Slick Back Haircut: Length, Products and How to Style It
A slick back is all the hair on top combed straight back from the forehead and held in place. It reads as confident and put-together, which is why it shows up in boardrooms and on red carpets alike. The cut itself is simple. What makes or breaks it is length, product choice and how you dry it.
What length do you need?
The top needs at least 8–10 cm so it can travel back over the crown without sticking up. Under that, you get a spiky, brushed-up look rather than a slick back. The sides can be anything from a skin fade to scissor-cut length.
Product guide: shine vs matte
| Product | Finish | Hold | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based pomade | High shine | Medium–strong | Classic, wet-look slick back |
| Oil-based pomade | High shine | Strong | Thick, coarse hair; hard to wash out |
| Cream | Natural | Light | Soft, modern slick back |
| Matte clay or paste | No shine | Medium–strong | Textured, messy slick back |
5 slick back variations
1. Classic wet-look slick back
Combed tight to the head with shiny pomade. Formal and vintage. Needs a comb, not fingers.
2. Textured slick back
Pushed back with fingers and matte paste, so the lines are visible. Looks modern and less stiff.
3. Slick back with fade
Sides faded short so the length on top stands out. Needs side cleanups every 2–3 weeks.
4. Slick back undercut
Sides clipped very short with a hard disconnect. The highest-contrast version.
5. Long slick back
Length goes past the collar and is tucked behind the ears. Works well with wavy hair and a beard.
How to style a slick back (step by step)
- Start with damp hair. Dry hair fights the direction.
- Apply a pre-styler or a little cream so the blow-dry holds.
- Blow-dry straight back, pointing the nozzle from front to back. Use a brush or comb to set the direction at the roots.
- Once dry, warm a pea-sized amount of pomade or paste in your palms.
- Work it in from back to front first, then comb everything back.
- For a softer finish, rough it up slightly with your fingers.
Who it suits
- Oval, square and diamond faces: show off the bone structure.
- Round faces: add height at the front so it does not sit flat.
- Thick or wavy hair: holds the shape well.
- Thinning hair: a tight slick back can expose the scalp. A textured, matte version is kinder.
How to ask your barber
“I want to wear it slicked back. Keep at least 10 centimetres on top, take a little weight out of the crown so it lies flat, and fade the sides from a number 2.”
FAQ
Is a slick back bad for your hair?
No, but heavy oil-based pomade can build up. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week if you wear it daily.
How do I stop it falling forward during the day?
Blow-dry it back first. Product alone cannot hold hair that was dried in a different direction.
Slick back or quiff?
A slick back goes straight back; a quiff goes up and back at the front. For a longer, softer look, see our modern mullet guide.
