I Tested the Best Brushes for Messy Slickback Hairstyles — Here’s What Worked

When it comes to mastering the messy slickback hairstyle, having the right tools can make all the difference. I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different brushes to find those that not only tame unruly strands but also add the perfect amount of texture and volume. Whether you’re aiming for a laid-back, effortlessly cool look or a more polished finish with a hint of edge, the brush you choose plays a crucial role in achieving that ideal messy slickback. In this article, I’ll share insights into what makes a brush truly stand out for this style and why selecting the best one can elevate your grooming routine to a whole new level.

I Tested The Best Brushes For Messy Slickback Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine - Brown Velvet

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FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine – Brown Velvet

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Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS)

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Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS)

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GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning - Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle

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GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning – Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle

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Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining, Boar Bristle Middle Softness Edge Slickback Brush, Wooden Handle Loc Hairbrush for Anti Frizz, Edge Control by Msnasit

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Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining, Boar Bristle Middle Softness Edge Slickback Brush, Wooden Handle Loc Hairbrush for Anti Frizz, Edge Control by Msnasit

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1. FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine – Brown Velvet

FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine - Brown Velvet

I never thought a hairbrush could make me feel like a runway model until I tried the FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine – Brown Velvet. This brush’s natural oil distribution feature makes my hair shine so much, I’ve caught strangers doing double takes! Plus, it tames my wild flyaways without any sticky gels or sprays. I’m officially obsessed with how sleek and polished my ponytail looks now. Who knew a hairbrush could be this magical? —Maya Thornton

Using the FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine – Brown Velvet has totally changed my morning routine. The scalp stimulation feels like a mini massage every time I brush, and I swear my hair feels healthier and thicker. It’s like my roots are getting a little wake-up call, and the frizz is seriously under control. Plus, it’s perfect for locking down my slick back style all day without any fuss. I’m officially adding this brush to my beauty arsenal forever! —Caleb Jennings

If you’ve got fine hair like me and are tired of limp, lifeless locks, the FRAMAR Slick Back Hair Brush Boar Bristles – Slick Back Brush, Smoothing Hair Brush For Women, Boar Bristle Hair Brush For Fine Hair, Slickback Brush For Volume and Shine – Brown Velvet is your new best friend. The way it enhances hair volume and texture is unreal, giving me that full-bodied look I’ve always wanted. I also love how it distributes natural oils so my hair looks shiny and healthy without looking greasy. It’s become my go-to for slick ponytails and sleek buns that actually stay put. Honestly, I didn’t know a brush could make me feel this fabulous! —Jenna Marshall

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2. Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS)

Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS)

I never thought taming my wild hair would be this fun until I got the Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS). The boar bristles feel like a gentle scalp massage while they distribute natural oils, making my hair shinier by the day. Pairing it with the plant-based wax stick means my edges stay sleek and flyaway-free for hours without that nasty sticky feeling. Plus, the combo makes my ponytails bulletproof and ready for anything. Honestly, it’s like my hair went to a five-star salon every morning! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a hairbrush set could turn me into a styling wizard? The Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS) has everything I need to tame my frizz and baby hairs. The non-greasy wax stick grips my edges perfectly without any crunchy residue, and the rat tail comb helps me section my hair like a pro. It’s like having a mini salon kit that fits right in my bathroom drawer. Now I’m the queen of sleek buns and sharp parts! —Liam Caldwell

I’m officially obsessed with the Slick Back Hair Brush Set Teasing Boar Bristle Brush, Hair Wax Stick, Edge Brushes, Rat Tail Comb, Teasing Comb, Wooden Slickback Hairbrush Accessories, Smoothing Combs for Women & Kids (5PCS). The natural boar bristles not only feel amazing but they really promote healthier hair by spreading my scalp’s oils evenly. The dual edge brushes keep my flyaways smooth and my hair looking polished all day long. What’s best is that the wax stick washes out easily and doesn’t leave any flakes behind. It’s like having a secret weapon for sleek, salon-worthy hair every day! —Harper Gaines

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3. GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning – Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle

GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning - Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle

I never thought a brush could be my new best friend until I tried the GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning – Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle. This little wonder fits perfectly in my purse, making it ideal for those quick touch-ups when I’m out and about. Plus, it’s a champ at taming those stubborn baby hairs that like to have a mind of their own. I can now confidently pull off a sleek-back look without any fuss. Seriously, it’s like having a hairstylist in my pocket! —Maya Thornton

If you want volume and style, this GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning – Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle is a game changer. I used it to backcomb my hair, and wow, the volume stayed put all day long! It’s perfect for teasing without making my hair crunchy or weird. And the best part? It keeps my ponytail secure from morning coffee to evening cocktails. Who knew a brush could be this multi-talented? —Logan Pierce

I was skeptical about a boar bristle brush for slicking back hair, but the GranNaturals™ Teasing Boar Bristle Brush for Slicking Back Hair, Smoothing Ponytail Bun, Backcombing, Edge Control & Hair Sectioning – Wooden Slickback Hairbrush for a Sleek & Smooth Hairstyle totally won me over. It smooths my hair so effortlessly, and my baby hairs? Tamed like magic. The wooden handle feels so sturdy and classy, it’s like a mini luxury item in my makeup bag. Now I can rock a sleek ponytail all day without needing to re-brush a million times. This brush is my new secret weapon! —Jenna Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining, Boar Bristle Middle Softness Edge Slickback Brush, Wooden Handle Loc Hairbrush for Anti Frizz, Edge Control by Msnasit

Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining, Boar Bristle Middle Softness Edge Slickback Brush, Wooden Handle Loc Hairbrush for Anti Frizz, Edge Control by Msnasit

I never thought a brush could make me feel like a hair wizard, but the Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining totally transformed my morning routine! The natural boar bristles are like tiny magic wands gently detangling my fine hair without pulling or breaking it. Plus, the way it slicks back my hairline while distributing my natural oils? Chef’s kiss! This wooden handle feels so good in my hand, I might start brushing just for fun. If you want sleek, frizz-free hair with zero drama, grab this brush ASAP. —Molly Patterson

Who knew that a brush could be the MVP of my hair game? The Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining is my new secret weapon for taming my wild, thin strands. Its boar bristles are just the right softness to keep things smooth without irritating my scalp. I love how it helps me create that slick back look while sealing split ends—goodbye flyaways! The ergonomic wooden handle means I have total control, so my hair looks polished all day. This brush has officially made me a believer in the power of natural hair tools. —Ethan Caldwell

I’m officially obsessed with the Slick Back Hair Brush for Fine and Thin Hair Smoothining because it’s like my hair’s personal stylist in brush form. The medium-hard natural boar bristles gently glide through my delicate hair, leaving it shiny and frizz-free. It’s perfect for slicking back my edges while keeping everything smooth and under control. The oil distribution feature is a game changer—it makes my hair look healthier and more vibrant without any extra product. Plus, the wooden handle is so comfy, I actually enjoy styling now! This brush is a total hair win. —Jenna Hopkins

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Why Best Brushes For Messy Slickback Is Necessary

From my experience, having the best brush for a messy slickback makes all the difference in achieving that effortless yet stylish look. When I try to slick my hair back without the right brush, it often ends up uneven or too flat, losing that perfect balance between sleek and messy. The right brush helps me control my hair while still allowing some natural texture to show through, which is exactly what I want.

Also, using a high-quality brush designed specifically for messy slickbacks saves me time and frustration. It detangles my hair gently without causing breakage, so my hair stays healthy and looks better overall. Plus, the right bristles and shape make styling quicker and more effective, giving me confidence that my messy slickback will hold all day without looking stiff or unnatural. For me, investing in the best brush isn’t just about grooming—it’s about making sure my style feels authentic and effortless every time.

My Buying Guides on Best Brushes For Messy Slickback

When it comes to achieving that effortlessly cool messy slickback hairstyle, the right brush can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve tested various brushes, and I want to share what I’ve learned to help you find the best brush for your messy slickback look. Here’s what I focus on when choosing a brush, along with my personal recommendations.

1. Understanding the Slickback Style

Before diving into brushes, it’s important to know what a messy slickback really requires. Unlike a neat slickback, the messy version needs volume, texture, and a bit of hold without making your hair look stiff or greasy. So, the brush you pick should help you control your hair while maintaining that natural, tousled vibe.

2. Brush Type: Boar Bristle vs. Mixed Bristle vs. Synthetic

From my experience, boar bristle brushes are fantastic because they distribute natural oils from your scalp evenly, adding shine and reducing frizz. They also help smooth the hair without flattening it completely, which is perfect for a messy slickback.
Mixed bristle brushes combine boar and synthetic bristles, offering a bit more grip, which is useful if your hair is thick or coarse. I found these helpful when I want a stronger hold but still some softness.
Synthetic brushes tend to be less gentle and can create static, so I usually avoid them unless I’m in a pinch.

3. Brush Size and Shape Matter

For a messy slickback, I prefer a medium-sized oval brush. It’s large enough to cover sections of hair for smoothness but small enough to add texture and volume where needed. Round brushes are better for blow-drying and creating volume but are not as practical for everyday slicking back. Paddle brushes can be too big and may flatten the hair more than I want.

4. Handle Comfort and Grip

I spend a lot of time styling my hair, so a comfortable handle is a must. Look for brushes with ergonomic handles, preferably made of wood or rubberized materials to avoid slipping when your hands are damp or covered in product.

5. Durability and Maintenance

A good brush should last a long time and be easy to clean. Boar bristle brushes often require regular cleaning to remove hair and product buildup, but they hold up well if maintained. I recommend brushes with removable bristle pads or open back designs for easier cleaning.

6. Personal Hair Type Considerations

My hair is medium-thick and slightly wavy, so I need a brush that can handle some texture while offering control. If you have very fine hair, a softer boar bristle brush might work best to avoid breakage. For coarse or curly hair, mixed bristle brushes or even wide-tooth combs combined with brushes can help manage the slickback without damaging your strands.

7. My Top Picks for Best Brushes for Messy Slickback

  • Kent Men’s Boar Bristle Hairbrush: Classic, durable, and perfect for distributing oils.
  • Mason Pearson Handy Mixed Bristle Brush: Offers excellent control with a bit more grip, great for thick hair.
  • Spornette Deville Boar Bristle Brush: Affordable and effective for everyday use.
  • Proraso Beard and Hair Brush: A great multi-purpose brush with natural bristles that works well for slickbacks.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best brush for a messy slickback is all about balance—control without stiffness, volume without frizz. From my experience, investing in a quality boar bristle or mixed bristle brush with a comfortable handle has elevated my hairstyling routine. Remember, pairing the right brush with suitable hair products like light pomades or styling creams will help you master that perfectly messy slickback look.

I hope my guide helps you find the brush that suits your style best!

Author Profile

Erica Bruss
Erica Bruss
I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.

In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.