Is your hairstyle feeling a bit tired? Are you still getting those “cute” compliments from your grandma? If so, it might be time to shake things up and have your barber infuse a little edge into that choirboy look you’ve been rocking. So, how do you do it?
Two words: Slick back.
The slick back hairstyle is the go-to choice for bad boys, Hollywood’s charming villains, and rebellious souls who refuse to conform. It’s an instant way to elevate your style from the mundane to the memorable, helping you channel your inner rogue with undeniable flair.
However, before you grab the pomade and comb, there are a few essential points to consider. This haircut isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; not everyone will pull it off seamlessly. Even if you’re among the fortunate few, there are various styles and techniques to choose from, each offering its unique twist on the classic slick back.
To help you navigate the world of slick back haircuts, we’ve compiled some essential information and curated a selection of the best styles. Here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect slick-back look for you.
What Is a Slick Back Haircut?
A slick-back haircut is precisely what it sounds like: a hairstyle characterized by hair that is swept back, away from the face, and toward the nape of the neck. While this style has many subtle variations, it all shares the central feature of being styled back, creating a clean, polished appearance.
Key Characteristics of the Slick Back Style
Length on Top: The hallmark of a slick back haircut is that the hair on top is generally longer than the hair on the back and sides. This added length is essential for achieving the slicked-back look, as it allows the hair to be swept back and held in place with styling products.
Shorter Back and Sides: The back and sides are typically cut shorter to create a striking contrast with the longer hair on top. Common techniques used for these areas include fades and tapers. A fade gradually shortens the length from the top down, creating a seamless blend, while a taper leaves the hair longer at the top and gradually shortens it towards the neckline. This contrast emphasizes the slicked-back style and enhances the overall sharpness of the cut.
Styling Products: To achieve that iconic slicked-back appearance, styling products are often a must. Pomades, gels, and creams are popular choices. They help hold the hair in place and provide a shiny finish. The right product depends on your hair type and the level of hold you desire. For instance, thicker hair may require a stronger holding product, while finer hair might benefit from a lighter styling cream.
In summary, a slick back haircut is a classic choice that offers versatility and style. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, professional appearance or a more casual, relaxed vibe, this haircut can easily adapt to your personal style. With the right length, product, and maintenance, you can achieve a stunning slick back that turns heads and boosts your confidence.
Is a Slick Back Haircut Right for Me?
Before you head to the barbershop armed with a picture of Dracula, it’s essential to assess whether a slick-back haircut is a suitable choice for you. While this classic style exudes confidence and charm, it’s not a universal fit for everyone.
Maintenance Level
One of the advantages of the slick-back haircut is that it tends to be low-maintenance, particularly if you stick to a classic version. With just a comb and your favorite styling product, you can achieve that polished look with relative ease. However, keep in mind that if you choose a slick-back style that incorporates fades or undercuts, regular upkeep is necessary to maintain the clean lines and sharp appearance. Expect to visit your barber every few weeks to keep the back and sides neat and fresh.
Face Shape Considerations
Another crucial factor to consider is your face shape. The good news is that the slick back is quite versatile, making it possible to adapt this style to suit various facial structures. Here are some guidelines to help you find the best fit:
Long Faces: If you have a longer face, it’s wise to keep the hair close to the scalp on top to avoid elongating your features further. Opt for a slick back that maintains a sleek profile while ensuring the top isn’t too voluminous. A tighter slick back will help balance your face shape effectively.
Round Faces: Those with round faces should consider styles that offer some height and volume on top. This added loft helps create the illusion of a longer face, providing a more balanced look. A textured slick back or a style with some lift can be flattering.
Square Faces: For square faces, the key is to soften angular features. A slick back with some layered texture can work well, allowing for movement that contrasts against the strong lines of the jaw. You might also opt for a slight wave or tousle for a more relaxed appearance.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Heart-shaped faces can benefit from a slick back that adds volume and texture at the crown, which helps balance out the forehead’s width and the narrower chin. A style that offers a bit of lift while keeping the sides tidy can enhance your natural proportions.
Hair Type
Your hair type also plays a significant role in determining if a slick back is right for you. Thick, coarse hair can hold the style well but may require a stronger product to tame it. On the other hand, fine or straight hair may necessitate lighter styling products to avoid a weighed-down look. Understanding your hair texture can help you select the right product and technique for achieving that sleek back.
The Best Slick Back Haircuts For Men
1. Classic Slick Back
The classic slick back has an undeniable staying power. This style has been worn by Hollywood icons and rebels alike, becoming synonymous with sophistication and an edge of defiance. The look itself is sleek yet relaxed, providing a balance between polished and effortless that’s hard to beat. By sweeping the hair back, the classic slick back emphasizes your facial features, particularly the jawline and cheekbones, giving an instantly chiseled look.
How to Get the Perfect Classic Slick Back Cut
Achieving this style begins with the right cut. Ideally, the top section of your hair should be medium length—long enough to comb back easily but short enough to keep its shape. The sides are typically cut shorter to create contrast and keep the focus on the sleek top. Some people opt for a taper to enhance the smooth gradient, while others prefer the sides just slightly shorter than the top for a subtler difference.
When discussing this look with your barber, be sure to mention how much contrast you’d like between the top and sides. If you’re going for a clean, minimalist style, ask for a gentle taper or just slightly shorter sides. For a more dramatic look, consider a skin fade that complements the sleekness of the slick back.
Styling Essentials: Products and Techniques
For a classic slick back, pomade is your best friend. Choose one with a medium or high hold and a slight shine for that smooth, polished look. Apply a small amount of pomade to your hands, rub them together, and distribute evenly through damp or dry hair. Then, use a fine-tooth comb to glide the hair back into place.
If you’re after a matte finish, a matte clay or styling cream can give you a more understated look. These options work well if you want a low-shine version that looks a bit more natural while still keeping that smooth shape.
Tips for Maintenance and Care
One of the best things about the classic slick back is its low-maintenance nature. With just a bit of daily styling, your hair will hold its shape throughout the day. For maximum effect, get regular trims to keep the shape neat and avoid any unruly growth on the sides. If you’re opting for a fade or taper on the sides, a touch-up every three to four weeks will keep the cut sharp and clean.
Another tip is to keep your hair healthy, as the slick-back look works best with hair that’s smooth and manageable. Using a conditioner regularly and minimizing heat styling will help maintain your hair’s natural texture, making it easier to style and manage.
Why the Classic Slick Back is Always a Good Choice
The classic slick back is incredibly versatile, seamlessly fitting into any occasion. From a formal setting to a casual night out, this cut exudes confidence and control, making it a great go-to for any style-conscious guy. Once mastered, it becomes a defining part of your look—a hairstyle that commands attention without needing any extra effort. So whether you’re dressing it up with a suit or keeping it casual with jeans, the classic slick back is a surefire choice for a timeless look.
2. Slick Back with Skin Fade
This modernized take on the classic slick back haircut combines the sophistication of a sleek style with the edginess of a skin fade. The contrast between the smooth, combed-back top and the clean, sharp fade on the sides adds a touch of boldness and flair, perfect for guys looking to stand out. It’s a high-impact look that merges timeless style with a contemporary edge.
How to Achieve the Ideal Length for the Top
For the slick back with skin fade, the hair on top needs to be long enough to slick back smoothly, typically about three to five inches. This length allows the hair to lay back easily, creating that polished slick effect while giving you enough length to showcase the fade. Your barber will blend the top length into the faded sides, ensuring a seamless transition.
Getting the Skin Fade Just Right
The skin fade is where the real difference lies. Starting at the temples and nape of the neck, your barber will gradually blend the hair down to the skin, creating a seamless gradient that enhances the contrast with the longer hair on top. The fade can start higher up the sides for a more dramatic look or closer to the ear for a subtle effect. Either way, the goal is to create a clean and well-defined look that flows naturally into the top length.
Styling Tips and Product Recommendations
To style this cut, use a medium or high-hold pomade or gel to keep the hair in place and create a sleek, controlled finish. For a glossy look, apply a product with shine, or for a more matte look, use a clay or a matte pomade. Start with a small amount of product and work it through damp or dry hair, then use a fine-tooth comb to pull the hair back.
Regular maintenance is key with this style, as the skin fade will lose its sharpness as the hair grows out. Visiting the barber every two to three weeks will help keep the fade crisp and defined, allowing you to maintain the full effect of this cut.
Why the Slick Back with Skin Fade is Worth the Extra Effort
With its modern aesthetic and bold contrast, the slick back with skin fade is a great choice for anyone looking to combine classic and contemporary styles. It’s a versatile haircut that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Although it requires more maintenance than the traditional slick back, the high impact and contemporary look it brings make it worth the extra barber visits.
3. Mid-Length Slick Back
The mid-length slick back is ideal for those who want an effortlessly stylish look with a hint of laid-back charm. It works well for anyone who prefers low-maintenance grooming but still wants a hairstyle that’s polished enough for both casual and professional settings. With enough length to create volume and movement, the mid-length slick back strikes the perfect balance between structured and relaxed.
Growing Out Your Hair for the Perfect Mid-Length
If you’re starting from shorter hair, patience is key. This look requires a few months of growth to achieve that ideal mid-length range, which is typically around five to eight inches. In the meantime, you can opt for a classic slick back and gradually let your hair grow to the desired length. Keep the ends trimmed and the hair healthy to avoid split ends, which will keep the style looking fresh and intentional.
Adding Shape with a Tapered Side
For those who prefer a bit of structure, a subtle taper at the sides and back can add a refined touch to this look. Ask your barber to gradually taper the hair from the top to a shorter length around the sides and nape, creating a more defined silhouette. This subtle taper keeps the look sharp while allowing the top hair to stay full and voluminous.
Styling Tips for the Loosely Combed Look
To keep the mid-length slick back from looking overly done, the goal is to maintain some natural movement in the hair. Use a small amount of lightweight pomade, wax, or even a cream-based product if your hair is thick.
Apply Product: Take a small amount of product, warm it in your hands, and evenly distribute it through damp hair. Start at the roots for a fuller look.
Comb Back Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb to tease the hair back, creating a loosely structured, swept-back appearance. Avoid pressing too hard with the comb, as the goal is to keep the hair flowing naturally.
Finish with Your Fingers: For an even more relaxed look, run your fingers through your hair to break up any sharp lines, adding texture and volume to the finished style.
Maintaining the Mid-Length Slick Back
While the mid-length slick back is relatively low maintenance, a few upkeep tips will help keep this style fresh. Regular trims every six to eight weeks will keep the ends healthy, and using a lightweight conditioner will keep the hair smooth and manageable. For extra volume, you can use a sea salt spray or a volumizing mousse before blow-drying, especially if your hair tends to lie flat.
4. Side-Part Slick Back
The side-part slick back combines the sharpness of a side part with the effortless appeal of a slick back. It’s ideal for those who want a classic, well-groomed style without the boldness of a fully slicked-back look. This blend of refinement and attitude makes it a versatile option, suitable for both the office and after-hours events.
The side-part slick back bears some similarities to the pompadour, especially in its volume and styling direction. However, unlike the pompadour, the side-part slick back has a defined part, typically on the left or right, which adds a sense of structure. The back and sides are usually tapered, blending gradually into the longer hair on top for a balanced, seamless look. The taper helps accentuate the clean parting line, adding dimension to the overall style.
Styling Tools You’ll Need
To achieve this look, you’ll need a few key styling tools: a fine-tooth comb, a brush, a quality pomade or styling cream, and, if possible, a blow dryer to help set the style. The blow dryer not only speeds up the process but also helps maintain the volume and control that defines this look.
How to Style the Side-Part Slick Back
Set the Part: Start with damp hair and use a comb to establish a strong side part. This is the foundation of the style, so make sure it’s straight and defined.
Add Product: Warm a small amount of pomade or styling cream in your hands and apply it evenly throughout the hair. Focus more on the top and front sections, as these areas require the most hold.
Use the Blow Dryer: With the hair parted, use a brush to sweep the hair back and slightly up while blow drying. This will add volume and help the hair fall naturally into place.
Refine the Shape: Once dry, use a comb to neaten up the part and set the shape. For extra hold and shine, you can add a touch more product and smooth down any flyaways.
Maintaining the Side-Part Slick Back
Since this look is a bit more refined, regular trips to the barber will keep the part and taper looking sharp. You should do the trick every three to four weeks, especially if you have faster-growing hair. To keep the style fresh between trims, use a small amount of pomade daily to keep everything in place, or refresh with a light mist of water and a quick brush-through to reset the look.
5. Slick Back with an undercut
The slick back with the undercut is bold, blending vintage charm with a modern edge, perfect for anyone wanting a haircut that stands out. With its extreme contrast between the top and sides, this style makes a strong statement while still being versatile enough to wear in both casual and formal settings. Fans of classic, rugged styles (like those featured in Peaky Blinders) will find this look an ideal choice for channeling timeless sophistication with a modern twist.
The defining feature of this style is the clear contrast between the longer hair on top and the shaved or closely clipped back and sides. Unlike a traditional fade, the undercut has no graduation, creating an eye-catching divide between the top and the sides. This high-contrast look adds a lot of visual interest, giving the hair a well-defined structure that’s both sleek and edgy.
Tools and Products Needed for Styling
To achieve the slick back with undercut, you’ll need a few essentials: a comb, a high-hold pomade or styling wax, and, if available, a blow dryer. A blow dryer will help set the hair in place, especially if your hair is thicker and more challenging to control.
How to Style the Slick Back with Undercut
Start with Damp Hair: Begin with slightly damp hair to ensure the product spreads evenly and gives you better control.
Apply Product: Warm a dime-sized amount of pomade or styling wax in your hands, then apply it to the hair on top, starting at the roots and working to the ends. This will give the hair structure and help it stay in place throughout the day.
Comb It Back: Use a fine-tooth comb to sweep the hair straight back, ensuring it stays flat against the scalp for a smooth, slicked look. The comb will also help define the sharp separation between the longer hair and the shorter, shaven sides.
Optional Blow-Dry: For extra hold, use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while combing the hair back. This will lock the style in place and add a natural sheen to the hair.
Maintaining the Slick Back with Undercut
Regular barber visits are essential for keeping the undercut looking sharp, especially since this style relies on the contrast between the top and sides. Aim to get a trim every two to three weeks to maintain that clean, precise line. At home, a small amount of product daily is usually enough to restyle the hair, especially if you’re re-setting it with a comb and water.
The slick back with undercut is a daring, stylish choice that combines the best of vintage and contemporary looks, making it ideal for those who want their haircut to have a serious impact.
