Slick Back – The Classic Slicked-Back Men’s Hairstyle
The Slick Back is one of the best-known classic men’s hairstyles. The hair is combed evenly away from the forehead towards the back and held in shape with pomade. The result looks elegant, well-groomed, and timeless.
Depending on the haircut, pomade, and styling technique, a Slick Back can be worn smooth and high-shine, relaxed and natural, or in a modern style with short sides. The hairstyle is especially suitable for medium-length hair and can be precisely refined with a comb.
The History of the Slick Back
Slicked-back men’s hairstyles have existed for a long time. The Slick Back became a symbol of well-groomed elegance, especially during the first half of the 20th century. Between the 1920s and 1950s, numerous film stars, musicians, and gentlemen wore their hair smoothly combed back.
Classic oil-based pomade gave the hair its characteristic shine and ensured that the hairstyle remained flexible and recombable at any time. As a result, the Slick Back became closely associated with classic men’s grooming and traditional barbershop culture.
Today, the Slick Back is interpreted in both classic and modern ways. Alongside longer styles that are combed back completely, combinations with a fade, taper, or undercut are particularly widespread.
What Hair Length Does a Slick Back Require?
To ensure that the hair on top remains reliably swept back, it should generally be at least around eight to ten centimetres long. Slightly shorter hair may also be sufficient if it is especially straight or easy to shape.
The following conditions are helpful for styling:
- sufficiently long hair on top
- sides that can be combed towards the back or slightly downwards
- a clean haircut that works with the natural direction of hair growth
- a pomade suited to the hair type
Very short hair can be brushed back, but it will usually not yet create a fully developed Slick Back. The longer and heavier the hair on top becomes, the more easily it settles in the desired direction.
Which Hair Types Are Suitable for a Slick Back?
| Hair Type | Suitability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Hair | very suitable | soft to medium-firm pomade for controlled, flexible styling |
| Wavy Hair | suitable | medium-firm to firm pomade; natural waves can remain visible |
| Fine Hair | suitable | use a small amount of product and pre-shape the hair with a hairdryer if necessary |
| Thick or Dense Hair | suitable | firm pomade for greater control and reliable hold |
| Curly Hair | suitable with appropriate preparation | pre-shape with a brush and hairdryer; deliberately incorporate the natural texture |
Which Pomade Is Suitable for a Slick Back?
Oil-based pomades, water-based pomades, and UWB pomades are all suitable for a Slick Back. Which variety works best depends on the desired hold, shine, and styling feel.
| Pomade Type | Result | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based, Soft to Medium-Firm | classic, flexible, and usually shiny | recombable at any time |
| Oil-Based, Firm | controlled and resilient, with shine | ideal for thick or unruly hair |
| Water-Based | firm, neat, and clearly defined, with subdued shine | often hardens and is usually easy to wash out |
| UWB | flexible with a natural to light shine | combines recombability with easier washability |
For normal hair, a medium-firm pomade is usually a good starting point. Fine hair often requires less product and a softer pomade. For thick or unruly hair, a firm pomade provides greater control.
Styling a Slick Back – Step by Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Hair
First, comb through the hair completely and remove any tangles. For a flat, smooth, and shiny result, the pomade can be worked into slightly damp hair. Dry hair usually provides more hold, grip, and volume, along with a more matte finish.
If the hair grows strongly towards the front or the Slick Back needs more volume, first shape it towards the back with a hairdryer and brush. A Hair Tonic or lightweight prestyler can help with preparation.
Step 2 – Scoop Out and Rub the Pomade Between Your Fingers
Start by taking a small amount of pomade. Rub the product thoroughly between your fingertips until it is soft and evenly distributed.
It is better to start with a small amount of product. If the hold, control, or shine is not yet sufficient, another small portion can be worked in later.
Step 3 – Work the Pomade in Evenly
Begin by working the pomade into the hair from the back of the head towards the front. Distribute the product as evenly as possible from the roots to the ends, rather than applying it only to the visible surface of the hair.
Then run your hands through the hair from front to back. Pay particular attention to the sides and sections of hair that naturally grow towards the front or outwards.
Step 4 – Comb the Hair Back
Comb all the hair on top evenly away from the forehead towards the back using the wide-toothed side of a comb. Guide the sides towards the back as well or slightly diagonally downwards and back.
Make sure not to smooth only the surface of the hair. The comb should be guided through all of the hair so that the pomade is distributed evenly and a cohesive shape is created.
Step 5 – Refine the Shape and Contours
Use the fine teeth of the comb to smooth the surface, arrange individual strands, and refine the contours neatly. Flyaway hairs can be laid down with a very small additional amount of pomade.
If the hairstyle needs a little more height, slightly lift the front section while combing it back. For an especially flat and elegant Slick Back, guide the comb close to the head instead or use a hairbrush.
Flat or Voluminous Slick Back?
Flat, Classic Slick Back
For a smooth result that lies close to the head, work the pomade into slightly damp hair. Then comb the hair evenly towards the back without lifting it significantly. A soft to medium-firm pomade with shine supports the classic look. A hairbrush can make the result especially smooth.
Slick Back with Volume
For more volume, first pre-shape the hair towards the back and slightly upwards with a hairdryer and brush. Then work a small amount of pomade into the dry hair. Lift the front section slightly while combing instead of laying it completely flat.
Slick Back Variations
- Classic Slick Back: The hair on top and the sides are combed evenly towards the back.
- Slick Back with Side Part: The hair is first parted and then guided sideways towards the back.
- Slick Back Undercut: Long hair on top is combined with noticeably shorter, disconnected sides.
- Slick Back with Taper or Fade: The sides gradually become shorter towards the bottom.
- Relaxed Slick Back: The hair is swept back with the fingers or a wide-toothed comb and retains more natural texture. UWB pomades are better suited to this style than oil-based pomades.
Common Styling Mistakes
- using too much pomade at once
- distributing the product only over the surface of the hair
- starting the application directly at the front hairline
- choosing a pomade that is too soft for very thick or unruly hair
- weighing down fine hair with too much heavy product
- working against the natural direction of growth without blow-drying the hair first
- removing all volume by applying too much pressure with the comb
The best result is usually achieved by preparing the hair first and then working in the pomade in several small portions.
Restyling a Slick Back Throughout the Day
Oil-based pomades and many UWB pomades remain flexible. The hairstyle can therefore be brought back into shape with a comb or the hands throughout the day. If needed, a little water or a Hair Tonic can help make the hair pliable again.
Classic water-based pomades often harden. The hair should be lightly dampened before recombing, as combing through it when dry can break the firm hold.
You can find more information about pomade, its application, and classic men’s hairstyles in the Pomade Academy.