60 Slicked Back Hair Men: Styles, Types, and How to Maintain the Look
Slicked back hair for men is a classic hairstyle that never goes out of fashion. It’s clean, confident, and works for both formal and casual settings. From old-school elegance to modern textured versions, this style has evolved while keeping its sharp appeal.
This guide covers types of slicked back hairstyles, who they suit best, how to style them, and how to maintain the look properly.
What Is Slicked Back Hair?
Slicked back hair is a hairstyle where the hair is brushed straight back from the forehead using styling products like pomade, gel, or clay. The sides can be long, tapered, faded, or undercut, depending on the variation.
It’s popular because it highlights facial features, looks polished, and adapts easily to modern hair trends.
Why Slicked Back Hair Is Popular with Men
Men choose slicked back hair for several reasons:
- Timeless and professional appearance
- Works for medium to long hair
- Easy to style once hair is trained
- Pairs well with beards and fades
- Suitable for offices, events, and everyday wear
It’s a reliable haircut that balances style and simplicity.
Types of Slicked Back Hair for Men
Below are the most popular slicked back hair men styles, each explained in detail with styling benefits.
Classic Slicked Back Hair
The classic slicked back style uses longer hair on top with neatly combed sides. It’s smooth, shiny, and structured.
This style works best with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s ideal for formal occasions and professional environments. Pomade with medium to high shine gives the best results.
Slicked Back Undercut
The slicked back undercut features long hair on top with sharply disconnected short sides. This creates a strong contrast and a bold look.
It’s modern and edgy, perfect for men who want a standout hairstyle. This version suits thick hair and pairs well with stubble or full beards.
Slicked Back Fade
This variation blends the slicked back top into faded sides. The fade can be low, mid, or high, depending on preference.
It offers a cleaner and more modern finish than the classic style. It’s popular among men who want a sharp look without heavy contrast.
Textured Slicked Back Hair
Instead of a flat, glossy finish, textured slicked-back hair has volume and movement. The hair is styled back loosely using matte clay or paste.
This style looks more natural and casual. It’s great for everyday wear and works well with wavy or thick hair.
Slicked Back Pompadour
The slicked back pompadour adds volume at the front while keeping the hair brushed back. It combines height with structure.
This style suits men with longer hair and confident styling habits. Blow-drying before applying the product helps achieve the lift.
Long Slicked Back Hair
Men with long hair can slick it back for a sleek, mature look. The hair is pulled away from the face, creating a clean outline.
This style works best with straight or wavy hair and requires lightweight products to avoid a greasy finish.
Slick Back Taper Fade
The slick back taper fade is a refined, professional hairstyle that blends timeless elegance with a modern, understated finish. This look combines smooth, brushed-back hair on top with a gradual taper on the sides and back, creating a clean transition that keeps the style sharp yet conservative. Unlike harsher fades, the taper subtly defines each section without overpowering the overall cut.
Designed to highlight the natural shape of the head and facial structure, this haircut delivers a polished, controlled appearance. It’s an ideal choice for business professionals and men who want a versatile, wearable slick back that looks equally sharp in the office and beyond.
Textured Brush Back
The textured brush back haircut features a relaxed, voluminous finish that delivers a natural, effortless style suitable for almost all hair types. Unlike a traditional slick back, this look focuses on texture, movement, and layered volume through the top, adding depth and dimension without appearing stiff or overly polished.
To achieve this style, apply a dime-sized amount of styling clay to slightly damp or dry hair, then use a round brush to work the hair backward. This technique creates lift and definition while maintaining a lightweight, flexible hold with no heavy structuring.
Cool Slick Back with Low Fade
The slick back haircut with a low fade combines clean tapering on the sides with a smooth, combed-back top for a sharp yet modern appearance. The low fade begins around the ear, adding subtle contrast and visual interest without pulling attention away from the sleek, polished finish on top.
Perfectly balancing refinement and simplicity, this hairstyle offers a timeless, understated look. It’s an ideal choice for men who want a signature slick back style that feels polished, versatile, and effortlessly stylish.
Parted Slick Back Taper
The parted slick back taper is a polished, versatile hairstyle that blends gradual tapering on the sides with a clean side part and a neatly combed-back top. This refined combination adds structure and definition that standard slick backs often lack, resulting in a more sophisticated, well-balanced look.
Suitable for both formal and casual occasions, this haircut delivers a sharp yet wearable finish. To style it, use a fine-tooth comb, apply a lightweight pomade, and add gentle heat to create volume, control, and long-lasting hold without stiffness.
Short Slick Back
The short slick back haircut is a modern, low-maintenance style that delivers a sharp, polished look with minimal effort. This cut features neatly brushed-back hair paired with a skin fade, creating a strong contrast and a bold, contemporary edge.
For styling, a high-shine pomade adds a clean, classy finish, while a matte styling product can be used to introduce natural texture and depth. Pairing this haircut with a full beard enhances its masculine appeal and helps balance the overall look for a confident, well-defined appearance.
Slicked Back Hair with Beard
Pairing slicked back hair with a beard creates a strong, masculine appearance. The clean hair contrasts well with facial hair.
Keeping the beard well-trimmed and faded at the sides helps maintain balance and sharpness.
How to Style Slicked Back Hair
Follow these steps for best results:
- Start with clean, towel-dried hair
- Apply a small amount of styling product
- Spread evenly from roots to tips
- Comb hair straight back
- Use fingers for texture or a comb for a clean look
Blow-drying while combing back adds volume and control.
Best Products for Slicked Back Hair Men
Choosing the right product matters:
- Pomade: Classic shine and strong hold
- Clay: Matte finish with texture
- Wax: Medium hold with flexibility
- Gel: Strong hold but less natural look
Avoid overusing products to prevent buildup.
Maintenance Tips
To keep slicked back hair looking fresh:
- Wash hair 2–3 times a week
- Use lightweight conditioner
- Trim every 4–6 weeks
- Clean styling tools regularly
Proper care keeps hair healthy and manageable.
Who Should Choose Slicked Back Hair?
Slicked back hair suits:
- Oval and square face shapes
- Medium to thick hair
- Straight or wavy textures
- Men who prefer polished styles
Men with very thin hair may prefer textured versions for added volume.
FAQs
Is slicked back hair good for everyday wear?
Yes, textured and faded versions are ideal for daily use and casual settings.
Does slicked back hair damage hair?
No, as long as you avoid excessive product use and wash regularly.
Can men with wavy hair slick back their hair?
Yes, wavy hair works well, especially for textured slicked back styles.
How long should hair be for slicked back styles?
At least 4–6 inches on top is ideal for proper styling.
Final Thoughts
Slicked back hair for men remains one of the most versatile and stylish haircuts. With options ranging from classic and sleek to modern and textured, there’s a version for every lifestyle and personality. With the right cut, product, and routine, this hairstyle delivers confidence and timeless appeal.
