What is a Slick Back?
A Side Part haircut is a classic men’s style where hair is divided cleanly to one side, creating balance, structure, and timeless appeal. Known for its versatility, it adapts easily for formal or casual settings. It works across straight, wavy, and curly hair types while complementing round, square, oval, and long face shapes. Modern variations include fades, textured finishes, and relaxed side parts, making it a stylish choice for contemporary men.
Popular worldwide, slick back haircuts adapt to every face shape and hair type. Discover the best variations that keep this timeless look on-trend today.
Popular Slick Back Haircuts for Men
Slick Back Fade
The Slick Back Fade is a sharp and stylish cut that combines clean faded sides with sleek hair brushed straight back for a smooth, polished finish. This look adds height and volume while keeping the edges tight and modern. Use Styling Cream before blow-drying to shape the slick flow, then finish with Strong Hold Pomade for shine and all-day control.
Slick Back Bun
The Slick Back Bun is a bold and stylish look that combines clean sophistication with modern edge. Hair is brushed straight back and secured into a bun, keeping the sides neat and controlled while the top shows natural shine and movement. Blow-dry for volume, then shape with Styling Cream for smooth hold. Finish with Argan Oil to maintain a healthy texture and polish.
Slick Back Taper
The Slick Back Taper is a refined hairstyle that blends sharp precision with natural flow, giving young men a confident and versatile look. The taper fade on the sides enhances the smooth, brushed-back top, creating balanced volume and movement. To style, blow-dry while shaping with your fingers, then finish with Styling Cream for control and a Texture Powder for long-lasting lift.
Messy Slick Back
The Messy Slick Back is a stylish twist on the classic slicked style, perfect for young men who want effortless cool with natural movement. This cut uses longer hair pushed back loosely, allowing waves and texture to create a relaxed vibe. To style, blow-dry backward using finger-shaping, then finish with Texture Clay for hold and Sea Salt Spray for volume.
Mid Fade Slick Back
The Mid Fade Slick Back is a sharp, stylish choice for young men who want a polished yet bold look. This cut blends neatly faded sides with a voluminous slicked-back top, creating contrast and structure. Achieve its sleek finish by blow-drying upward for lift and working in Styling Cream for control, followed by Strong Hold Gel to lock in shine and definition.
Low Fade Slick Back
The Low Fade Slick Back is a sharp yet versatile hairstyle that blends timeless polish with youthful energy. The low fade keeps the sides clean while the slicked-back top adds volume and movement. To style, blow-dry your hair back using a vent brush, then apply Styling Cream for flexible control and finish with Texture Powder to maintain lightweight hold.
Mid Taper Slick Back
The Mid Taper Slick Back combines clean precision with effortless style, making it a go-to choice for young men aiming to look sharp yet relaxed. This cut features a gradual taper on the sides and back while keeping volume on top, swept back for natural flow. Use Molding Paste to shape and control, then finish with Texture Powder for lift and lasting hold.
Low Taper Slick Back
The Low Taper Slick Back is a refined yet modern hairstyle that blends clean sides with stylish length on top. The low taper keeps the edges neat while the longer crown is slicked back for smooth flow and volume. To maintain shape and shine, use Styling Cream for control and a natural finish, then lock it in with sea salt spray. Blow-dry backward while finger-shaping for an effortless, confident look.
Slick Back Mullet
The Slick Back Mullet is a bold style that merges retro attitude with modern polish. This look keeps the sides trimmed with a clean fade while leaving length at the back, giving it that rebellious mullet edge. The slicked top adds shine and structure, styled best with Styling Cream for control and Texture Powder for volume. Blow-dry backward and shape with fingers to balance smoothness and flow.
Undercut Slick Back Fade
The Undercut Slick Back Fade is a bold, modern style that combines sharp contrast with smooth flow. This look features shaved or tightly faded sides that transition into longer hair slicked back for a polished, commanding finish. To style, blow-dry while brushing hair backward, then shape with Texture Clay for hold and Molding Paste for definition. This cut highlights individuality and delivers a confident, trendsetting vibe perfect for young men.
High Fade Slick Back
The High Fade Slick Back is a bold choice that combines sharp fades with polished volume. In this cut, the high fade creates a clean contrast while the slick back adds height and smooth flow. To style, blow-dry while brushing backward, then use Styling Cream for control and for lasting definition. This style delivers confidence and a trend-forward look for young men.
Burst Fade Slick Back
The Burst Fade Slick Back combines a smooth slicked-back top with a rounded burst fade on the sides, creating a bold yet polished look. This style works best with medium-length hair, offering both volume and flow. Use a styling cream to keep the hair flexible. Blow-dry while finger-shaping to lock in natural movement and shine.
Slick Back Middle Part
The Slick Back Middle Part blends sleek styling with a modern edge, making it a standout look for guys who want balance and confidence. Hair is combed back with a visible center part, creating symmetry and natural flow. Volume on top adds presence, while tapered sides keep it neat. Use Styling Cream for control and Texture Powder for lasting lift.
Drop Fade Slick Back
The Drop Fade Slick Back delivers a sharp yet stylish look with smooth volume on top and a fade that curves naturally around the head. The slicked-back hair enhances texture and flow, making it trend-forward and versatile. For styling, blow-dry while finger-shaping, then use Styling Cream for lightweight control and Texture Powder to boost fullness without stiffness.
High Taper Slick Back
The High Taper Slick Back is a sharp and confident hairstyle that blends sleek precision with trendsetting appeal. This cut features a clean high taper that fades smoothly into the skin, while the top stays longer and styled back for polished volume. Use Texture Powder for lift and Strong Hold Pomade for control.
Slick Back Curly Hair
The Slick Back Curly Hair is a bold style that merges natural curls with sleek definition for a refined yet energetic look. This cut keeps volume on top, allowing curls to flow back while the sides remain neatly shaped. Use a Styling Cream to control frizz and enhance natural texture, then blow-dry with your fingers to direct movement.
Slick Back Braids
The Slick Back Braids style combines sharp detailing with modern edge, giving young men a bold and confident look. This haircut keeps the sides neatly faded while the braids are pulled straight back, enhancing both structure and movement. To keep the braids sleek and hydrated, use Argan Oil, while a touch of Texture Clay helps maintain a polished, long-lasting finish without frizz.
Textured Slick Back
The Textured Slick Back offers a refined yet effortless style that blends volume with natural movement. This haircut pushes the hair back while keeping subtle layers visible for a fuller, dynamic look. To achieve the best hold and definition, blow-dry with a vent brush, then work in Styling Cream for lightweight control. Finish with Texture Powder to add lift, giving this Textured Slick Back its modern, confident edge.
Modern Slick Back
The Modern Slick Back is a stylish choice for guys who want a clean, confident look with natural movement. This cut features smooth, layered hair brushed back for a sleek finish while maintaining volume at the crown. Blow-dry your hair backward for lift, then use Styling Cream for control and Texture Powder for lightweight fullness.
Wavy Slick Back
The Wavy Slick Back is a stylish choice that blends volume with natural texture, giving young men a confident and modern look. This cut keeps the sides neat while the longer top flows back in loose, wavy layers that add movement. To style, blow-dry while finger-shaping for lift, then apply Texture Clay for hold and Sea Salt Spray to enhance natural waves.
Slick Back Long Hair
The Slick Back Long Hair look is a bold and stylish choice for guys who want a mix of length and control. This hairstyle keeps the sides neat while allowing the longer top to flow backward with natural movement. Use a Styling Cream for smooth control and a Molding Paste to add definition without stiffness. Blow-dry while finger-shaping for volume and direction.
Side Part Slick Back
The Side Part Slick Back is a timeless haircut that merges sharp structure with modern edge. This style features a clean fade on the sides paired with longer hair on top, slicked back for volume and shine while defined by a side part for added precision. Achieve the look using Styling Cream for smooth control and finish with Texture Powder to maintain natural movement and lightweight hold throughout the day.
Short Slick Back
The Short Slick Back is a polished yet versatile style that gives young men a bold, modern look. This haircut features neatly slicked-back hair with a low-maintenance, sharp silhouette that enhances facial structure. To style, blow-dry backward for natural volume, then apply Molding Paste for hold and flexibility. Finish with Argan Oil to add shine and keep the strands smooth while maintaining movement.
Medium Length Slick Back
The Medium Length Slick Back is a versatile style that balances polished structure with natural flow. This cut keeps the sides tapered for a clean outline while the longer top is styled back for volume and movement. To achieve this look, blow-dry with a vent brush and shape using Molding Paste for flexible hold and a Texture Powder to boost lift.
Italian Slick Back
The Italian Slick Back delivers a timeless yet stylish vibe, perfect for young men who want a clean but effortlessly bold look. This hairstyle pushes the hair back smoothly with subtle shine, creating natural flow and controlled volume. To achieve the best hold and polish, apply Styling Cream for shape and follow with Molding Paste for lasting structure. Blow-dry while finger-shaping for movement and a sleek finish.
Slick Back Pompadour
The Slick Back Pompadour is a bold choice for young men who want volume, flow, and sharp detail. The hair is swept back with height at the crown, giving it a fuller and trendier shape. Use a styling cream for a smooth base, then lock in hold with a strong hold pomade while blow-drying upward for lasting structure and shine.
Slick Back Skin Fade
The Slick Back Skin Fade is a bold, statement-making hairstyle that combines sharp edges with smooth flow. The sides are shaved down to the skin for a clean fade, while the top is left longer and styled backward to create polished volume. To achieve this refined look, blow-dry your hair with a vent brush, apply Molding Paste for hold, and finish with Hair Spray for lasting control.
Classic Slick Back
The Classic Slick Back is a timeless hairstyle that balances elegance with modern confidence. This look features smoothly combed hair swept straight back, creating a polished and refined appearance that works for both casual and formal settings. Blow-dry your hair while shaping with fingers, then apply Styling Cream for hold and shine.
Slick Back with Beard
The Slick Back with Beard is a timeless hairstyle that pairs sleek, brushed-back hair with a full, well-groomed beard for a bold and masculine edge. This look balances sharpness and volume, making it a versatile choice for modern young men. To achieve the perfect hold and shine, use Styling Cream for control and finish with Texture Powder to keep the style fresh all day.
Slick Back Mohawk
The Slick Back Mohawk is a bold hairstyle that blends edgy and polished elements for a trendsetting look. This cut features shaved or faded sides with longer hair through the middle, styled back to create height and sharp flow. To nail this style, blow-dry with finger-shaping for natural movement and finish with Texture Clay for grip and Volume Spray for lift, keeping the Slick Back Mohawk full of attitude and structure.
Blonde Slick Back
The Blonde Slick Back is a sharp, trendsetting style that mixes natural light tones with a clean, modern silhouette. This haircut pushes the hair back with controlled volume and shine, giving a confident and polished look. Blow-dry while shaping with your fingers, then finish with Styling Cream for flexible hold and Texture Powder for added lift that lasts all day.
Slick Back Straight Hair
The Slick Back Straight Hair is a refined hairstyle that highlights smooth texture, sharp lines, and controlled volume. This cut keeps the sides neatly tapered while the longer top is blow-dried and shaped backward for a polished finish. Apply Texture Powder for lightweight lift, followed by Styling Cream for smooth control and natural hold. This timeless style blends elegance with youthful confidence, making it ideal for trend-focused men.
Slick Back Undercut
The Slick Back Undercut is a bold choice that mixes clean edges with dramatic volume. In this style, the sides are clipped down to a sharp undercut, while the top is left longer and swept straight back for a smooth, refined flow. To perfect the look, blow-dry for lift, shape with your fingers, and lock it in with Molding Paste for flexible hold and Argan Oil for a sleek finish.
Korean Slick Back
The Korean Slick Back is a sleek hairstyle that blends modern sharpness with subtle texture, creating a polished yet youthful vibe. Hair is brushed back smoothly while maintaining natural movement, giving off effortless confidence. Achieve this look by blow-drying for volume, finger-shaping the top, and finishing with Molding Paste for lightweight hold or Styling Cream for a soft, flexible finish that lasts all day.
Slick Back Quiff
The Slick Back Quiff is a bold hairstyle that merges timeless polish with a modern edge. Featuring lifted volume at the front, this look flows smoothly into a slicked-back finish for a clean yet stylish effect. Blow-dry with a vent brush, then apply Texture powder for movement and finish with Styling Cream for a natural, flexible hold.
Slick Back vs Other Haircuts: Key Differences
Slick Back Vs Comb Over
The Slick Back vs Comb Over debate highlights two timeless styles with different vibes. The slick back creates a smooth, powerful look with hair brushed straight back, perfect for a sharp and confident appearance. The comb over, on the other hand, uses a defined part and natural flow for added texture and movement.
Slick Back Vs Side Part
The Slick Back vs Side Part debate highlights two timeless yet modern looks. A slick back offers smooth flow, sharp edges, and confident appeal, styled best with Strong Hold Gel for sleek control. The side part adds structured definition and volume, perfected with Styling Cream and a vent brush.
Slick Back Vs Pompadour
The Slick Back vs Pompadour haircut is a battle of timeless sophistication and bold flair. The slick back keeps hair smooth and refined, offering a sleek finish perfect for a polished look, while the pompadour adds dramatic height and volume for trendsetting appeal.
How to Choose the Right Slick Back Haircut
Choosing the perfect slick back depends on your hair type and face shape. These tips help match the style to your natural features.
By Hair Type
- Straight Hair: Ideal for a sleek and polished slick back. The strands lay flat, giving a clean, structured finish. Opt for pomade or styling cream for smooth hold.
- Wavy Hair: Adds natural flow and texture to the slicked style. Go for a layered slick back and use lightweight mousse or sea salt spray for definition.
- Curly Hair: Offers bold volume and a more dynamic look. Use strong-hold products to keep curls styled back while maintaining natural texture.
- Coily Hair: Works best with tighter slick backs. Choose medium length on top and apply a high-hold pomade or gel to keep the style in place.
By Face Shape
- Round Faces: Go for slick back styles with more height on top and shorter faded sides to elongate the face and create a sharper profile.
- Oval Faces: You can wear nearly any variation from tight fades to longer slicked-back styles, since oval shapes are the most balanced.
- Square Faces: Clean fades with a defined slicked-back top help enhance your masculine angles and strong jawline.
- Long Faces: Soften the look with a textured slick back and avoid adding too much volume. Tapered sides help balance proportions and create a cohesive silhouette.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Slick Back
To achieve the best slick back haircut, knowing what to say matters. Here’s how to use clear terms, photos, and avoid mistakes at the barbershop.
Use Clear Terminology
When asking for a slick back, use terms like classic slick back, slick back fade, or slick back undercut. Clearly mention top length and side preference, so your barber understands the exact haircut you want without confusion.
Show a Reference Image
Always bring a reference photo of the slick back style you like. Showing visuals helps your barber match the length, fade, and finish accurately, ensuring your haircut looks polished, professional, and exactly as you envisioned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid being vague about hair length or fade type when asking for a slick back. Don’t skip reference photos, and always consider your hair type. Clear communication prevents missteps, ensuring your slick back looks sharp and suits your style.
How to Style a Slick Back
Styling a slick back requires proper prep, product use, and technique. Follow these steps to create a polished look that stays sharp all day.
Prep Clean Hair
Start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair for the best slick back foundation. Removing excess oils helps styling products spread evenly, while damp hair is easier to control. This ensures a smooth, neat finish and stronger hold that lasts throughout the day.
Apply Pre-Styler
Spray a lightweight pre-styler like sea salt spray or use mousse to boost volume and texture. Work it evenly through damp hair. This step prevents flatness, improves grip, and builds a stronger, longer-lasting base for shaping the slick back.
Comb Hair Backwards
Comb your hair straight back using a fine-tooth comb for a sleek, classic look, or use your fingers for a textured modern finish. Always work from roots to ends to keep the slick back neat, controlled, and evenly shaped.
Blow-Dry for Hold & Shape
Blow-dry your hair backwards on low to medium heat while guiding it with a brush or comb. Add lift at the front for volume. Lock in shape by finishing with a cool shot, which enhances smoothness and durability of the slick back style.
Finish with Styling Product
Apply a small amount of pomade, clay, or cream to set the look. Choose pomade for shine, clay for matte texture, or cream for natural softness. Work the product evenly to lock in your slick back, keeping it polished without stiffness all day.
How to Maintain a Slick Back
A slick back stays polished with consistent upkeep. Regular trims, a strong daily routine, and proper hair care keep this timeless style sharp, sleek, and versatile.
Regular Trims
Regular trims every 2-4 weeks keep your slick back sharp and clean. Trimming helps maintain crisp sides, sharp fades, and balanced length on top. This consistency prevents overgrowth, preserves the haircut’s shape, and ensures your slick back looks professional and polished at all times.
Daily Styling Routine
Start your daily slick back routine with damp, towel-dried hair. Apply a strong-hold product evenly, then comb hair backward for structure. Finish with a blow-dryer or hairspray to lock in shape. This quick routine gives you a smooth, controlled look that lasts all day..
Hair Care Tips
Healthy hair is key for a slick back. Use clarifying shampoo weekly to remove product buildup and hydrating conditioner to keep hair soft. Add argan oil for smoothness and avoid overwashing. Balanced care keeps your hair strong, manageable, and ensures the slick back stays sleek.
Best Hair Products for Slick Back Styles
The right products elevate a slick back haircut. These essentials provide hold, shine, and nourishment, keeping your hairstyle sharp, smooth, and long-lasting.
Texture Clay
Texture clay gives slick back hairstyles a matte finish with strong hold. It keeps hair structured, natural, and easy to restyle while maintaining definition throughout the day.
Pomade
Pomade adds shine and flexible hold, making slick back haircuts look sleek and professional. It smooths the style, controls flyaways, and delivers long-lasting polish.
Molding Paste
Molding paste provides medium hold with a touch of natural texture. It keeps slick back styles in place while maintaining flexibility, movement, and effortless control.
Styling Cream
Styling cream is perfect for lightweight hold in slick backs. It tames frizz, smooths strands, and delivers a soft, natural-looking finish that lasts.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray boosts volume and texture, giving slick backs a relaxed, fuller look. It keeps hair lightweight, touchable, and modern without stiffness.
Texture Powder
Texture powder instantly adds lift and lasting hold to slick back hairstyles. It enhances volume and structure while keeping hair light, natural, and easy to refresh.
Hydrating Argan Oil
Argan oil nourishes and softens slick back hair. It reduces frizz, adds shine, and keeps the style smooth, manageable, and healthy all day.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo removes excess oil and styling product buildup. It keeps slick back hairstyles fresh, clean, and easy to style consistently with no heaviness.
Hydrating Conditioner
Hydrating conditioner restores moisture, strengthens strands, and prevents dryness. It ensures slick back haircuts stay smooth, healthy, and easy to manage for daily styling.
FAQs About Slick Back Haircut
What is a slick back hairstyle?
A slick back hairstyle is a timeless men’s cut with short sides and longer top brushed backward, creating a polished, versatile, and confident look.
How do I slick back my hair?
To slick back hair, start with damp strands, apply styling product evenly, then comb straight backward. Finish with blow-dry or spray for lasting hold.
What haircut should I get for a slick back?
Ideal slick back haircuts include classic slick back, slick back fade, or undercut, each with longer top hair offering flexibility for different styling preferences.
What products should I use for slicked back hairstyles?
Use pomade for shine, clay for matte texture, or styling cream for natural hold. These products keep slick backs polished, structured, and long-lasting daily.
How long does a man's hair have to be for a slick back?
Men need at least 3-5 inches of length on top for a slick back, ensuring hair can be brushed backward smoothly and effectively.
Which face shape suits slick back?
A slick back haircut suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces best, as it sharpens features, balances proportions, and highlights masculine facial structure.
Is slicked back hair attractive to men?
Yes, slick back hairstyles are attractive because they show confidence, style, and professionalism, working perfectly for both formal occasions and casual everyday settings.
What’s the difference between a slick back undercut and a slick back fade?
A slick back undercut has sharp, disconnected sides, while a slick back fade blends gradually for a softer, modern, and stylish appearance.
How do I maintain my slick back hairstyle throughout the day?
Maintain a slick back by reapplying product lightly, combing hair backward, and avoiding excess touching. Carry hairspray or matte spray for all-day control.
Is the slick back hairstyle still trendy in 2025?
Yes, the slick back remains trendy in 2025, blending timeless elegance with modern textures, fades, and versatile styling that men continue to embrace.