Among the various options available, slick back haircuts for men stand out as a hallmark of sophistication and timeless appeal. This range of hairstyles is defined by its sleek appearance, where hair is combed back, offering a clean, polished look.
Slick Back Haircuts for Men
Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of neatly combed hair or the textured sophistication of curls and waves, the different types of slicked back hair for men offers a perfect canvas to express individuality. It adapts seamlessly to formal and casual settings and has various variations suited to different hair types and lengths.
Classic Slick Back
The classic slick back hairstyle is characterized by hair combed straight back from the forehead, laying flat against the head, creating a streamlined and sophisticated look. This style is often associated with a glossy finish, but matte hair products can achieve a modern twist.
To master this look, use a dime-sized pomade to balance control and flexibility. Ensure the sides are neatly trimmed or undercut to emphasize the smooth transition to the longer, slicked-back top.
Slick Back Taper Fade
The slick back taper fade is defined by hair smoothed straight back from the forehead. A gentle taper at the sides refines the look, emphasizing the contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter length near the ears and neckline.
To wear the slick back taper haircut, apply a nickel-sized amount of cream to control the shape. Keep the sides neatly tapered to showcase the shape of the slick back.
Curly Slick Back
The curly slick back allows those with natural curls to enjoy the sleekness of the slick back while embracing their hair’s inherent texture. To achieve this, curls are styled back with a product that offers hold without stifling the curl’s volume, like a curl-defining cream or a light pomade.
The sides can be tapered for a clean-cut look that accentuates the curls’ natural bounce on top. This textured slick back is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to the hair’s playful nature, making it suitable for formal events and everyday wear.
Slick Back Fade
The slick back fade features hair that moves smoothly from the front to the crown, held in place with a styling product that adds light hold and texture. The fade at the sides gently tapers down, tracing the ear and neckline with a smooth line.
Use a small amount of pomade or clay for a modern, low-sheen finish that avoids any harsh shine. The men’s slick back fade works like a tailored jacket, keeping the shape balanced and refined, while the slicked-back top brings a sense of classic barbershop cool.
Medium Length Slick Back
The medium slick back haircut uses mid-length hair to sharpen the profile. The hair is combed straight back, with just enough weight to hold a subtle wave that adds depth.
In this form, medium length men’s haircuts rely less on styling tricks and more on the strength of the shape itself. A light-hold pomade or wax supports the look, keeping it defined yet relaxed.
Short Slick Back Haircut
The short slick back haircut pulls hair away from the forehead, creating a clean silhouette that flatters strong jawlines and cheekbones. The hair at the top is trimmed to sit close to the scalp, while the sides are cut even shorter.
Apply a touch of pomade to damp hair and run a comb straight back to keep the style in place. The short slick back pairs well with a well-groomed beard or clean shave, highlighting facial features.
Messy Slick Back
The messy slick back hairstyle is for those who covet a look that combines the nonchalance of bedhead with the structure of a slick back. This style is achieved by pushing the hair back while allowing some strands to fall naturally, creating an artfully disheveled effect.
It’s essential to use a product that gives a flexible hold, such as a light pomade or texturizing spray, to maintain the push back without making it appear too rigid. This pushed back hairstyle is perfect for adding a touch of rebellious sophistication to a polished outfit.
Slick Back Flow
The slick back flow haircut offers a relaxed take on a classic style, blending ease with a touch of refinement. With longer hair swept back to follow its natural movement, the look avoids flatness and embraces a softer, more fluid shape.
Unlike the traditional slick back that hugs the scalp, this version lets the hair breathe—an ideal option for those drawn to the flow haircut but seeking something less heavy-handed than a full-length style.
Messy Slicked Back Undercut
The messy slicked back undercut balances a high skin fade with tousled top layers. The hair on top pushes back with a wet finish, allowing natural bends and waves to break through and soften the edge.
The sides and back are buzzed to the skin, creating a stark line that frames the head with a confident bite. A dab of pomade or gel is enough to keep the shape from slipping, but this style thrives on imperfection.
Slick Back Long Hair
The long slick back presents a polished style for those with longer locks. It combines the classic appeal of slicked-back hair with the added elegance of length. The hair is brushed back from the forehead and allowed to flow seamlessly down the back, creating a look of controlled freedom.
To achieve long slicked back hair, use a lightweight hair gel or pomade to maintain hold without stiffness, allowing the hair’s natural texture to complement the sleek shape. Ideal for the modern professional, this brushed back hairstyle aligns with a sharp suit as much as casual wear, offering versatility.
Slick Back Man Bun
The slick back man bun is a contemporary classic, marrying the polish of slicked-back hair with the ease of a bun. To master this look, the hair is pulled back from the face and secured at the crown of the head, offering a neat aesthetic that keeps long hair controlled.
This style works well with or without facial hair, creating a versatile look that suits various personal styles. It’s trendy among those who appreciate the functionality of keeping hair out of the face while still looking effortlessly stylish.
Slick Back Undercut
The slick back undercut features short sides, distinct from the significantly longer hair on top. The hair on top is slicked back or to the side, allowing for a versatile style tailored to personal preference and hair texture.
Regular trims from a professional barber are recommended for maintenance to keep this short slick back haircut sharp. Styling this look typically involves hair wax or pomade to give the top section a smooth, sleek appearance that contrasts with the shorter sides.
High Taper Slick Back
The high taper slick back makes a statement with hair on top that is combed back to create a smooth finish that lifts away from the forehead. The sides taper high, starting just below the crown, and blend down to a clean edge that sits close to the head.
A touch of pomade or matte clay helps the hair keep its shape while adding a bit of shine for a modern twist. For those wanting a sharper contrast, the high fade slick back haircut is another strong option. It follows the same top styling but fades the sides more dramatically.
Slick Back Mohawk
The slick back mohawk rides the line between rebellion and precision. Hair at the top is styled straight back, creating a sleek finish that extends from the forehead to the nape.
The sides are completely shaved, forming a bold break that highlights the mohawk’s height and direction. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to lock the top in place, and let the stark sides draw attention to the clean silhouette.
Slick Back Wavy Hair
The wavy slick back allows the hair’s natural waves to add texture and depth to the classic slick back look. The key to this push back haircut is to use a product that provides hold without sacrificing the hair’s inherent movement, like a light hair wax or mousse.
The sides are typically faded or undercut to give a clean, modern edge, contrasting the wavy top’s casual flow. To style, push the hair back with your fingers and allow the waves to form naturally, securing the style with a spritz of flexible-hold hair spray.
Textured Slick Back
The textured slick back features combed back hair, but the shape is looser, following the natural movement of the hair. The sides are cropped short or undercut, letting the top stand out in sharper relief.
A light pomade or styling cream shapes the hair, bringing out the natural waves and keeping them close to the head.
Slick Back Wet Look
A slick back wet look shines with sophistication. The hair on top should be combed back using gel or pomade for that glossy, wet finish. Use a quality hair spray to lock in the slick back’s sheen.
It’s a statement style that blends the lines between the classic and the contemporary, suitable for professional environments and casual outings.
Slick Back with a Beard
This powerful look combines the sleekness of a men’s slick back hairstyle with the raw edge of a full beard. The hair is combed back to create a smooth, controlled top that contrasts with the natural texture of the beard.
Using a hairbrush and a hair dryer can help achieve the perfect slicked-back look, while beard oil will keep the facial hair well-groomed. Maintenance involves regular trims to the beard to maintain its shape and hair straightening techniques for keeping the long hair sleek.
Middle Part Slick Back
The middle part slick back hairstyle is a modern twist on a classic look, offering a balanced, sharp, and stylish aesthetic. The hair is parted down the middle, creating two equal sections that are slicked back to lie flat against the head.
This style requires a steady hand to achieve the perfect part and a good quality hair gel or pomade to maintain a sleek finish. Ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, this hairstyle exudes an air of formality and can be adapted for casual and more formal environments.
Side Part Slick Back
The side part slick back exudes sophistication and meticulousness. It starts with a sharp side part that adds a dimension of structure to the slicked-back look.
Hair is combed to perfection, often using a fine-toothed comb and a high-quality pomade, to achieve a glossy finish that stays put. This comb back haircut is particularly suited for formal occasions, enhancing a man’s sharp attire and distinguished presence.
Slick Back with Volume
This variation of the slick back hairstyle adds an element of drama with added volume that elevates the look. Hair is kept longer on top and styled back, using a blow-dryer to lift the roots and create a fuller appearance.
A strong hold pomade or wax can then be worked through the hair, maintaining height while ensuring the style holds throughout the day. This voluminous take on the slicked back hairstyle retains its classic roots but makes a modern statement, perfect for the man who commands attention and respects the power of a good hair day.
Mastering the Modern Slick Back
The men’s slick back haircut embodies versatility and sophistication, presenting a spectrum of styles that cater to every setting—from the impeccable, classic finish ideal for formal engagements to the textured, laid-back variant that thrives in creative spaces.
Its adaptability guarantees a seamless fit for any scenario, be it a high-stakes boardroom or the casual ambiance of a downtown gallery, allowing the slick back to be tailored to the environment and your distinct personal flair.
Ultimately, opting for a type of slick back declares your dedication to a timeless aesthetic, simultaneously embracing the space for personal expression and individuality.
