The “sleek hair” look is the number one trend on the runways. It is a styling technique that involves smoothing the hair down to add a touch of elegance to your appearance. However, not everyone wants to use styling gel to achieve this. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to get perfectly slicked-back hair without gel. In this article, we will share the 7 essential tips for mastering the art of sleek hair without using styling gel.
1. Prepare the hair
The key to perfect sleek hair is the “wet” or “glossy” effect. Before styling your hair, apply a treatment product, such as a protective oil or a small amount of hair mask, to create this effect. Applying a treatment helps make smoothing easier while caring for the hair.
2. Use a fine-tooth comb
Using a fine-tooth comb, distribute the mask or oil from the roots to the desired length. Adjust the amount so the glossy effect is even across the scalp without overloading it. The desired “glossy” finish comes from this even distribution. When each strand is coated with product, it helps create a smooth, shiny appearance. In addition, this technique helps tame flyaways and prevent frizz, which is essential for a flawless result.
3. Choose the right brush
A smoothing brush with boar bristles is the best ally for achieving a flawless sleek look. Boar bristles are known for their softness and their ability to smooth the hair without breaking or damaging it. Each stroke of the brush helps flatten the strands and eliminate frizz, creating a perfectly smooth surface while avoiding bumps.
4. Brush the hair
After applying your chosen treatment to the roots, brush your scalp from the roots to the desired sleek length. While brushing, pay special attention to the sides and the top of the head. These areas are often the most prone to frizz and flyaways.
To make brushing easier for thick or hard-to-manage hair, it may be helpful to add a styling cream. It provides a lightweight, non-sticky solution to help control flyaways while maintaining a natural look.
5. Perfect the finishing touches
To tame every strand and achieve an elegant sleek finish, use a clean toothbrush and apply your mask or styling cream to any frizzy areas. Then smooth the flyaways down from the roots to the desired length using the toothbrush. You can also tame your baby hairs and give them a more sophisticated style with this technique.
6. Use a hair dryer
For optimal hold, dry your hair with a cool-air hair dryer. This helps set the styling cream or treatment product and keeps your sleek hair in place, even in humid weather. Simply keep the hair dryer close to the roots and follow the brush as you move it through the hair.
Using a cool-air hair dryer has a double benefit. It sets styling products, ensuring a flawless hairstyle that can withstand outside factors such as humidity.
7. Hairspray for long-lasting hold
As an extra step, you can use a strong-hold hairspray to keep your sleek style looking perfect all day long. At the end of your styling routine, spray the hairspray at least 20 cm away from the roots. This step is optional if you want a more natural slicked-back look.
8 hairstyle ideas
Once you have mastered sleek hair, you can now create different elegant hairstyles for any occasion: everyday wear, work, events, and more.
Try these hairstyles and send us the result on Instagram!
The sleek bun: A low or high bun made with slicked-back hair creates an elegant, classic look. It is a popular option for formal or professional events.
The sleek ponytail: A low or high ponytail with slicked-back hair offers a simple, polished style suitable for many occasions. It can be worn daily or for casual events.
The middle part: A middle part with sleek hair creates a balanced and sophisticated look. You can wear your hair straight and long, or pull it into a low ponytail for variety.
The sleek bob: Short hair can also be slicked back for a chic look. This creates a modern, polished style that highlights the structure of the face.
The sleek braid: By adding a braid to sleek hair, you get an elegant and refined hairstyle. You can braid one or more sections and tie them into a ponytail or bun.
The sleek wavy hairstyle: You can smooth your hair while keeping soft waves for a romantic look. This creates an interesting contrast between the softness of the waves and the smooth roots.
The braided crown: By smoothing the sides of your hair and creating a braid all the way around your head, you can achieve a braided crown that adds a feminine touch to a bohemian look.
Half-up hairstyles: By smoothing the hair on top of the head and leaving the lower strands straight and loose, you can create a half-up hairstyle that is both elegant and relaxed.
Getting sleek hair without gel is completely possible with the right methods and products. Follow these simple tips and enjoy an elegant, polished style that will hold up in any conditions. Say goodbye to styling gel and hello to perfect sleek hair!