Grip it. Smooth it. Slay it. with our first-ever Gripping Gel Pomade and Hair Gel Wand, bringing the iconic staying power of our fan-favorite Power Grip Primer to your hair for sleek buns, snatched edges, and polished flyaway control.
The slick-back era is here—and our Gripping Gel Pomade is your backstage pass. Channeling the iconic hold of Power Grip Primer, this sculpting gel delivers the perfect balance of hold and flexibility—strong enough to help keep hair in place, yet smooth enough to avoid crunch or stiffness.
Whether you’re aiming for a tight, snatched ponytail or the trending slick bun, we’re sharing our guide to mastering this technique for a smooth, slick bun look that lasts.
Now that you’re fully equipped with the right tools, it’s time to put everything to work. Whether you’re going for a tight slick back ponytail or a chic, low-key bun, these steps will help you get a smooth, glossy finish that stays put—no bumps, no crunch, no mid-day touch-ups.
Step 1: Start With Slightly Damp or Prepped Hair
The best slick backs start with the right base. You can work with clean hair or day-two hair—both can deliver great results, depending on your hair texture.
Freshly washed hair tends to be softer and a little more slippery, so adding a touch of moisture (or lightweight product) helps give it grip. Day-two hair often has a natural texture that makes slicking back even easier—just smooth any uneven areas before you begin.
Slightly damp hair is ideal because it allows gel pomade to spread evenly from root to tip. This gives you more control, helps eliminate bumps at the crown, and keeps fly aways from popping up as you brush. If your hair is fully dry, lightly mist it with a spray bottle—think hydrated and pliable, not wet.
A tip from our e.l.f.s: Starting with evenly prepped hair means less product, smoother brushing, and a sleeker finish that lasts longer!
Step 3: Brush Hair Back Using a Boar Bristle Brush
This is where the bun-making magic happens. Using our Power Grip Slick Styler, start at the forehead and brush straight back toward the crown, following the shape of your head. Work in small sections and use steady, even strokes—no aggressive brushing required.
To avoid brush marks or streaking, keep the brush flat against the head and maintain consistent pressure as you move backward. If you notice lines forming, lightly mist the area with water or smooth a tiny bit more gel pomade over the surface, then brush again.
Step 4: Set the Style for Long-Lasting Hold
You’ve smoothed, brushed, and perfected—now it’s time to lock it in. How you set your slick back can make all the difference between a style that lasts an hour and one that stays all day.
If you have the time, air-drying is the gentlest option. Letting your gel pomade set naturally helps maintain shine and flexibility while avoiding any chance of over-drying. This works especially well for softer slick backs or medium-hold styles where you still want a little movement.
Need things to set faster—or want extra hold? Grab a hair dryer on low heat. Gently blow-dry, keeping the airflow smooth and controlled. Finish with a blast of cool air to help seal your style.
For extra polish, you can lightly smooth a tiny amount of finishing product (think serum or pomade) over the surface to tame any last flyaways. Keep it minimal—this step is about shine, not slip.
For touch-ups throughout the day, reach for our NEW Power Grip Hair Gel Wand, a grippy (but not sticky or crusty!) finishing wand perfect for smoothing strands down or taming pop-ups throughout the day.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Slick Back
How to avoid flaking:
Flaking usually happens when too much product is layered too quickly. Start with less gel pomade, apply evenly, and avoid mixing too many styling products at once. Clean layers = smooth results.
Preventing greasy buildup:
Focus product at the roots and smooth any excess through the lengths with your brush. If hair starts to look heavy, blot gently with a tissue at the crown or reset with a clean boar bristle brush.
Adjusting hold for fine vs. thick hair:
Fine hair does best with lighter layers and medium hold to avoid weighing it down. Thick or textured hair can handle a bit more product and stronger hold to keep everything sleek and secure.
Touch-up techniques throughout the day:
Skip finger-combing, which can create frizz. Instead, use a gel styling wand like our Power Grip Hair Gel Wand to smooth flyaways and keep your slick back looking fresh.
Common Slick Back Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Using too much gel pomade:
More product doesn’t mean more hold—it usually means crunch or buildup! Start with a small amount, build gradually, and remember you can always add a touch more where needed.
Applying to soaking wet hair:
Hair that’s too wet dilutes the product and makes it harder to control. Aim for slightly damp hair so the gel pomade grips evenly and sets smoothly.
Skipping the boar bristle brush:
Using the wrong brush can lead to frizz, streaks, and uneven texture. A boar bristle brush smooths the hair cuticle and distributes product evenly for that sleek, polished finish.
Over-brushing once set:
Once your slick back is in place, step away from the brush. Over-brushing can disturb the product and cause hair to lift or separate—set it and forget it!
Slick Back Variations You Can Try
Classic slick back:
Smooth, clean, and timeless. This version keeps hair brushed straight back with a glossy finish and works for everything from everyday wear to dressed-up moments.
Low slick back bun or ponytail:
Chic and understated, this style sits at the nape for a softer, more relaxed feel. It’s perfect when you want sleek roots without a super high, snatched look.
Wet-look slick back:
Turn up the drama by using a bit more gel pomade and extra shine. This look leans bold and editorial—great for nights out or when you want that just-stepped-off-the-runway vibe.
Textured slick back for thicker hair:
Keep the roots sleek while letting natural texture shine through the lengths. This creates contrast and movement, making it ideal for thick, wavy, or curly hair types.