30 Stylish Slick Back Haircut For Men: Trendy Examples
The slick back is a classic, timeless men’s hairstyle that blends modern charm with old-school sophistication to create a clean, confident look. This well-known haircut usually features short sides with longer hair brushed straight back on top. A strong styling product like pomade or clay is used to hold the sleek shape in place while adding either shine or a soft texture.
Slicked-back hairstyles are versatile, easy to maintain, and look great on almost everyone. They give off a clean and confident vibe that suits any stylish man, whether you like the structured, shiny finish on straight, medium-length hair or the natural, soft movement of wavy hair.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most attractive slick back haircut ideas for men that show effortless class and confidence, explain how to style them, and recommend the best products for the look you want.
Popular Men’s Slick Back Haircuts
Classic Slick Back
The classic slick back is a traditional hairstyle that neatly brushes the hair backward for a smooth, polished finish with a refined edge. You can decide how glossy you want it — use a high-shine pomade for a sleek, old-school appearance or a matte product for a modern touch. Keep the sides tidy and close-cut, and use a fine-tooth comb to secure the hair flat against your head for that streamlined finish.
Modern Slick Back
The modern slick back still involves combing the hair away from your face, but it adds more texture and volume than the traditional version. This gives a relaxed yet sharp look that feels current. Most modern slick backs pair well with a fade or undercut on the sides and usually go for a matte, natural finish rather than a shiny one.
To create this look, take a small amount of pomade or clay and apply it to damp hair. Then, using a blow dryer and a vented brush, guide the hair backward. This helps you achieve a softer, more natural appearance that’s easy to run your fingers through.
Long Slick Back
A long slick back is a stylish hairstyle that combines natural flow with a sleek, defined shape. Ask your barber for a low or mid fade if you want a neat and sophisticated look, or a high drop fade if you want to highlight the medium-to-long top and add a bold touch at the back.
This style works well for men who like contrast — smooth at the top with a bold edge on the sides. Apply a medium-hold pomade all over, then blow dry your hair while combing it back with a round brush to add shape and movement. If you prefer a clean-cut style, go for a smooth shave, but if you like balance, a well-groomed beard adds a nice touch.
Slick Back Fade
A slick back fade is a modern haircut that combines a sleek top with smoothly blended sides, giving it a sharp and trendy look. The top is brushed back while the sides gradually fade, creating a perfect transition that mixes sophistication with a bit of boldness.
You can choose how bold or subtle you want the fade to be. A high fade gives instant attention and edge, while a low fade offers a softer contrast. Go for a skin fade if you want a dramatic and clean look that’s sure to grab attention.
Short Slick Back
The short slick back is a stylish, easy-to-manage haircut that looks polished and trendy without needing much effort. The short top is brushed back and blends smoothly into a skin fade, giving a sharp and modern edge.
If you like a glossy look, use a shiny pomade for a refined touch. For a more textured finish, go for a matte clay. Pairing this style with a beard adds a masculine element and helps balance the whole look.
Slick Back Taper Fade
A slick back taper fade offers a softer, more professional version of the classic slicked look. The taper gradually shortens the hair around the sides and back, keeping the overall cut conservative yet stylish.
This hairstyle naturally enhances the shape of your head and face, giving a clean, balanced appearance. It’s ideal for business professionals who want something classy, wearable, and versatile for everyday styling.
Textured Brush Back
A textured brush back stands out with its relaxed volume and natural movement, creating an effortlessly cool look that works with almost any hair type. This style keeps things casual but well-structured, adding layers and dimension on top that traditional slick backs often lack.
To achieve this look, use a small amount of clay and a round brush to work your hair backward. This technique gives lift and volume while avoiding a stiff, over-styled finish.
Cool Slick Back with Low Fade
A cool slick back with a low fade brings together subtle tapering on the sides with a clean, combed-back top for a modern, neat result. The fade starts near the ears, adding detail and balance without taking attention away from the sleek top.
This look blends refinement and style, making it perfect for men who prefer a polished but understated appearance that works for any occasion.
Slick Back Undercut
The slick back undercut is a fashionable, bold haircut that emphasizes contrast between the short, buzzed sides and the longer, brushed-back top. The smooth top stands out sharply against the undercut, creating a strong and stylish look.
To achieve this, you’ll need to grow about six inches of length on top and keep the sides closely buzzed. Use pomade or wax to keep the top controlled and sleek. This haircut is great for men who like bold, clean lines with a touch of rebellion.
Parted Slick Back Taper
A parted slick back taper is refined hairstyle that combines gradual tapering and subtle side part with 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 fine-tooth comb, a lightweight pomade and heat for added volume and hold.
Long Hair Combed Back
Long hair combed back gives off a smooth, effortlessly refined look while keeping the natural length flowing backward in a controlled way. This haircut works well for men who enjoy a more relaxed appearance.
Pairing it with a beard enhances facial features and adds rugged sophistication. You can keep the sides longer for a more natural finish or taper them slightly for a cleaner shape that still complements the length on top.
Slick Back Undercut Fade
The slick back undercut fade mixes the boldness of an undercut with the smooth transition of a fade. This style is both stylish and neat, giving off a modern, crisp finish.
To style it, apply lightweight pomade to slightly damp hair and use a comb to push the hair back evenly. Finish it with a bit of hairspray to hold everything in place throughout the day.
Voluminous Full Slick Back
The voluminous full slick back takes the classic style and upgrades it with more height and fullness for a flattering, modern finish. It’s especially great for men with thick or wavy hair, offering volume and texture without sharp fades.
To create this look, use a volumizing mousse followed by a medium-hold pomade. This combination keeps your hair controlled but gives it that dynamic, lifted appearance.
Slick Back with Beard
A slick back with a beard delivers a powerful combination of sleek elegance and masculine texture. The smooth hair on top contrasts beautifully with the rugged facial hair, creating a strong, balanced appearance.
Finish the look with beard oil or balm to keep your facial hair soft and healthy, completing this refined yet bold style.
Slick Back with Drop Fade
The slick back with a drop fade brings a stylish mix of classic and edgy. The fade curves downward at the back of the head, smoothly blending around the ears while keeping the top sleek and combed back.
This design adds shape and dimension around the crown and enhances facial structure, making it a great pick for men who want a sharp but elegant style.
Wet Look Slick Back
The wet look slick back is a shiny, polished style that offers timeless appeal. Apply gel or high-shine pomade to comb the hair neatly backward for a smooth, glossy effect.
Lock in the style with a light layer of strong-hold hairspray to maintain that mirror-like finish all day long.
Short Slick Back with Mid Skin Fade and Beard
A short slick back with a mid skin fade and beard combines sharpness with masculinity. The mid fade adds structure, while the slicked top keeps things polished.
This look is ideal for men who want something stylish but easy to handle. The beard balances the bold fade, giving the overall appearance a rugged and confident vibe.
Curly Slick Back
A curly slick back keeps your natural curls in control while giving them direction and shape. Instead of forcing your curls straight, it lets them stay voluminous and textured.
Apply a curl cream followed by a strong pomade, then use a wide-tooth comb to brush your curls backward gently. This helps keep them in place while avoiding unwanted frizz.
Medium Slick Back Fade
The medium slick back fade offers a balanced mix between length on top and neatly faded sides. It looks great on mid-length hair, giving a tidy yet relaxed feel.
Comb your hair straight back, leaving just a bit of texture for a naturally stylish result. Use a small amount of pomade or wax to maintain control without stiffness.
Slick Back Man Bun
A slick back man bun mixes neatness with practicality, keeping your hair tidy while maintaining a stylish edge. The bun is usually tied near the crown, giving it a structured, clean appearance.
Pair it with facial hair for a more rugged or hipster-inspired look. It’s perfect for men who like to combine comfort and class.
Edgy Rockabilly Slick Back
The rockabilly slick back is a bold, vintage-inspired haircut that radiates confidence and cool attitude. It’s known for its high volume and super-sleek finish that stands out instantly. The sides are often faded or undercut to highlight the dramatic top, giving the style a retro yet rebellious twist.
To achieve this, use a strong-hold, high-shine pomade or gel. Comb your hair back smoothly and lift the front slightly to add height and flair. The result is a hairstyle that feels straight out of the Elvis era but still works perfectly for today’s fashion-forward man.
Slick Back Side Part Fade
A slick back side part fade adds sharp detail and structure to the classic slick back by introducing a clean side part. The clearly defined line separates the slicked top from the faded sides, offering a neat, polished appearance.
This style gives an ideal balance of sophistication and modern edge, making it a top choice for men who like a controlled, dapper look. Use a fine comb to define the part, apply pomade for shine, and ensure each section is neatly brushed to keep the crisp separation visible.
Long, Messy Slick Back
A long, messy slick back gives you a relaxed, effortlessly stylish appearance that emphasizes volume and natural texture. It takes the formal slick back and turns it into something more playful and carefree.
To get this look, use a lightweight texturizing cream and style your hair with your fingers instead of a comb. Lift the front and the crown to create soft volume while keeping a loose shape that moves naturally. This version of the slick back is perfect for casual days or creative personalities who like controlled chaos.
Thick Slick Back with High Taper Fade
The thick slick back with a high taper fade brings together dense, voluminous hair on top with neatly faded sides for a strong, masculine look. The fade starts high and gradually blends down, creating a sharp and modern transition.
This hairstyle works best for men with thicker hair who want structure without losing fullness. Use a medium-hold pomade to control your hair and shape it backward, keeping the top slightly lifted for movement. It’s stylish, bold, and full of texture.
Long Brush Back with Low Fade
A long brush back with a low fade is great for men who prefer a fuller, softer style that still looks neat and well-kept. The fade starts just above the ears, creating a smooth transition from the shorter sides to the longer top.
To style, blow-dry your hair backward for volume and finish with a matte pomade to keep things natural yet defined. This subtle contrast makes it suitable for professional settings and casual environments alike.
Edgy Slick Back Fade with Line Up
An edgy slick back fade with a line up takes clean edges to the next level. The hairline is shaped with precision, forming crisp, defined lines that enhance facial features.
The slicked-back top adds control and smoothness, while the trimmed edges give the haircut a bold and modern appeal. To keep it sharp, make sure your barber maintains the line-up regularly, and use a styling gel or pomade to ensure the top stays polished all day.
Wavy Combed Back Hair
Wavy combed back hair combines natural movement with the sleek structure of a classic slick back. It lets your natural waves shine while still maintaining a refined look.
To achieve it, apply a small amount of mousse or wax and gently push the hair backward with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Lightly mist with hairspray to keep the waves defined. You can taper the sides for a clean finish or leave them longer for a more laid-back look.
Slick Back Flow
The slick back flow is a popular medium length hairstyle that blends relaxed charm with refined appeal. The style allows the hair to naturally sweep back, creating motion and fluidity that looks effortlessly attractive.
Usually styled with fingers, the slick back flow benefits from a lightweight mousse to add hold without stiffness. It’s the perfect hairstyle for men who want to enjoy their natural hair length without dealing with messy or unkempt results.
Slick Back with Short Sides and Beard
A slick back with short sides and a beard delivers a bold, masculine aesthetic that combines precision and strength. The short, neatly cut sides create contrast, while the slicked top adds smooth sophistication.
This look pairs beautifully with a full beard, offering balance between sharp definition and rugged texture. It’s the go-to style for men who want something confident, clean, and full of character.
What Is A Slick Back Hairstyle
The slick back hairstyle involves brushing the hair smoothly backward from the forehead using a strong-hold product to create a neat, shiny, and polished appearance that reflects timeless elegance. This classic haircut, featuring longer hair on the top, sides, and back with a glossy finish, became famous among stylish and successful men during the 1920s and 30s—an era known for luxury and class. The style still represents confidence and power, often worn by professionals such as businessmen, lawyers, actors, and athletes.
Today’s slicked-back hairstyles often include a fade or undercut to give a sharp, modern contrast while keeping short to medium-length hair on top. This combination mixes the old-school charm with a modern twist, offering a trendy yet refined look that suits almost any occasion.
A popular modern twist, the textured slick back—sometimes called the brush back—adds extra volume and movement for a more relaxed vibe. This variation enhances the hair’s natural texture, making it a go-to style for younger men and teens who want a cool but casual appearance.
How To Slick Back Hair
To achieve the slick back hairstyle, begin with clean, slightly damp hair. Apply a quality styling product like pomade, gel, or clay evenly through your hair, then use a comb to brush it back from your forehead toward the crown. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect slick back, whether you prefer a shiny classic look or a more modern, textured version:
- Start with freshly washed, damp hair using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Gently towel-dry it but keep a bit of moisture for easier styling.
- Choose a strong, glossy product for a traditional finish or a matte one for a natural texture. Take a small amount, rub it between your palms, and apply it evenly from roots to ends.
- With a wide-tooth comb, begin at the front and comb straight back. To create a fuller brush back style, slightly lift the comb as you go to avoid flattening your hair. This helps add height and shape at the front.
- Run your fingers through your hair to loosen it up and create a modern, slightly messy finish.
- Use a blow dryer on low heat to add more texture and help set your style firmly for long-lasting hold throughout the day.
