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Most guys don’t realize their hair already wants to go somewhere—it’s just probably not backward. Your follicles, shaped by genetics and growth patterns, push strands in specific directions from the moment they emerge.
Fighting that natural flow without the right approach leads to hair that flops forward by lunchtime or sticks out at odd angles.
Training your hair to sweep back isn’t about wrestling it into submission daily. It’s about gradually coaxing your follicles and oils to cooperate through strategic washing, consistent combing, and smart product choices.
Once your hair learns the backward pattern, you’ll spend less time styling and more time enjoying a look that actually holds.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What is Hair Training and Why Try It?
- Get The Right Haircut for Slicked Styles
- Prepare Hair Properly Before Styling
- Train Your Hair to Go Back Step-by-Step
- Choose and Use The Right Styling Products
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best length for my hair to be trained to go back?
- How long does it take to train my hair to go back?
- How long does hair training typically take?
- Can fine or thin hair be slicked back?
- What if my hair sticks up stubbornly?
- Should I sleep with product in my hair?
- How often should I trim for maintenance?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Training your hair to go back works by gradually coaxing your follicles to cooperate through consistent backward combing, reduced washing frequency, and strategic product use—typically showing results in two to four weeks.
- The right haircut forms the foundation for success, with most hair types needing at least 4 inches on top and cuts like fades or undercuts creating the ideal structure for slicked-back styles.
- Reducing wash frequency retrains your scalp to produce less oil over time, which improves hair condition, increases natural shine, and makes backward styling easier to maintain without constant product reapplication.
- Product choice depends on your desired finish—pomade gives shine and medium hold, clay offers strong matte control, wax provides firm texture, and creams deliver lightweight flexibility for natural movement.
What is Hair Training and Why Try It?
Hair training is the practice of gradually teaching your hair to sit in a specific direction—in this case, backward—while reducing how often you wash it. This approach helps your scalp produce less oil over time, making your hair easier to style and healthier overall.
Here’s how it works and what you stand to gain.
Benefits of Training Hair Back
Training your hair back isn’t just about styling—it’s about rewiring your hair’s natural tendencies while giving your scalp the breathing room it desperately needs.
You’ll notice reduced oiliness as your scalp adjusts to fewer washes, increased shine from natural oils doing their job, and prolonged color if you dye your hair.
Your hair condition improves overall, saving time on blow drying and money on hair products while achieving that slicked back hairstyle becomes second nature.
How Hair Growth Patterns Affect Styling
Before you commit to this style, understand that your natural growth patterns are working against you—or with you, depending on how you read them. Hair whorls and cowlicks dictate where your hair wants to fall, and they’re genetically set for life. If you’ve got a crown whorl disrupting your part or a cowlick at your forehead lifting hair away from where you want it, you’re dealing with cowlick challenges that affect 75% of adults.
A key factor is understanding hair follicle shapes, as they determine hair texture. Here’s what matters:
- Whorl influence changes how easily you can center-part or sweep hair backward
- Density effects determine whether your hair holds volume or lies flat naturally
- Texture impact from curl or thickness adds resistance to slicked styles
Knowing your growth direction and hair type helps you work smarter, not harder, when achieving a slicked-back hairstyle.
Reducing Washes to Balance Oils
Once you’ve figured out your growth pattern, the next move is simple: wash less, and let your scalp do the heavy lifting. Frequent shampooing strips natural oils your scalp produces to protect and condition hair.
When you reduce wash frequency, you trigger oil production control—your scalp adjusts and pumps out less grease over time. This scalp health balance gives you natural oil benefits like shine and smoothness, while chemical reduction effects mean less damage from sulfates.
Fewer washes equal healthier hair styling overall.
Get The Right Haircut for Slicked Styles
Your haircut sets the foundation for any slicked back style—it’s not just about length, but how your hair’s shaped and structured.
The right cut makes training your hair backward easier and helps the style hold throughout the day.
Here’s what actually works for nailing that sleek, polished look.
Importance of a Good Cut
Think of your haircut as the foundation—without it, even the best products and techniques won’t give you that sharp, polished slicked-back look you’re going for.
A pro barber can shape your hair to work with your hair type and natural growth patterns, making this men’s hairstyle far easier to maintain.
The right cut provides style versatility while ensuring your haircut and hair condition support that sleek finish you want.
Ideal Hair Length for Slicking Back
Your hair type and haircut work together when achieving slicked back hairstyle success—here’s your Minimum Length Guide:
- Straight or fine hair can pull off this mens hairstyle at 3 to 3.5 inches at the front
- Thick or curly hair needs 4.5 to 5 inches to control volume and manage shrinkage
- Most hair types hit the sweet spot at 4 inches for smooth backward flow
Length Distribution matters too—keep your fringe longer than the crown, and expect Growth Considerations of 6 to 8 months from a short cut.
For the best results, consider a cut with length on top and shorter sides. As you grow it out, Product Selection shifts from firm gels to lighter pomades.
Popular Cuts: Fades, Undercuts, and More
The right cut transforms your slicked-back style from "trying too hard" to effortlessly sharp—and a few strategic styles dominate the men’s grooming scene in 2025.
| Cut Type | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Tapered Sides with Scissor Cuts | Thick hair needing subtle graduation | Trim every 4-5 weeks |
| Razor Fades (High or Mid) | Creating sharp disconnected looks | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Undercut Blended Styles | Maximum contrast and easy slick-back hair styling | Monthly shape-ups |
Your haircut choice sets the foundation for your men’s hairstyle—pair longer tops with cleaned-up sides for that classic men’s hair styling guide aesthetic.
Prepare Hair Properly Before Styling
Before you can train your hair to sweep back smoothly, you need to start with a clean, healthy foundation. The right prep work makes all the difference between hair that cooperates and hair that fights you all day.
Here’s what matters most: products that match your hair type, a healthy scalp, and the right way to comb.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners
Before you pick any bottle off the shelf, know this: your shampoo and conditioner can make or break your slicked back style. Look for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping your scalp’s natural oils.
Pair it with a hydrating conditioner to keep hair manageable and smooth. Match product ingredients to your hair type—fine hair needs lightweight formulas, while thicker hair can use richer hair care products and techniques.
Managing Scalp Health and Dandruff
You can’t build a sleek style on an unhappy scalp. Dandruff causes include fungal overgrowth, stress, and nutrient gaps—all disrupting your scalp microbiome.
Treatment options range from anti-fungal shampoos with zinc pyrithione to serums with tea tree oil.
Preventative measures? Regular scalp care and balancing natural oils. Check product ingredients for salicylic acid or niacinamide to calm irritation and keep hair grooming consistent.
Combing and Sectioning Damp Hair
Once your scalp’s in good shape, damp hair is your training ground—it’s pliable, easier to redirect, and locks in the direction you comb it as it dries.
Grab a wide-toothed comb to minimize breakage, then section from crown to nape. Brush backwards gently, working from ends to roots. Let it sit a moment—your hair will start lying flat naturally, primed for slick back styling.
Train Your Hair to Go Back Step-by-Step
Training your hair to slick back takes consistent effort, but the process is straightforward once you know the right techniques. You’ll need to work with your hair’s natural growth pattern while gradually encouraging it to stay in place.
Building this into your daily routine is simpler than you’d think.
Daily Backward Combing Techniques
Combing your hair backward every single day might sound repetitive, but it’s the most powerful habit you can build to train those stubborn strands into place.
Start with damp hair—not soaking wet—and use a wide-toothed comb to work through small sections from roots to ends. This prevents breakage while encouraging your hair to memorize its new direction, making that slick back look second nature.
Blow Drying With Low Heat
After you’ve combed your hair into submission, a blow dryer on low heat locks in that backward direction without frying your strands or undoing all your hard work. Point the nozzle downward, following your comb through each section to smooth the cuticle and add volume control.
This cuts drying time while preventing heat damage, and it preps your hair perfectly for styling products that’ll give you that sharp slick back look.
Using Serums for Smoothness
A serum works like insurance for your slicked-back style—smoothing flyaways and locking in shine without weighing down what the blow dryer just set up. Work a dime-sized amount between your palms, then distribute it through mid-lengths to ends for controlled hair shine.
- Serum ingredients like argan oil or silicone create a protective barrier against humidity
- Application techniques matter—avoid your roots to prevent buildup and greasiness
- Serum benefits include smoother styling products layering, whether you’re adding cream or waxes next
Choose and Use The Right Styling Products
The right product makes all the difference when you’re training your hair to stay back. Each styling option—pomade, wax, clay, or cream—offers different levels of hold and shine, so knowing what works for your hair type matters.
Here’s what each one does and how to get the most out of them.
Pomade, Wax, Clay, and Creams Explained
When you’re ready to train your hair back, understanding your product options makes all the difference. Pomade delivers medium-to-strong hold with shine—perfect for that classic slicked look. Wax gives you firmer, matte control and works great for textured styles. Clay offers strong hold with a natural finish, and it’s especially popular with younger guys seeking volume without grease. Creams provide lightweight, flexible hold that tames frizz while keeping things soft.
Your mens hair styling guide starts with matching the right product to your hair type and desired finish.
How to Apply Products for Lasting Hold
Picking your product is only half the battle—the way you work it through your hair determines whether your style holds all day or falls flat by noon. Start with a dime-sized amount on dry or slightly damp hair, then warm it between your palms before application.
- Avoid buildup by applying product from roots to ends using gentle, weaving motions
- Layer strategically—pomade first for hold, then cream or clay for texture
- Less is more—you can always add gel or more product, but removing excess is harder
Master these application techniques and you’ll lock in hold longevity without that heavy, greasy feel.
Finishing Touches for a Sleek Look
Your style is almost there—now it’s time to polish the final details that take it from good to great. Run a fine-toothed comb through once more to tame flyaways, then set your look with a light mist of hairspray for all-day style.
That’s how you slick back hair with confidence—mastering these touches ensures your style stays sharp from morning to night.
| Finishing Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Final comb-through | Smooths hair and distributes pomade evenly |
| Hairspray or light gel | Locks in hold and shine without stiffness |
| Quick product refresh | Maintains hairstyle throughout the day |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best length for my hair to be trained to go back?
Medium to longer hair—roughly three to six inches on top—works best. You’ll have enough length to comb back smoothly without flyaways fighting you.
Short crops resist training, while longer strands respond faster to your styling routine.
How long does it take to train my hair to go back?
Training timeline varies by hair type, but most people see progress in two to four weeks with consistency.
Choosing hair styling products like pomade, gel, or clay influences results—lighter products let hair adapt naturally, while stronger holds set the style faster for slick back hair.
How long does hair training typically take?
Good things take time, right? Most people see results in two to four weeks with daily backward combing.
Your hair type and consistency matter—fine hair often responds faster than thick or coarse strands.
Keep at it to avoid hair breakage and maintain your slick back style without heavy gel or clay.
Can fine or thin hair be slicked back?
Yes, fine or thin hair can absolutely be slicked back. Focus on texturizing products like clay or light gel to create grip without weighing hair down.
Maintaining scalp health and using volume-boosting techniques help prevent hair breakage while achieving that sleek look.
What if my hair sticks up stubbornly?
For hair that won’t cooperate, try working gel or pomade through damp strands, then blow-dry in a downward direction to smooth everything into place.
Stubborn cowlicks? Apply extra product right where your hair sticks up—directly on the scalp at those problem areas.
For best results, train them down overnight by wearing a silk cap while you sleep.
If product starts building up, wash it out with a clarifying shampoo.
Dealing with cowlicks that just won’t quit? Sometimes it’s worth seeing a stylist who can work with your hair’s natural pattern.
Should I sleep with product in my hair?
Ever wonder what happens when styling product meets your pillowcase?
It’s best to avoid sleeping with product in your hair—buildup clogs your scalp, causes breakouts, and stains pillows. Wash it out nightly to protect scalp health and keep your slick back hair fresh.
How often should I trim for maintenance?
Most stylists recommend trimming every 4-6 weeks to maintain shape and prevent split ends. Your hair’s growth rate impacts trim frequency—faster growth means more frequent cuts.
Regular maintenance keeps your slick back hair looking sharp and extends hairstyle longevity.
Conclusion
Your hair won’t flip backward overnight, but it will respond to patience. The right cut sets the foundation, daily combing builds the pattern, and smart products lock it in.
Learning how to train your hair to go back means working with your follicles instead of against them—less fighting, more flow. Stick with the routine for a few weeks, and you’ll notice the difference: hair that naturally sweeps where you want it, holding shape without constant touch-ups.
- https://www.hairacademysbb.edu/general-5-2
- https://www.archivemarketresearch.com/reports/hairdressing-training-heads-247814
- https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/cosmetology-beauty-schools/5627/
- https://datausa.io/profile/soc/hairdressers-hairstylists-cosmetologists
- https://www.hairchamps.com/naccas-reported-statistics/
