Slicking back your hair: how can you do it successfully without damaging the hair shaft?

Excessive tension weakens the hair shaft

Successful slicking back involves pulling the hair back tightly, often using stiff brushes or fine-toothed combs. If repeated too often, this mechanical tension can cause traction on the scalp, particularly around the temples. The result: brittle hair, or even traction alopecia if the practice becomes a daily routine.

Conventional gels can dry out your hair

Traditional styling gels, rich in alcohol and synthetic polymers, offer strong hold… but at the expense of the hair’s suppleness. With repeated use, the hair shaft becomes dry, coarse and dull. Certain ingredients leave an occlusive film that prevents the hair from ‘breathing’, accelerating its deterioration.

The scalp suffocates under a build-up of residue

When slick backs are done frequently and hair isn’t washed often enough, product residue builds up on the scalp. This can lead to itching, dandruff or even deeper irritation. It is therefore essential to let the scalp breathe between slick-back sessions and to choose natural, non-occlusive formulas.

Reserve slick backs for special occasions

Pulling your hair back should remain an occasional look, not a daily habit. It’s advisable to do this once or twice a week at most to give your hair time to ‘breathe’. Between sessions, opt for looser hairstyles that respect the hair’s natural growth and don't add tension at the roots.

Moisturise and nourish before styling

Before applying a gel or wax, it’s essential to prepare your hair. Aloe Vera Gel is ideal for moisturising the hair shaft without making it greasy. You can complement this with a few drops of Raspberry Oil to boost shine and protect the hair from dehydration.

Take a closer look at our Organic Aloe Vera Gel

This Aloe Vera Gel moisturises*, soothes irritation and regenerates the skin. Its guaranteed concentration of aloeverose (minimum 1200 mg/L) gives it exceptional restorative properties. 100 per cent natural, it can be used directly on the skin and hair or as a base for your homemade hair care products. Ideal for moisturising, soothing redness, providing relief after sun exposure, or caring for dry and damaged hair.

Brush gently

Brushing is a crucial step. Opt for a brush with soft bristles or a wide-toothed comb, especially for textured or fragile hair. The aim is to distribute the products without breaking the hair shaft. Brush slowly, working from the front to the back, without pulling too hard.

To find out more about using aloe vera on your hair, see our feature: Why use aloe vera on your hair?

A natural, homemade styling gel

For those who prefer a DIY approach, you can make a Strong-hold styling gel using a recipe found online. This solution offers impeccable hold while being gentle on the hair fibre. Easy to apply and non-drying, it helps to shape slicked-back hair without weighing it down, creating a neat yet flexible finish.

A certified organic multi-purpose styling gel

The ideal choice for successfully slicking back your hair without making it stiff is the Belles Boucles Gel. Certified organic, it combines curl definition, shine, hydration and protection against humidity in a light, non-greasy texture. It’s perfect for taming frizz and controlling baby hairs. Practical and gentle, this gel provides effective hold whilst respecting the hair fibre.

A restorative conditioner

After straightening, it’s essential to relax the hair shaft and deeply rehydrate it. The Plant-based conditioner can be used to create a gentle conditioner that makes detangling easier without weighing the hair down. It also improves the hair’s suppleness and soothes the scalp.

You can also use coconut oil and hyaluronic acid to tame your hair.

Dimitri has been interested in the connections between nature, health, and well-being for several years. As a writer, he loves to make complex topics accessible, with a strong preference for simple, natural, and effective approaches. Whether the topic is cosmetics, nutrition or wellness routines, he enjoys sharing practical and informed advice for a healthier everyday life.