47 Slicked Back Hairstyles For Men

Slick back hair remains one of the most popular men’s haircuts to get in 2021. And like many other classic hairstyles, the slick back haircut has reemerged to become a cool modern style for men. And whether you choose the slick back fade or slicked back undercut, guys have plenty of ways to wear a slick back hairstyle since both are versatile enough to style other looks, including the quiff, pompadour, and comb over. To get the stylish slick back hairstyle, you must combine an undercut or fade haircut on the sides (high, mid, low, or skin fade) with short, medium or long hair on top. There is also the more classic, long slicked back hair that does not require a fade on the sides.

If you’re considering the latest men’s slicked back hairstyles and need some inspiration before visiting the barbershop, you’ll want to check out our gallery below of the hottest new styles. Our examples range from the high and low fade slick back to short and long hair combed back, so you’ll see all the best slick haircuts to try.

Slicked Back Hair

Slicked back hair continues to be one of the best hairstyles for men. Although the cut and style has changed over time, the slick back haircut still requires a fade or undercut on the sides with short or long hair on top. For an easy and quick way to comb your hair back, we recommend short slicked back hair. However, many guys love the versatility of long slicked back hair because it allows them to style a comb over, quiff, or pompadour.

Even with a slick back taper fade, men have the option of asking for a variety of different types of fades. For example, you can ask your barber for a low fade slick back for a more conservative and classy version. The alternative is the high fade slick back, an edgy and badass look that exposes more scalp and offers a lot of contrast.

Finally, you can tailor your cut by asking for a bald or skin fade. This means that your barber will blend the hair on the sides down to your skin. The high, mid or low skin fade slick back pairs beautifully with a thick beard for a manly look.

Ultimately, there are so many cool men’s slicked back hairstyles to choose from. Here are some of the best ways to comb back your hair and try this hot haircut!

Slicked Back Undercut

The slick back undercut is the most requested version of the haircut. To get this type of slicked back hair, the sides and back are cut short and to the same length. As part of the short sides, long top hairstyle trend, this will provide the contrast necessary to highlight the styling of the slick back. Simply take the longer hair on top and comb it back with a brush and product.

The result is the sexy slicked back undercut, which can be styled for both formal or casual events. For a shiny finish, we recommend using a good pomade. Meanwhile, a high-quality wax is perfect for a textured, natural finish. For more movement and volume, try applying a light to medium hold clay.

Slick Back Fade

The slick back fade is a modern version of the classic taper. The slick back taper fade blends the longer hair on top into the sides. The tapering continues gradually down the sides depending on how high or low you want to start and how short you want the hair faded.

With so many different types of fade haircuts, guys can ask their barber to customize their look any way they want. Fortunately, slick back hair looks good with low, medium, high, and bald fade haircuts.

Low Fade Slick Back

The low fade slick back is perfect for business professionals who don’t want to expose too much scalp. The low fade haircut on the sides starts the blending process right above the ears and curves around near the neckline.

For a timeless, clean-cut men’s hairstyle you can wear anywhere, try slicking back your hair with a low fade.

High Fade Slick Back

The high fade slick back offers a more modern and badass twist to your hair. As a very short haircut on the sides, the high fade is slick and hot. With the emphasis on the thicker, longer hair on top, this kind of slick back hairstyle works well for guys of all hair types, especially men with receding hairlines or a widow’s peak.

Simply ask your barber for a high taper fade or high skin fade on the sides and leave at least 3 inches of hair on top. If you prefer more length, you can always grow your hair out longer. Afterwards, you have the option of styling a textured brush back with volume and height or slicking back your hair with a strong pomade.

Slick Back Taper

The slick back taper is a great haircut if you don’t want your barber to buzz down to the skin. The difference between a taper and a fade is that the taper isn’t as short, leaving hair at the end of the gradient. On the other hand, the fade trims all the way down to the skin on the back and sides.

In the end, the slick back taper resembles more of the traditional look. We’d recommend the classic slick back for older men who want a handsome, mature style for their age.

Skin Fade Slick Back

The skin fade slick back is one of the most fresh and modern slick hairstyles you can get, bringing an additional dimension to the cut. The bald fade is edgy and fashionable, allowing your barber to taper down to the skin on the back and sides. This effortless blend provides a sexy contrast and truly focuses the eyes on the brushed back hair on top. Combining a skin fade with a slick back hairstyle is one way to make sure you stand out in a crowd.

Shaved Sides Slicked Back Hair

For the shortest cut, guys can get the shaved sides slick back. If you have a nicely shaped scalp or skull, then shaving your sides and then slicking back the hair on top could be a good look for you. Just note that we wouldn’t recommend this hairstyle if you work in an office or professional business.

Short Slicked Back Hair

Short slicked back hair remains one of the top men’s hairstyles to get right now. If you want a brushed back style but need to keep your hair short and low-maintenance, the slick back for short hair is an excellent option. And despite having less to work with, guys are still able to try a number of different styles, including a short pompadour slick back or comb over.

Although some guys find it difficult, slicking your hair back with short hair isn’t much different than long or medium-length styles. The trick is to apply a firm-hold styling product, comb back your hair, and then blow dry to keep the hairstyle all day.

Ultimately, short slicked back hair for men is stylish, flexible, and easy to get.

Long Slicked Back Hair

Long slicked back hair has also been a fashionable and classy trend lately. If you can grow your hair out and want to try different kinds of trendy medium-length to long styles, long slicked back hairstyles offer plenty of options. Although styling long hair can require more effort, time and product, short sides and long top haircuts allow more movement and volume.

This extra texture and height can translate into spiking hair up, pulling back the front into a messy quiff, or combing everything forward to create a fringe. If you have long hair and need a cool new hairstyle to try, experiment with slicking back your long hair.

Slick Back Curly Hair

The curly hair slick back is actually one of the coolest styles because it incorporates your hair’s natural texture into your hairstyle’s unique look. Although styling a curly or wavy hair slick back can be a challenge, using a strong-hold pomade, wax, or gel can improve control and help manage difficult hair.

The best part is that natural curls or waves offer a special twist that few other guys can pull off. If you’re looking for a wavy or curly hairstyle, definitely try out the slick back!

Comb Over Slick Back

Another unique variation is the comb over slick back. Also known as the side part slick back, this combination of two awesome hairstyles means you still get your hair on the sides and back cut short with some length on top. However, instead of brushing your hair straight back for the classic look, you comb it over diagonally or part it to the side.

Again, the slick back comb over plays on the short sides, long top men’s hair trend that has been very popular over the years. But the sleek and refreshing styling makes this twist eye-catching and distinct!

How To Slick Back Hair

If you’re excited about the slick back hairstyle, now it’s time to figure out exactly how to slick back your hair properly. From what kind products to use to combing techniques, here’s everything you need to know about getting slicked back hair.

Traditionally, the comb back hairstyle involves applying a small amount of pomade, wax, clay or cream to your hair and then either running your hands or a comb from front to back to achieve that sleek look. Similarly, you can brush back and style your hair first, then use your product of choice.

• Start with a shower and fresh towel-dried hair. Styling is often easier with slightly damp hair.
• Begin by using a comb, brush or your hands to pull your hair back.
• Apply product to your hands and evenly distribute throughout your hair. For a textured, natural finish, use a low shine or matte wax. For a shiny look, use a medium to high shine pomade. How strong of a hold you choose will determine how much movement and volume you get.
• Use a brush or comb to further work the product into your hair for a neat slick back. For messy or tousled natural-looking hair, use your fingers. Make sure to spread the product deep into the roots.
• For thick, wavy or curly hair that’s hard to manage, use a blow dryer to help style your hair into place.
• Apply another coat of product to the surface of your hair and allow your hair to dry naturally.

Slicked back hair is really known for its smooth and glossy look, but lately men have been foregoing the hair styling products for a more natural look. In this case, all you need is a textured or matte finish product such as wax or clay, a comb and blow dryer to comb back the hair and keep it in place.

How To Slick Back Thick or Curly Hair

Slicking back thick or curly hair is not much different than other hair types. The solution is to use a powerful styling product to control and manage your hair, allowing you to keep your desired hairstyle all day. A good-quality, strong pomade, wax or gel combined with a blow dryer can overcome wavy, curly or thick hair.

Here’s how to slick back curly and thick hair:

• Start with freshly washed hair after a shower. Leave it slightly damp to make it easier to work with.
• You can choose to spray your hair with sea-salt spray to enhance your natural curls and maintain the sweet texture of your style.
• Once your hair has dried, use a strong product throughout your hair. Make sure to spread it deep into the root so it takes hold.
• For maximum volume and flow, avoid brushing or combing and just pull back with your hands. Otherwise, run a comb through and allow the natural waves or curls to form as you slick your hair back.

Best Products For Slicked Back Hair

Slick back hair products range from strong, medium to low holds and shiny to matte finishes. While most guys prefer to use a pomade for slick back hairstyles, the growing trend has been natural, textured hair that requires a wax or clay. And while most barbers agree that pomade is the best product for slicked back hair, what you apply depends on your desire hairstyle.

Here are the best styling products to slick back hair. Whether you have thick, thin, wavy or curly hair, these top-rated pomades, waxes, clays, gels and creams will help you style the perfect look.

Cool Slick Back Hairstyles

Below, we’ve provided examples of the different types of slick back hair and haircuts. Here are the top ways to wear your hair slicked back.

Slicked Back Undercut Fade

Mid Fade + Textured Slick Back Hair + Part

Thick Slick Back + Low Fade

Hipster Slicked Back Undercut + Full Beard + Mustache

Undercut + Shape Up + Long Slick Hair

High Fade Slick Back

Low Fade Slick Back

Short Slicked Back Undercut

Short Slick Back Hair + High Skin Fade

High Bald Fade + Short Slick Back Hair + Beard

Medium Length Slick Back Hair + Taper Fade

Classic Slicked Back

Slicked Back Taper Fade

Thick, Textured Long Slick Back Hair + Beard

Long Slicked Back Undercut

Traditional Combed Back Hair + Shaved Sides

Long Hair Pulled Back

Long Wavy Slick Back Fade + Line Up + Full Beard

Undercut Fade + Thick Slick Back Pomp

Traditional Slick Back

Thin Slicked Back Undercut Hair + Long Beard

Sleek Combed Back Undercut