29 Slicked-Back Hairstyles for Men: Elevate Your Look with Classic and Modern Styles

Slicked-back hairstyles have stood the test of time, offering men a versatile and polished look that can be adapted to any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, professional appearance or a more relaxed, textured vibe, there’s a slick-back style to suit every face shape and hair type. From high fades and undercuts to longer lengths with natural flow, these 29 slicked-back hairstyles showcase the best in men’s grooming, blending traditional elegance with contemporary twists.

Tips for Perfecting the Slick Back Look

1. Choose the Right Product: Depending on your hair type and desired finish, select a pomade, gel, or wax that offers the right amount of hold and shine. For a high-gloss finish, opt for a pomade like American Crew Pomade or Layrite Superhold Pomade. For a matte, natural look, Baxter of California Clay Pomade is a great choice.
2. Consider Your Face Shape: Not all slick-back styles suit every face shape. Men with square or rectangular faces can opt for styles with more volume on top, while those with round faces might prefer a style with a bit more height and texture to elongate their features.
3. Experiment with Hair Colors: To add a modern twist, consider experimenting with subtle highlights or a full color change. Dark brown and black tones provide a classic, polished look, while lighter shades like ash blonde or warm caramel can add dimension and warmth. Brands like Redken and Schwarzkopf offer a variety of shades that can elevate your style.
4. Maintain the Style: Regular trims and proper hair care are essential to keeping a slick-back hairstyle looking fresh. Invest in a good quality shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair type, and make sure to schedule trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the fade sharp and the top looking neat.

1. Classic Slick Back with Medium Fade

This style features a clean medium fade that seamlessly blends into a slicked-back top, creating a refined yet modern look. The dark brown hair is styled straight back with a slight wave, adding texture and volume. Perfect for oval and rectangular face shapes, this hairstyle pairs well with a subtle stubble beard, enhancing the sharpness of the jawline while maintaining a polished appearance.

2. Textured Slick Back with Low Fade

This look offers a textured slick back with a low fade, adding depth and dimension to the sides. The medium-length wavy hair, tinted with natural highlights, flows back with a relaxed finish, giving a casual yet controlled appearance. Ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, this style adds height and elongates the face, especially when paired with a short beard that accentuates the cheekbones.

3. Slick Back with High Shine Finish

Sporting a high shine finish, this slick-back hairstyle epitomizes classic elegance. The dark hair is combed neatly back, maintaining a smooth and glossy surface that works well with formal or business attire. This style complements square and rectangular face shapes, bringing a sophisticated edge that’s both timeless and versatile. A light beard adds balance, softening the look without detracting from its sleek lines.

4. Messy Slick Back with Undercut

Featuring a messy slick-back with an undercut, this style embraces a more relaxed and edgy vibe. The top is left longer, styled back loosely to showcase natural waves and a bit of movement, contrasting sharply with the closely shaved sides. Suitable for men with square or angular face shapes, this hairstyle adds a youthful, carefree element that pairs well with a light stubble or short beard.

5. Man Bun with Slicked Back Sides

This hairstyle combines the sleekness of slicked-back sides with the casual flair of a man bun. The hair is pulled back tightly into a bun at the back of the head, ideal for medium to long hair lengths. This look suits men with oval and oblong face shapes, offering a clean yet stylish option for both casual and professional settings. The presence of a full beard enhances the ruggedness of the style, adding a strong, masculine edge.

6. Side Part Slick Back with Low Taper Fade

This style merges the classic slick-back with a pronounced side part and a low taper fade, creating a sophisticated and versatile appearance. The hair is medium straight, combed back with a slight lift at the front for added volume. Perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, this hairstyle provides a neat yet approachable look that works well for any occasion. A well-groomed beard adds symmetry and emphasizes the hairstyle’s clean lines.

7. Curly Slick Back with Beard

Designed for men with naturally curly hair, this slick-back style maintains the curls’ integrity while providing a polished finish. The sides are kept short, allowing the top curls to be slicked back with a controlled yet natural appearance. This hairstyle flatters round and square face shapes by adding height and balancing facial features. A full beard complements the curly texture, offering a bold, masculine aesthetic.

8. Voluminous Slick Back with Undercut

Showcasing a voluminous top and an undercut, this hairstyle delivers a dynamic and eye-catching look. The slick-back technique is used on longer, thick hair, creating a high and full appearance that draws attention. Best suited for men with strong jawlines and oval faces, this style pairs well with a closely cropped beard, adding contrast and emphasizing the hairstyle’s dramatic flair.

9. Sharp Slick Back with Defined Part

This hairstyle features a sharply defined side part and a perfectly slicked-back top, creating a clean, executive look. The hair, with a mix of dark and light brown tones, adds depth and sophistication. Best for oval and square face shapes, this style pairs effortlessly with a light beard, enhancing the overall sharpness of the facial features while maintaining a classic and polished appearance.

10. High Volume Slick Back with Taper Fade

This high-volume slick back showcases a bold top with a taper fade on the sides, giving a modern twist to the traditional slick-back style. The dark hair is voluminous and styled with a bit of lift, making it perfect for men with round or square face shapes as it adds height and elongates the face. A subtle beard balances the look, adding a touch of ruggedness to this otherwise sleek style.

11. Refined Slick Back with Low Fade

This refined slick-back features a low fade that creates a smooth transition from the sides to the top, where medium-length hair is slicked back with a soft wave. The hairstyle is ideal for men with straight, light brown hair and suits rectangular and heart-shaped faces. Paired with a neatly trimmed beard, this look offers a sophisticated and versatile option that works well in both professional and casual settings.

12. Loose Slick Back with Natural Waves

This hairstyle embraces natural waves, slicked back loosely for a relaxed yet intentional look. The light brown hair, with hints of blonde, provides a sun-kissed appearance, ideal for men with oval or diamond face shapes. The fullness on top contrasts with the slightly shorter sides, creating a balanced silhouette that’s enhanced by a thick, well-groomed beard, adding depth and a masculine touch.

13. Classic Slick Back with Sunglasses

Featuring a classic slick-back paired with stylish sunglasses, this look is effortlessly cool and sophisticated. The medium brown hair is combed back neatly with a hint of lift at the front, offering a clean and polished appearance that suits rectangular and square face shapes. A light stubble completes the style, adding a subtle edge that keeps the look grounded and approachable.

14. High Fade Slick Back with Textured Top

This high fade slick back emphasizes a textured top, where the hair is styled back with volume and subtle waves. The dark hair color enhances the contrast between the fade and the voluminous top, making it ideal for men with angular face shapes who want a bold, statement look. Paired with a well-kept beard, this hairstyle adds a touch of modern flair to a classic silhouette.

15. Edgy Slick Back with Tattoos

This edgy slick-back pairs a textured top with a clean undercut, complemented by visible tattoos around the neck and sides. The medium-length hair is slicked back loosely, showcasing natural waves that add movement and depth. This look is best suited for men with oval or square face shapes, who want to add a bit of personality and attitude to their style. A medium-length beard enhances the rugged aesthetic, making it perfect for those who prefer a bold, standout appearance.

16. Vintage Slick Back with Modern Twist

A vintage-inspired slick-back with a modern twist, this hairstyle features a soft wave and a clean, high fade. The light brown hair is styled with a slight lift, creating a sophisticated silhouette that flatters oval and triangular face shapes. Paired with sunglasses, this look exudes confidence and style, making it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. A well-trimmed beard adds a touch of refinement, completing the overall polished and timeless appearance.

17. Professional Slick Back with Side Part

This professional slick-back features a prominent side part and a smooth finish, ideal for business settings. The dark brown hair is meticulously styled back, providing a sleek and polished look that complements square and oval face shapes. This style’s simplicity and clean lines make it a go-to for formal occasions, with or without facial hair, for a refined and sophisticated appearance.

18. Modern Slick Back with Fade and Beard

This modern slick-back combines a high fade with a medium-length top, adding texture and volume for a youthful, trendy appearance. The dark hair is styled back with a slight wave, enhancing the casual yet well-groomed vibe. Best suited for men with angular face shapes, this style is complemented by a short beard that adds depth and balances the overall look, making it versatile for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

19. Classic Slick Back with Full Beard

This classic slick-back is enhanced by a full, thick beard, creating a strong, masculine look. The dark hair is styled back with precision, featuring a slight lift at the front for added volume. This style suits men with round or rectangular face shapes, as the fullness of the beard contrasts nicely with the slicked-back hair, offering a bold, confident appearance that stands out in any crowd.

20. Long Hair Slick Back with Natural Flow

Embracing long hair, this slick-back keeps the top flowing naturally while maintaining a clean, pulled-back look. The dark hair cascades down, providing a relaxed yet refined appearance, perfect for men with rectangular or oval face shapes. A light beard adds a rugged touch, enhancing the overall style with a hint of edginess, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings.

21. Neat Slick Back with Subtle Waves

This neat slick-back incorporates subtle waves, giving the hair a bit of movement and texture while maintaining a clean, polished look. The medium-length dark hair is combed back smoothly, making it suitable for rectangular and oval face shapes. A light beard adds a touch of softness to the overall appearance, balancing the sharpness of the hairstyle with a touch of warmth.

22. High Volume Slick Back with Blonde Highlights

Featuring high volume and blonde highlights, this slick-back hairstyle offers a fresh, vibrant look. The light hair is styled back with added lift at the roots, enhancing the overall volume and providing a youthful, energetic vibe. Best for men with angular or triangular face shapes, this style pairs well with minimal facial hair, allowing the hair’s brightness and volume to take center stage.

23. Sleek Slick Back with Side Fade

This sleek slick-back is combined with a side fade, offering a clean and modern look that’s perfect for both professional and casual settings. The dark hair is styled back tightly, highlighting the sharp contrast between the top and the closely shaved sides. Suitable for men with square or oval face shapes, this style is enhanced by a light stubble, adding a subtle yet effective element of ruggedness.

24. High Fade Slick Back with Defined Texture

A high fade slick back with defined texture, this hairstyle showcases medium-length hair styled back in thick, smooth layers. The dark hair’s natural shine and volume are enhanced by the precise fade, creating a balanced look that suits men with rectangular and heart-shaped faces. A short beard complements the hairstyle, adding a refined yet approachable touch to this otherwise bold and confident look.

25. Defined Slick Back with Hard Part

This slick-back style features a distinct hard part, creating a sharp separation between the sleek top and the faded sides. The dark brown hair is styled with a smooth, shiny finish, ideal for those with square or rectangular face shapes. The side part adds a formal touch, making this look perfect for professional settings, while the light beard adds a touch of casual ruggedness.

26. Sophisticated Slick Back with Textured Finish

This sophisticated slick-back embraces a textured finish, with the medium-length dark hair styled back loosely to highlight its natural waves. The subtle shine adds depth and a touch of elegance, suitable for formal occasions or upscale casual events. Best suited for men with oval and heart-shaped faces, the style pairs well with a medium-length beard that complements the hair’s texture, adding a balanced and stylish appearance.

27. Sleek Slick Back with High Fade

Showcasing a sleek slick-back with a high fade, this style offers a modern and clean look. The top is styled straight back, creating a smooth transition from the high fade to the longer hair on top. Ideal for those with oval or triangular face shapes, this hairstyle provides a youthful and fresh vibe. A subtle stubble complements the look, adding just enough edge to keep it versatile and contemporary.

28. Minimalist Slick Back with Clean Lines

This minimalist slick-back features clean lines and a smooth, polished appearance. The medium-length dark hair is combed back tightly, accentuating the simplicity and sharpness of the style. The absence of a part creates a unified look that suits men with round or oval face shapes, offering a sleek and understated elegance that’s perfect for both formal and everyday wear. The subtle beard adds a slight contrast without overpowering the overall neatness of the style.

29. High Fade Slick Back with Classic Elegance

Combining a high fade with a slick-back, this hairstyle merges classic elegance with a modern twist. The dark hair is styled with a slight wave and a high shine, enhancing the overall clean and sophisticated appearance. Perfect for rectangular and square face shapes, this style is paired with a short beard that adds dimension and frames the face well, making it ideal for professional and semi-formal occasions.

Conclusion

Slicked-back hairstyles have remained a staple in men’s fashion due to their versatility and timeless appeal. Whether you’re stepping into a boardroom or heading out for a casual weekend, a well-styled slick back can transform your look, exuding confidence and sophistication. By selecting the right style for your face shape and personal preferences, you can create a hairstyle that not only looks great but also complements your individual style.

When choosing a slick-back style, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how much time you’re willing to invest in daily styling. For those who prefer low-maintenance options, a shorter style with a high fade and minimal product can still provide a sharp and put-together appearance. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with different products and textures, longer styles with a bit of wave or curl can offer a unique and personalized look.

In the end, the best slick-back hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. With 29 ideas to inspire you, from classic to contemporary, there’s no shortage of ways to make this iconic hairstyle your own. So, grab your favorite styling product, comb, and take the plunge into the world of slicked-back hairstyles—you’re sure to find a look that’s just right for you!