Is your hair game feeling stale? Do you keep getting compliments from your grandma? Maybe it’s time to kick things up a notch and get your barber to chop some badass into that choirboy haircut of yours. The slick-back is the de facto trim of bad boys, Hollywood villains of the low-key cool variety and rebels without a cause. But before you reach for the Brylcreem and comb, there are a few things to know. To clue you in, we’ve provided some essential information on slick back haircuts, along with our pick of the best styles.
A slick-back haircut is exactly what it sounds like. That is, a haircut in which the hair is swept back, away from the face and towards the back of the neck. In general, the ‘slick back’ part mostly refers to the hair on top of the head. In many slick back hairstyles, this hair is worn longer than the back and the sides. The good news is, generally speaking, this is a low-maintenance style. As long as you have a comb and your preferred styling product, there’s not much you’ll need to do. Aside from maintenance, the other thing to consider is your face shape. Thankfully, the slick back is pretty versatile, so if you’re dead set on it then you can probably find a style that will work. The key thing to remember is height. This style is always low-volume on the sides, which means you’ll want to keep it close to the scalp on top if you have a long face. Those with round, heart-shaped or square faces may want to think about opting for a slick back variation that offers a bit of loft on top.
Timeless core looks and contemporary twists
This cut is a timeless classic that has been sported by everyone from Marlon Brando to Brad Pitt. The trim itself requires mid-length hair, usually cut shorter on the sides to sit closer to the head. This is the easiest slick-back haircut to style and maintain. A contemporary twist on the classic slick back, this manicured variation brings things bang up to date. Again, the hair on top should be a decent length in order to carry this style off. It is combed back off the face and towards the back of the neck. At the back and sides, clippers are used to graduate from very short around the temples and nape of the neck to blend in with the longer hair on top of the head. Styling is relatively simple, requiring just a comb and some product.
If you have longer hair, this slicked-back style could be a good option. It’s a great way of keeping things neat and tidy with the bare minimum of effort. You’ll need to grow your hair out before attempting this style. The good news is you can simply rock a classic slick back until it’s long enough. Don’t go too far, though. Mid-length hair looks great swept back. One key thing to note when styling is that this style looks best with the hair loosely combed back as opposed to scraped back.
The side part and the slick back are two opposing forces. One is smart and conservative while the other is brash and ballsy. On paper, they shouldn’t work together, but they do. The cut itself has a lot in common with the pompadour. It’s brushed up and back, but instead of styling the hair straight back, it’s worked into a side parting. Styling-wise, you’ll need a brush, a comb, some styling product. One for the Peaky Blinders fans. The key defining characteristic of this style is the sharp contrast between the long, slicked-back hair on top and the closely shaven hair at the back and sides. Style it much the same as you would any other slicked back haircut.
Celebrity and cultural inspirations
Slicked back hair has been a staple for “bad boys” like Marlon Brando, David Beckham and countless other celebrities. While it can work for any age group or occasion, this style is best suited for medium length straight hair types. You can make your classy slicked back style on the base of a long top short sides haircut, long top fade or taper. In each case, you need longer hair up top and a quality styling product that works for your hair type.
Key variations you’ll want to know
- A disconnected haircut incorporates shaved sides with a longer top. Slicking it back you show off the cropped portions and the contrast of textures the best.
- This disconnected cut with a beard is one of the most popular men’s styles of the moment because it is all about contrasts and balance.
- A soft brushed back haircut is chic, but can also seem a little safe for some men.
- Coat your strands with high-shine pomade to tame your curls and sculpt hair into a desired style.
- A well-blended fade and side part maintains a polished and professional appearance suitable for office work.
- We absolutely adore this slicked-back undercut for its seamless combination of sophistication with a hint of edge!
- Wet-looking hair is all the rage because it requires minimal effort that yields maximum impact.
- Opting for a taper instead of a fade keeps your slick back cleaner and less extreme.
- The man bun is a cool and low-maintenance hairstyle that provides many styling options for those who like to experiment.
- This slicked-back hairstyle exudes confidence and a timeless sense of sophistication.
- While mullet remains one of the trendiest male haircuts, we offer you to make it even more statemental by pairing it with a slicked pompadour.
- To obtain this slicked-back look on your medium-length hair, use pomade, gel, or hairspray.
- The slick back with a fade is like a contemporary twist on a timeless classic.
- This daring combination of a slicked pompadour with a skin fade leads to a perfect blend of modern style and timeless coolness.
- If you need a look conservative enough for offices that require a suit every day, while still being stylish for post-work engagements, this is the hairdo for you.
- This sleek style is perfect for men of a certain age who believe in looking dapper and refined at all times.
- Curly hair actually works with slicked back styles. The key is to use a strong hold gel and a small brush to put your strands in place.
- What’s the one thing that can distract from a trendy lumberjack beard? An equally trendy slicked back hair style should do the trick.
- Even men could use a little volume every now and then, but that can be difficult to achieve in a slick cropped cut.
- A shaved part is an edgy way to highlight a slick sculpted pompadour. Blending a few trends into one hairstyle often leads to surprisingly cool results.
There are many reasons to try a slicked back hair because it is extremely versatile and suits many different personal fashion tastes. Slicked back hairstyles are attractive and perfect for men wanting a new trendy style. Hailing from the 20th century, slicked-back hairstyles for men have taken on a variety of versions. From pompadours to military crops, it all depends on your personal preference. Even men with curly hair can tame their curls to achieve a pushed-back hairstyle of impeccable precision. We are covering it all, methods, products, and specific types of men’s swept-back hairstyles. Check it out, and you’ll be looking slick in no time.
How to slick back your hair: quick-start guide
For those with straight hair of low to medium density, folding that hair back couldn’t be much easier. When your hair is damp (or towel dry), simply apply some product and then run through it with a wide-tooth comb. If your hair is longer or denser, the process is slightly more involved. To start, spread hair product evenly and thoroughly while your hair is damp. Now grab a hairdryer and set it to a low setting, trailing it with your comb as you style your hair from front to back (or slightly toward the side). This will help maintain the slicked-back look for longer.
Achieving slicked-back hair with curly follicles is even more involved, but still possible to pull off. You want to run a brush through your hair while it’s a little wetter than damp. Trace the brush strokes with a blow dryer, occasionally spraying your hair with sea salt spray to maintain texture. Once your hair is dry, apply a strong product, then push it back with your fingers.
Products that help you own the look
- Pomade: Used more than any other product by men with slicked-back hair, pomade delivers a steady hold and no shortage of shine. Choose between oil-based pomade (more shine, stronger hold) and water-based pomade (easier to rinse out).
- Clay: Surging in popularity among young men, clay adds texture and volume with less shine than pomade.
- Gel and Hairspray: Gel can dry out hair; use hairspray in small doses as a finishing touch.
In short, the slick back is versatile enough to suit many hair textures and occasions, from office-ready to nightlife-ready. The right cut, product, and technique will help you push back your follicles with confidence.
For inspiration, these popular styles span from a clean side part to a dramatic undercut, with variations like fades, tappers, and bearded pairings enhancing the overall balance and personality of the cut.
Medium Length Modern Slick Back Tutorial | Mens Long Hair 2021
Practical styling notes by texture
- Straight hair: easy to slick back; medium-density hair holds best with medium to strong hold products.
- Curly hair: use a strong hold gel and a small brush to guide curls back, then set with product for hold.
- Fine hair: consider volume-friendly options like a pomade with light hold and strategic blow-drying for height.
Whether you’re aiming for a classic smooth silhouette or a contemporary textured finish, there’s a slick back variant that can work for you. Pair it with a clean taper or a bold fade to tailor the look to your face shape and lifestyle.