There’s something exceptionally charming – and also quite enigmatic – about the slicked back hairstyle.
Not every man is able to pull it off – and not every man has the guts to look this elegant and “grown-up”.
The slicked back hairstyle goes all the way back to 1950s (and even before!) when men used to proudly wear their slicked back, greased-up hairstyles to the diner and rock’n’roll parties.
The slick back hairstyle has come a long way and is very different today. It has left the abundance of hair grease behind – and now is all about looking charming and elegant.
In this article, we are going to show you how to nail the perfect slick back haircut – and share with you our favorite 20 slicked back hairstyles.
Ready to roll? Let’s go!
How to Slick Back Hair
To make sure your slicked back hairstyle turns heads for the right reasons, we first have to learn how to achieve it in all of its perfection.
We’re aiming for stylish and trendy – not greasy and unpleasant (which can sometimes be the result of too much product and not enough skill!).
Step 1: Use a comb and start working with damp or towel-dried hair. Comb your hair towards the back of the head.
Step 2: We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again, but sea salt spray is your best friend! Use a little bit of it to add some texture to the look. This will especially benefit curly haired dudes.
Step 3: Allow your hair to air-dry – but use a hair dryer if you want a particularly elegant style (the quiff, or a pompadour – for example).
Step 4: Now, grab some pomade, clay or wax and use it to style your ‘do. You’ll only need a pea-sized amount – so grab some and apply it throughout. Remember to be pulling your hair backwards the whole time. And – voila!
#1: Classic Slick Back
The slick back in all of its charming glory. It’s trendy, stylish and elegant – what more could you ask for from a hairstyle? Go on and slick your hair back – you know you want to.
#2: Slick Back with Volume
One of our favorite modern takes on the classic slick back. A perfect hairstyle for a man who won’t comply – ever!
#3: Side Part Slick Back
Bring a side part into a slick back hairstyle, and you have a winner. The combover hairstyle is one of the most sophisticated hairstyles for men there is – and it takes special skill to make it look perfect.
#4: Slick Back Pomp
If you haven’t fallen in love with the pompadour yet, then you must be styling it wrong! This stand-out hairstyle is not for the faint-hearted, but it will make you look heart-breakingly cool.
#5: Medium Slick Back
Another positive feature of the slick back haircut is that it works on any hair lengths. Whether your hair is short, medium or long – you’ll be able to slick it back (and chances are that it’ll look awesome).
#6: Long Slick Back
What did we say about it being great for any hair length? The slick back haircut doesn’t discriminate! This is a perfect example of a slick back for long hair – and doesn’t it look pretty good?
#7: Slick Back Undercut
Create a sharp contrast between the slicked back top and the undercut on the sides and back with this slick back undercut hairstyle.
#8: Wavy Slick Back
Whether your hair is straight or wavy – you can still achieve cool, slicked back hairstyles. Don’t try and change the texture of your hair, embrace it instead – and then the slicked back style will be a success!
#9: Slick Back + Mid Fade
If you’re looking for a bolder contrast between the top and the sides/ back, then going for a mid-fade is an option for you. Combining a classy slick back with a fade is on the top of the trendiest hairstyles list right now. We’re not lying!
#10: Short Hair Slick Back
Sometimes, we may lack inspiration when it comes to styling short hair. That’s when something like a slick back hairstyle comes in super handy. For hair that’s short and sweet, use some pomade or wax to slick it back and go for a change.
#11: Messy Slick Back
Who says that a slick back hairstyle has to be neat and tidy? Not anymore. Today, there are plenty of different takes on the slick back cut – so don’t be afraid to make yours messy!
#12: Modern Slick Back + Facial Hair
Another inventive version of the classic slick back! Add facial hair for a particularly charming style – whether that’s a quirky ‘tash or a full-on beard.
#13: Combed Back Slick Back
A particularly smooth and sleek hairstyle, the combed back slick back is perfect for a special occasion. Or if you’re just a man who like things to be neat, smooth and have things under control.
#14: Slick Back for Curly Hair
If you have curly hair, don’t panic. The slick back can still look pretty awesome! The difference between slicked back straight hair and wavy or curly locks is that your kind of slick back will be textured curls rather than the smooth and silky classic slick back.
#15: Modern Slick Back
The only rule is that – you guessed it – there are no rules! Jazz up your slick back in any way you like for a classic hairstyle with a modern twist. After all, time doesn’t stand still, does it? Haircuts are allowed to evolve as much as anything else.
