Slickback Hairstyles That Look Good in Every Era

The Slickback Haircut features long hair on top that is styled backwards for a sleek, polished appearance. Achieving the look requires hair of sufficient length on top, usually reaching at least three inches. The sides can be either undercut or tapered, though both options emphasize the dramatic slicked-back effect on top. Best worn by those with straight or slightly wavy hair; the style adds sophistication to faces with angular features. Unlike the pompadour, the Slickback embraces gravity, allowing a smooth flow of hair rather than volume. With its resurgence in fashion-forward circles and pop culture, the Slickback stays as timeless as ever. It embodies modern class without losing its vintage charm.

Best For

Works well for oval or rectangular face shapes. Ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair aiming for a polished yet practical style.

Products That Work Well

Consider a high-hold pomade or gel for maximum control and shine. A grooming spray can add a lightweight finish.

Mistakes to Avoid

Be wary of using too much product; it may appear greasy. Keeping proportions right on top is key to maintaining balance.

Slickback Fade

The Slickback Fade combines the sleek silhouette of the traditional Slickback with the modern edge of a fade. Hair on top remains long enough to slick back effortlessly, emphasized by gradually shorter sides and back, usually tapering from skin up to around two inches at the sides. Ideal for those who want a stylish blend of classic and contemporary, this cut complements oval or oblong faces beautifully. Whether you choose a low, mid, or high fade, the transition provides a clean contour, maintaining sharpness around the edges. The fade breathes new life into the slickback, adding texture and contrast, marking it as a favorite amongst trendsetters.

Best For

Suits oval or oblong face shapes and works best with straight or fine hair textures.

What to Tell Your Barber

Specify the type of fade you want—low, mid, or high—to create desired contrast. Ensure top length is sufficient for slick back styling.

How to Maintain It

Regular trims every 3–4 weeks keep the fade sharp. Daily styling with pomade maintains the slickback’s sleek finish.

Slickback with Undercut

The Slickback with Undercut is a daring variation that features high contrast between the lengths on top and sides. With an undercut, the sides are clipped close to the scalp, sometimes completely disconnected from the long hair on top. This creates a dramatic silhouette that exudes confidence. This style shines especially when paired with straight hair, allowing the sleek nature of the top to glide back effortlessly. Ideal for those with strong jawlines, the bold differentiation highlights facial structure while retaining enough versatility for various settings. Its bold aesthetics and versatility make it an enduring staple among young professionals and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Best For

Flatters diamond or square face shapes, with the sleek effect best achieved on straight or loosely wavy hair.

Products That Work Well

Gel or pomade for sleek hold. Anti-frizz serum can be beneficial for maintaining a smooth surface.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid cutting the sides too short too quickly; a slight length allows for better blending if needed.

Slickback with Part

The Slickback with Part is a sophisticated riff on the classic slickback style adding a defined side part for additional structure. Featuring hair length similar to the standard slickback, it introduces a visible parting, enhancing both control and symmetry. This style suits business settings and formal occasions due to its neat, tailored appearance. It can be easily adjusted by varying the depth of the part or the product used to maintain the sleek effect. Exuding elegance, the defined part adds dimension and can enhance the look of rounder face shapes by directing the hair flow and creating angles on top.

Best For

Complements round or oval face shapes while best showcasing medium to thick straight hair.

How to Make It Your Own

Adjust the part’s location for personal flair. A deeper part can add drama while a subtle one can keep it classic.

Styling Time & Difficulty

Requires around 10 minutes of styling with comb and products daily to perfect the part.

Slickback with Beard

The Slickback with Beard pairs the polished refinement of a slicked-back hairstyle with the rugged masculinity of a well-groomed beard. This combination highlights the sophistication of the slickback while softening facial features through textured facial hair. The smooth top balances and complements various beard styles—from stubble to full, robust beards—allowing for personalized edge and a statement-making look. This style is particularly favored by those seeking to enhance their facial symmetry, adding dimension to angular or round faces. With proper maintenance of both hair and beard, this style remains a timeless choice, resonating with those who appreciate a commanding presence.

Best For

Ideal for those with stronger jawlines or angular features. Best suited for thicker, straight to wavy hair and any beard length.

What to Tell Your Barber

Request a graduation from the slicked-back top into the beard for a seamless, cohesive look. Regular trims keep it tidy.

Products That Work Well

Use beard oil for beard softness and shine, paired with pomade for sleek hair control.

Textured Slickback

The Textured Slickback brings a modern twist to the conventional slickback by introducing texture throughout the lengths. Instead of a polished, smooth appearance, this version embraces a finger-styled or tousled look that adds movement and dimension. Best suited for thick or wavy hair, this style defies traditional restraint, offering a relaxed yet fashion-forward vibe. Its versatility enhances the everyday wearability of the look, whether you’re at a casual event or a night out. Providing texture allows freedom in presentation while maintaining confidence and control with every stroke. Staying trendy without the excess gloss, it highlights a stylish, easygoing persona.

Best For

Perfect for those with thick or wavy hair that naturally hold texture. Complements oval and square face shapes.

How to Make It Your Own

Alter product amounts to vary texture levels. Slick in some texture cream for a more casual, tousled experience.

Ask Your Stylist

Request layers on top for amplified texture. Inquire about products to define waves without overloading.

Slickback with Short Sides

The Slickback with Short Sides is a versatile cut that teams the timeless slickback top with modestly cropped sides. This approach keeps emphasis on the slicked area while softening the edge through less drastic changes in length. Ideal for those seeking a practical yet sophisticated aesthetic, this style suits professional and relaxed atmospheres alike. Ensuring the sides don’t overshadow the top, the shorter lengths create a balanced coexistence that maintains neatness without showing overt contrast. Perfect for those who favor clean styles without going all-in on an undercut or fade. Overall, it is a balanced blend of classic and comfort.

Best For

Oval and heart-shaped faces benefit from this style. Well-suited for those with straight or slightly wavy hair textures.

How to Maintain It

Regular trims keep the shorter sides looking crisp. Minimal product application on top retains flexibility and shine.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid uneven fading; ensure hairline and sides flow smoothly into the length on top for cohesive style.

Long Slickback

The Long Slickback is a lengthier take on the classic style, which embraces longer hairstyles while maintaining the signature sleek look. Hair on top and the back reaches significant lengths, facilitating an even, streamlined backward sweep. Well-suited for those who can commit to regular care and longer styling periods, this choice provides elegant allure, especially appealing to men with smooth, straight hair. This extended length contributes extra weight that naturally pulls the hair back into place, subtly integrating modern, bohemian elements into a contemporary cut. The Long Slickback is the epitome of sophistication meets laid-back luxe.

Best For

Ideal for oval or rectangular face shapes. Works best with straight, medium to thick hair types aiming for understated elegance.

How to Maintain It

Longer hair demands more frequent conditioning to maintain sheen. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks keep ends healthy.

Products That Work Well

Conditioner for nourishment and pomade or cream for a sleek, manageable finish are essentials.

Slickback Pompadour

The Slickback Pompadour merges the high volume of a pompadour with the smooth elegance of a slickback. It features longer top volume styled back with defined height, creating an eye-catching elevation that differs from the slickback’s adherence to the natural scalp line. The voluminous crown draws attention, making it ideal for bold personalities and special occasions. This style suits those wanting expressions of charisma and confidence with every glance. Ideal for hair that naturally holds height, this dynamic combination allows the best of both worlds, merging timeless polish with a touch of daring drama.

Best For

Suits oval, square, or diamond face shapes. Ideal for thick hair capable of maintaining volume and slick control.

Styling Time & Difficulty

Requires daily attention to achieve the pompadour height, usually taking 15 minutes with tools and products.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid adding excessive height that doesn’t complement face shape; stylist advice on proportions is beneficial.

Slickback with Tapered Sides

The Slickback with Tapered Sides is a contemporary twist on the classic look, offering a seamless blend that starts shorter at the neckline and gradually lengthens up to the crown. This variant maintains the iconic sleek top, combed back for a polished appearance. It suits those seeking a clean yet sophisticated look, adapting to both formal and casual environments. Unlike a standard Slickback Haircut, the tapered sides reduce bulk, allowing for a more streamlined silhouette. Expertly transitioning from the sides to the longer top, this cut accentuates sharp facial features, making it ideal for angular face shapes and hair with medium thickness.

What to Tell Your Barber

Request a gradual taper on the sides and back, with at least two inches of length on top for classic slicking.

Products That Work Well

Use a strong-hold pomade or gel for the top, and a light styling cream for the tapered sides to maintain smoothness.

Best For

Best suited for men with oval, diamond, or square faces, and hair types that possess natural volume and straightness.

The Slick back Haircut remains a testament to the timeless appeal of classic men’s grooming while maintaining its presence as a symbol of sophistication within contemporary style circles. This versatile option seamlessly transitions from traditional to modern, appealing to those who appreciate elegance as much as innovation. Its adaptability speaks to its enduring popularity, offering endless possibilities for personal expression within the ever-evolving landscape of hair aesthetics.

In recent years, this iconic style has experienced a resurgence, refined with contemporary techniques and products that enhance its signature sleekness. It strikes a perfect balance between polished refinement and daring modernity, underpinning its relevance in today’s fashion discourse. With careful attention to detail and styling, the Slickback Haircut exemplifies the harmonious blend of heritage and forward-thinking design that defines the current era of men’s hairstyling.

Every model and hairstyle you see here is an original AI creation—art-directed by our editorial team to capture the exact texture, shape, and finish of each style. While these aren’t real people, each is a made-to-measure visual crafted to feel authentic to the cut and true to the inspiration behind it.