Beauty trends are cyclical, so every few years retro trends come back and are suddenly the talk of the town again. This year that beauty trend is slicked-back hair. Dating all the way back to the ’80s, gelled hair is one of those styles that (when done right) can look so cool and take whatever you’re wearing to the next level. The gelled look was all over the spring 2020 shows, popping up on the runways of designers like Prabal Gurung and Sally LaPointe.
A slicked-back style is the perfect answer for second-day hair or when you just don’t have time to wash it, since the gelled look will cover up any oil at the roots. It’s also a chic way to show off your accessories, by pulling your hair back and out of the way it gives your earrings or statement necklace a chance to shine.
Photo: Patricia Manfield
Achieving a slicked-back style is easier than it looks, you’ll just need some kind of hair gel or molding compound to keep your strands in place and give it that subtle wet look. Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech is a great option for hold, as well as IGK’s Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel, and Ouai’s Matte Pomade. Simply slick your hair back using gel or pomade, secure at the back with some bobby pins, and the finish off with a good hairspray. Moroccanoil’s Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish and Living Proof’s Control Hairspray both hold your hair in place well?and smell amazing while doing so.

Photo: Dani Song
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