The Best Men’s Slick Back Haircuts (Plus Styling Tips)

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How to get the classic and attractive slick back look at home
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Slick back hairstyles are perfect for any occasion—work, formal events, or even just hanging out with friends. Slick backs are trending in a big way right now, and they’re a great way to look put-together without spending a ton of time in front of the mirror each day. We’re here with everything you need to know about the slick back, including the best haircuts for this style and tips from professional hair stylists on how to style your slick back at home .

What haircut should I get for a slick back?

Most slick back haircuts are longer on the top—usually at least 4–6 in (10–15 cm). The back and sides can be undercut or cut in a high, mid, or low taper or fade. If you’d prefer all one length, grow out your hair into a mid-length or long slick back.

Section 1 of 6:

Slick Back Haircuts for Men

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  1. In a classic slick back, the hair is left about medium-length on top. It may be tapered slightly to be a little shorter on the sides and on the back, but the length is mostly the same all over. [1]
    • Styling tip: The classic slick-back is about as easy as it gets. To style this look, all you have to do is apply product and comb it straight back. [2] If you prefer your slick back to have a wet look, use a high-shine oil-based pomade .
    • Where have you seen it? Michael Douglas’s character Gordon Gekko in Wall Street is an iconic example of this classic cut.
  2. 2
    Side Part Slick Back You don’t have to give up your side part just to wear a slick back. Keep your hair medium-length on top and slightly longer on the side opposite your part. Ask for the back and sides to be tapered so they’re shorter than the top. [3]
    • Styling tip: Brush your hair up and back while you dry it to give it some volume, then before it’s all the way dry, comb it into a side part. [4]
    • Where have you seen it? The side part slick back was famously worn by Don Draper of Mad Men, played by Jon Hamm.
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  3. 3
    Center Part Slick Back The center part slick back is the perfect blend of put-together style and effortless cool. Sometimes called the middle part slick back, slicked-back Eboy haircut, or slick back with curtain fringe, this is a more relaxed version of the classic slick back. [5]
    • Styling tip: To keep this style looking modern, use light hold pomade or gel and comb your hair so it’s just lightly pushed back, falling behind your ears.
  4. 4
    Slick Back with Undercut If you’re looking for a look that’s bold and edgy but still put together, the slick back with undercut might be for you. This style features a sharp transition between the longer, slicked-back top and the very short back and sides, with no fade or taper. [6]
  5. 5
    Slick Back with High Fade Like an undercut slick back, a high fade slick back is a sharp, bold look. In this style, the hair fades—or gradually changes length—starting around the temples and going up to the longer section on top. [8]
    • Styling tip: To keep this look balanced, wear your hair on the shorter or mid-length side on top, and keep it in place with strong hold pomade or gel . Plan to get regular touch-ups with this style.
  6. 6
    Slick Back with Mid Fade A slick back with mid fade is a little more subtle than a high fade, but it’s still modern and cool. To get a mid fade, start the transition lower on your head—usually just above the ears. [9]
    • Styling tip: A mid fade looks best with slightly longer hair on top.
  7. 7
    Slick Back with Low Fade A slick back with low fade is the most subtle fade, so it’s great if you want the clean-cut look of a slick back and the neatness of a fade, but you want something a little more conservative than a high fade or undercut. [10]
    • Styling tip: Have regular trims to keep the hair neat around your ears and at the back of your neck.
  8. 8
    Slick Back Burst Fade In a burst fade , your hair is faded in a C-shape behind each ear. It’s super trendy and looks great combined with the classic appeal of a slick back.
    • Styling tip: Since the hair will be left longer in the back, keep the slick back portion a little shorter overall, and consider adding texture to the top.
  9. 9
    Slick Back with Taper A taper is similar to a fade , but the length gradually tapers down to shorter hair instead of dropping your hair all the way down to skin length. Tapers are less edgy than fades, so they’re a good option when you want something a little more versatile. [11]
    • Styling tip: Talk to your stylist to determine whether a high taper, mid taper, or low taper will work best with your hair type and face shape. Ask for a taper fade if you want the length of a taper but still want to take it a little shorter around the edges.
  10. 10
    Slick Back with Pomadour For a modern take on the pompadour , wear your hair up and back, styled with matte products to avoid too much shine. This is a little more high-maintenance than some other slick backs, but it’s stylish and cool if you have the time to make it happen. [12]
    • Styling tip: Blow-dry your hair up and slightly forward with a round brush, then apply mousse , comb the hair back (but maintain the volume), smooth on a little matte pomade , then spritz on some hairspray for extra hold.
    • Where have you seen it? This look is one of David Beckham’s most iconic styles.
  11. 11
    Slick Back with Quiff A quiff is a little more relaxed than a pompadour—it still has volume on top, but it’s not combed quite as precisely. This is a good option for a slick back if you want to elongate a round face.
    • Styling tip: Hair stylist Martin Nepton says, “To style a quiff, use a volume mousse and blow your hair out with a hairdryer and a flat brush. If you want even more volume, use a round brush, but keep in mind that the style will be very round at the top.”
  12. 12
    Textured Slick Back In a textured slick back, your barber or stylist will use a razor or scissors to add subtle layers to your hair. This will give the slicked-back portion a casual, less structured look. [13]
    • Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray or matte clay to enhance your hair’s texture—but opt for products with light hold to keep the look natural.
  13. 13
    Mid-Length Slick Back Flow A mid-length slick back is perfect for wearing your hair a little longer while embracing your natural texture. For the most part, keep your hair about the same length, wearing it long enough to hit about the back of your neck. But if you’d like, you can ask your barber or stylist to shape it a little around the sides for a more flattering look. [14]
    • Styling tip: This style looks better if you let your hair have some natural movement, so opt for light-hold products .
  14. 14
    Long Slick Back Flow The long slick back flow is a great way to add a little structure to your hair once it’s about collar length. Products help hold your hair in place and control fluffiness, but you still get the natural, carefree look that makes long hair so appealing. [15]
    • Styling tip: Wear it pushed back from your head, but stick to light-hold products like serums to avoid making your hair look greasy or weighed down.
    • Where have you seen it? Jake Gyllenhaal has been seen sporting a long slick back flow, and we love it!
  15. 15
    Wavy Slick Back Flow If you have naturally wavy hair, wear it in a loose slick back for a flowing, relaxed style. This look is polished without being overdone, and it’s a great way to show off your hair’s natural movement. [16]
    • Styling tip: Work in a texturizing product like sea salt spray to add definition to your waves, then add a dab of lightweight pomade for hold.
  16. 16
    Curly Slick Back It can be hard to style curly hair into a slick back—the trick is to work with your hair’s natural texture instead of fighting against it. Talk to your barber or stylist about the best way to shape your curls for a slick back. Keep the style a little loose, and if possible, opt for products designed to help define and tame curls. [17]
  17. 17
    Slick Back Man Bun If your style is low-maintenance and effortlessly cool, try rocking a slick back man bun . It can take about a year to grow your hair out for a man bun, but once it’s long enough, there’s not much more to it—just smooth your hair back into a loose bun and you’re ready to go. [18]
    • Style tip: Avoid heavy styling products that can make your hair look greasy. Instead, work in a little leave-in conditioner after you wash your hair to tame frizz. Also, avoid tying your bun too tight, or it could damage your hair over time.
  18. 18
    Slick Back with Mohawk If your mohawk isn’t right for the occasion—or you just want a break from spiking it up—try slicking it back instead. Similar to a slick back undercut, you’ll have a distinct separation between the longer section on top and the shorter section on the back and sides. The only real difference is that a mohawk is narrower on top.
  19. 19
    Slick Back with Beard A slick back is all about smooth sophistication, while beards are rugged—but somehow, they just work together. Whether you want to contrast an undercut slick back with a long beard or you’re rocking a classic slick back with stubble, don’t feel like you have to be clean-shaven to enjoy this style.
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Style a Slick Back

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  1. Your slick back will look flat if your hair is greasy or if there’s old product in it, so start by shampooing your hair. Towel-dry it or let it air dry for a few minutes so it’s not sopping wet, but don’t wait too long—your hair will hold its shape better if it’s still damp when you start styling it. [19]
  2. 2
    Add about a dime-sized amount of product. Most guys like to use product before they start styling their slick back. Exactly how much you’ll use will depend on the product you’re using and your hair’s thickness and length. Stylist Janet Miranda recommends rubbing the product between your hands to warm it up so it doesn’t clump in your hair. Here are some of the products that are best for slick backs:
    • Thickening spray : Use this as a pre-treatment if you have thinner hair, especially if you want more volume.
    • Pomade : Hair stylist Steven Waldman says, “Pomade stays malleable and flexible, so it’s a good option when you want some style support but you still want to run your fingers through your hair.” Oil-based pomades are shinier with stronger hold, while water-based pomades give you a more natural matte finish.
    • Matte clay : Matte clay adds extra texture and volume to your hair, without adding shine. It’s a good option if you’re going with a pompadour or just want a little extra volume on top.
    • Gel : Gel provides strong hold, so it’s a good option for thick or curly hair that doesn’t like to stay slicked back.
  3. 3
    Brush your hair back while you dry it for more structure. If your hair is naturally straight and you don’t have much trouble keeping it in a slick back style, you may not need to blow-dry it. But if your hair is especially long, thick, or stubborn, run a paddle brush or vent brush through your hair to slick it back. With each pass, follow the brush closely with the nozzle of the hair dryer.
    • For more hold: Stop when your hair is about 80% dry and add a little more product. Then, either finish blow-drying it or let it air-dry. [20]
    • For a more natural look: Dry your hair first, then add a little product for hold. [21]
    • If your hair tends to fall during the day: Brush the hair closest to your temples up and back as you dry it. This will help provide support for the top portion of the haircut. [22]
  4. 4
    Smooth your hair back with a wide-toothed comb . Using a wide-toothed comb will give your hair a sleek finish while also adding a little texture. It will also help distribute any remaining product evenly through your hair, especially if you skipped blow-drying. [23]
  5. 5
    Finish with a light spritz of hairspray if you want a stronger hold. Don’t use much hairspray —you only need one spritz on the top and one on each side. This will help hold your hair in place without making it look frozen. [24]
    • If you prefer your hair to have a little more natural movement, it’s okay to skip the hairspray. [25]
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Section 3 of 6:

How long should your hair be for a slick back?

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  1. Your hair should be at least 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) for a slick back. For most cuts, it should be a little shorter on the sides and back than it is on the top, although for a classic, long, or mid-length slick back, it should be about the same length all the way around. [26]
Section 4 of 6:

Who does a slick back look good on?

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  1. 1
    Any face shape can wear a slick back. There are a lot of variations on the slick back, so it’s a versatile option that you can customize to suit the face of your shape. To find your face shape, compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Here are some of the best slick backs for each face shape:
    • Oval face: Your face has natural symmetry, so any slick back will work
    • Round face: Go with a slick back with volume on top, like a pompadour, or sharp lines, like a high fade, undercut, or side part.
    • Square face: Choose a softer slick back that shows off your angular jaw, like a classic or low fade.
    • Rectangular/Oblong face: Opt for a style that adds volume to the sides, like a long or wavy slick back.
    • Heart-shaped face: Add volume in a way that will balance out your face—try a classic or mid-length slick back.
  2. 2
    Straight, medium-dense hair is the easiest to style in a slick back. If your hair is wavy, curly, or has a dense texture, it may be hard to tame into a sleek, classic slick back. In that case, it’s best to embrace a more relaxed version that works with your hair’s texture. [27]
    • If your hair is thinning on top, using products to slick your hair back may make it look even thinner. [28]
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Section 5 of 6:

How do I ask for a slick back haircut?

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  1. Tell them how long you want it to be on the top (it should be at least 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) for a slick back) and what you want the sides to look like—like a fade, undercut, or taper. To be sure they know what you have in mind, bring reference pictures to your appointment.
    EXPERT TIP

    Frankie Sanderson

    Makeup Artist & Stylist
    Franklin (Frankie) Sanderson is a Makeup Artist and Stylist and the Founder of TheStudeo, a styling business based in Washington DC that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image consulting services. He specializes in hair extensions, chemical services such as highlighting, Balayage, Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, and designer cuts. He has a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained at the L'Oreal Soho Academy, TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, Redken, and Wella. His clients include Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Alicia Keys.
    Frankie Sanderson
    Makeup Artist & Stylist

    Talk to your stylist about what cut will work best for your face shape and hair texture. When you’re thinking of getting a certain style, your stylist can help you determine whether that cut will work with your hair texture or face shape.

Section 6 of 6:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Can you slick back thick hair? Yes, but it can be hard to get it to stay in place. You may need to use strong-hold products or embrace a more relaxed slick-back style.
  2. 2
    Is the slick back hairstyle attractive? What’s attractive is different for everyone, but a slick back is a timeless, polished look that’s a classic for a reason. If you’re curious about how it will look on you, don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new!
  3. 3
    Does a slick back recede your hairline? If you wear your hair pulled back tightly or slicked back into a man bun, it may lead to traction alopecia. This is a condition where constant pressure on the scalp leads to hair loss. If you notice broken hairs near your hairline or tenderness in your scalp, comb your hair back a little less tightly when you style it. [29]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      2. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/slick-back-haircuts/
      3. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      4. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/slick-back-haircuts/
      5. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/middle-part-hairstyles-for-men
      6. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/slick-back-haircuts/
      7. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/slick-back-hair/
      8. ↑ https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/best-slicked-back-haircuts-for-men
      9. ↑ https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/best-slicked-back-haircuts-for-men
      1. ↑ https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/best-slicked-back-haircuts-for-men
      2. ↑ https://regalgentleman.com/blogs/blog/slick-back-haircuts
      3. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/slick-back-hair/
      4. ↑ https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/best-slicked-back-haircuts-for-men
      5. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/slick-back-haircuts/
      6. ↑ https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/best-slicked-back-haircuts-for-men
      7. ↑ https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/best-slicked-back-haircuts-for-men
      8. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      9. ↑ https://regalgentleman.com/blogs/blog/slick-back-haircuts
      10. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/FChIUleudL8?t=164
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/YcvbD860uDw?t=1018
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/_S2Ko7owxv4?t=581
      14. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      15. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      16. ↑ https://youtu.be/FChIUleudL8?t=184
      17. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/slick-back-haircuts/
      18. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/best-slicked-back-hairstyles-for-men
      19. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/slick-back-hair/
      20. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles

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