15 Must-Try Slicked Back Haircuts for Men in [2025]

Known for its edgy appeal, the slicked-back style has been famously worn by rebellious figures like Marlon Brando and David Beckham. It works best for medium-length, straight hair and can be customized with shaved sides or some color. This trend looks good on any age group and is perfect for many different occasions.

What Is A Slick Back Haircut?

This haircut makes the hair look neat by brushing it back from the face down to the neck. There are many variations of this style, but they all share this key detail that makes the look unique.

With a slick back cut, the top remains longer while the sides and back are neatly tapered or trimmed. This length is important because it helps the hair to lay down smoothly, giving a clean and neat look. The cut may vary, but enough length on top keeps the hair in place and sharp all day.

Is A Slick Back Haircut For Me?

A Stylish and Low-Maintenance Hairstyle

A stylish and low-maintenance style where the hair is combed back neatly. With just a comb and your preferred styling product like pomade or gel, you can achieve a sharp and clean look. Whether you have a fade or undercut, this look stays sleek and professional with minimal effort.

The Perfect Slick back hairstyle men Based on Face Shape

This classic style works for most, but matching it to your face shape makes all the difference. The secret to a sharp look lies in getting the height just right and tailoring the style to your face shape.


A slick-back haircut looks its best when it’s tailored to match your facial proportions. If you have a long face, keeping the sides short and the top smooth makes your hair look more balanced.

If you have a round, heart, or square face, making your hair higher on top can help your face look longer and more even.Finding the right style is important to balance your face.

Key Variants of Slick back haircut men

Let’s talk about slicked-back hair for boys and cool ways to style it. This classic look is easy to do and works for many hair types.

Short Blended Slick Back

Short Blended Slick Back

The Short Blended Slick Back is a simple and clean haircut that makes you look smart. It looks good to wear a linen outfit in the summer or a warm wool overcoat in the winter. This universal style works for any time of year and is easy to keep neat.

How to Style:

To style this, use a comb to brush the hair back neatly. Apply a little gel or wax to keep it refined and dapper all day.

Slick back Taper

Slick back Taper

If you choose a taper instead of a fade, your slick back will look cleaner and not too extreme. Add a well-groomed beard to make your style look more masculine.

How to Style:

Use a comb to brush the hair back and keep the sides short. Apply a little hair wax to hold the style and keep it neat all day.

Wet Look Slick Back Haircut

Wet Look Slick Back Haircut

The voluminous wavy top with shaved sides creates a modern and cool hairstyle. It looks great on younger men who like classic hairstyles but want something fresh. This style is bold and fun while still looking smart.

How to Style:

Use a comb to brush the hair back when it is still wet. Apply a strong gel to give it a wet look and make it stay in place.

Slick Back High Fade

Slick Back High Fade

A slick back high fade with a beard makes you look neat but cool. The scruffy beard adds a rough touch, while the slick back keeps everything tidy and chic.

How to Style:

Use a comb to brush your hair back to make it smooth. Apply a little hair gel or wax to keep the style in place. Keep the sides short with a bald fade, and trim your beard to make the look dapper and neat.

Slick Back Man Bun

Slick Back Man Bun

The Slick Back Man Bun is a stylish hairstyle that needs long hair to create the look. To style it, brush your hair back and tie it into a neat man bun. The right length makes this look easy to wear for any occasion.

How to Style:

Let your hair grow long enough to tie it up. Use a comb to brush your hair back and make it smooth. Then, tie it into a man bun at the back of your head. Use a little hair gel or wax to keep the hairstyle neat all day.

Curly Slick Back

Curly Slick Back

Achieve a slick, curly look by working in a high-shine pomade that adds sleekness and hold. Shape the strands while keeping the curls natural. Shape your beard with precise curved lines to complement and enhance your slicked-back hairstyle.

How to Style:

Use a comb or your fingers to push your hair back while keeping the curls soft. Apply a little curl cream or gel to hold the style without making it hard.

Wavy Slick Back Haircut

Wavy Slick Back

This hairdo gives a stylish and conservative look, perfect for work or special events. It looks great with a suit and a trimmed beard, making it neat and classy. The cut has a sculpted finish, making it easy to style every day.

How to Style:

Use a comb to brush your hair back while keeping the waves soft. Apply a little hair cream or gel to hold the style and make it smooth.

The quiff haircut is a stylish mix of volume and texture. Read our full guide on how to get the perfect quiff haircut.

Long Slick Back Haircut

Long Slick Back

The mullet is the trendiest hairstyle, and adding a pompadour makes it stand out. To get a slicked style, use hair spray to fix the shape and achieve more volume. This combination gives a bold and stylish look.

How to Style:

Use a comb to pull your hair back and let it fall naturally. Apply a little hair wax or gel to keep the style in place and look neat all day.

Classic Slick Back Haircut

Classic Slick Back

To style curly hair into a slicked-back look, apply strong hold gel and use a brush to carefully smooth the strands. This technique will create shiny waves that stay in place and give a clean, polished finish.

Slick Back With Skin Fade

Slick Back With Skin Fade

The slicked hairstyle with a pompadour and a skin fade offers a perfect mix of modern style and timeless appeal. This hairstyle gives off a vibe of coolness, blending classic elements with a fresh, bold look.

How to Style:

A skin fade needs regular cuts from a barber to keep it looking clean and fresh. Use a comb daily to style your hair and keep it neat between visits.

Mid-Length Slick Back

Mid-Length Slick Back

Start with freshly washed hair to make styling your medium-length hair into a slicked-back look easier and cleaner. When applying a product, use pomade, gel, or hairspray to keep it in place. This helps your hair stay smooth and neat all day.

How to Style:

For simple styling, apply a little pomade and use a comb to brush your hair back. Avoid pressing too hard so your style looks smooth and natural.

Side-Part Slick Back

Side-Part Slick Back

A side-parted slick back is a classic haircut that gives a polished look. The fade on the sides ensures the style stays neat and structured, while the side part adds balance. This style is great for confidence and works well in both formal and casual settings.

How to Style:

To style your hair, use a comb and a brush to smooth it back. Then, use a blowdryer and your favorite styling product to keep it in place.

slicked-back undercut

slicked-back undercut

The disconnected haircut has shaved sides and a longer top, making it a cool and stylish choice for men. When you slick back the hair on top, it helps show off your face and looks even better if you have a beard.

How to Style:

A polished look begins with the basics a dependable comb and a high-quality styling product. Use the comb to smoothly direct your hair back, creating a refined, face-framing style.

This keeps your look neat and clean. Make sure to visit your barber regularly to keep your hair looking great and well-maintained.

Conclusion

The slick back is a classic hairstyle that can work for many hair textures and face shapes. Whether you like a high-shine look or a more matte finish, you can adjust this style to fit your taste.

Try different styling products and change the length of your hair until you find what you like best. When in doubt, a barber or stylist can recommend what works best for you. With a little practice, you can have a slick back that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

FAQS

How do I ask my barber for a slick back?

Tell your barber you want a haircut slick back with the top long enough to comb straight back. Choose a fade or taper on the sides to keep your haircut looking neat and fresh. A picture can help your barber clearly understand the style you’re looking for.

Is slicked-back hair masculine?

Yes, the slick back is a classic men’s hairstyle that looks stylish and neat. It works for all hair types, whether thick, thin, short, or long. You don’t need to be a hair expert—just use good products to make your style last all day.


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