Slicked-back hair is currently having a major moment. Spotted up and down the Autumn/Winter ’23 runway, scraped-back, polished buns turned heads at Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu and Julian Macdonald. Elsewhere, at Brandon Maxwell and Etro, hair was let loose and combed back with gel for a wet-look effect.
Proving to be just as popular off the runway, countless celebrities and fashion influencers have experimented with this style (Lizzo, Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and the Kardashian-Jenner clan are all fans).
To nail the look at home, legendary hair stylist Sam McKnight recommends lightly applying his Self Control Styling Gel to the roots before brushing the hair back to “smooth and flatten it.” The result? A “strong, powerful and sleek style.”
Slicked back hair is pretty versatile, and can take on several different styles – from a sharp, knotted chignon to a polished sky-high ponytail. For inspo, scroll on down to find our favourite interpretations that are perfect for party season and beyond.
Deep side part
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Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley pairs a deep side part with a low twisted bun to create this smooth, sleek look. To tame flyaways and control frizz: “mist hairspray onto a soft bristle brush – a natural toothbrush is perfect (and a trick of the trade) – and smooth over those pesky hairs,” says McKnight.
Wet look ponytail
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