Sticks, Creams and Gels: Our Slickback Essentials
A slickback is one of those styles that looks effortless on everyone and feels like a full arm workout (and a mild emotional challenge) when you try it yourself. The flyaways won't stay down, the parting won't sit straight, and somehow the whole thing is crunchy (or greasy) by the time you're done. The right product makes all the difference, and the ones below are our favourites for getting a sleek, polished finish without the struggle.
A little prep helps too. Dampen your hair slightly so it's easier to manage, but don't go overboard (the wetter it is, the more prone it is to damage). Add a good bristle brush and you're ready to start.
From there, you have three routes: a stick, a styling cream or a gel. Roughly speaking, sticks are for light smoothing, creams give a softer hold and gels deliver the firmest finish. Your approach depends on your hair texture (and stubbornness). Here are Cake The Mag’s favourites in each, plus a few extras for tidying flyaways and edges.
Sticks (for smooth and easy-to-manage hair)
Emi Jay Angelstick Hair Styling Stick glides over strands to smooth flyaways, with a fragrance-free, conditioning formula that's compact enough to toss in a bag for touch-ups.
MOSH IKT Hair Wax Stick is a simple, no-fuss stick that smooths frizz and edges without feeling greasy.
Styling Cream (for manageable hair with slight texture)
dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream smooths frizz and adds shine with a lightweight feel.
SLICKHAIR Dream Cream 3-in-1 Styling Cream is a three-in-one cream that lets one product do the work of several.
Smooth Dream 11-in-1 Hair Styling Cream smooths, strengthens and styles in one buildable formula.
Gel (for thicker and coarser hair)
Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel has a weightless feel and helps tame frizz while keeping hair hydrated.
Fenty Hair The Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel is a strong-hold gel for a firm, sleek finish that doesn’t budge.
Got2b Glued Water Resistant Spiking Glue is the maximum-hold option made for spiking your hair (so it’s perfect to keep your hair put in place).
Merkaou Flex Hair Gel is made for slick buns and high ponytails, with a flake-free, non-oily hold.
Clean-Ups and Flyaways
For final touches, our favourite styling wands (to get the flyaways down) include Mermade Hair Gel Wand and SLICKHAIR Slick Stick Anti-Flyaway Hair Wand while our go-to gels (for edge control) are Superdrug Style Expertise Hold & Freeze Gel, Fenty Beauty Thickening Edge Control and Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel.
