Slick back hair is a style where the top is combed straight back from the forehead and held in place with product. The sides can be tapered, faded or undercut. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, how to ask your barber for it and how to style it.
Slick back hair at a glance
- Top: 4 to 6 inches
- Sides and back: Taper, fade or undercut
- Maintenance: Medium
- Trim every: 3 to 4 weeks
What makes it different
It's sharp and confident. A shiny finish looks formal; a matte or loose finish looks modern.
Who it suits
Oval, square and diamond faces. It exposes the whole hairline, so it's less flattering with a receding hairline or a very long face.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to men's face shapes.
How to ask your barber for slick back hair
- Ask to keep 4 inches or more on top.
- Choose the sides: taper for classic, undercut for contrast.
- Ask for the top to be cut to fall back, not forward.
- Bring a photo. Barbers use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Blow dry backward with a brush, then apply pomade and comb back. Use water-based pomade for shine or clay for matte.
Variations
- Slick back undercut: disconnected sides.
- Slick back fade: blended sides.
- Loose slick back: pushed back with fingers, less product.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes weeks to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see slick back hair on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What is slick back hair?
Slick back hair is a style where the top is combed straight back from the forehead and held in place with product.
Who suits slick back hair?
Oval, square and diamond faces. It exposes the whole hairline, so it's less flattering with a receding hairline or a very long face.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 3 to 4 weeks.
