19 Slick Back Hairstyles Black Women (Stunning Styles You’ll Love)
When it comes to timeless, elegant, and undeniably fierce hairstyles, slick back hairstyles for Black women continue to dominate the beauty world. They’re polished, versatile, and perfect for every occasion—from casual days out to formal events, work settings, and even red-carpet moments. Whether you love sleek buns, sculpted ponytails, or textured slick-back curls, these looks highlight your natural beauty while offering a clean, modern edge.
In this guide, you’ll find 19 slick back hairstyles Black women absolutely adore. Each style is beginner-friendly, protective-hair safe, and customizable for every hair type, texture, and length. Get ready for major hair inspiration!
Why Slick Back Hairstyles Are Perfect for Black Women
Before diving into the list, here’s why slick-back styles are such a staple in Black beauty:
1. They Showcase Facial Features Beautifully
The slick back effect lifts the face, giving a snatched, elegant, and confident look.
2. They Work on Natural, Relaxed, and Protective Hair
Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, texturized, or braided, there’s a slick back style that works perfectly.
3. They Are Quick and Low-Maintenance
With the right gel, edge control, and brush, many slick-back styles take less than 10 minutes.
4. They Are Protective-Friendly
You can slick back wigs, braids, or natural hair without causing damage if done correctly.
5. They Fit Every Occasion
From work-friendly sleek buns to dramatic Hollywood ponytails, they’re universally flattering.
19 Slick Back Hairstyles for Black Women
Let’s explore the most stylish and trendy slick back looks you can try this year!
1. Classic Slick Back Low Bun
Timeless, elegant, and the ultimate go-to.
This low bun is smooth at the front with a clean part or no part at all. Perfect for job interviews, weddings, date nights, or just a classy everyday look.
Why Black women love it:
✔ Polished finish
✔ Works on natural and relaxed hair
✔ Quick and minimal maintenance
2. Sleek Middle-Part Ponytail
The middle part adds balance and symmetry, while the slick-back ponytail elongates your features. You can wear it with straight extensions, curls, or braids.
Best for: Oval, heart-shaped, and round faces.
3. High Sleek Ponytail
A lifted, youthful style that gives instant glam. Brush your hair upward, apply strong-hold gel, and add long bundles to create that celebrity-style high pony.
Perfect for: Parties, night outs, concerts, and vacations.
4. Slick Back With Deep Side Part
The deep side part gives drama and volume even in a sleek style. Pair it with a bun, ponytail, or leave-out curls at the end.
Why it stands out: It frames the face beautifully and adds sophistication.
5. Slick Back Braided Ponytail
Combine sleek edges with a long braided ponytail for a bold, modern, and protective look. Add hair cuffs or gold strings for extra flair.
Great for: Gym days, travel, everyday wear.
6. Low Slick Back Puff for Natural Hair
If you love embracing your natural texture, this is for you. Slick back the front and leave your coils, kinks, or curls in a voluminous puff.
Benefits:
✔ No heat
✔ No tension
✔ 100% natural beauty
7. Sleek Back With Curly Ends
A half-and-half moment—sleek roots with fluffy, defined curls at the bottom. This romantic, feminine style is gorgeous for brunch dates or photo shoots.
Try it with: Curling rods, wand curls, or natural curls.
8. Wet-Look Slick Back Style
Shiny, glossy, runway-ready. This “just stepped out of the pool” look is created with mousse, gel, and sheen spray. It works beautifully on short, medium, or long hair.
Celeb vibe: Beyoncé, Ciara, Lori Harvey, and many editorial looks.
9. Slick Back Bob (Straight or Curly)
Perfect for Black women with short hair or a bob wig. It’s chic, tuxedo-inspired—very red carpet.
Choose between:
– Sleek straight bob
– Slick back curly bob
– Tucked-behind-the-ears bob
10. Slick Back Top Knot
A high or mid-level top knot with a shiny, smooth base adds sophistication and confidence in seconds. You can go big and bold or small and polished.
Tip: Add braiding hair for extra volume.
11. Sleek Back With Cornrows Into a Ponytail
If you want something creative and protective, add small cornrows in the front or sides, then slick the rest into a ponytail.
Perfect for summer and vacations because it lasts longer.
12. Slick Back Afro Bun
A clean front paired with a fluffy natural afro bun. This style celebrates texture while keeping things neat, elegant, and natural.
Beauty tip: Use a drawstring afro puff extension for a fuller look.
13. Slick Back With Finger Waves
Retro, sultry, and perfect for short-hair queens. Finger waves paired with a sleek back create a stunning 1920s-meets-modern look.
Best for: Short relaxed hair or short natural hair.
14. Sleek Back With Baby Hair Designs
Edges are an art form!
Sculpted swoops, swirls, or graphic edges elevate even the simplest slick back style.
Works with:
– Ponytails
– Buns
– Afros
– Braids
– Wigs
15. Slick Back Jumbo Braids
For a protective style that lasts, slick your roots and install 1–4 jumbo braids. Clean, stylish, fast, and very low maintenance.
Perfect for: Busy weeks and protective styling.
16. Slick Back With Weave Sew-In Ponytail
This style gives you a long, thick ponytail that stays sleek for days. Perfect when you want maximum glam with minimal daily styling.
Choose from:
– Straight ponytail
– Body wave ponytail
– Deep wave ponytail
17. Short Slick Back Pixie
Short-haired Black women look stunning with slick-down pixie cuts. The sleek texture gives a smooth, elegant, face-framing shape.
Bonus: It’s a 2–3 minute hairstyle!
18. Slick Back Braided Bun
A braided bun gives you a textured, protective, and polished look. Slick the roots, braid the ponytail, then wrap it into a bun.
Perfect for: Work settings, formal events, and hot weather.
19. Voluminous Slick Back Ponytail
Think Hollywood glam—slick roots but a full, fluffy, oversized ponytail made of curls, waves, or blowout hair.
Why it’s trending:
It combines sleek sophistication with dramatic volume.
How to Get the Perfect Slick Back Hairstyle (Step-by-Step)
No matter which style you choose from the 19 slick back hairstyles for Black women, this routine helps you achieve the perfect sleek look:
Step 1: Start With Moisturized Hair
Dry hair = flaking + breakage.
Apply leave-in conditioner or light moisturizer first.
Step 2: Choose the Right Gel
Look for gels with:
✔ Strong hold
✔ No flaking
✔ Humidity resistance
✔ Shine finish
Popular choices include: Eco Styler, Shine ‘n Jam, Style Factor, or Gorilla Snot.
Step 3: Use a Boar Bristle Brush
Smooths hair evenly without creating harsh lines.
Step 4: Tie Hair Down
Wrap your hair with a satin scarf for 5–20 minutes.
This locks in the sleekness.
Step 5: Apply Oil or Sheen Spray
Finishes the look with shine and hydration.
Best Products for Slick Back Hairstyles for Black Women
For maximum smoothness, these products work well:
- Strong-hold hair gel
- Edge control
- Boar bristle brush
- Fine-tooth comb
- Satin scarf
- Setting mousse
- Shine spray
- Light oil (argan, jojoba, or olive)
Final Thoughts
Slick back hairstyles for Black women are versatile, stunning, and undeniably powerful. Whether you prefer natural, braided, curly, or straight looks, there’s a slick back style that fits your vibe, your hair type, and your lifestyle.
From bold ponytails to soft waves, classic buns to creative braids, these 19 slick back hairstyles offer endless inspiration. Try one for your next event—or switch them up weekly for a fresh, stylish new look every time.
Hi, I’m Sophia, the founder and creative voice behind Hairsloved.com — your go-to destination for all things fashion, hair styling, and beauty inspiration.
