It’s undeniably chic and easy for anyone to embrace.

For inspiration, we’ve rounded up our favorite celebrity takes on the beloved hairstyle.

However, it’s important to note that most slicked-back styles are not as low-maintenance as they appear.

Zendaya, Selma Blair, and Gal Gadot with Slicked Back Hairstyles

Getty Images / Unsplash / Byrdie

Fuse this trend with ahair bowto add a coquette spin to the look.

Byrdie Tip

DePaca recommends adding some texture with hairspray to achieve more volume.

Maine recommends using creaseless clips to set the look without denting the hair.

Alessandra Ambrosio with a slicked-back hairstyle and minimal makeup at the 2022 theOMEGA ‘Her Time’ party in Madrid, Spain

Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

Here, Grace Elizabeth demonstrates how well this style translates to super short,pixie-cutlengths.

When attempting to slick back short hair, it’s easy to overdo it on products.

“When I apply product, I always use a very small amount and then add as needed.

Hailey Bieber with slicked-back hair and two twisted buns at the 2023 reopening of the Landmark at Tiffany & Co.’s 5th Avenue store in New York City

Taylor Hill / Getty Images

Less is always better than too much,” hairstylist, Jonathon DePaca says.

“So much of the red-carpet look starts with the prep,” Maine says.

“Moisturizing products in the prep will help create that texture.

Lizzo with a wet slicked-back hairstyle and gold jewelry to the 2022 MTV VMAs in Newark, New Jersey

Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

Use an anti-frizz treatment, spray all throughout, and blow-dry.”

you might still add a wave or curl afterward, Maine adds.

Maine says using hairspray is always best when attempting slicked-down styles like Constance Wu’s stylish center part.

Marsai Martin wears a voluminous curly ponytail with slicked roots

Getty Images

This allows you to tame flyaways for a smooth finish.

Up and Back

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Slicked-back updos are an ultra-chic option for formal events.

“My second technique would be to create tension for a strong hold.

Selma Blair with a coiffed slicked-back hairstyle at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California

Toni Anne Barson / Getty Images

We love aside-swept bangsmoment, as demonstrated by Anitta.

The wispy piece here creates visual intrigue on an otherwise dialed-back hairdo.

“A great tip is hiding the front panels of your hair,” Maine says.

Estelle with a slicked-back hairstyle with volume at the roots at the 2018 ‘BET Her Fights Breast Cancer’ event in Atlanta, Georgia

Marcus Ingram / Getty Images

DePaca recommends smoothing out any fuzz or frizz.

Structural Slick

@theestallion/ Instagram

Slicked back does not necessarily mean flat.

Dramatic, smooth side bangs add movement to the structural look.

Grace Elizabeth with short, dark slicked-back hair at the 2022 ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ premiere in Cannes, France

Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images

“The chignon has always been here, and it will always be around.”

Take notes from Florence Pugh, who added a dramatic wavy accent to the look.

you might achieve this by combing your hair back and leaving a chunk of hair loose.

Gal Gadot with a long, slicked-back bob at the 2021 ‘Red Notice’ world premiere in Los Angeles

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

If needed, use bobby pins to hold it into place.

The key is to use lightweight products that still give off the effect, as seen on Alexa Chung.

Extra Long Length

Buns aren’t the only way to achieve a sleek look.

Petra Nemcova with a slicked-back blonde hairstyle and chunky jewelry at the 2022 amfAR Gala in Cap d’Antibes, France

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

We love how Normani nails the trend with slicked-downedgesand a sky-high, and extra long, ponytail.

A slicked-back hairstyle is easy to recreate.

First, blow dry your hair while brushing it back.

Zendaya with a slicked-back hairstyle and spider web earrings at the 2021 ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ London premiere

Karwai Tang / Getty Images

Constance Wu with a slicked-down, center-parted hairstyle at the 2018 “Crazy Rich Asians' Los Angeles premiere

Michael Tran / Getty Images

Saweetie with a platinum slicked-back hairstyle, large gold hoops, and layered necklaces at the 2021 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin' Eve event in Los Angeles

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Yara Shahidi with a voluminous curly low ponytail hairstyle and sleek roots at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards in Inglewood, California

Jason LaVeris / Getty Images

Ciara with a slicked-back updo and radiant makeup at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Anitta with a slicked-back bob hairstyle at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, New Jersey

Cindy Ord / Getty Images

Lea Seydoux with a short, slicked-down hairstyle at the 2021 ‘No Time to Die’ world premiere in London, England

Max Mumby / Getty Images

Vanessa Hudgens with long, straight hair and sleek roots at the 2022 Pass The Mic Concert in New York City

Shareif Ziyadat / Getty Images

Rita Ora with a slicked-back ponytail at the 2018 American Music Awards in Los Angeles

Steve Granitz / Getty Images

Megan Thee Stallion with a slicked back, geometric updo

@theestallion/ Instagram

Leighton Meester with a slicked-back chignon hairstyle at the 2019 ‘Semper Fi’ special screening in Los Angeles

Rachel Luna / Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez with slicked-back half-up, half-down hair at the 2017 ‘Shades of Blue’ New York City premiere

Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Florence Pugh with slicked-back hair at the 2024 ‘Dune: Part Two’ New York City premiere

James Devaney / Getty Images

Alexa Chung with long slicked-back hair at the 2024 Fashion Awards in London, England

Samir Hussein / Getty Images

Leah Lewis with slicked-back hair and a deep side part at the 2023 ‘Elemental’ Los Angeles premiere

Axelle / Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Normani with a slicked-back high ponytail at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards at Inglewood, California

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Selena Gomez with a slicked-back ponytail and face-framing pieces at the 2024 ‘Emilia Perez’ London premiere

Wiktor Szymanowicz / Getty Images

Jodhi May with retro-inspired slicked-back hair at the 2024 ‘Dune: Prophecy’ world premiere in New York City

Kristina Bumphrey / Getty Images