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What is a Slick Back?
A Slick Back is a timeless, sophisticated hairstyle where the hair is combed straight back from the forehead using pomade, gel, or wax to create a sleek, polished appearance. Popular since the 1920s and worn by everyone from James Dean to David Beckham, the Slick Back remains one of men's most versatile and elegant styles—equally at home in a boardroom or on a red carpet.
The Slick Back is more than just a direction; it's a technique that uses product and grooming to flatten the hair against the natural grain. By brushing the hair away from the face, it opens up the features and creates an aerodynamic, assertive silhouette. While traditionally associated with high-shine, 'wet look' finishes, modern interpretations often use matte products for a natural, textured sweep. The key to a successful slick back is having enough length (usually 4-6 inches) to prevent the hair from spiking up or parting naturally.
History of the Slick Back: From Gatsby to Gekko
The Slick Back dominates the history of 20th-century men's grooming. It emerged in the 1920s and 30s as the standard look for gentlemen, popularized by cinema icons like Rudolph Valentino and Clark Gable. In that era, wearing a hat was mandatory, and slicked-back hair was the only style that wouldn't get messed up when removing a fedora.
It saw a massive revival in the 1980s, epitomized by Michael Douglas's character Gordon Gekko in 'Wall Street,' becoming the uniform of power and financial success. Today, it has shed its purely 'corporate' image and is embraced by the hipster and streetwear scenes, often paired with disconnected undercuts for a modern edge.
Slick Back examples
Browse real examples to find the perfect variation for your style. Tap any image to enlarge.
These slick back examples showcase different variations including straight hair, curly hair, and wavy textures. Each style demonstrates how the fade can be customized for different face shapes and hair types. Save your favorite to show your barber!
Try Slick Back on yourself
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Formats
PNG or JPG (≤5MB)
Resolution
200px–4090px each side
Face
Keep face clear & ~10%+ of frame
Angle
Front-facing, within ~30° turn
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Best Results
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Realistic Preview
See the haircut on your actual face before visiting the barber.
Who does a Slick Back suit?
Use this as a quick checklist before committing to the cut.
Best for oval, square and rectangular face shapes
Elongates round faces by adding height and pulling focus upward
Heart-shaped faces look great with a bit of volume on top
Ideal for straight to wavy hair textures
Works with medium to thick hair density
Curly hair can work but may need relaxing or blow-dry straightening
Perfect for professionals, executives, and formal occasions
Great for men who want a polished, put-together daily look
Requires 3-5 minutes of daily styling time
Easy to medium styling difficulty with the right products
Requires minimum 3 inches of length on top to hold back
Blow-drying technique helps achieve volume and hold
How to ask your barber for a Slick Back
Getting the perfect Slick Back haircut is about maintaining the right length on top while choosing your preferred sides treatment. Here's exactly what to tell your barber.
Key phrases to use
- 1Ask to keep 4-6 inches on top for maximum slicking back flexibility
- 2Choose your sides: undercut, low fade, mid fade, or tapered
- 3Request weight left in the hair—avoid thinning shears on top
- 4Ask for a square or natural neckline based on your preference
- 5Mention if you want a hard part line (optional)
- 6Show them a reference photo—use the AI preview from this tool!
"I'd like to grow out a slick back look. Keep 5 inches on top and leave the weight in. Low fade on the sides, starting at the temples. Trim up the neckline but keep it natural. I'll be combing it straight back with pomade."
💡 Pro tips for the best result
- • Show a photo – Use your AI preview from this page! It's worth a thousand words.
- • Speak up during the cut – If something looks off, it's easier to fix mid-cut than after.
- • Build a relationship – Same barber = better results over time.
- • Tip well – 15-20% for good service keeps your barber motivated.
How to Style a Perfect Slick Back
Master the look with our step-by-step styling guide
Step-by-Step Routine
Train your hair
Start with damp hair. Apply a pre-styling tonic and comb everything straight back. Use a blow dryer on medium heat to "push" the hair back, following the dryer with a brush. This helps "train" the roots to lay flat.
Apply the product
Scoop a generous amount of pomade (about the size of a coin). Rub it thoroughly between your hands. Apply it starting from the back of your head moving forward, then from the front moving back. Ensure every strand is coated.
Comb it through
For a classic look, use a fine-tooth comb to create tight, uniform lines. For a modern look, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to create separation and texture.
Refine the sides
Ensure the sides are slicked back tightly against the head. If you have an undercut, make sure the long top hair covers the transition line cleanly.
- If your hair keeps falling forward, you likely need more length or a stronger hold product (like a water-based pomade).
- Avoid "helmet hair" by using a matte clay instead of gel for a softer, more natural finish.
- Carry a pocket comb. A true slick back is a high-maintenance style that may need a quick touch-up in the restroom.
How to maintain a Slick Back
A simple routine to keep your slick back looking sharp between barber visits.
- 1Start with towel-dried, damp hair for best product distribution.
- 2Apply a coin-sized amount of pomade or gel and work through evenly.
- 3Use a fine-tooth comb to slick hair straight back from the forehead.
- 4Blow-dry on medium heat while combing back for extra hold and volume.
- 5Finish with a light hairspray for all-day hold if needed.
- 6Carry a small comb for touch-ups throughout the day.
Slick Back: common questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this haircut.
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