30 Stylish Slick Back Hairstyles for Men With Tips And Instructions

The slick back hair is the ultimate choice for you if you wish to make your hair look swanky and chic. It has come a long way from the Red Carpet events to everyday occasions. Learn how to reward yourself with these simple and versatile men’s hairstyles in a few steps.

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The time has come. Now you’re more than ready to pick some trendy slick-back hairstyles. So, fasten your belts, and let’s roll!

Classic Slick Back

@the_bloody_butcher

Classic slick back hair is a failsafe look that you can knock on any door with. Elegant and sophisticated, it instantly creates a business-appropriate look.

Medium Slicked Back Hair

@andrewdoeshair

Balancing between utterly short cuts and longer manes is easier than you think. Besides, a well-chosen messy slicked back hair look will add points to your overall daring and stylish appearance. It is possible to incorporate a taper slick back, too, especially when it is sunny and hot outside.

Slick Back Crew Cut

@adrianfanus

Having a short haircut is not a reason to give up a slicked-back hairstyle.

Styling Tip: For a wet effect, use a strong hold hair gel. Apply the product, then comb your top back while blow drying.

Slicked Back Undercut

@barberking_kh

The slicked back undercut has been one of the most popular hairstyles in recent years. It’s gained its popularity due to the striking contrast between the sides and the top.

Pro Tip: To achieve the slick back undercut, you need to grow your top hair quite long so that you would be able to brush it back. Then ask your barber to buzz the sides short and to trim the crown a little.

Slick Back Fade

@xbigwesx

The slick back fade haircut has a less harsh transition between the sides and the top because the brushed back top hair blends evenly into the faded side hair. There are several variations of the slick back hair fade. You can get it high, mid, low and bald.

Slick Back Short Hair

@xbigwesx

Even if your hair is quite short, you can still try a swept back hair look.

Styling Tip: Just arm yourself with a trusty styling product with a strong hold and you are good to go.

Messy Swept Back Hair

@keller_konturen

Not all the guys with long hair manage to pull off this haircut even though all you need to do is keep your hair combed back thoroughly. Among all the long hairstyles for men, the slick back by barber Keller Konturen is the easiest, as the natural weight and texture of your hair really help out.

Smoothy Style

@salsalhair

Helping you look stylish and neat is the main goal of slicked back hairstyles.

Slick Back Quiff

@alan_beak

Kinky hair with a quiff looks very intriguing. So, if you have this amazing hair texture, give yourself a little treat and go for a slicked back curly hair look. Make the sides faded, using the clippers with a guard size #2 and #3. The front should be tapered to get the back shorter for about an inch.

Slicked Back Pompadour

@mattyconrad

Opting for the pompadour hairstyle, you can never misfire. The sides are not the main part of this haircut, so just make them simply fade. The pompadour by GQ’s men’s grooming expert Matty Conrad is what it’s all about, so focus on it.

Pro Tip: Give it a tapered cut and style it with pomade or wax, creating a structured and secured top.

Slick Back Taper

@xbigwesx

To give your men slick back hairstyle a modern and trendy appearance, complement it with a taper on the back and sides. For an added boldness, you can go for a slicked-back fade of any kind, from a low shadow fade to a high skin fade.

Slick Back + Side Part

@the_bloody_butcher

Whenever you feel like your hairstyle lacks definition, feel free to add a side part to it. Whether to make it natural or bold is up to you. But if you are after a really sharp look, then you can even go for a carved in line.

Slick Back Curly Hair

@the_bloody_butcher

A faded slick back is a perfect hairstyle to show off your curly hair texture. As you remove the hair from the sides and back, the focus instantly shifts to your prominent top.

Slick Back Long

@ilyaratman

The photo shows a great styling option for a special occasion. If your hair is unruly or you are not sure that you can create a smooth and well-groomed look on your own, do not take risks and contact your barber for help.

Long Slick Back Hair Cuts With Undercut

@mattyconrad

Another attractive option to play around with a taper fade slick back would be to grow your bob out. It is true that an undercut slick back fade looks sassy and hot. Should this be your primary aim, you may want to book an appointment with your barber this instance!

Slicked Back Middle Part

@the_bloody_butcher

The versatility of mens slicked back haircuts knows no limits, and that is the undeniable beauty of the style. Instead of combing your hair back, you can divide it in the middle and create a 30s vibe that will make people gaze at you with admiration!

Slicked Back Mullet

@joshconnollybarber

You have definitely heard about the rocking vibes of trending mullets. However, a classy mullet by men’s hair stylist and educator Josh Connoly is not for all, and thus we advise you to search for some compromise instead. The sleek mixture of mid fade slick back and an edgy mullet is what you should decide to commit to. A bit of styling product and your impressive ‘do will hold in place throughout the day. Ease of maintenance – check!

Retro Slicked Back Hair Men

@the_bloody_butcher

Have you wondered what made Elvis steal women’s hearts all over the country? We think it is his significant cut. Should you be willing to repeat the experiment, you may want to add a slick back low fade to your to-get list. Despite its tremendous appeal, the style is easy to get and to play around with. See for yourself!

Combed Back Waves

@xbigwesx

This comb over haircut is super cool. To score it, you need to comb over your hair, using a strong-hold styling product like gel, wax or pomade.

Slick Back With Volume

@the_bloody_butcher

If you think that mens slicked back hair looks flat, this hairstyle will prove otherwise. Create an ample pomp in the front to make your hairstyle more voluminous.

Short Sides Long Top

@keller_konturen

One of the best things about a slicked back hairstyle is that it works on any hair length. So, if your mane is not particularly long, you can still pull off the look. Moreover, short slicked back hair comes out dapper and clean, which makes it a perfect option for both work and everyday life.

Straight Mid Lengt

@glassboxbarbershop

The main feature of this styling is the volume at the root.

Styling Tip: Apply a small amount of volume product to the root zone and lift with a comb, simultaneously directing a stream of hot air.

Messy Brushed Back

@keller_konturen

A slicked back hairstyle does not always have to be impeccably neat. If you prefer rather effortless and breezy hair looks, then a messy slicked back undercut is your way to go. Thanks to short trimmed sides, the haircut does not turn out unkempt. Yet, because of a disheveled top, it has a chill vibe.

Modern Ducktail Haircut

@the_bloody_butcher

A ducktail haircut is back in style but its modern variation is more defined and pronounced than its classic version. The look in its essence is a medium slicked back hair style. Though, to give it a modern flair, choose a low fade slick back ducktail or a short slicked back hair taper.

Layered Slick Back Hair

@electricbarbering

A sleek and stylish hairstyle that involves cutting the hair shorter on the sides and back while leaving the top longer and smoothly slicking it back for a polished, refined look. Add a bit of layering for your short taper slick back to a more relaxed look.

Messy Mid Length

@tombaxter_hair

In order for this style to last, it must be well fixed with hairspray.

Pro Tip: When applying, hold the can at a distance of 20cm from your head so that the product is distributed evenly.

Mullet Inspired Medium Hair

@iisakkinummi

A trendy hairstyle combining elements of the classic mullet with a modern twist. Hair is kept longer in the back and slicked back for a retro-meets-contemporary appearance that’s both edgy and stylish.

Cry Baby Hairstyle

@the_bloody_butcher

A hot hairstyle that will drive any babe crazy. If you intend to break hearts this evening, feel free to style your hair like Johnny Depp.

Casual Waves

@iisakkinummi

This example is perfect for every day. Simply comb your waves back with a brush and hairdryer, set with mousse and enjoy all day long.

Side Part With Volume

@the_bloody_butcher

Unlike the previous example of a middle parting, in this case it is important to leave volume in the face. This will help adjust the proportions and give a more harmonious look.

How To Style The Slicked-Back Hairstyle

Now you might wonder how to slick back. And, of course, we do have the answer. Because your hair is required to hold such elaborate styling, you shouldn’t jump the gun and expect it to stay in place right off the bat. Give it some time no matter what your hair length is. Total beginners should start styling their haircut with stronger-hold products and provide it with extra combing. More so, keep an eye on it during the day as it may require restyling, which is possible with a water-based product.

Want to learn how to slick back hair? Then simply follow the next steps:

1. Start off with clean hair. Make sure to wash it with your favorite shampoo to remove the product you applied before and natural oils from your hair. Soak in excess moisture with a towel but do not dry it on the air completely.
2. Choose a product you are going to use and squeeze a sparing amount of it into your palms.
3. Rub your palms to emulsify the product and apply it to your locks with a patting motion avoiding the roots. Allow it to settle and massage into the hair to distribute evenly.
4. Using a comb with fine teeth, comb all of your hair back.
5. This is when you can try on different pushback hairstyles – add a natural part for some definition or enhance volume in the front for a slickback pompadour.
6. Secure the hair in place with the help of a hair spray.

How To Slick Back Curly Hair

It’s no surprise that kinky hair is very difficult to style. However, slicked back curly hair looks totally fierce. You just need to know how to style hair with such a difficult temper. So, here are some easy steps to follow:

1. Wash your hair and dry it with a towel.
2. Comb or brush it back.
3. Use a hair styling product, such as pomade or wax, and distribute it with a comb.
4. Blow-dry the hair in the direction from the forehead to the nape and tame any flyaways with a brush.
5. Don’t brush too intensely because this will cause the flattening of the locks.
6. Keep blow-drying until it is dry and stays in place, forming fancy waves.

@keller_konturen

How To Slick Back Long Hair

Even though most mens long hairstyles are difficult to create and maintain, this issue doesn’t concern the long slickback hair. The long hair men usually try to make voluminous because it creates the slick look naturally, holding the haircut with its weight. Just don’t forget to use a brush with a hair dryer and apply some light hair styling product.

To style long hair slicked back, follow these steps:

1. Take a shower to ensure your hair is clean and buildup free.
2. Soak in excess moisture with a towel.
3. Apply a hydrating oil by spreading it all over your locks with your hands.
4. Take a brush and a hair dryer and while brushing all of your hair back, blow it dry.
5. Once it is completely dry, smooth out any sticking out hair using a hair pomade and your hands.
6. Finish off by combing your hair with the help of a hair comb with wide teeth.
7. Optionally, spritz the hairstyle with a hair spray a couple of times.

How To Keep Your Hair Slick Back

In order to keep your slicked back hair in situ all day, you need to take care of it while styling it. That’s why you should use a hair dryer and a brush together to sleek your hair back. The second important thing to remember is that you should use a high-quality product so that none of your locks would have a chance to get out.

Slick Hairstyles Tips

To keep your slick back cut nice and fresh, we’ve prepared some essential hair tips to remember.

1. Be ready to visit a barber shop every three weeks. Nothing looks worse than a regrown haircut, so keep it clean and neat.
2. In case Mother Nature complimented you with a gorgeous thick shag, ask your hairstylist to thin it out a little in order to make it controllable.
3. To maintain your haircut, the regular washing and reasonable pomading is a must.

Best Hair Products For A Slick Back Hairstyle

To succeed in creating the slick back hair, consider using such hair styling products as wax or pomade as well as some tools, like a comb or a brush. Of course, to create mens slicked back hairstyles, you will need some hairstyling tools and products. So, make sure to stock up on the following:

• Hair Pomade

One of the most essential products for all sleek hairstyles is hair pomade. Its main advantage over other styling products is that it allows you to secure your hair in place without being weighed down. Pomades can have two types of formula – based on oil and on water. Those whose hair is dry and dull will benefit from an oil based pomade, while guys with oily hair should opt for a water based pomade.

• Hair Wax

Versatility and ease of application are the main pros that wax has. Yet, you should not expect a specific shine from it, as the aim of wax is to keep your hair secured. Though, your hair remains voluminous and defined with it. So, if you have curly locks, you may not worry that they will be ruined.

• Hair Clay

Clay is a relatively new product in the hair styling game. Yet, barbers from all over the globe love it for good reason. It is a perfect option for oil haired main, as it absorbs extra grease, thus making your tresses appear drier. However, the finish it gives is natural and pliable.

• Comb

To style slick back hair, you can use either fingers or a comb. But not every comb will do. The choice depends on the result you want to achieve. For a neat and smooth finish, go for a comb with fine teeth. If you are leaning toward a more relaxed feel, grab a wide tooth comb.

The slick back hair can look festive with some intense sheen or business-like with a matte finish. You are welcome to choose the most flattering variation of the cut, just consider the top hair length, the fade level and the pomp structure. And don’t forget to grab your favorite hair product to finish the hair styling.

Slicked Back Hair: What You Need To Know Beforehand

For many years, the slick back hair had an air of formality, which made it an extremely popular hair look. Due to this, men and hairstylists create its most sophisticated variations. Lately, slick back hair men used to wear to formal receptions. Hipsters prefer the undercut version as it makes a huge contrast. To soften up the look a little, you can get yourself a high, low or mid-fade. After you have decided on the sides and back, it is time to think about the top. If you think that the slicked back hairstyle works only for long hair, luckily, you have been misinformed. It is perfectly adjustable to almost any length. Basically, you are given carte blanche. Feel free to cut your hair the way you like, just make sure you can comb the top hair. As for the hair styling products, you can go for a shiny finish using gel, a matte look with the help of pomade or a natural effect by applying wax.

What Environment Is Appropriate

Even though the slicked back hair cut looks absolutely dazzling in almost any situation, there are still places and instances when you’d better pass on it. When you are jogging, for example, or working out, it will be not the most reasonable solution to style your hair slicked back men’s hairstyles. At best, you are just going to look ridiculous. Thus, give it a go when you are attending some formal, semi-formal or solemn event.

What Are The Styling Alternatives

If you find the traditional slick back look too intense, add a side part to smooth it a bit. In case you feel like your slicked hair is too sleek, create a small bouffant at your quiff area to add it some volume.

When To Refresh The Cut

This hairstyle requires a very clean and neat cut. Your haircut should be as fresh as possible and your neck should be clean-shaved. If you have an undercut, which is an extremely defined haircut by default, it won’t take you much effort to pull off the look. However, if your hair is quite long, don’t forget to check it up from every angle. To accomplish this, you can use a looking glass or the front camera of your cell phone.

What Products To Buy

When it comes to choosing a hair styling product to secure a slick back haircut, opt for pomade because it will give you the required grit. Depending on the level of formality of the event, get either clay pomade for a matte finish or water- or oil-based pomade for light sheen. Thus, grab yourself both products. Note that the amount of shine increases evenly with the rise of the event formality degree.

FAQs: Slick Back Hair