Slicked Back Hairstyles For Men: 30 Stylish, Trendy Examples
The slick back is a classy, timeless men's hairstyle that combines modern allure with cultivated, classic sophistication to create a stylish look. This popular haircut usually features short hair on the sides with longer, combed back hair on top, and involves using a strong styling product like pomade or clay to maintain the sleek style while adding shine or texture.
Slicked back hairstyles are versatile, low-maintenance and universally appealing, offering a clean aesthetic suitable for any charismatic man, whether you're charmed by the refined, structured finish on straight, medium hair or the unique grace of wavy hair.
In this guide, we'll show you some attractive examples of slick back haircuts for men that exude effortless class and confidence, how to style the perfect look, and which products are ideal for your desired finish.
Popular Men's Slick Back Haircuts
Classic Slick Back
A classic slick back is a timeless hairstyle that smoothly combes the hair backward to achieve a clean, polished appearance with a refined edge. The gloss on top can be as pronounced as you like, with a high-shine pomade bringing a sleek feel and matte products modernizing the style. Keep the sides neatly trimmed and use a fine-tooth comb to secure the hair close to the head for a streamlined finish.
Modern Slick Back
The modern slick back still involves combing the hair straight back from the forehead but brings more volume and texture than its classic counterpart to create a relaxed yet polished look for men. Most contemporary brush back styles come with a fade or undercut on the sides and rely on a matte, natural appearance that steps away from the retro approach.
To get, apply a dime-sized amount of clay or pomade to damp hair while using heat and a vented brush to direct the hair backward. This will give you a soft, more touchable approach.
Long Slick Back
A long slick back is a trendy men's hairstyle that embraces natural movement and flow while emphasizing a structured, sleek shape. Ask your barber for a low to mid fade for a classy vibe or a high drop fade to emphasize the medium-to-longer length on top with a rebellious element in the back, exuding individuality.
It's perfect for the man who thrives on contrast. Apply a moderate-hold styling pomade throughout and blow dry the hair, combing it back with a round brush for added flow. A clean-shaven face will focus attention on your flowing locks, but a well-groomed beard will even out the look.
Slick Back Fade
A slick back fade is a fresh haircut that oozes modern charm with its smooth top and seamlessly blended sides, making it the most common variation of the men's style. The hair is combed back, while the sides gradually taper down to create a sharp, masterful transition that pairs sophistication with edge. The sides can be pronounced or subtle, with a high fade bringing instant drama and lower variations offering light contrast against the slick top. Get a skin fade for undeniable flair that turns heads.
Short Slick Back
The short slick back is a cool, low-maintenance haircut that looks effortlessly stylish and classy without the effort, offering guys a clean, contemporary defined style. A skin fade blends into the short brushed back hair to provide contrast and an edgy element. A glossy finish enhances the polished look, but a matte product is excellent for bringing a textured twist. A full beard can incorporate a masculine dimension and balance out the look.
Slick Back Taper Fade
A slick back taper fade is a classy hairstyle offering a softer approach that intertwines the classic elegance of the sleek flow with the subtle transition from a tapered back and sides. A taper gradually transitions the hair shorter and differentiates the parts but keeps the contemporary cut conservative.
This style pulls focus to the natural contours of the head and face, offering a fresh yet controlled vibe. It's the perfect choice for business-professional guys wanting a very wearable version.
Textured Brush Back
A textured brushback is characterized by its more relaxed, voluminous finish, creating a natural, effortless look that suits almost all hair types. It embraces movement and layering through the top to bring dimension you'd typically lose with a traditional slick back.
To master this aesthetic, use a dime-sized amount of styling clay and a round brush to work the hair backward for lift without any heavy structuring.
Cool Slick Back with Low Fade
A cool slick back with a low fade blends the subtlety of tapering on the sides with a sleek, combed-back aesthetic for a clean, modern look. The fade starts around the ear, bringing visual interest to the head without distracting from the glossy top. Blending balance and refinement, this haircut is perfect for those wanting an understated signature style.
Slick Back Undercut
The slick back undercut is a trendy, stylish haircut for guys seeking a style that creates dynamic contrast between buzzed sides and a bold, longer top. The smoothness of the combed back hair stands out against the sharp aesthetic of the undercut, a cropped, untapered cut that requires clippers. To get this look, grow around six inches of hair and keep the edges buzzed to minimize the time required between cuts. A hair wax or pomade is all you need to keep the top looking meticulous.
Parted Slick Back Taper
A parted slick back taper is a refined hairstyle that combines gradual tapering and a subtle side part with a fashionable, combed-back top. This style brings structure and sophistication that's often missing with typical slick backs, making it ideal for formal and casual settings. Achieve this look with a fine-tooth comb, a lightweight pomade and heat for added volume and hold.
Long Hair Combed Back
Long hair combed back offers a sleek yet effortlessly stylish look that allows the natural length to flow backward while maintaining a structured shape. The longer length suits guys with a laid-back aesthetic and pairs perfectly with a beard to enhance your facial features and add rugged sophistication to the cut. Leave the sides long or slightly tapered for a cleaner finish that lightly contrasts against the flowing top.
Slick Back Undercut Fade
The slick back undercut fade pairs the bold contrast of an undercut with the smooth transition of a fade, creating a look that oozes contemporary charm. The sides gradually fade from short to skin, enhancing the top while keeping the aesthetic modern and crisp. To style, apply a lightweight pomade to damp hair and use a comb to guide it back before locking everything in place with hairspray.
Voluminous Full Slick Back
The voluminous, full slick back takes the classic style to the next level by elevating it with extra height and impressive volume for a flattering finish. Perfect for guys with thick, wavy locks, this cut removes the sharpness of fading and creates a seamless, natural flow around the head. A volumizing mousse and a medium-hold pomade help you achieve breathtaking volume without stiffness, keeping the look controlled but dynamic.
Slick Back with Beard
A striking slick back with a beard is a powerful look that pairs the classic sophistication of sleek hair with rugged facial hair. The controlled hair on top contrasts with the texture of a full beard, adding depth, structure and masculine energy to your aesthetic. Finish with a beard oil or balm to keep facial hair smooth and supple.
Slick Back with Drop Fade
The slick back with a drop fade is the perfect marriage between timeless and edgy. This style creates a dynamic look that drops low at the back of the head, curving around the ear for a seamless transition from the combed-back top. The arc effect brings depth around the crown while enhancing your facial structure, making this an ideal cut for men wanting a polished but daring style.
Wet Look Slick Back
The wet look slick back is a high-shine hero that offers the hair a glossy, timeless look that screams sophistication. Comb the hair with gel or pomade for a heavily structured, shiny finish. Secure your style with a light mist of strong-hold hairspray to create a mirror-like, reflective appearance that stays put all day.
Short Slick Back with Mid Skin Fade and Beard
A trendy short slick back with a sharp mid skin fade is a ruggedly handsome look for men who want a functional style that still makes a statement. This high-impact, structured version is balanced by a rugged beard that helps dial down the extreme feel of a skin fade. Keeping the hair shorter makes this a manageable cut for busy gentlemen.
Curly Slick Back
A curly slick back embraces natural texture while keeping longer curls under control using a high-hold styling product. This approach directs curls backward and retains their volume instead of forcing them into a completely smooth, straight finish. Apply a curl-defining cream, then use a strong pomade and a wide-tooth comb to push your locks back to secure them without any unwanted frizz.
Medium Slick Back Fade
The medium slick back fade offers impressive styling versatility, creating noticeable contrast between balanced length on top and neatly tapered sides. It looks refined on mid-length hair and involves combing the locks back flat while leaving a hint of texture for undone elegance. A small amount of pomade or wax keeps the approach natural, bringing attractive control to the hair without stiffness.
Slick Back Man Bun
A slick back man bun pairs sophistication with practicality by offering a clean-cut look that you can neatly tie away from the face. The man bun is secured at the crown instead of at the top of the head, providing a sharp style that's highly functional. Wear it with facial hair for a rugged, hipster feel.
Edgy Rockabilly Slick Back
The rockabilly slick back is an edgy, vintage-inspired hairstyle that exudes confidence and attitude with its impressive volume and extreme sleekness. The sides are usually faded or undercut to bring contrast and visual interest to the style, instantly enhancing the dramatic flair of the top. Use a high-shine pomade or gel and comb the hair back while lightly lifting the front for a finish that Elvis would envy.
Slick Back Side Part Fade
A slick back side part fade is meticulous, adding dimension and structure to the classic style with its sharp, razored finish. The neatly defined part separates the slicked top from the faded sides to create contrast, making it an ideal choice for guys wanting to blend classic elegance with modern edginess. Separate and comb the hair on each side of the part to retain the crisp separation that characterizes this look.
Long, Messy Slick Back
A long, messy slick back is about achieving effortless volume with an undone finish that highlights your playful side. This style strays from the refined feel of a traditional slick back and uses lightweight texturizing cream and finger tousling to maintain natural movement through the locks. Pull the hair up at the front and around the crown for lift.
Thick Slick Back with High Taper Fade
A thick slick back with a high taper fade combines a voluminous top with an eye-catching fade to give denser hair a structured appearance with a degree of flow. The high tapering creates a sharp transition from the longer hair on top to heavily buzzed sides for a cool, contemporary approach.
Long Brush Back with Low Fade
A long brush back with a low fade is ideal for men who prefer a fuller, natural appearance with neat, smart sides. The lower-cut fade starts above the ears, offering a smoother graduation from short to long hair. This subtler contrast enhances the brushed-back effect that you can easily dial up by blow-drying the top and finishing with matte pomade.
Edgy Slick Back Fade with Line Up
A daring slick back fade with a line up brings precision trimming to the next level by shaping the hairline into a sharp, crisp style that instantly enhances your facial features. The slicked back top keeps the hair on top looking controlled and meticulous, while the edges drive up the polished effect. Keep the back and sides neatly trimmed to maintain a striking contrast against the voluminous top.
Wavy Combed Back Hair
Wavy combed back hair offers depth to a classic slick back style by embracing natural texture and offering light hold. Push the hair back lightly with wax or mousse to define your waves, and secure your style up top with a mist of hairspray. Taper the sides or leave them long for a more relaxed appearance.
Slick Back Flow
The slick back flow is a trending medium-length men's hairstyle offering a refined yet laidback appearance that balances boyish charm with mature sexiness. The flow lets the hair naturally sweep back to create a sense of motion. It is usually finger-styled backward with a lightweight styling mousse. The softer finish lets guys embrace their longer locks without the upkeep of messy, shaggy styles.
Slick Back with Short Sides and Beard
A slick back with short sides and a beard is a striking, masculine style that balances sharp definition with manly facial hair to enhance strong facial features. The smooth top beautifully contrasts the full, textured beard, while the short sides bring neatness to the head and blend into the facial hair for a cohesive, balanced approach.
What Is A Slick Back?
The slick back hairstyle combs hair neatly backward from the forehead using a high-hold styling product to achieve a sleek, polished look symbolizing timeless sophistication. The classic style, where the sides, back and top are longer and feature a shiny finish, is often associated with well-dressed, successful gentlemen of the 1920s and 30s, an era that celebrated wealth and class. This aesthetic is usually preferred by ambitious professional men, from corporate executives to Wall Street bankers, lawyers, actors and athletes.
Modern slicked-back hairstyles generally involve a fade or undercut for masculine contrast with short to medium-length hair on top, blending old-school charm with contemporary flair to ensure a stylish, versatile cut.
The textured variation, also known as the brush back, boosts volume, movement and flow while emphasizing the hair's natural look, making it a popular choice for teenage guys and younger men seeking a more casual style.
How To Slick Back Hair
To style a slick back hairstyle, start with slightly damp, clean hair, apply a strong styling product like pomade, gel or clay evenly throughout and use a comb to brush back your hair, starting from the forehead to the crown. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect slick back hairstyle for men, whether you're going for a polished wet finish or a modern, textured finish:
- Start with clean, damp hair after washing with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Towel-dry but leave some moisture for easier styling.
- Use a firm, high-shine hair product for a classic style or a matte formulation to get a natural, textured look. Scoop a small amount, warm it up between your palms and fingers, and work it through your hair, starting at the roots and moving to the ends.
- Using a wide-tooth comb, start at the front and comb your hair straight back. If you want a textured brush back with volume, lift your comb as you slide it through your hair to avoid a flat finish. This motion can add shape near the front.
- Run your fingers through the top and slightly tousle the style for modern, messy slick backs.
- A blow dryer on a low-heat setting can infuse additional texture while locking the style for an all-day hold.