Everything You Need to Know About the Nara Smith Back of Head Trend and Hairstyle
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Slicked hairstyles dominate editorial street style beauty, but they carry distinct biological risks when worn daily. Dermatologists and trichologists frequently caution against continuous rearward traction. Applying extreme tension along delicate temple edges week after week can inflame follicles, leading to traction alopecia over time.
Smith’s hair secrets involve balancing aesthetics with strand preservation. She relies on moisture-rich formulas, such as leave-in treatment masks and botanical hair oils, as the foundation for her slicked texture rather than relying exclusively on drying alcohol-based gels. Using a hair mask as a styling base provides slip, allowing strands to lie flat without hardening into a brittle cast that snaps under pressure.
Professional stylists recommend following an intentional rotation when embracing this aesthetic:
- Apply styling wax sticks primarily to surface flyaways rather than cementing the deep root bed.
- Avoid securing hair elastics on soaking wet strands, which expand when wet and contract violently as they dry, causing snapping at the nape.
- Alternate between ultra-sleek low buns, loose claw clip updos, and unconstrained down days to grant the scalp mechanical rest.
- Use a gentle clarifying shampoo once weekly to remove heavy silicone and wax residues that accumulate along the hairline.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
