The slicked-back hairstyle, a timeless look that exudes confidence and sophistication, has seen a resurgence in popularity. From the runways to the red carpet, and even in everyday casual settings, this style is undeniably versatile. But is it truly possible to “train” your hair to naturally fall into that desired slicked-back position, or is it all just clever styling tricks? The answer is nuanced, and this comprehensive guide will delve into the science, techniques, and products that can help you achieve and maintain the perfect slicked-back look.
Understanding Hair Training: Fact vs. Fiction
The concept of hair training often brings to mind images of forcefully manipulating strands into submission. However, the reality is much more subtle. Hair training, in its essence, is about encouraging your hair to adopt a specific growth pattern and to become more receptive to styling. This is achieved through a combination of strategic washing, brushing, product usage, and even heat styling techniques.
It’s crucial to understand that you can’t fundamentally alter the inherent texture of your hair. If you have tightly coiled curls, you won’t be able to train them into pin-straight strands. However, you can influence how your hair behaves and how easily it cooperates with your styling efforts.
The Science Behind Hair’s Adaptability
Hair’s ability to be “trained” relies on a few key factors. The first is the natural direction of hair growth. Over time, hair tends to develop a preferred direction, influenced by genetics, styling habits, and even sleeping positions. By consistently guiding your hair in a specific direction, you can reinforce this pattern.
Another important element is the hair’s cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft. When the cuticle is smooth and closed, hair appears sleek and shiny. Conversely, a rough or open cuticle leads to frizz and difficulty in styling. Training can help to smooth down the cuticle, making hair more manageable and receptive to styling products.
Finally, the scalp’s oil production plays a significant role. Over-washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Conversely, infrequent washing can result in buildup, weighing the hair down. Finding the right balance is crucial for optimal hair health and trainability.
Key Techniques for Training Your Hair to Slick Back
Successfully training your hair to slick back involves a multi-faceted approach. It’s not a quick fix, but rather a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. These are some foundational techniques to implement.
Strategic Washing and Conditioning
The frequency with which you wash your hair is a crucial factor. Over-washing strips the hair of its natural oils, making it dry and difficult to style. Aim to wash your hair only when necessary, typically every 2-3 days, or even less frequently if your hair is naturally dry.
When you do wash your hair, focus on cleansing the scalp rather than the entire length of your hair. This helps to remove buildup without excessively drying out the ends.
Conditioning is equally important. Use a moisturizing conditioner after each wash to replenish moisture and smooth the cuticle. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to further hydrate and protect your hair throughout the day.
Brushing Techniques for Directional Growth
Brushing plays a vital role in training your hair. Use a boar bristle brush to distribute natural oils from the scalp down the hair shaft. This helps to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.
When brushing, consciously direct your hair backward and away from your face. This reinforces the desired slicked-back direction. Brush your hair in this manner while it’s damp, as it’s more pliable at this stage.
Product Selection and Application
Choosing the right styling products is essential for achieving and maintaining the slicked-back look. The best products will depend on your hair type and desired level of hold.
- Pomades: Provide a strong hold and a high-shine finish.
- Gels: Offer a firm hold and a wet look.
- Waxes: Provide a medium hold and a matte finish.
- Hair Sprays: Help to set the style and provide extra hold.
Apply styling products to damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way down. Use a comb to evenly distribute the product and ensure that all strands are coated. Begin with a small amount of product and add more as needed to avoid weighing your hair down.
Heat Styling Considerations
While heat styling can be effective in training your hair, it’s important to use it sparingly and with caution. Excessive heat can damage your hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
If you choose to use a hairdryer, use a low heat setting and a directional nozzle to blow-dry your hair backward. This helps to set the style and add volume.
A flat iron can also be used to smooth down the hair and create a sleek look. However, use a heat protectant spray before using a flat iron to minimize damage.
Maintaining Your Slicked-Back Style and Hair Health
Once you’ve successfully trained your hair to slick back, maintaining the style and ensuring your hair’s health is crucial.
Nighttime Routine
Your nighttime routine can significantly impact your hair’s trainability. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
Consider using a loose hair tie or scarf to gently hold your hair in the desired position while you sleep. Avoid tight ponytails or braids, as these can cause breakage.
Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair and preventing split ends. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking its best.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to replenish moisture and repair damage. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week, leaving it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Even with consistent effort, you may encounter some challenges while training your hair to slick back. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Hair Not Staying in Place
If your hair keeps falling out of place, it may be due to insufficient product or improper application. Try using a stronger-hold styling product or applying more product to the roots. Also, ensure that you’re distributing the product evenly throughout your hair.
Hair Looking Greasy
Greasy hair can be a sign of over-product use or infrequent washing. Reduce the amount of styling product you’re using and wash your hair more frequently. You can also use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil.
Frizziness and Flyaways
Frizziness and flyaways can be caused by dryness, damage, or static electricity. Use a moisturizing conditioner and leave-in treatment to hydrate your hair. You can also use a hair oil or serum to smooth down flyaways. Consider using a humidifier in your home, especially during dry seasons.
Hair Types and Slicking Back: A Tailored Approach
The success of training your hair to slick back heavily depends on your hair type. What works wonders for someone with fine, straight hair might be disastrous for someone with thick, curly hair. Let’s break down the ideal approaches for various hair types.
Fine Hair
Fine hair can be easily weighed down, making it difficult to achieve volume and hold. Use lightweight styling products, such as mousse or light-hold gels. Avoid heavy pomades or waxes, as these can make your hair look greasy. Focus on creating texture and volume at the roots to prevent your hair from falling flat. Teasing the roots gently before applying product can help create a solid base.
Thick Hair
Thick hair often requires more product and effort to train. Use a strong-hold pomade or wax to keep your hair in place. You may also need to use a hairdryer to help set the style. Consider layering products, starting with a mousse or volumizing spray at the roots and following with a pomade or wax. Clip the hair in place after styling to help it maintain its shape.
Curly Hair
Training curly hair to slick back can be challenging, but not impossible. Start by using a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate your curls. Then, use a curl-defining cream or gel to help smooth and define your curls. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair and guide it into the desired direction. Consider using a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your hair without disrupting your curl pattern. You might also explore “wash and go” techniques with a strong-hold gel to encourage your curls to lay flatter.
Straight Hair
Straight hair is generally the easiest to train to slick back. Use a lightweight pomade or wax to add texture and hold. You may also need to use a hairdryer to add volume at the roots. Experiment with different partings to find the one that best suits your face shape. Backcombing at the crown can provide additional lift.
The Psychology of Hair Training: Patience and Persistence
Training your hair isn’t just about the techniques and products; it also involves a certain mindset. Patience is paramount. Don’t expect to see results overnight. It takes time and consistent effort to change your hair’s natural behavior.
Persistence is equally important. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing the techniques and experimenting with different products until you find what works best for your hair. Think of it as a long-term investment in your overall style and confidence.
Embrace the journey and celebrate the small victories along the way. Each day that your hair cooperates a little bit more is a step closer to achieving your desired slicked-back look.
Ultimately, the “trainability” of your hair is a combination of genetics, technique, product selection, and perseverance. While you can’t fundamentally change your hair’s texture, you can definitely influence its behavior and create a stylish and sophisticated slicked-back look.
FAQ 1: Is it truly possible to “train” hair to slick back, or is it just a myth?
While you can’t fundamentally change the hair’s natural growth pattern, “training” your hair to slick back is more about consistently encouraging it to conform to a desired style. This involves adapting your hair’s behavior through strategic styling techniques, product use, and consistent maintenance. Over time, with repeated application and patience, your hair will become more compliant and easier to style in the slicked-back fashion you desire.
The key is to understand that you’re not altering the hair follicle itself, but rather teaching the hair shaft to lie in a specific direction. Think of it like training a plant to grow along a trellis. You provide the support and direction, and the plant gradually adapts. With the right approach and commitment, you can effectively “train” your hair to slick back, even if it naturally tends to fall forward or to the side.
FAQ 2: What hair types are best suited for slicking back, and what challenges might others face?
Hair types with a natural wave or slight curl often find it easier to train into a slicked-back style. The inherent texture provides some grip, allowing styling products to hold the hair in place more effectively. Straight hair can also be trained, but it generally requires more product and effort to maintain the style throughout the day. Thicker hair, regardless of texture, can be challenging due to its weight and tendency to spring back to its original shape.
Those with very fine or thin hair may struggle to achieve the volume and fullness often associated with a classic slicked-back look. Curly or kinky hair types may need to incorporate heat styling techniques, like blow-drying or using a flat iron, to temporarily straighten the hair before attempting to slick it back. Ultimately, patience and experimentation with different techniques and products are crucial for achieving the desired results, regardless of hair type.
FAQ 3: What products are essential for successfully training hair to slick back?
A strong-hold hair gel or pomade is fundamental for initially training the hair and providing the necessary hold to maintain the slicked-back style. Look for products that offer a firm hold without leaving the hair feeling stiff or crunchy. A good hairspray is also essential for locking the style in place and preventing flyaways. A wide-tooth comb or styling brush is important for achieving a neat and polished finish.
Beyond the basics, consider incorporating pre-styling products such as a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray, especially if you have fine or limp hair. These products can add body and grip, making it easier to style your hair. A leave-in conditioner or hair oil can also be beneficial, especially if you’re using heat styling tools, as it helps to protect and hydrate the hair.
FAQ 4: How often should I be styling my hair in a slicked-back fashion to effectively train it?
Consistency is key when training your hair. Aim to style your hair in the slicked-back fashion as often as possible, ideally daily or at least every other day. The more frequently you encourage your hair to lie in the desired direction, the easier it will become over time. This consistent application helps to gradually retrain the hair’s natural parting and overall shape.
Even on days when you’re not actively styling your hair, consider brushing it back and securing it with a loose headband or hair tie to encourage it to maintain the desired shape. This gentle training can help to reinforce the slicked-back direction without requiring heavy styling products. Remember that patience is essential, and it may take several weeks or even months to see significant results.
FAQ 5: What are some common mistakes people make when trying to train their hair to slick back?
One common mistake is using products that are too weak or not designed for slicked-back styles. This results in a style that falls flat or loses its shape quickly. Another error is applying products unevenly, leading to some areas being well-styled while others are not. Overusing product can also be problematic, causing the hair to look greasy or stiff.
Neglecting to properly prepare the hair is another frequent mistake. Dirty or oily hair will be more difficult to style and less likely to hold the desired shape. Not using the correct tools, such as a wide-tooth comb or styling brush, can also hinder the process. Finally, impatience is a significant factor. Training hair takes time and consistent effort, and expecting immediate results can lead to frustration.
FAQ 6: Can the direction you part your hair affect how easily you can train it to slick back?
Yes, the natural part of your hair significantly impacts how easily you can achieve a slicked-back style. If your hair naturally parts to the side, forcing it directly back can be more challenging. It’s often easier to work with your natural part and create a slightly off-center or angled slicked-back look, rather than fighting against your hair’s natural inclination.
Over time, you can gradually train your hair to adjust to a different part, but this requires consistent effort and may involve using styling techniques to redirect the hair growth. Consider experimenting with different parting positions to find what works best for your hair type and face shape. Sometimes, a slight adjustment in the part can make a significant difference in how well your hair slicks back.
FAQ 7: Are there any long-term consequences or potential damage associated with consistently slicking back your hair?
Consistently slicking back your hair, especially with strong-hold products and tight styles, can potentially lead to breakage or damage over time. The tension on the hair follicles can weaken them, increasing the risk of hair loss or thinning, particularly around the hairline. Regular use of styling products can also dry out the hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends.
To minimize potential damage, prioritize hair health. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair hydrated. Limit the use of heat styling tools and opt for low-heat settings when possible. Consider incorporating hair masks or oil treatments into your routine to nourish and strengthen your hair. Avoid pulling your hair too tightly when slicking it back, and give your hair a break from styling products and tight styles on occasion.