Slick Back Haircut: 30 Stylish, Trendy ideas For Men
Timeless sophistication meets modern edge: the slick back haircut continues to reign supreme in 2025. Whether you’re heading to the office, a night out, or a red carpet event, a well-executed slick back exudes confidence and clean style. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a slick back is, step-by-step styling techniques, and 30 versatile variations—from fades to long-flowing looks—that suit every hair type and occasion.
What Is a Slick Back Haircut?
A slick back involves combing longer hair on top straight back from the forehead, while the sides and back remain shorter. It originated in the early 20th century, symbolizing refined elegance among gentlemen of the 1920s and ’30s. Today’s versions blend vintage polish with contemporary fades, textures, and lengths.
How to Achieve the Perfect Slicked-Back Hairstyle
- Prep Your Hair: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Use a volumizing shampoo/conditioner if you have fine hair.
- Choose Your Product:
- High-Shine Pomade for classic wet looks.
- Matte Clay for a textured, natural finish.
- Gel for maximum hold.
- Apply Evenly: Rub a pea-sized amount between palms, work from roots to ends on damp hair.
- Comb Backward: Use a fine-tooth comb, starting at the forehead and moving toward the crown.
- Blow-Dry (Optional): Low heat with a vented brush adds volume; diffuser for textured variants.
- Lock It In: Finish with a light hairspray or texturizing spray for all-day hold.
30 Slick Back Looks
Category A: Fades & Undercuts
1. Classic Slick Back Fade
Key Features: Seamless taper from sides to slicked top.
Styling Tip: Use matte clay to prevent excess shine and highlight the fade transition.
2. Slick Back Undercut
Key Features: Sharp contrast between shaved sides and longer top.
Styling Tip: Warm pomade in hands, apply generously at roots for lift.
3. Slick Back Taper Fade
Key Features: Gradual taper into the nape for a softer effect.
Styling Tip: Use a wide-tooth comb to blend product through the taper.
4. Slick Back with Drop Fade
Key Features: Low-curving fade around ear for dramatic contour.
Styling Tip: Light mist of hairspray to hold curved hairline shape.
5. Edgy Slick Back Fade with Line Up
Key Features: Crisp hairline and defined edges.
Styling Tip: Finish with shine serum on the top for contrast against the crisp edges.
Category B: Length & Flow
6. Long Slick Back
Key Features: Medium-to-long length flowing backward.
Styling Tip: Use volumizing mousse at roots, then comb back with round brush.
7. Long Hair Combed Back
Key Features: Slightly textured, natural finish on long locks.
Styling Tip: Apply texturizing cream and finger-comb for movement.
8. Slick Back Man Bun
Key Features: Top hair slicked back into a low bun.
Styling Tip: Use strong gel to smooth flyaways before tying.
9. Voluminous Full Slick Back
Key Features: Extra height with thick, wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Spritz root-lifting spray, blow-dry upward before slicking back.
10. Slick Back Flow
Key Features: Medium length with natural backward sweep.
Styling Tip: Work in lightweight mousse, rake back with fingers for soft flow.
Category C: Texture Play
11. Textured Brush Back
Key Features: Relaxed, voluminous top with visible layering.
Styling Tip: Rough-dry with fingers and finish with matte styling clay.
12. Wet Look Slick Back
Key Features: High-shine, fully structured finish.
Styling Tip: Generous gel application; comb through then set with strong-hold hairspray.
13. Curly Slick Back
Key Features: Curly or wavy hair directed backward.
Styling Tip: Use curl-defining cream first, then gel to slick curls into place.
14. Medium Slick Back Fade
Key Features: Noticeable texture on top, subtle fade below.
Styling Tip: Apply clay, then use a vented brush to push hair back loosely.
15. Long, Messy Slick Back
Key Features: Effortless volume with undone finish.
Styling Tip: Finger-tousle hair, then mist with texturizing spray.
Category D: Beard Combos & Edge
16. Slick Back with Beard
Key Features: Contrast between sleek top and full beard.
Styling Tip: Pair with beard oil to keep facial hair soft and neat.
17. Short Slick Back with Mid Skin Fade and Beard
Key Features: Sharp skin fade meets short, slicked top.
Styling Tip: Matte pomade on top, beard balm on facial hair for balanced look.
18. Slick Back Side Part Fade
Key Features: Defined side part with faded sides.
Styling Tip: Use comb to reinforce part; apply light-hold pomade.
19. Slick Back with Drop Fade Beard Combo
Key Features: Low drop fade blending into beard line.
Styling Tip: Trim fade and beard together to maintain seamless transition.
20. Slick Back Haircut with Short Sides and Beard
Key Features: Clean sides, well-groomed beard framing slick top.
Styling Tip: Use styling wax to texture beard slightly for cohesion.
Category E: Trend Variations
21. Slick Back Undercut Fade
Key Features: Undercut meets fade for dynamic contrast.
Styling Tip: Apply clay for matte finish that highlights the blending.
22. Cool Slick Back with Low Fade
Key Features: Gentle low fade, laid-back vibe.
Styling Tip: Finger-comb with light pomade for natural texture.
23. Parted Slick Back Taper
Key Features: Subtle side part integrated into taper.
Styling Tip: Use a fine-tooth comb and light gel to define part.
24. Edgy Rockabilly Slick Back
Key Features: Elevated front lift, retro rockabilly volume.
Styling Tip: High-shine pomade at roots, lift front with comb then slick back.
25. Wavy Combed Back Hair
Key Features: Soft waves pushed backward.
Styling Tip: Use sea salt spray and comb back lightly to preserve wave shape.
26. Thick Slick Back with High Taper Fade
Key Features: Dense top slicked, sharp taper down sides.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry upward then comb back with strong-hold product.
27. Slick Back Undercut Volume
Key Features: Undercut sides, voluminous top sweep.
Styling Tip: Root lift mousse and round brush before slicking.
28. Sleek Mid Slick Back
Key Features: Mid-length top, polished finish.
Styling Tip: Warm gel in hands, smooth through hair, then comb back.
29. Tousled Slick Back
Key Features: Hybrid between messy and slicked.
Styling Tip: Mix clay and wax, scrunch then comb back lightly.
30. Contoured Slick Back
Key Features: Soft fade, precise top contouring.
Styling Tip: Use styling foam and comb edge detailing for sculpted look.
Slick Back vs. Brush Back vs. Pompadour (Quick Comparison)
| Style | Front Length | Volume | Hold | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slick Back | Medium to long | Sleek | Medium to strong | Weekly trims |
| Brush Back | Medium | High | Light to medium | 2–3 days |
| Pompadour | Long | High | Strong | Frequent touch‑ups |
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
- Hair Won’t Stay Slicked? Try a stronger-hold gel or a second light layer of pomade after blow-drying.
- Slick Back haircut on Curly Hair: Use curl cream first, then a gel; comb gently to preserve curls.
- Thin/Thinning Hair: Work in root-lifting spray and opt for matte clay to add texture and reduce sheen.
Product Recommendations for Slick Back Haircut
- Best Pomade: [Brand A High-Shine Pomade]
- Top Matte Clay: [Brand B Styling Clay]
- Lightweight Mousse: [Brand C Volumizing Mousse]
- Strong-Hold Gel: [Brand D Firm Gel]
FAQ – Slick Back Haircut
Q: Can I slick back my hair without blow-drying?
A: Yes—apply product to damp hair and comb back, but blow-drying adds longevity and volume.
Q: How often should I trim?
A: Every 4–6 weeks to maintain clean lines and fade shape.
Q: What if my hair is too coarse?
A: Use a flexible clay to reduce stiffness and a light serum to smooth strands.
Elevate your grooming game with a slicked-back style tailored to you—share your look on social, tag us, and check out our full Men Trending Haircuts hub for more inspiration!
