularly to avoid buildup, and sleep on silk to preserve the style.
Wet‑Textured Slicked‑Back Short Bob — Sleek, Textured Short Hairstyle
This wet‑textured, slicked‑back short bob works best on straight to wavy hair and medium to thick hair densities; fine hair can wear it with volumizing prep and light lifting, while curly hair should be smoothed first. Technique: start on towel‑damp hair, distribute a lightweight styling cream or sea‑salt spray through lengths, comb hair straight back from the hairline, then blow‑dry with a nozzle while using a vent or round brush to direct hair back and add slight lift at the roots. Use fingers to separate and texturize the ends for that lived‑in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, vent or small round brush, tail comb, flat iron (optional for smoothing), and hair clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or texturizer for fine hair, lightweight gel or styling cream for the wet sheen, matte paste if you prefer less shine, and a medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — basic blow‑drying and texturizing skills. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep shape, refresh texture with a small amount of water and product daily, clarify weekly, and deep‑condition as needed to maintain shine and manageability.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Pixie
This modern slicked-back wet-look short pixie is best suited to straight or slightly wavy hair in fine to medium density. From salon experience, the style relies on a damp, evenly textured base and medium-to-strong hold products to create a sleek, controlled finish. Styling technique: shampoo and towel-dry to damp (not dripping), apply a lightweight leave-in or volumizing mousse for manageability, then emulsify a water-based gel or high-shine pomade between your palms and comb through from crown to hairline. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth and shape the hair backward; a low-heat blow-dry with a nozzle while combing helps lock the shape. Tools needed: wide-tooth towel, fine-tooth comb, blow dryer with nozzle, and tail comb for detailing. Products required: leave-in conditioner or mousse, medium/strong water-based gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum, and flexible hairspray; clarifying shampoo weekly to remove buildup. Difficulty: easy to moderate — straightforward technique but requires practice for even distribution. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks, refresh daily with a water spritz and restyle, and deep-condition monthly to prevent dryness from gels.
Sleek Slicked-Back Short Pixie — Wet-Look Tapered Back & Sides
Suitability: Ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair and medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can wear this with root-lifting products and blow-dry volume, while very curly hair will need smoothing first. Technique: Start with towel-damped hair. Apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through lengths. Blow-dry using a nozzle and a small round or paddle brush, lifting at the crown for subtle volume, then comb hair back from the hairline. For the wet-look finish, work a pea-sized amount of high-shine gel or pomade between palms and press through hair, smoothing with a fine-tooth tail comb. Tools needed: blow-dryer with nozzle, round or paddle brush, tail comb, clips, optional flat iron for extra sleekness. Products required: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, medium-hold paste or pomade, high-shine gel or styling cream, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: Easy to moderate — quick daily styling but requires precision to keep the slicked-back shape. Maintenance tips: Schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain taper; use a clarifying shampoo weekly to remove buildup; refresh shape with a little water and pomade between washes and sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Sleek Slicked-Back Wet-Look Hairstyle for Medium to Long Hair
This polished, slicked-back wet-look works best on straight to slightly wavy medium-to-long hair; finer hair will hold the shape easily, while thicker or very curly hair should be smoothed or pre-straightened. Technique: start on clean, towel‑dried hair. Apply a lightweight heat protectant, then a smoothing serum. Use a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle and a boar-bristle brush to direct hair back from the hairline, or dry until damp and work with product for the wet finish. Work a pea‑sized amount of strong-hold gel or water-based pomade through sections with a fine-tooth comb, combing firmly toward the crown and back. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, boar-bristle brush, blow dryer with nozzle, clips, and optionally a flat iron for stubborn kinks. Products required: heat protectant, smoothing serum, strong-hold gel or pomade, light finishing spray. Difficulty level: easy to moderate — technique is straightforward but requires neat combing and product control. Maintenance tips: refresh with a little water or reapply a small amount of product each day, cleanse hair regularly to avoid buildup, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim regularly to keep edges tidy.
Textured Slicked-Back Short Bob with Voluminous Crown
This polished, slightly wet-look slicked-back bob with a rounded, voluminous crown suits straight to wavy hair and works best on medium to thick textures. Fine hair can wear this style with added root-lift and a lightweight volumizing product. Technique: start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse, then blow-dry the crown using a medium round brush to create height. Smooth sides back with a tail comb while applying a light styling cream or gel to control flyaways. Finish by softening the ends with a flat iron or a round-brush blast for that subtle flip. Tools needed: blow dryer, medium round brush, tail comb, flat iron (optional), sectioning clips and a small toothbrush or edge brush for baby hairs. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, lightweight gel/creme for control, shine serum and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — basic blow-dry and smoothing skills needed. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the shape, refresh roots with dry shampoo, tame edges with a dab of styling cream, sleep on silk to reduce frizz and rework volume with a quick root blast in the morning.
Sleek Short Pixie with Voluminous Quiff (Slicked-Back Finish)
This tailored short pixie with a voluminous quiff and slicked-back sides works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and for fine to medium density. Thick hair can achieve the shape with strategic thinning and longer top layers. To style: towel-dry hair to damp, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift, then blow-dry the top using a small round brush or vent brush to lift the quiff while directing the sides back. Use a flat iron on low heat only if you need extra smoothness. Define the part with a fine-tooth or tail comb, then work a pea-sized amount of matte pomade or flexible styling cream through the lengths to sculpt and add separation; finish with a light-hold hairspray for memory and shine serum only on ends if needed. Tools: blow dryer, small round brush, tail comb, flat iron (optional), hair clips. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic blow-dry technique and precision for the quiff. Maintenance: salon trims every 4–6 weeks, dry-shampoo refreshes between washes, occasional clarifying shampoo to prevent product buildup, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Sleek Wet‑Look Slicked‑Back Short Bob
This sleek wet‑look, slicked‑back short bob suits fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair and can be adapted for thicker hair with strategic thinning. Start with clean, towel‑damped hair. Apply a generous amount of strong‑hold gel or styling cream from roots to ends, then use a fine‑tooth comb and a boar‑bristle brush to smooth hair straight back, keeping the hairline tidy. Blow‑dry briefly on low with a nozzle to set the shape or allow to air‑dry for a glossier finish. Tools: wide‑tooth detangler, fine‑tooth comb, boar‑bristle brush, blow dryer with nozzle and sectioning clips. Products: strong‑hold gel or pomade, shine serum or spray, light hairspray for hold, and a clarifying shampoo for weekly buildup removal. Difficulty: beginner to intermediate — technique is simple but precision is required to maintain a clean hairline and even product distribution. Maintenance tips: refresh the look daily by rewetting and reapplying a small amount of product, schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to preserve the short length, clarify weekly to avoid residue, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.
Short Textured Pixie with Wet-Look Side Sweep
This short textured pixie with a slicked side‑sweep offers a modern, versatile look. Best suited to straight or slightly wavy hair in fine to medium density, it can be adapted for thicker hair with strategically thinned sides. Achieve the look on damp hair: apply a light volumizing mousse at the roots and a pea‑sized styling cream through the lengths. Blow‑dry with a narrow nozzle while combing the top forward and then sweeping it to the side to set the direction; use a round brush or vent brush for subtle lift. For the wet‑look finish, work a small amount of medium‑hold pomade or glossy gel through the top and sides using your fingers and a fine‑tooth comb to create sleek separation. Tools: hairdryer with nozzle, vent or small round brush, fine‑tooth comb, clips for sectioning, optional flat iron. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, lightweight cream or pomade, glossy serum, light hairspray. Difficulty: salon‑cut required; daily styling is easy–moderate (5–10 minutes). Maintenance: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, use a hydrating shampoo/conditioner, avoid product buildup with occasional clarifying washes, and refresh styling with water plus a dab of product rather than reapplying heavy layers.
Slicked-Back Short Pixie Bob — Sleek Wet-Look Styling
This slicked-back short pixie bob works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and suits fine to medium textures; thicker hair can wear it too but will need stronger control. Start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Apply a lightweight heat protectant, then a small amount of styling gel or styling cream from roots to ends—use a thinner gel for fine hair, a stronger pomade or cream for thicker hair. Using a fine-tooth comb or a small flat brush, comb the hair straight back while blow-drying on low to medium heat with a concentrator nozzle to set the direction and create a smooth finish. For added shine, finish with a few drops of anti-frizz serum or a light shine spray; lock the style with a flexible-hold hairspray to avoid stiffness. Tools: blow-dryer with nozzle, fine-tooth comb, small flat brush, towel. Products: moisturizing shampoo/conditioner, heat protectant, gel/cream or pomade, serum, light hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — technique is simple but the precision of the cut matters. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, clarify once weekly to remove build-up, and refresh daily by misting with water and reworking a dab of product.
Textured Short Slicked-Back Pixie with Volume
A modern textured slicked-back pixie works best on fine to medium, straight or softly wavy hair where the goal is crown lift and clean lines. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a small amount of volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray through the roots and a lightweight styling cream through the lengths. Blow-dry with a nozzle using a small round brush (1–1.5) or vent brush to lift the roots — direct airflow backward while using your fingers to encourage separation and texture. Use a tail comb to shape the hairline and a flat iron on low heat for any stubborn pieces, then work a pea-sized amount of matte pomade or styling paste through the top for definition. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray for hold without stiffness. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, small round/vent brush, tail comb, optional flat iron and sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, lightweight cream or paste, matte pomade, medium-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: moderate — requires practiced blow-dry technique to build volume and texture. Maintenance: touch-up trims every 4–6 weeks, use dry shampoo between washes, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the shape down. For color-treated or bleached hair, add weekly conditioning masks.
Sleek Slicked-Back Wet Look for Short to Medium Hair
This sleek, slicked-back wet look is ideal for short to mid-length hair with naturally straight or slightly wavy texture. It’s most effective on fine to medium hair — very curly or coarse hair will require straightening first. Start with clean, towel‑dried hair: work a water‑based strong-hold gel or glossy pomade through the roots to ends, emulsifying product with a little water for even distribution. Use a fine-tooth comb or boar-bristle brush to comb the hair straight back in controlled sections, smoothing the hairline and crown. Optionally diffuse on low heat for quick set or finish with a light flexible hairspray for extra hold and humidity resistance. Tools: fine-tooth comb, boar‑bristle brush, tail comb, hair clips and a blow dryer (optional). Products: water‑based gel or cream pomade for shine, lightweight serum or shine spray, flexible hairspray, plus clarifying shampoo and conditioner for care. Difficulty: Easy–Moderate — simple technique but needs product control to avoid stiffness and buildup. Maintenance: refresh by lightly wetting and reworking a small amount of product, clarify weekly to remove residue, condition regularly to prevent dryness, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce creasing.
Slicked-Back Short Pompadour with Tapered Sides
This polished slicked-back pompadour is best suited to straight or slightly wavy hair and works especially well on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve similar lift with root-lifting products while very curly or coily hair will need smoothing or straightening first. Technique: start on towel‑dried hair, apply a light heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or root lifter at the roots. Blow-dry hair back using a round or vent brush and a concentrator nozzle to create lift at the front; for extra control, finish with a flat iron on low heat. Warm a small amount of matte pomade, clay, or medium‑hold wax in your palms and work through roots to ends, combing or brushing back to shape the pompadour. Finish with a flexible‑hold hairspray for all‑day hold and a tiny dab of shine serum if you want gloss. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, round/vent brush, tail comb, flat iron (optional). Difficulty: moderate — requires practice to get consistent volume and shape. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the tapered sides neat, clarify monthly to remove product buildup, use dry shampoo between washes, and refresh style with a little water and restyled product as needed.
Sleek Wet-Look Slicked-Back Short Bob
This polished wet-look slicked-back short bob suits straight to slightly wavy hair with medium to fine density; thicker or very curly hair will need a smoothing blowout or flatiron prep. Start on towel-damped hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then a strong-hold styling gel or cream from roots to ends, focusing on the hairline for a smooth finish. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product and a fine-tooth or tail comb to slick hair straight back, tucking ends behind the ears or leaving them slightly textured. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, blow dryer with nozzle (low heat), flat iron (optional), and clips for sectioning. Products: smoothing shampoo/conditioner, leave-in detangler, strong-hold gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy to moderate — quick to create but requires neat product application and precise combing for a salon finish. Maintenance: refresh daily with a water spritz and a small amount of gel, wash regularly to avoid build-up (clarifying shampoo once weekly), trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the blunt shape, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Bob — Textured Platinum Style
A modern slicked-back wet-look bob that reads polished yet edgy. Best suited to straight or slightly wavy hair at short to medium lengths; fine to medium density holds the shape most easily, while thicker hair benefits from light thinning or layered cutting at the salon to reduce bulk. Styling technique: start on towel-damp hair, apply a small amount of smoothing leave-in and heat protectant, then work a medium-hold gel or styling cream through roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to comb hair straight back, then set with a fine-tooth comb for sleekness. Blow-dry on low with a nozzle while directing hair back, or air-dry for a stronger wet finish before sealing with shine serum. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, blow dryer with nozzle, clips and a small round/paddle brush. Products required: leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, medium-hold gel or pomade, lightweight oil or shine serum, light hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — straightforward technique but requires product control. Maintenance: refresh daily with water + product, trim every 6–8 weeks, use purple shampoo and weekly deep-conditioning for bleached blonde hair.
Slicked-Back Wet-Look Short Crop with Tucked Ends
Sleek wet-look short crop with tucked ends is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair of fine to medium-thickness; thicker hair will need stronger hold. Start on towel-damp hair: apply a dime-to-quarter-sized amount of high-hold gel or pomade evenly from roots to ends, then comb hair straight back using a fine-tooth comb for defined ridges. For additional control, smooth with a boar-bristle brush and briefly blast with a blow-dryer on low heat using a concentrator to set the shape. Use a flat iron on very short sections only if you need extra sleekness. Tools: fine-tooth tail comb, boar-bristle brush, blow-dryer with concentrator, flat iron (optional), clips. Products: high-hold gel or pomade, lightweight shine serum or gloss spray, anti-frizz cream, and a flexible-hold hairspray to lock. Difficulty: moderate — requires technique to distribute product evenly and create a uniformly slick finish. Maintenance: avoid heavy product buildup by washing every 2–3 days and using a clarifying shampoo weekly; refresh with a water-and-gel mist between washes; trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain the cropped silhouette.
Slicked-Back Wet Look for Short Hair — Sleek Textured Bob
This slicked-back wet look suits straight to slightly wavy hair in short to mid-length bobs and lobs; fine to medium hair takes the style most easily, while thick or very curly hair will need smoothing or blow-drying first. Start on clean, towel-damp hair: distribute a pea-to-quarter-sized amount of strong-hold gel or styling cream through roots to ends with fingers, then use a wide-tooth comb to push hair straight back. Follow with a fine-tooth tail comb to refine the parting and create uniform direction. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth tail comb, blow-dryer with nozzle (low heat) or diffuser, and clips to set shape. Products: alcohol-free strong-hold gel or styling cream, lightweight shine serum, anti-humidity spray, and a flexible hold hairspray for extra endurance. Difficulty: easy–moderate — beginner-friendly but requires product control to avoid stiffness. Maintenance tips: refresh with a water mist and a dab of gel to reshape, avoid overwashing to preserve natural oils, deep-condition weekly to prevent dryness from frequent gels, and maintain a clean edge with trims every 6–8 weeks.
Slicked-Back Wet Look Short Bob — Sleek Textured Short Hairstyle
Suitable for straight to slightly wavy hair of fine to medium density; thick hair can work with layering and thinning. The look is a short, slicked-back wet finish with textured ends. Styling technique: Start towel-damp; apply a pea-to-nickel-size amount of lightweight styling cream or mousse through roots and mid-lengths, then a medium-hold gel or wet-look pomade from roots to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product, then a fine-tooth comb or tail comb to sculpt hair straight back. For added control, blow-dry on low with a nozzle while combing back, or air-dry for a true wet finish. Finish by smoothing a small amount of shine serum on the surface and lock with a light mist of flexible hairspray. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth/tail comb, blow dryer with nozzle (optional), small styling brush, clips. Products required: smoothing cream or mousse, medium-hold gel/pomade, lightweight serum, flexible hairspray, clarifying shampoo for maintenance. Difficulty level: Easy–Intermediate — quick to achieve with practice. Maintenance tips: Trim every 6–8 weeks to keep ends clean; refresh daily with water and a dab of product to reset; clarify weekly to remove buildup and use a hydrating conditioner to prevent dryness.
Sleek Slicked-Back Pixie with Defined Side Part
This sleek slicked-back pixie with a defined side part offers a polished, modern silhouette ideal for professional and evening looks. Suitability: best on straight to slightly wavy hair and fine-to-medium densities — thick hair can be texturized by a stylist to reduce bulk; tightly curled hair will need smoothing or a blowout to achieve the glossy finish. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a light heat protectant and a small amount of styling cream, create a clean side part with a tail comb, then use a fine-tooth comb to glide hair back while directing the front into a soft lift. Blow-dry using a nozzle and a boar-bristle or small round brush to set the shape; finish by working a pea-sized pomade or gel through lengths for wet shine and definition. Tools needed: tail comb, boar-bristle/small round brush, blow dryer with nozzle, flat iron (optional), sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight styling cream, medium-to-strong hold pomade or gel, working spray or strong-hold hairspray, clarifying shampoo. Difficulty: intermediate. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, daily dampen-and-comb refreshes, weekly clarify to remove buildup, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.
As a salon pro, I recommend starting with a healthy foundation: regular trims, deep conditioning, and a clarifying wash every 2-3 weeks if you use strong stylers. For slick-back styles choose products by hair type – lightweight cream or serum for fine hair, matte pomades for thick hair, and alcohol-free gels for curly textures. Always apply a heat protectant before blow-drying; use a boar-bristle brush or a fine-tooth comb to smooth roots and finish with a light mist of flexible hairspray to avoid stiffness. To protect fragile strands sleep on a silk pillowcase and avoid daily high-tension styling; alternate with looser looks and give the scalp breaks. If youre unsure which slick-back suits you, book a consultation – I can tailor length, part placement, and product choice to your face shape and lifestyle. With the 28 images here as inspiration, youll find a sleek look that feels uniquely yours.