17 Slick Back Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Here’s the thing about curly hair and slick backs—most people think you need pin-straight hair to pull off that sleek, pulled-tight look. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Curly hair actually gives slick backs something special: texture, volume, and personality that flat hair just can’t deliver.

Whether you want a wet-look finish for a night out or a soft, sleek pull-back for everyday, your natural curls can absolutely work with you instead of against you.

These 17 styles range from polished and glamorous to casual and undone, all while keeping your curls happy and healthy underneath.

1. The Classic High Curly Pony

This is the slick back that started it all—a high ponytail that sits at the crown with all edges smoothed back and curls cascading down. It lifts the face instantly and works for everything from workouts to weddings.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply a strong-hold gel to damp hair, brushing everything upward and back with a soft bristle brush.
2. Step 2: Secure tightly at the crown with a strong elastic band, making sure no bumps remain.
3. Step 3: Let your curls spring free from the ponytail—don’t brush them out.
4. Step 4: Smooth edges with a bit more gel and a toothbrush for flyaways.

2. The Wet Look Low Bun

This style embraces the glossy, just-stepped-out-of-the-shower finish that’s been everywhere lately. It’s dramatic, editorial, and somehow still easy enough to do in ten minutes.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel to soaking wet hair, raking through with fingers.
2. Step 2: Brush every strand back smoothly with a fine-tooth comb, creating a low ponytail at the nape.
3. Step 3: Twist the ponytail and wrap into a tight bun, securing with bobby pins.
4. Step 4: Run more gel over the surface for that glass-like shine and let air-dry completely.

3. The Slicked Pineapple

The pineapple is a curly girl staple for sleeping, but slicked down and worn out, it becomes a legit style. High and rounded with all edges smooth, it’s playful yet polished.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply edge control or styling gel around your hairline, smoothing back with a brush.
2. Step 2: Gather all curls at the very top of your head—higher than a normal ponytail.
3. Step 3: Secure with a satin scrunchie, letting curls fan out like a fountain.
4. Step 4: Smooth any remaining flyaways with a dab of gel and let the curls settle.

4. The Side-Swept Slick Back

Instead of pulling everything straight back, this style directs all hair dramatically to one side. It’s red carpet glamour for curly hair and shows off your profile beautifully.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply styling cream to damp hair, then create a deep side part on your preferred side.
2. Step 2: Brush all hair away from the part, sweeping it across and behind your ear on the heavy side.
3. Step 3: Secure behind the ear with bobby pins if needed, or let gravity hold it.
4. Step 4: Apply shine spray for gloss and let the curls on the heavy side hang freely.

5. The Low Slicked Pony with Middle Part

This one is minimalist and clean—a precise middle part with everything pulled back tightly into a low pony. It’s severe in the best way and lets your curl pattern do the talking.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a razor-sharp middle part using a rat-tail comb on damp hair.
2. Step 2: Apply strong-hold gel to both sides, brushing straight back from the part.
3. Step 3: Gather at the nape and secure with a clear elastic.
4. Step 4: Use a toothbrush with a bit of gel to smooth baby hairs along the part.

6. The Curly Slick Back Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

This style pulls most hair back tightly but leaves out a few strategic curls around the face. It softens the slick look and feels more approachable for everyday.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply gel to all hair except the front section you want to leave out.
2. Step 2: Brush the gelled sections back smoothly into a low ponytail.
3. Step 3: Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with pins.
4. Step 4: Let the front pieces hang naturally or curl them with your fingers for softness.

7. The Half-Up Slick Back

Sometimes you want the slick look without committing to having all your hair up. The half-up version gives you the best of both worlds—sleek on top, curly and free below.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply edge control to the front section from your hairline to your crown.
2. Step 2: Brush that top section back smoothly and gather it at the crown.
3. Step 3: Secure with a small elastic or clip, letting the rest of your curls hang loose.
4. Step 4: Smooth the transition between slicked and loose sections with your fingers.

8. The Slicked Back Fro

This style celebrates volume while still achieving that sleek, pulled-back look at the hairline. It’s for the curly girl who wants edges laid but doesn’t want to flatten her entire head.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply edge control or gel around your entire hairline, brushing back firmly.
2. Step 2: Use a scarf to wrap the edges for 10-15 minutes to help them lay flat.
3. Step 3: Remove the scarf and let your natural volume shine everywhere else.
4. Step 4: Fluff the crown gently with your fingers for maximum lift.

9. The Braided Slick Back

This combines two techniques—slicked edges with a braid running through the style. The braid adds interest and helps keep everything secure for long days or events.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply gel to the front sections and brush back smoothly.
2. Step 2: Create a French or Dutch braid starting at the hairline and working back.
3. Step 3: Continue braiding until you reach the nape, then secure with an elastic.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang free or tuck them into a bun.

10. The Slicked Back Top Knot

The top knot meets slicked edges—this style pulls everything up high into a rounded bun that sits right at the crown. It’s practical for active days but looks intentionally styled.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply strong-hold gel to damp hair, brushing everything upward.
2. Step 2: Gather at the crown and secure with an elastic, but don’t pull the ends through on the last loop.
3. Step 3: Spread the looped ends to create a rounded knot shape.
4. Step 4: Tuck any remaining ends under and pin, then smooth edges with more gel.

11. The Sculptural Slick Back

This is for when you want something truly editorial—defined waves or curls sculpted close to the head with gel, almost like a wet sculpture. It’s bold and artistic.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply a heavy amount of strong-hold gel to soaking wet hair.
2. Step 2: Use a wide-tooth comb to sculpt your curls into defined waves against your head.
3. Step 3: Let each wave fall where you want it, pressing gently to shape.
4. Step 4: Air-dry completely without touching—this creates the sculptural effect.

12. The Slicked Pony with Wrapped Base

This elevates the basic slick pony by wrapping a section of hair around the elastic. It looks more polished and finished, perfect for when you want that extra touch.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply gel and brush all hair back into a high or low ponytail, securing tightly.
2. Step 2: Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base.
3. Step 3: Tuck the end under and secure with a bobby pin.
4. Step 4: Smooth the wrapped section with a dab of gel for a seamless look.

13. The Textured Slick Back

Not all slick backs need to be glass-smooth. This version embraces some texture and volume on top while keeping the hairline and sides sleek. It’s more relaxed and modern.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply gel only to your hairline and sides, brushing back smoothly.
2. Step 2: Leave the crown and top section free of product or use a light texturizing spray.
3. Step 3: Gather everything back loosely, letting the top keep its volume.
4. Step 4: Secure at the nape and let the textured top pieces fall naturally.

14. The Deep Part Slick Back

This style creates drama through a deep side part combined with slicked-back sides. The part adds visual interest while the slick finish keeps everything clean.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part on damp hair using a rat-tail comb.
2. Step 2: Apply gel to both sections, brushing each side away from the part.
3. Step 3: Gather all hair at the nape or into a low ponytail.
4. Step 4: Smooth the part line with a toothbrush and gel for precision.

15. The Curly Low Pony with Volume

This style keeps the slick look at the front but builds volume at the crown before gathering into a low pony. It’s more forgiving for women who want lift without sacrificing the sleek vibe.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply gel to the front section from hairline to about mid-head.
2. Step 2: Brush that front section back smoothly, but don’t pull too tight.
3. Step 3: Gently tease or lift the crown slightly before securing at the nape.
4. Step 4: Let the pony hang loose and curly, smoothing only the front.

16. The Sleek Curly Mohawk

This bold style slicks the sides flat while leaving a strip of volume or curls down the center. It’s edgy, confident, and surprisingly wearable for nights out.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply heavy gel to both sides from temples to nape, brushing flat against the head.
2. Step 2: Leave the center strip from forehead to crown free of gel or with light product.
3. Step 3: Gather or style the center section with volume—curls, waves, or textured.
4. Step 4: Secure the back if needed and let the center be the star.

17. The Slicked Back with Accessories

Sometimes all a slick back needs is a beautiful accessory—a pearl clip, a velvet bow, or gold barrettes. The slick base becomes the canvas for something special.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply gel and brush all hair back smoothly into your base style (pony, bun, or loose).
2. Step 2: Choose an accessory that complements your outfit.
3. Step 3: Place the accessory at your temple, above your ear, or at the base of your pony.
4. Step 4: Let the accessory be the focal point—keep everything else simple.