The Trend: Sleek and Slicked-Back
Forget complicated updos and time-consuming curls. The standout hair trend from Broadway’s biggest night was the effortlessly cool, slicked-back look. Seen on stars like Sarah Paulson, Alicia Keys, and Ariana
DeBose, this style projects confidence and sophistication with minimalist effort. Whether styled to look wet and glossy or simply smoothed back from the hairline, it’s a powerful statement that frames the face and lets your features shine. It’s the kind of high-fashion look that appears complex but is, in reality, one of the most accessible styles to come off a red carpet in years. Its dominance at the Tonys proves that modern elegance is less about intricate styling and more about clean lines and intentional polish.
Your New 5-Minute Morning Savior
Why did this look take over? Because it solves a universal problem: the mad dash out the door. The slicked-back style is the ultimate beauty hack for anyone who’s ever hit the snooze button one too many times. First, it works best on second- or even third-day hair, as the natural oils provide a great base for styling and hold. This instantly saves you the time and effort of a full wash-and-dry routine. Second, it’s a chic solution for frizz, flyaways, and unruly bangs that refuse to cooperate. Instead of fighting your hair, you’re working with it to create a sleek, controlled silhouette. It’s a look that says “I’m put-together and in control,” even if you only had moments to get ready. It’s polished enough for the office, yet edgy enough for a night out, making it incredibly versatile.
How to Get the Look: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to master the look? It’s simpler than you think. You don't need a celebrity stylist—just a few key products and five minutes.
1. **Start with Damp or Dry Hair:** This style is flexible. For a true 'wet look,' start with towel-dried, damp hair. For a softer, 'damp-not-dripping' look, a spray bottle of water can help. If you’re starting with dry hair, that works too—you'll just rely more heavily on your styling product.
2. **Choose Your Product:** Apply a generous amount of styling product to your hands. For a strong, glossy hold, a firm-hold gel is your best friend. For a more flexible, touchable feel with shine, try a styling cream or pomade. For volume and hold without the 'wet' finish, mousse is a great option.
3. **Apply and Comb Through:** Work the product through the front and top sections of your hair, from the roots back. Use a comb to distribute it evenly and create the slicked-back shape. A fine-tooth comb will give you sharp, clean lines, while a wide-tooth comb will create a more textured, piecey separation.
4. **Set It in Place:** Once you have the shape you want, there are two ways to lock it in. You can either let it air dry for a natural finish or use a diffuser on low heat to set the product faster without creating flyaways. A final mist of strong-hold hairspray will ensure everything stays exactly where you want it all day long.
Customize It: Make the Trend Your Own
The beauty of the slicked-back style is its versatility. It’s a foundational look that you can easily adapt to your personal style or occasion. For a classic, commanding look, comb the hair straight back from the forehead with no part, as seen on many runways. For a slightly softer, more everyday feel, create a sharp center or deep side part before combing the hair back. This adds structure and can be more flattering for different face shapes. You can also play with the finish. Leave your hair down and let the ends have their natural texture for a cool contrast, or pull the slicked-back portion into a low, sleek ponytail or bun for a sophisticated and professional vibe. This is the perfect ‘day-to-night’ style; wear it down for work and pull it into a chic chignon for dinner.
