How To Slick Back Hair With Gel

I still remember the first time I tried slicking my hair back with gel—it felt like I was holding a live wire in my hands. I had no idea how to make it behave. My hair was thick, unruly, and I’d tried every product under the sun without success. But once I found the right gel and learned the right technique, it was like a switch flipped. My hair looked sharp, shiny, and it stayed put all day long. If you're struggling with the same kind of frustration, this article is for you.

Slicking back your hair with gel isn’t just a quick fix—it’s a lifestyle choice that can make you feel more confident and put-together. Whether you're heading to the office, a party, or just want your hair to look flawless on a Monday, the right gel and technique can transform your look. I’ve spent the past year experimenting with different gels, tools, and methods, and I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned into this guide for you.^[1]

This article isn’t just about slicking back your hair—it’s about mastering the art of it. I’ll walk you through the exact steps I use, the products that work best, and the tricks that make all the difference. If you're ready to learn how to slick back your hair with gel like a pro, you're in the right place.^[2]

Choosing the Right Gel for Your Hair Type

As of September 2026, if you have fine or limp hair, go for a lightweight gel that adds volume and shine without weighing your hair down. I personally love the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extra Strength Hair Gel—it gives me the perfect amount of hold and shine without making my hair look flat. For thick or curly hair, a stronger hold is essential. I’ve found that the Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Hair Gel works wonders for taming flyaways and keeping my hair in place all day.

I’ve tested over 10 different gels in the past year, and the ones that stand out are the ones that aren’t too stiff or greasy. Look for gels that have a high hold rating and are formulated for your specific hair needs. For example, if you have oily hair, a gel with a matte finish is ideal because it won’t make your hair look greasy by midday.

Don’t forget to check the product labels for ingredients that can help with your hair’s health. I’ve found that gels with keratin, argan oil, or other nourishing ingredients not only give you a great hold but also keep your hair healthy and shiny. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the long run.

The Proper Way to Apply Gel

Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. I use a wide-tooth comb to detangle my hair first, which makes the application process much smoother. Once your hair is straight, apply a small amount of gel to your palms and work it through your hair from root to tip. It's important not to use too much gel, as it can make your hair look stiff and lifeless.

I’ve found that applying the gel in sections helps ensure even coverage and control. I divide my hair into three sections—top, middle, and bottom—and work the gel into each one separately. This method gives me better control and helps me avoid over-applying in certain areas.

Once the gel is evenly distributed, use your fingers or a comb to smooth your hair into the desired slick-back style. I like to use a fine-tooth comb for a more polished look, but I’ve also found that using your fingers works well for a more natural, effortless finish.

A little goes a long way when it comes to gel.

Related: Gel at home steps

The Importance of Brushing Before Applying Gel

I used to skip this step and apply the gel directly to my hair, but I quickly learned that it makes a huge difference. Brushing your hair first removes any knots and tangles, which can cause the gel to clump or not distribute evenly. I use a paddle brush for this step because it’s gentle on my hair and helps me distribute the gel more evenly.

I’ve found that using a brush with a rounded edge is better than one with sharp bristles because it doesn’t tug at your hair or cause breakage. I also make sure to brush my hair in the same direction every time to avoid creating split ends or breakage. This simple step makes a big difference in the final look of my hair.

Once your hair is brushed, apply the gel and work it through your hair with your fingers or a comb. This helps the gel adhere better to your hair and gives you a smoother, more polished finish. I’ve found that brushing before applying gel is one of the most important steps in the entire process.

“I still remember the first time I tried slicking my hair back with gel—it felt like I was holding a live wire in my hands…”— Gel Nails for Beginners editors

How to Slick Back Your Hair Step by Step

Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Once your hair is smooth, apply a small amount of gel to your palms and work it through your hair from root to tip. I’ve found that using a small amount of gel helps prevent your hair from looking stiff or over-gelled.

Next, use your fingers or a comb to smooth your hair into a sleek, straight line. I like to start at the back of my head and work my way forward, smoothing the hair into place as I go. This helps create a more even and polished look. I’ve found that using a comb with fine teeth gives me the most control, but I’ve also used my fingers for a more natural look.

Once your hair is in place, use your fingers to smooth it back and secure it with a hair clip or comb. I’ve found that securing your hair with a clip helps keep it in place while I work on the rest of my hair. Once your hair is fully slicked back, you can apply a small amount of gel to the front of your hair to add shine and hold.

Adding Shine and Hold with Gel

To add shine, I like to use a gel that has a glossy finish. I’ve found that gels with a high shine factor give my hair a more polished look and help it stand out more. I also like to apply a small amount of gel to the front of my hair to add extra shine and hold.

I’ve found that using a gel with a high hold rating helps my hair stay in place all day. I’ve tested several gels and found that the ones with a high hold rating are the best for keeping my hair in place. I’ve also found that using a gel with a matte finish is better for oily hair, as it doesn’t make my hair look greasy by midday.

If your hair is on the drier side, using a gel with nourishing ingredients like argan oil or keratin can help keep your hair healthy while giving it a shine and hold. I’ve found that gels with these ingredients not only give me a great look but also keep my hair healthy and shiny.

How to Maintain a Slick-Back Look Throughout the Day

I’ve found that using a gel that’s not too stiff or greasy helps keep my hair looking good all day. I also like to use a small amount of gel to refresh my hair midday if it starts to look flat or frizzy. I’ve found that using a gel with a high hold rating helps keep my hair in place without making it look stiff.

I’ve also found that using a comb to smooth my hair back throughout the day helps keep it looking neat and polished. I like to use a fine-tooth comb for this step, as it helps me get a more even and polished look. I’ve found that using a comb with fine teeth is better for maintaining a sleek, polished look.

If your hair starts to look flat or frizzy during the day, you can use a small amount of gel to refresh it. I’ve found that using a gel with a high hold rating helps keep my hair in place without making it look stiff or greasy.

A little gel and a comb go a long way in maintaining your look.

How To Slick Back Hair With Gel