Slicked Back Hairstyles: A Guide to 35 Men's Styles

Slicked-back hairstyles have been a timeless classic for decades, offering a polished and sophisticated look for men. Whether you're aiming for a sharp and clean-cut style or a more effortless and laid-back vibe, there's a slicked-back variation to suit every face shape and hair type.

Benefits of Slicked Back Hairstyles for Men

Slicked-back hairstyles provide numerous benefits, including:

• Versatility: They can be adapted to various occasions, from formal events to casual outings.
• Suitability: They flatter most face shapes and hair textures.
• Timeless appeal: Slicked-back hairstyles have enduring popularity, transcending trends and remaining stylish over the years.
• Low maintenance: While some variations require regular styling, others offer effortless upkeep.

Choosing the Right Slicked Back Hairstyle

Selecting the perfect slicked-back hairstyle depends on several factors, including:

• Face shape: Oval faces suit most slicked-back styles, while round faces benefit from volume at the crown. Diamond-shaped faces should opt for side-swept variations to soften angles.
• Hair texture: Thick hair can handle more extreme slicked-back looks, while fine hair may prefer subtler styles.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, the best slicked-back hairstyle is the one that aligns with your personal style and preferences.

Styling a Slicked Back Hairstyle

To achieve a polished slicked-back look, follow these steps:

• Wash and condition: Start with clean, moisturized hair.
• Apply product: Use a styling cream or pomade to provide hold and shine. Distribute the product evenly throughout the hair, starting at the roots.
• Comb through: Using a wide-tooth comb or a brush, comb the hair back smoothly, removing any tangles or knots.
• Secure the slick: For a more secure hold, use hairspray to lock in the style.
• Finish with shine: Apply a small amount of hair oil or shine spray to enhance the glossy finish.

35 Slicked Back Hairstyle Variations

From classic cuts to modern adaptations, there are countless slicked-back hairstyles to choose from. Here are 35 popular variations:

1. Classic Slicked Back: A timeless style characterized by hair slicked back from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
2. Side-Parted Slicked Back: A variation with a side part that adds subtle volume at the crown.
3. Undercut Slicked Back: Combines a slicked-back top with shaved or faded sides for a sharp and edgy look.
4. Pompadour Slicked Back: Creates a voluminous pompadour at the front while slicking the rest of the hair back.
5. Quiff Slicked Back: Similar to the pompadour, but with a smaller, more defined tuft of hair at the front.
6. Textured Slicked Back: Adds texture and movement to the hair by leaving some strands uncombed.
7. Disconnected Slicked Back: Features a sharp transition between the slicked-back top and the shorter sides.
8. Slicked Back with Beard: Combines a slicked-back hairstyle with a well-groomed beard for a rugged yet stylish look.
9. Formal Slicked Back: A highly polished style with sleek hair and a side part, usually worn for formal occasions.
10. Casual Slicked Back: A more relaxed variation with less shine and a more natural finish.
11. Wet-Look Slicked Back: Gives the hair a glossy, wet appearance using water-based styling products.
12. Slicked Back with Curls: Combines slicked-back hair with natural curls for a unique and captivating style.
13. Slicked Back with Waves: Creates a sleek and wavy look by using a styling cream or mousse.
14. slicked Back with Braids: Incorporates braids into the slicked-back style for added texture and interest.
15. Slicked Back with Undercut Fade: Combines a slicked-back top with a high or mid-fade on the sides.
16. Slicked Back with Bald Fade: Creates a dramatic contrast with a slicked-back top and shaved sides.
17. Slicked Back with Hair Tattoo: Features an intricate design shaved into the sides or back of the head.
18. Slicked Back with Line Up: Defines the hairline with a sharp, straight line for a clean and polished look.
19. Short Slicked Back: A shorter variation suitable for men with shorter hair, creating a sleek and modern style.
20. Medium Slicked Back: A versatile length that works well for most face shapes and hair textures.
21. Long Slicked Back: Combines slicked-back hair with long, flowing locks for a dramatic and edgy look.
22. Man Bun Slicked Back: Incorporates a man bun into the slicked-back style for a unique and stylish variation.
23. Slicked Back Mohawk: Combines a slicked-back top with a shaved or faded mohawk for a bold and rebellious look.
24. Slicked Back with Spikes: Creates spikes at the front or sides of the slicked-back hair for added texture.
25. Slicked Back with Sideburns: Features sideburns that extend below the ear for a distinguished and sophisticated look.
26. Slicked Back with Part: Combines slicked-back hair with a defined part for a clean and tailored style.
27. Slicked Back with Pompadour Fade: Combines a pompadour with a faded sides for a modern and versatile look.
28. Slicked Back with Wavy Bangs: Combines slicked-back hair with wavy bangs for a unique and stylish contrast.
29. Slicked Back with Undercut Burst Fade: Combines a slicked-back top with a burst fade on the sides for a sharp and fashionable look.
30. Slicked Back with Curly Fringe: Combines slicked-back hair with curly bangs for a unique and textured style.
31. Slicked Back with Scruff: Pairs a slicked-back hairstyle with a well-groomed scruff for a masculine and rugged look.
32. Slicked Back with Bald Fade and Design: Combines slicked-back hair with a bald fade and an intricate design for a bold and eye-catching style.
33. Slicked Back with Messy Fringe: Combines slicked-back hair with a messy and textured fringe for a casual and effortless look.
34. Slicked Back with High Fade and Quiff: Combines slicked-back hair with a high fade and a quiff for a sharp and trendy style.
35. Slicked Back with Undercut and Slicked Back: Combines a slicked-back top with an undercut and slicked-back sides for a sophisticated and modern look.

Tips and Tricks for Achieving the Perfect Slicked Back Hairstyle

• Use the right products: Choose styling products that provide strong hold and a high shine.
• Prep the hair: Apply a pre-styling cream or mousse to damp hair to enhance hold and protect against damage.
• Brush thoroughly: Ensure your hair is tangle-free and smoothly combed before styling.
• Apply product evenly: Distribute the styling product thoroughly throughout the hair, especially at the roots.
• Don't overdo it: Use only a small amount of product to avoid a greasy or stiff appearance.
• Use a wide-tooth comb: Avoid using a fine-tooth comb, as it can create frizz and damage the hair.
• Lock in the style: Secure the slicked-back hairstyle with hairspray to maintain its shape throughout the day.
• Add some shine: Enhance the glossy finish with a small amount of hair oil or shine spray.
• Experiment with variations: Try different slicked-back hairstyles to find the one that best suits your face shape and personal style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling a Slicked Back Hairstyle

• Overusing product: Avoid applying too much styling product, as this can lead to a greasy or unnatural look.
• Using the wrong product: Choose products specifically formulated for slicked-back hairstyles to ensure a long-lasting hold.
• Combing against the grain: Comb the hair in the direction of growth to prevent breakage and frizz.
• Neglecting the sides: Pay attention to the sides of the hair, using products and techniques to create a smooth and polished finish.
• Creating a too-tight style: Avoid slicking the hair back too tightly, as this can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
• Not using proper pre-styling: Skip pre-styling products can result in a lack of hold and protection for the hair.
• Over-drying the hair: Avoid using a blow dryer on high heat, as this can damage the hair and make it more difficult to style.
• Ignoring the hairline: Ensure the hairline is clean and defined, as a messy or uneven hairline can ruin the overall look.
• Not touching up throughout the day: Touch up the slicked-back style as needed to maintain its shape and shine.