A slicked back hairstyle is when you comb your hair back to keep it neat, smooth, and stylish. It’s a clean and classic look that has been around for a long time but still feels fresh today. Whether your hair is straight, thick, or wavy, you can make this style work for you.
It’s easy to do with a little bit of pomade, gel, or clay—just push your hair back, and you’re ready to go.
The sides are usually shorter, and the top is a bit longer to give that slick look. This style is great for school, work, or any day you want to look your best.
In this guide, we’ll share fun ways to wear a slicked-back look. You’ll learn how to style it at home and find the best products to keep it sharp all day.
Popular Men’s Slick Back Haircuts
Classic Slick Back
The Classic Slick Back is a smooth and tidy style where the hair is combed straight back. It looks clean, sharp, and never goes out of fashion.
Just use a little gel or pomade to hold it in place and add a bit of shine. It’s simple, easy to wear, and perfect for school, work, or special days when you want to look your best.
Modern Slick Back
The Modern Slick Back gives a fresh twist to the classic style. It’s smooth on top but often paired with fades or sharp edges. You still comb the hair back, but it looks trendier and more relaxed.
Great for guys who want clean style with a cool, modern vibe.
Long Slick Back
The Long Slick Back is perfect for men with longer hair who want a clean, pulled-together look. The hair is combed back neatly but still flows naturally.
Use light gel or cream to keep it in place without making it stiff. It feels classy but also a little bold.
Trendy Styles: Middle Part Hair Male
Slick Back Fade
The Slick Back Fade mixes clean styling with a fresh fade on the sides. The hair on top is brushed back smooth, while the sides gradually blend down. It’s a sharp, stylish look that works almost anywhere.
Simple to wear, easy to love.
Short Slick Back
The Short Slick Back is great if you like neat hair without too much length. The top is just long enough to comb back, and the sides stay short. It’s tidy, easy to style, and perfect for everyday wear.
A little pomade goes a long way.
Slick Back Taper Fade
This style blends a smooth slick back with a soft taper fade on the sides. The hair gets shorter as it goes down, giving a clean and natural finish. It’s a balanced look—sharp but not too bold.
Great for work, school, or casual days.
Textured Brush Back
The Textured Brush Back is a messier take on the slick style. The hair is brushed back but left with some natural texture and movement.
It looks relaxed, cool, and full of personality. Best for guys who want style without looking too polished.
Attractive Examples: Layered Mens Shaggy Hairstyles
Cool Slick Back with Low Fade
This version keeps things sleek on top and adds a low fade for a modern edge. It’s smooth, stylish, and easy to wear every day. The low fade gives a soft blend, not too bold or loud.
A great mix of classic and cool.
Slick Back Undercut
The Slick Back Undercut has long hair on top and very short sides underneath. The top is combed back smooth, and the contrast makes it stand out. It’s bold, trendy, and full of attitude.
Great if you like sharp, eye-catching looks.
Parted Slick Back Taper
This style adds a side part to a slicked back look with a taper fade. It gives structure and a clean shape that feels both smart and stylish. Easy to style with a bit of product and a comb.
It’s perfect for neat, classic vibes with a twist.
Long Hair Combed Back
Long Hair Combed Back is all about smooth, flowing style. The hair is gently brushed back without cutting off the natural length.
It looks relaxed but still neat and well-groomed. Great for guys who love long hair but want it out of the face.
Modern Styles: The Mullet Haircut
Slick Back Undercut Fade
This style mixes slicked back hair on top with an undercut that fades smoothly down the sides. It’s bold, sharp, and full of contrast. The fade keeps things clean while the top stays stylish and slick.
A strong look that really stands out.
Voluminous Full Slick Back
The Voluminous Slick Back keeps the hair full and high while combing it back. It’s great if you like thick, lifted hair with a clean shape. Use mousse or light pomade to hold the height.
It looks powerful, stylish, and fresh.
Slick Back with Beard
This look pairs sleek hair with a well-groomed beard for a strong, masculine vibe. The hair is brushed back neat, and the beard adds balance and depth. It’s a perfect mix of sharp and rugged.
Easy to maintain, and always looks cool.
Slick Back with Drop Fade
This style blends slicked hair on top with a fade that drops lower near the back of your head. It gives a smooth curve and modern shape. The drop fade makes the style look unique and stylish.
Great if you like clean lines with a twist.
Wet Look Slick Back
The Wet Look Slick Back gives your hair that shiny, fresh-out-of-the-shower finish. Use gel or pomade for extra hold and gloss.
It’s sleek, classic, and bold—great for events or nights out. Perfect for when you want to turn heads.
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Short Slick Back with Mid Skin Fade and Beard
This one’s all about balance—short slicked hair on top, a clean mid skin fade on the sides, and a beard to finish it off. It’s neat, modern, and full of edge. The fade blends smoothly into the skin, keeping the look crisp and sharp.
Curly Slick Back
The Curly Slick Back works with natural curls by gently pushing them back with a bit of cream or gel. It keeps your texture but adds shape and polish.
Great for curly-haired guys who want a clean but fun style. Stylish and natural at the same time.
Medium Slick Back Fade
This version has medium-length hair on top slicked back and a fade on the sides for a clean finish. It’s easy to manage but still stylish and fresh. The length gives you volume, while the fade keeps it neat.
Perfect for everyday wear.
Slick Back Man Bun
This style pulls long hair back into a slick, tidy bun at the back. It’s neat, trendy, and great for keeping hair out of your face.
Works well with all hair types, especially thick or wavy. Cool, calm, and full of confidence.
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Edgy Rockabilly Slick Back
The Rockabilly Slick Back has high volume on top and a shiny, classic finish. Think Elvis vibes with a modern edge.
Use pomade to shape and hold the style. It’s bold, retro, and full of personality—perfect if you like standing out.
Slick Back Side Part Fade
This style combines a sharp side part with slicked back hair and a clean fade on the sides. It’s classy but cool, giving structure and shape. Great for school, work, or a special day.
Simple to style and always looks neat.
Long, Messy Slick Back
This style keeps your long hair brushed back but with a messy, laid-back feel. It’s not too perfect—just natural and cool.
Use a light product to keep it in place without looking stiff. It’s stylish, easygoing, and full of personality.
Classic Examples: Side Part Hairstyles For Men
Thick Slick Back with High Taper Fade
This one’s perfect for thick hair, with a strong slick back on top and a high taper fade on the sides. It looks sharp and clean while keeping the volume. Great for guys who like bold, modern styles.
The taper makes it smooth and neat.
Long Brush Back with Low Fade
This hairstyle lets your longer hair flow while brushing it gently back. The low fade keeps the sides neat and adds a fresh shape. It’s soft, cool, and not too bold—just the right balance.
Works great for casual or dressed-up looks.
Edgy Slick Back Fade with Line Up
This look is all about sharp details—slicked hair, a clean fade, and a crisp line-up at the front. It’s bold and modern, perfect if you like to stand out. Use strong hold gel or pomade to keep it in place.
Super fresh and full of edge.
Wavy Combed Back Hair
This one works with your natural waves—just brush your hair back and let the texture do the rest. It’s smooth but not stiff, giving a soft and easy look. Add a touch of cream to help shape it.
Simple, stylish, and relaxed.
Slick Back Flow
The Slick Back Flow lets your hair move naturally while still being styled back. It’s great for medium to long hair and doesn’t need to be perfect.
Use a lightweight product for hold without stiffness. The result is cool, effortless style.
Trendy & Classy Ideas: Best Mod Cut Hairstyles For Men
Slick Back with Short Sides and Beard
This clean look has short sides for a sharp edge, a slick back top for style, and a beard for balance. It’s neat, masculine, and easy to keep up. Great for everyday wear and simple to style.
A solid go-to for modern guys.
Slick Back High Fade
The Slick Back High Fade combines neat, brushed-back hair on top with a sharp high fade on the sides.
The contrast gives it a bold, modern edge that really stands out. It’s clean, cool, and full of attitude.
Perfect for guys who like crisp, stylish looks with impact.
What Is A Slick Back?
A slick back is a hairstyle. You comb your hair straight back from your forehead. This gives it a smooth and clean look. You use some gel, pomade, or wax to help it stay in place and give it a little shine or texture.
This style has been around for a long time and was popular with classy, well-dressed men in the past. Today, it remains a favourite.
You can go for a sharp, professional look or a relaxed, casual style with a modern twist, like a fade or undercut.
It’s easy to do, looks great on most face shapes, and works for school, work, or going out. If you want to look neat but stylish, the slick back is a great choice!
How To Slick Back Hair
Slicking back your hair is simple and looks really cool. You don’t need to be a pro—just follow these easy steps and you’ll get that smooth, stylish look in no time:
Wash and Towel-Dry Your Hair
Start with clean hair. After washing, gently dry it with a towel but keep it a little damp. That helps your hair listen when you style it.
Use the Right Hair Product
Take a small amount of gel, pomade, or clay—whatever suits your style. If you want a shiny, classic look, go for gel or pomade. For a natural look, choose matte clay or cream.
Spread It Through Your Hair
Rub the product between your hands, then run your fingers through your hair, starting from the front and moving back. Make sure it’s spread evenly.
Comb or Brush It Back
Now, use a comb or your fingers to push your hair straight back. If you want it to look a bit fuller, lift the front part while combing.
Add Some Style
Want it clean and sleek? Leave it smooth. Want it chill and messy? Use your fingers to loosen it up a little on top.
Lock the Look
Use a blow dryer on low heat if you want to keep your style in place longer. Just a quick dry helps hold everything together.
The Evolution of the Slick Back Hairstyles
The slick back hairstyle has been around for a long time, and it keeps coming back in style. It all started in the 1920s, when men used shiny pomade to comb their hair straight back.
This made them look neat, classy, and well-groomed. In the 1950s, the slick back took on a cool, rebellious vibe. Movie stars like James Dean sported it with added volume and attitude.
By the 1980s, it became a favorite for business guys who wanted to look powerful and sharp. In the 2000s, barbers started blending slick backs with fades and undercuts.
This made the style feel fresh and modern. Now in the 2020s, the slick back is more flexible than ever.
Some guys like the clean, shiny look, while others prefer a messy, natural style with more texture. No matter the version, the slick back is still one of the coolest hairstyles around.
Our Thoughts on the Slick Back Hairstyles
The first time I tried the slick back, I wasn’t sure how it would look—but it actually felt really cool. As I combed my hair back, everything started to look cleaner and neater.
It made me feel more grown-up, but not in a boring way. Just smooth, stylish, and a bit more confident.
What I like most is how easy it is. Just a little product, a comb, and you’re good to go. You can keep it shiny and classic or mess it up a little for a relaxed look.
It works for school, parties, or even just a regular day. The slick back is simple, but it really makes you feel your best.
How to Get the PERFECT Slicked Back Hairstyle?
Conclusion
Slick back hairstyles are simple, clean, and always stylish. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, short, or long, brushing it back gives you a fresh and put-together look.
It’s easy to try at home and doesn’t take much effort—just a little product and a comb. What makes it great is how it fits different people and different moods.
You can go neat for school or work, or make it messy for a cool, relaxed vibe. No matter how you wear it, the slick back makes you feel confident and ready to take on the day.
FAQs About Slick Back Haircut
What haircut should you get for a slick back?
To get a slick back, you usually need short sides and longer hair on top. A taper, fade, or undercut works great. Just make sure the top is long enough to brush back smoothly.
How to do a slick back hairstyle for males?
Start with clean, damp hair. Add a small amount of pomade or gel. Then use a comb to brush your hair straight back from your forehead. You can blow dry it to hold the shape better.
Is slicked back hair attractive on men?
Yes! Slicked back hair looks clean, stylish, and confident. It works well for both casual and formal looks and suits many different face shapes and styles.
Do slick backs damage hair men?
Not if you do it right. Using too much product or pulling your hair too tight can cause damage over time. Just use gentle products and wash your hair regularly to keep it healthy.
Should I use pomade for slick back?
Pomade is a great choice because it gives hold and shine. If you want a natural or matte look, you can also try clay or cream. Pick the one that feels best for your hair type.
What head shape is good for slick back?
Slick backs work best on oval, square, and diamond-shaped faces. But with the right styling, almost anyone can pull it off. It’s more about confidence than shape!
Is slick back high maintenance?
Not really. Once you get the cut, styling takes just a few minutes. You’ll need to use product and maybe touch it up during the day, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.
