The slick back is the ultimate chameleon of men’s grooming. From the high-powered boardrooms of the 1920s to the gritty underground rock scenes of the 1950s and the modern-day red carpets of Hollywood, this hairstyle has remained a symbol of confidence and class. Whether you have pin-straight strands, unruly curls, or thinning hair, there is a variation of the slick back designed to enhance your features.
1. Classic Slick Back
The classic slick back is the foundation of this entire category. It relies on a high-shine pomade and a fine-tooth comb to create a sleek, uniform look. This style works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair of medium length. It conveys a sense of traditional masculinity and is perfect for formal events or professional environments where a “clean-cut” appearance is mandatory.
2. Slick Back Undercut
One of the most popular modern variations, the undercut provides a sharp contrast between the long hair on top and the shaved sides. This disconnected look eliminates bulk from the sides of the head, making it an excellent choice for men with thick or coarse hair. It’s edgy, bold, and requires regular maintenance to keep the sides crisp.
3. Low Fade Slick Back
If an undercut feels too aggressive, the low fade offers a more conservative transition. The hair gradually tapers down near the ears and neckline, providing a polished frame for the slicked-back top. This version is highly versatile and suits most face shapes, particularly those with a more rectangular or diamond-shaped face.
4. Curly Slick Back
Many men with curls think they can’t pull off a slick back, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead of fighting your natural texture, use a heavy-duty cream or a flexible-hold gel to sweep the curls back. This creates a “sculpted” effect that looks sophisticated and unique, offering a softer alternative to the rigid straight-back look.
5. Wavy Slick Back
Wavy hair provides natural volume that straight hair often lacks. A wavy slick back looks best when styled with a medium-hold clay or mousse, allowing some of the hair’s natural “flow” to remain visible. This is often referred to as the “bro flow” variation and works exceptionally well for casual, outdoorsy aesthetics.
6. Long Hair Slick Back
Longer hair offers more weight, which can actually make slicking it back easier. Using a “wet look” gel can give you that classic “out of the shower” aesthetic that is both rugged and refined. This style is often seen on actors and fashion models who want to keep their long locks out of their faces while maintaining a high-fashion edge.
7. Matte Slick Back
For those who find the “greaser” look a bit too shiny, the matte slick back is the solution. By using a matte clay or sea salt spray, you achieve the same silhouette without the oily reflection. This style is much more modern and “lived-in,” making it suitable for daily wear and casual outings.
8. Side Part Slick Back
Adding a side part to a slick back introduces an element of the “Executive Contour.” It breaks up the symmetry of the face and can help balance out features. Use a comb to define the part while the hair is damp, then apply your chosen product to lock the direction in place.
9. Pompadour Slick Back
The pompadour slick back is all about volume. It requires more length at the fringe (the front) to create that iconic “quiff” before the hair is swept back. This is a high-statement hairstyle that works best for men with rounder faces, as the height helps elongate the head’s profile.
10. Disconnected Undercut
Unlike a faded undercut, the disconnected version features no transition. It is a sharp “step” from short to long. This is a high-fashion, high-impact look that requires a strong-hold pomade to ensure the long hair doesn’t flop over the shaved sides.
11. Mid Fade Slick Back
The mid fade is the “Goldilocks” of fades—not too subtle, not too extreme. It starts at the temple or just above, providing a clean, athletic look. It’s particularly effective for men who want to emphasize the thickness of their hair on top while keeping the overall silhouette neat.
12. High Fade Slick Back
The high fade draws all attention to the top of the head. Because the sides are so short, this style can make the face appear slimmer. It is a favorite among athletes and those who prefer a low-maintenance side and back combined with a styled top.
13. Textured Slick Back
Rather than using a fine-tooth comb, the textured slick back is achieved using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This creates “channels” of hair that look more natural and less “plastered” to the head. It’s the perfect style for a modern gentleman who wants to look groomed but effortless.
14. Slick Back Bun
When the slick back meets the man bun, you get a style that is both functional and trendy. This is the go-to look for men with very long hair who need to keep it secure for work or the gym. It requires a high-shine wax to ensure there are no flyaways along the hairline.
15. Taper Fade Slick Back
The taper fade is more subtle than a standard fade. It only affects the very edges of the hairline. This keeps the hairstyle looking more “natural” and is often the preferred choice for older men or those in very formal corporate environments.
16. Salt and Pepper Slick Back
The slick back is one of the best styles for men embracing their natural grey. The way the light hits the different tones of “salt and pepper” hair when it is slicked back adds incredible depth and dimension. It radiates a “Silver Fox” energy that is timelessly stylish.
17. Fine Hair Slick Back
If you have fine or thinning hair, the key is to avoid heavy, greasy products that make the hair clump together. Instead, use a volumizing mousse and blow-dry the hair backward. This creates the illusion of more density while still achieving that sleek, swept-back shape.
18. Thick Hair Slick Back
Thick hair can be a blessing and a curse. To keep it under control in a slick back, you need a high-hold, oil-based pomade. This provides the weight necessary to keep the hair from “booing out” at the sides. When done right, it looks incredibly lush and powerful.
19. Short Slick Back
You don’t need long hair to enjoy this style. A short slick back is practical, easy to style, and takes less than a minute in the morning. It’s a great “entry-level” version of the hairstyle for men who are growing their hair out from a buzz cut or crew cut.
20. Burst Fade Slick Back
The burst fade is a unique twist that focuses the fade around the ear. When paired with a slick back, it creates a mohawk-like silhouette without the aggression of a full mohawk. It’s a creative, modern look that stands out in a crowd.
21. Hard Part Slick Back
The hard part is a shaved line that emphasizes the separation in your hair. It adds a “sharp” architectural element to the slick back. This is a high-maintenance look, as the shaved part will need to be touched up every week or two, but the result is a look that is undeniably precise.
How to Maintain Your Slick Back
To keep any of these styles looking their best, follow these three golden rules:
- Choose the Right Product: Use oil-based pomades for high shine and all-day reworkability. Use water-based pomades for a strong hold that washes out easily. Use clays and waxes for a matte, textured finish.
- Invest in a Blow Dryer: Many of the more voluminous slick back styles (like the pompadour) are impossible to achieve with product alone. Blow-drying your hair in the direction you want it to go while it’s damp “trains” the hair to stay in place.
- Regular Trims: Because the slick back relies on the relationship between the top and the sides, you should visit your barber every 3-4 weeks to keep the taper or fade fresh and the ends of the top hair healthy.
