No Slickback November: 30 days to let go of flyaways, tackle frizz and reduce breakage.

The No Slickback November movement is establishing itself on the networks as a welcome break. This November, it’s all about releasing the pull and embracing your frizz.

One month to release capillary pressure

With No Slickback November, the idea is simple and practical for every head. For 1 month, we put the plated chignon and fixing gels on hold. What’s more, we let curls, flyaways and natural volume live on. According to professionals interviewed by the beauty press, this respite helps the scalp regain its balance.

The trend is a response to years of millimeter-smoothed hairstyles. Indeed, the “slick back” has dominated red carpets and social feeds. No Slickback November, on the other hand, invites a more flexible, accessible aesthetic. As a result, the idea appeals to those who want style without tension.

The message is clear and benevolent. We celebrate real texture, including the frizz we hid yesterday. No Slickback November transforms this supposed “flaw” into a personal signature. This challenge also offers a mental interlude in the face of strict hair codes.

“Letting the texture live is also letting the scalp breathe.”

Scalp health and underestimated risks

Dermatologists point out that regular pulling weakens the hairline. Yet many people pull their buns tight every day, sometimes on wet hair. No Slickback November is a useful reminder to limit these stresses. This reduces breakage and mechanical stress on the follicles.

High-fixing gels can, depending on their formula, dry out the fiber. On the other hand, a softer month promotes hydration and suppleness. No Slickback November therefore encourages the use of lighter, thinner products. Then, less aggressive brushing preserves sensitive lengths.

• Prefer low-voltage styles
• Use a light styling cream in small quantities
• Dry gently with a microfiber towel
• Detangle with fingers or wide-tooth comb
• Massage the scalp for 3 minutes, in the evening

Beauty standards, culture and the network effect

The slick back has imposed an “impeccable” image at all times. However, everyday reality doesn’t always follow this model. No Slickback November legitimizes another vision, one that’s more lively and wearable. What’s more, this approach values the diversity of textures, from smooth to frizzy.

Designers and hairdressers speak of it as a time to rest. From now on, everyone adjusts their beauty goals to their comfort, and not the other way around. No Slickback November touches on a societal issue: codes of respectability. As a result, embracing frizz also becomes an act of confidence.

The French beauty press has been highlighting this seasonal shift. In salons, soft volumes and blurred separations are making a comeback. No Slickback November offers a playful framework for trying out these alternatives. Networks also make it easier to help each other and share simple routines.

Simple routine: morning to night

In the morning, lightly dampen lengths with a spray of water. Then apply a dab of leave-in in sections, without saturating. No Slickback November invites you to model the shape with your hands, not freeze it. This keeps the strand moving all day long.

In the evening, reduce friction to preserve shape. A satin-finish pillowcase or a bonnet limits breakage during the night. No Slickback November relies on basic, regular, effective gestures. On the other hand, we avoid vigorous dry brushing on tight curls.

Practical questions and winning gestures

How do you stay “pro” in the office without plates or hard gel? First, opt for a soft parting and a low, loose tail. No Slickback November allows for the barrette, but without forcing the tension. The result is clean, breathable and comfortable.

What products should I choose during this month? Choose a light cream or supple gel without drying alcohol. No Slickback November suggests balancing humectants and film-forming agents. Also, a gentle wash followed by a warm rinse keeps the fiber supple.

What to do after the challenge is over? Keep a rotation of low-traction hairstyles every other day. No Slickback November then becomes a compass for the whole year. As a result, we alternate occasional plated styles and free days, guilt-free.

• No Slickback November