Slicked-back hairstyles have become a symbol of sophistication and elegance in men’s grooming.
Whether you’re preparing for a big meeting, a night out, or simply want to elevate your everyday look, these hairstyles offer versatility and style.
From classic looks to modern twists, discover 22 slicked-back hairstyles that will redefine your grooming game and leave a lasting impression.
1. Classic Slicked Back
The classic slicked-back hairstyle is a quintessential look that remains in vogue, effortlessly blending simplicity with sophistication.
To achieve this iconic style, opt for shorter sides and back while leaving the top section longer, allowing it to be neatly combed back. A high-hold hair gel, such as this one, is ideal for providing the strong hold necessary to maintain the polished finish throughout the day.
For added precision, a quality styling comb like this styling comb is essential for achieving that sleek, well-groomed appearance.
Whether you’re dressing for a formal event or heading to the office, this hairstyle exudes confidence and professionalism. To enhance the sleekness, consider using a premium pomade, such as this pomade, for the perfect finish.
2. Textured Slick Back
For those looking to add a touch of flair to their hairstyle, the textured slick back offers both dimension and character. This style is achieved by using a product that enhances texture, allowing the top to maintain some volume while still being elegantly slicked back.
It’s an ideal choice for casual outings or relaxed work settings, ensuring you look polished without being overly formal. To achieve the best results, opt for a matte finish product, which will help keep your hairstyle looking fresh and stylish.
Consider using a texturizing paste to create that perfect texture, or a sea salt spray for added volume and a relaxed, beachy look.
3. Undercut Slick Back
The undercut slick back is a trendy hairstyle that features a daring undercut paired with a sleek, slicked-back top, resulting in a striking contrast that is sure to turn heads.
This style has gained immense popularity among younger men, and it’s often complemented by a well-defined beard for a rugged yet polished appearance. To achieve and maintain this look, using a strong hold hair gel is essential, as it keeps the top in place throughout the day and ensures a tidy finish.
Additionally, for those who want to maintain the undercut, investing in quality hair clippers for undercut will make all the difference.
Finally, pairing this hairstyle with a few drops of beard oil can enhance the overall look, giving your beard a soft and healthy appearance that completes your rugged style. This versatile hairstyle easily transitions from day to night, making it ideal for any social occasion.
4. Pompadour Slick Back
The pompadour slick back is a striking hairstyle that elevates your look with its impressive height and volume.
To achieve this eye-catching style, the hair is styled upward and back, creating a bold statement that’s perfect for special occasions or a night out.
While it requires more maintenance and the right products, the effort is truly rewarding. Using a volumizing mousse can provide the necessary lift, while a high-hold pomade will keep everything in place.
For styling, a hair dryer can be an essential tool to help you achieve that polished look, blending retro vibes with modern flair.
5. Side Parted Slick Back
The side-parted slick back is a sophisticated variation of the classic hairstyle, providing a polished and refined look that is perfect for formal occasions.
This style is characterized by a deep side parting, which creates a distinct separation between the top and sides, enhancing your overall appearance. To achieve the ideal side part, use a fine-tooth comb for a precise finish.
For a natural and lightweight hold, opt for a lightweight hair gel, which will help you maintain that slicked-back look without feeling heavy.
Additionally, if you prefer a more flexible styling option, a styling cream can also be an excellent choice to express your personal style while ensuring a professional aesthetic.
6. Slicked Back with Beard
Combining a slicked-back hairstyle with a well-groomed beard creates a striking and masculine appearance. This look is ideal for men looking to highlight their facial hair while maintaining a polished hairstyle.
To achieve this stylish combination, it’s essential to ensure that both the hair and beard are styled in harmony, utilizing products that enhance each other’s appearance. For your beard, consider using beard oil to keep it soft and well-groomed.
For the hair, a quality hair pomade for slicking back will provide the necessary hold and shine, ensuring your hairstyle stays intact throughout the day.
Additionally, using styling wax can help you achieve a more textured look, adding versatility to your slicked-back style. This combination is versatile enough to suit both casual outings and formal events, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
7. Low Fade Slick Back
For a stylish yet understated option, the low fade slick back provides a contemporary take on the timeless hairstyle.
This look features a gradual fade on the sides, allowing the top to remain long enough for easy styling back.
It’s an ideal choice for men seeking a low-maintenance hairstyle that still exudes sophistication. To achieve and maintain that sleek finish, consider using a light hold gel or hair cream, both of which will help keep your hair in place without feeling heavy.
Additionally, for those looking to achieve the perfect fade, a reliable pair of hair clippers is essential for maintaining this modern look.
8. High Fade Slick Back
The high fade slick back is an audacious hairstyle that combines a sharp fade with longer hair on top, creating a striking contrast. This look is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement, and it’s often enhanced with facial hair, adding an extra layer of dimension to your overall appearance.
Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or attending a casual gathering, this hairstyle ensures you’ll stand out in any crowd. To maintain your sleek style throughout the evening, a strong-hold product, such as this strong hold gel, is essential.
Additionally, pairing your slick back with well-groomed facial hair can be achieved using a quality beard balm, which keeps your facial hair looking polished. For those looking to achieve the perfect fade, consider using a fade razor to ensure your cut is sharp and clean.
9. Curly Slick Back
Men with naturally curly hair can confidently sport the slicked-back hairstyle by fully embracing their unique texture. The curly slick back look involves using a curl-enhancing product to define those beautiful curls while slicking back the hair on top.
For optimal results, consider applying a curl defining cream to help enhance your natural curls. To achieve hold without sacrificing that delightful curl pattern, a light hold gel is an excellent choice, allowing you to maintain control throughout the day.
If you’re looking for extra volume and bounce, try incorporating a hair mousse for curls into your routine. This style not only highlights your individuality but is also ideal for casual settings, ensuring you look effortlessly stylish.
10. Slicked Back with Sideburns
Incorporating sideburns into a slicked-back hairstyle can elevate your overall look with a distinctive flair. This style is particularly suited for medium-length hair, allowing you to achieve a sleek top while highlighting well-groomed sideburns.
To maintain that polished appearance, regular upkeep is crucial. Using a high-quality hair styling gel will help you achieve the perfect slicked-back finish.
For those looking to keep their sideburns looking sharp and defined, a reliable beard trimmer is essential. Additionally, a pair of hair scissors specifically designed for sideburns can ensure you maintain precision in your grooming routine. This combination will give you that perfect blend of edge and elegance.
11. Slicked Back with Highlights
Adding highlights to a slicked-back hairstyle can significantly enhance its depth and dimension, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to experiment with color while maintaining a timeless look.
This style is particularly well-suited for summer outings or beach days, as the highlights beautifully accentuate the texture and movement of your hair. To keep your color vibrant and shiny, it’s essential to use a color-safe shampoo that protects your highlights from fading.
Additionally, consider a hair highlighting kit for achieving that perfect sun-kissed look at home. To ensure your hair remains healthy and hydrated, incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your routine can help maintain its shine and softness.
12. Vintage Slick Back
The vintage slick back hairstyle is a timeless look that takes its cues from the iconic styles of the 1950s, blending a retro aesthetic with a contemporary twist.
Characterized by a strong hold and a glossy finish, this hairstyle is ideal for anyone seeking to exude classic charm. It pairs effortlessly with both formal suits and casual attire, making it an incredibly versatile choice for any occasion.
To achieve that unmistakable vintage vibe, start by using a quality high-shine pomade, which will provide the necessary hold and luster.
For an extra touch of authenticity, consider using a vintage hair comb to style your hair precisely.
Additionally, if you’re looking to refine your hairstyling skills, a classic hair styling book can offer valuable tips and techniques to perfect your slicked-back look.
13. Messy Slick Back
For a relaxed yet stylish appearance, the messy slick back hairstyle exudes a carefree vibe that is perfect for casual outings. This look allows you to achieve a tousled effect while still maintaining that slicked-back aesthetic.
To keep your hair looking effortlessly cool, consider using a light pomade which helps to hold your style without making it too rigid. Alternatively, a hair cream for texture can enhance the tousled appearance while providing a soft finish. For added hold and longevity throughout the day, a spritz of styling spray will keep your look in place without sacrificing that relaxed vibe.
14. Short Slick Back
The short slick back is an excellent choice for men seeking a blend of practicality and style in their hairstyles.
This look is characterized by shorter hair that is effortlessly slicked back using minimal product, making it both easy to achieve and maintain.
For those looking to keep their style neat without much hassle, a lightweight hair gel, such as this lightweight hair gel, is perfect for ensuring a polished finish.
Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or keeping it casual, the short slick back adapts beautifully to any occasion. Additionally, investing in a good pair of grooming scissors can help you maintain the ideal length and shape of your hairstyle, allowing for effortless upkeep.
15. Long Slick Back
For individuals with longer hair, the long slick back hairstyle presents a bold and fashionable choice. This style involves smoothly slicking back your longer locks to achieve a refined and sleek silhouette, making it an excellent option for those looking to make a statement.
To maintain this striking look throughout the day, it’s crucial to use a strong-hold product. A reliable option is a strong hold hair gel, which will ensure your hairstyle stays in place. Alternatively, you can opt for a hair pomade for long hair that provides flexibility while keeping your hair slicked back.
Additionally, using hair ties for styling can help manage any excess length and keep your look polished. Pair this hairstyle with various facial hair styles for a rugged and dapper appearance!
16. Slicked Back with a Fade
The slicked-back hairstyle paired with a fade is the perfect blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. This look features longer hair on top that smoothly transitions into shorter sides, resulting in a crisp and sophisticated appearance.
Ideal for a variety of settings, from professional environments to social gatherings, this style exudes confidence and polish. To keep your slicked-back fade looking sharp, consider using a quality strong hold pomade to ensure your hair stays in place throughout the day.
Additionally, a reliable hair styling comb can help you achieve the perfect slicked-back look while maintaining the precision of your fade.
17. Slicked Back and Curly Fringe
For those with curly hair, incorporating a fringe into the slicked-back style can create a striking contrast that elevates your look.
This hairstyle involves slicking back the sides while allowing the curls at the front to frame your face beautifully, making it perfect for casual settings.
To achieve this style, consider using a curl defining gel to enhance and define your curls, while a light pomade can keep the sides sleek and polished.
Finish off the look with a styling cream for curls to maintain that perfect balance between curls and a slicked-back finish.
18. Slicked Back with a Quiff
The slicked-back quiff is an exciting twist on the classic hairstyle, adding both height and volume for a standout look. This style involves expertly styling the front section of your hair upward and backward, resulting in a striking profile that catches the eye.
Perfect for parties or casual outings, it makes a bold statement while maintaining a polished appearance. To achieve that sought-after quiff, a good volumizing spray is essential to give your hair the lift it needs.
Finish off with a high-hold pomade to keep everything in place and ensure your style lasts throughout the day. Additionally, using a hair dryer for styling can help create the perfect volume and texture, making your slicked-back quiff an outstanding choice for any occasion.
19. Slicked Back with a Side Sweep
The slicked back hairstyle with a side sweep introduces a contemporary flair, blending a sweeping motion with the classic slicked back look.
This style allows for enhanced movement while maintaining a polished appearance, making it suitable for both casual outings and formal events.
To achieve and maintain that sleek finish, using a quality medium-hold gel is essential, as it will keep your hair in place without feeling stiff.
For optimal styling, consider incorporating a comb for styling to create the perfect side sweep, and finish off the look with a reliable hair spray for hold to ensure your hairstyle stays intact throughout the day.
This combination is perfect for those who desire a more dynamic and versatile hairstyle.
20. Slicked Back with a Tapered Cut
The slicked-back hairstyle with a tapered cut merges traditional elegance with a contemporary edge.
This look showcases longer hair on top, gradually tapering the sides to create a clean and sharp appearance. To achieve and maintain this polished style, consider using a tapered cut razor for precise lines and a defined finish.
Additionally, a strong hold pomade, such as this strong hold pomade, will help you keep your hair slicked back throughout the day, ensuring you look your best for both professional and social settings.
Regular visits to the barber are essential to maintain the sharpness of the tapered cut, and investing in quality hair clippers can help you achieve a fresh look at home in between appointments.
21. Casual Slicked Back with a Headband
For a laid-back yet stylish appearance, the casual slicked back hairstyle paired with a headband offers a fun and playful vibe.
This look not only keeps your hair neatly slicked back but also ensures it stays off your face, making it perfect for casual outings or even workouts. To achieve this style, use a lightweight styling gel, such as this lightweight styling gel, which will help you maintain that sleekness without weighing your hair down.
Additionally, selecting a fashionable headband that complements your outfit can tie the whole look together beautifully; check out these fashionable headbands for some great options.
For extra security, consider using hair ties to keep everything in place while you enjoy your day.
Conclusion
Slicked-back hairstyles offer an array of options for men, from classic elegance to modern flair.
By experimenting with different styles, you can find the perfect look that complements your personality and lifestyle.
Whether you prefer a polished finish or a relaxed vibe, there’s a slicked-back hairstyle that’s just right for you.
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