34 Awesome Slicked Back Hairstyles for Stylish Guys
Slicked back hairstyles look stylish and are great for men who want a fresh, modern look.
Slicked-back hairstyles for men started in the 20th century and have many styles. You can choose from pompadours to military crops, based on what you like. Texas barber Sonya Hernandez advises checking your hair’s texture and how it grows. Training slicked-back hair can be hard if it goes against your natural growth pattern.
Slick backs look great on short, medium, or long hair. The best part is, they are simple to style. If you have enough hair on top, just use some styling products to hold it in place. Sonya prefers Layrite products. For a strong hold with a matte look, she uses Layrite Cement Clay. If you want a shiny finish, she suggests Layrite Superhold.
Hernandez suggests deciding how high or low you want your fade. “If the fade is too high on the sides, the hair on top might be too short to slick back men’s hair. Pick a skilled barber who can give you the exact cut and style you want,” she says.
Before you get your next haircut or visit the barber, take a look at these photos showing the top slick back hairstyles for men!
#1: Slicked-Back for Short Hair
Slicked-back hair is a simple, neat style that works well for short hair. It’s perfect if you need to get ready fast. The top is left longer and separate from the sides, so it stays back easily. The close fade on the sides keeps the style sharp and clean. Use a thick pomade to hold everything in place firmly.
#2: Brushed Back Short Haircut
The brushed-back short haircut for men looks sharp and works well for many styles. It has short sides that blend smoothly into longer hair on top. This cut gives a neat, clean look perfect for work, special events, or everyday wear. To style it, first blow-dry your hair using a vented brush to add volume at the roots. Next, comb your hair back away from your face. Finish by applying grooming cream or pomade to keep it smooth and in place.
#3: Slicked Back Pomp for Fine Hair
The slicked-back pomp works well for men with fine hair. This timeless style has longer hair on top brushed back. It creates more volume and gives a neat, polished look, perfect for fine hair. It fits men with short to medium hair lengths. This style looks sharp for both casual and formal occasions. To style it, put some gel or pomade on damp hair. Start from the roots and spread it to the tips. Then, comb your hair back to finish the look.
#4: Slicked Back with Precision
Give this neat, slicked-back hairstyle a try if you want a fresh look. Keep your sideburns trimmed to make the style sharp and perfect for any event.
#5: Slicked Back with a Beard
This hairstyle looks relaxed but still neat, perfect for work or a night out. To get this look, show your barber this picture or ask for a slick back with a taper around your ears and neck. I suggest using pomade or styling cream to keep your hair smooth and in place all day.
#6: Fresh Slick Back with a Beard Fade
If you like having some length on top, try this clean slick back with a beard fade. The longer top keeps your hairstyle fun, while the faded sides remove extra hair you don’t need to style. Tell your barber to leave enough length on top so your hair lays flat and suits your hair type.
#7: Low-Faded Slick Back
The low fade slick back is a timeless hairstyle that always looks good. The fade has been kept low and separate to leave enough hair on top to slick back smoothly. You can change the look by raising the fade higher, like up to your temples, for a tighter style. Use pomade for this haircut because it holds hair firmly and adds a shiny, classic finish.
#8: Classic Medium-Length Slick Back
If you have medium-length hair and want a style you can slick back, try a pomp. This style keeps the top longer and blends it into the sides. Use a strong pomade to hold your hair in place and add shine. Also, ask your barber for a short low taper fade on the sides and back for a clean, sharp look.
#9: Mid-Length Slick
A medium-length slick back is a timeless look that suits most men. The hair is cut with scissors using a short graduation method. This keeps the front hair longer and the sides shorter. The sideburns are tapered, which works well if you don’t have a beard. This haircut is easy to maintain. Plan to visit your barber every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your preference. Use a quality pomade to hold the style and add shine.
#10: Clean Cut Slick Back
This neat slick back is a fresh version of the classic pompadour. The barber mostly uses scissors, creating a close taper around the ears. To style it, blow dry some volume spray into the top to add height. Choose a styling product based on whether you want a shiny or matte look. Apply the product from the roots to the ends, then comb your hair into place.
#11: Slicked Back Pomp with Skin Fade
A slicked-back pomp with a skin fade gives a fresh twist to a classic men’s haircut. It looks sharp for work or formal events but still feels modern. You can customize this style for any occasion. Ask your barber or stylist how to adjust it to fit your head shape and styling preferences.
#12: Wavy and Slicked Back
This slicked-back wavy hairstyle with tidy sides and back looks awesome! It has a classic, wet finish that boosts your style. To create a loose slick back, simply comb your dark blonde hair backward and let your natural waves shine through.
#13: Curly Hair with a Slicked Back Style
High fades are very popular right now, and this slicked-back curly hairstyle is a great example. If you have curly hair, try this look. It keeps the sides neat and controls the curls on top. This haircut works well whether you have a beard or not. If you do have a beard, ask your barber for a line-up to make it look sharp.
Related: Best mens curly hairstyles.
#14: Slick Back Bun
A slick back bun is great if you live an active life and have long hair. Long hair can be hard to manage when you’re busy, but this style keeps it easy. You can choose shaved or faded sides up to the partial ridge, based on what you like. Just tie the top into a bun, and you’re ready to go.
#15: Textured Slick Back
Try a textured slicked-back style that men like for a relaxed, natural look. The low fade smoothly connects the textured sides and top, making thin hair look fuller. To boost your waves, use Murdock London sea salt spray on damp or dry hair.
#16: Layered Slicked Back Pompadour
The layered slicked back pompadour is a versatile haircut that suits many people. Pairing it with a sharp high and tight skin fade makes the style stand out even more. Adding the bold look of a pompadour gives this haircut a fresh and lively feel.
#17: Slicked Back Side Part
A slicked-back side part is a great choice for a sharp, professional look. Adding a clean blended fade and side part gives it a stylish touch while staying business-appropriate.
#18: Slicked Back with Low Fade
A slicked-back style with a low fade is a great choice. The fade keeps the edges neat while keeping the hair full on top. Ask your barber to use a razor or add texture to the top. This helps the hair lay better and makes styling faster and easier.
#19: Slicked Back with Finger Comb Style
This finger-combed slicked-back style is great if you prefer longer hair. The sides are tightly faded, blending smoothly into the thick hair on top. To keep it neat all day, you’ll need some upkeep. Use a blow-dryer and styling paste to maintain a sharp look that lasts.
#20: Slick Back Undercut
The slick back undercut is a stylish update of the classic undercut. It features a tight skin fade on the sides, creating a clear line between the top and sides. To hold the hair back, use a good amount of styling product. When you visit your barber, ask them to lower the fade a bit at the back. This way, the longer hair on top will blend smoothly over the darkest part of the fade, giving a clean, seamless look.
#21: Slicked Back with a Mid Fade
A slicked back style with a mid fade is a bold twist on the classic mid fade. Be careful not to remove too much thickness when blending into the slicked back. If you do, the hair may not sit well and could spoil the look. This haircut offers a neat, sharp style that young men will enjoy.
#22: High Fade Slick Back Style for Thin Hair with Receding Hairline
Short, slicked-back hairstyles look sharp and stylish. Combing your black hair neatly in one direction creates a smooth, polished look that matches the clean sides and back. This high fade haircut is also great for men with thin hair or a receding hairline.
#23: Long Slicked Back
Need fresh ideas for your long men’s hairstyle? Try a stylish long slicked-back look with gray color and a beard. This isn’t the classic slick style—it has a modern update. Simply brush your hair back with soft waves for a cool finish.
#24: Classic Slicked Back Hair with a Beard
Discover the sharp look of this slicked back hairstyle. Pairing it with a beard creates a timeless style. Thick, dark hair makes your look stand out even more. To style, first towel dry your damp hair. Then, apply gel or pomade for a smooth finish.
#25: Hipster Slicked Back Style
To get this trendy slicked back hipster look, make a bold style choice. Shave three lines into each sideburn. Then, comb your hair back across your head, adding a bit of volume and texture. This cool hipster style is perfect for updating your brown hair and staying on trend.
#26: Thick Slicked Back Hair
Thick hair styled back looks very smooth with a fade. Shaved sides and the back also pair nicely with a beard. Try this on black hair to highlight your fair skin.
#27: Slicked Back Undercut with Longer Hair on Top
This trendy slicked-back undercut looks great on you. It works well if you have thick, dark hair because it adds fullness. The longer hair on top stands out against the clean, short sides around your ears. Use a quality pomade and some hairspray to keep your hairstyle in place all day.
#28: Straight Short Slicked Back Hair
Dark, straight slicked-back hairstyles for men always look sharp and stylish. This timeless look works best with thick hair and gives a smooth, polished finish.
#29: Slicked Back Hairstyle + Skin Fade
Brushing your hair back creates a clean, slicked-back look. Adding a sharp skin fade to this style makes it even better. This fade with slicked-back hair will add volume and style to your fine, bronde hair.
#30: The Gangster Slick Look
This slicked back haircut looks really cool. The gangster style stands out with shaved lines on the sides. The dark hair on top doesn’t have to be completely flat. Adding some height, like a pompadour, can change the whole look.
#31: Slicked Back Taper Fade on Medium-Length Hair
A traditional slicked back haircut with a fade is easy to style but should still stand out. This version features a slicked back look paired with a taper fade, along with a soft texture that highlights your brown hair color. Even with medium-length hair, the clean fade keeps everything looking sharp and tidy.
#32: The Volume Effect for Slicked Back Hair
Slicked back hair looks best when it has volume and texture. If you have medium-length, dark brown hair on top with tidy sides, you can easily try this slicked back style. It might take a little time to style in front of the mirror, but the full, lifted look is worth the effort.
#33: Natural Slicked Back Bun with Disconnected Undercut
A natural slicked-back bun with a disconnected undercut is a stylish men’s hairstyle that’s quick and easy to create. You can get that smooth, sleek look with very little effort. Man buns work well for guys who want a tidy style but don’t want to cut their long hair.
#34: Messy Slicked Back ‘Do + Curly Hair
This curly slicked back hairstyle lets you show off your natural curls. It has the same cool, messy vibe as your usual style but looks tidier. Keep the sides and back faded to highlight the textured brown hair on top.