A slick braid is a hairstyle that combines a smooth, polished base with a braid.
Usually, the hair is first brushed or combed tightly back and secured into a ponytail, and the ponytail is then braided.
The result is neat, streamlined and deliberately sleek.
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What Does a Slick Braid Look Like?
The classic version is a slicked-back braided ponytail.
The hair around the crown, sides and hairline is smoothed close to the head, often with gel, pomade, edge control or another strong-hold styling product.
The gathered hair is then braided into a three-strand braid, although other braid patterns can be used.
You can wear the braid:
- High, for a more dramatic, sporty look
- At the middle of the head, for a balanced everyday style
- Low at the nape, for a more elegant and understated appearance
- Extra long, using braiding extensions
- Thick or chunky, for a bolder look
- Thin and simple, for a minimalist appearance
The sleekness of the hair at the scalp is what gives the hairstyle its “slick” quality.
The braid itself can be fairly simple.
Slick Back Hair Braid vs. Slick-Back Braids
These terms can describe slightly different hairstyles.
A slick braid most often refers to one main braid coming from a slicked-back ponytail.
Slick-back braids can refer more broadly to hairstyles in which the hair is smoothed back before being braided.
This could mean a single braided ponytail, two braids, several braids, or even braids incorporated into the front of a slicked-back hairstyle.
For example, you could have a center part with two sleek braids, or slick the front of your hair backward and add small braids along the sides.
How To Create a Slick Braid
For a straightforward slicked-back braided ponytail:
1. Detangle your hair.
Start with hair that is free of major tangles. You don’t necessarily need freshly washed hair. In fact, hair with a little natural grip can sometimes be easier to smooth into a ponytail.
2. Decide where you want the ponytail.
A high ponytail gives the braid more lift, while a low ponytail creates a more sophisticated effect.
3. Apply your smoothing product.
Use gel, pomade, styling cream or another product appropriate for your hair. Apply it particularly around the roots, hairline and sides.
4. Brush the hair into place.
A firm brush can help create the smooth surface associated with a slick hairstyle. If you want a very precise part, create it before securing the ponytail.
5. Secure the ponytail.
Use a strong hair tie that can support the weight of the braid.
6. Braid the Ponytail.
A basic three-strand braid is the easiest option. If you want additional length or thickness, you can incorporate braiding hair or extensions.
7. Finish the Look.
Smooth down flyaways around the hairline and, if desired, tie a satin or silk scarf around the slicked portion for a short period while the product sets.
Slick Braid on Natural Black Hair
A slick braid can work particularly well with natural hair because the technique gathers textured hair into a controlled, polished shape. However, you don’t need to straighten your hair first. The style can be created on curly or coily hair by smoothing the roots and gathering the hair into the desired ponytail.
Extensions can also transform a relatively short ponytail into a long, dramatic braid. This is one reason the style is so versatile.
One thing to watch is tension. A slick hairstyle does not have to mean an extremely tight hairstyle.
Repeatedly pulling the hairline very tightly can contribute to breakage and thinning, particularly around already fragile edges. If the style hurts, feels excessively tight or causes persistent scalp discomfort, loosen it.
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Photo credits: @CeceTheStylist, Planet Toose