17 Modern Slick Back Hairstyles For Men (Updated 2025)
Let’s be honest, the slick back hairstyle for men will never go out of style. It’s clean, confident, and always sharp when done right. The kind of look that makes people do a double take without you saying a word.
But in 2025, the slicked back hairstyle has changed. It’s no longer about drowning your hair in gel and combing it flat. It’s about controlled texture, volume, and personality. You can go classic, keep it soft and messy, or push it modern with fades and flow. There’s a version for every guy and every mood.
So if your hairstyle feels boring, this is your wake-up call. Below are 17 slick back hairstyles for men that actually work in 2025. Whether your hair is thick, thin, curly, or straight, there’s one that’ll make you look like you’ve got your life sorted. All you need is the right product, a comb, and a few minutes in front of the mirror.
Related: How To Care For Long Hair For Men
Index:
Jump to specific slick-back styles
Modern Slick Back Hairstyles for Men (2025)
Slicked Back Undercut
Are you tired of the same old hairstyle? Looking for something that will make you stand out from the crowd?
Look no further than the slicked back undercut. This bold and daring hairstyle is the perfect way to show off your adventurous side.
Long Slicked Back Undercut with Thick Beard
A Low Drop Fade is a type of fade haircut that starts low on the sides and gradually tapers down to the skin. It creates a seamless transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back.
This style is perfect for those who want a clean and polished look, while still maintaining some length and texture on the top.
Low Taper Fade with Textured Slick Back
Before we dive into the details, let's first understand what a lower taper fade actually is. In simple terms, it's a haircut that gradually tapers the length of your hair from the top to the bottom.
This creates a clean and polished look that is both stylish and modern. The fade can be as subtle or as dramatic as you like, depending on your personal preference.
High Skin Taper Fade with Thick Slicked BackHair
A high skin taper fade is a haircut that involves gradually cutting the hair shorter towards the neckline, creating a fade effect. The fade starts high on the sides and back of the head, leaving a clean, shaved look.
This style is achieved by using clippers with different guard sizes to create a seamless transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back. The result is a bold and defined look that accentuates your facial features and adds a touch of adventure to your overall appearance
High Fade + Shape Up + Thick Slick Back
Before we dive into the details, let's first understand what a high fade actually is. A high fade is a type of haircut where the hair is cut very short on the sides and back, gradually blending into longer hair on the top.
The fade starts high up on the head, creating a sharp and dramatic contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair on the sides. This creates a bold and eye-catching look that is sure to make a statement.
Brushed Back Pomp + Taper Fade
The Brushed Back Pomp is not for the faint of heart. It is a hairstyle that demands attention and exudes confidence. By choosing the Brushed Back Pomp, you are making a statement that you are not afraid to take risks and stand out from the crowd.
This bold hairstyle is perfect for those who want to challenge the status quo and embrace their adventurous side. It is a look that says, "I am ready to conquer the world!"
Low Drop Fade + Line Up + Shiny Slicked Back Top
A low drop fade is a type of haircut that features a gradual tapering of the hair from the top to the sides and back of the head. The fade starts low on the sides and drops down towards the nape of the neck, creating a clean and sharp look.
This style is perfect for those who want to keep their hair short and neat, while still adding a touch of edginess.
Textured Slick Back
This one’s all about movement. Instead of a stiff, shiny finish, you keep it natural with a blow dryer and matte clay. Adds volume, grip, and that effortless “I woke up like this” look. Perfect for medium hair and guys who like texture over polish.
Loose Slick Back
Laid-back but confident. You brush your hair back without locking it in place too tight. Gives a casual, everyday slick that looks effortless. Great for wavy hair and guys who hate spending more than three minutes styling in the morning.
Slick Back with Disconnected Undercut
Long top, short sides, and a clear contrast between the two. The top is slicked back, the sides are tight — bold, modern, and edgy. Works best for thick hair and gives a strong, masculine jawline focus.
Slick Back Pompadour Hybrid
A mix of old-school volume and modern slickness. You build height at the front and sweep everything back. It’s for guys who like attention — polished but not boring. Ideal for straight or thick hair that holds volume.
Curtain Slick
Middle part meets slick back. You push each side back from the part for a smooth, symmetrical look. It’s clean, trendy, and perfect for medium-length hair. Think K-drama lead meets runway model energy.
Fade to Slick
A slick-back top blended with faded sides. The contrast keeps it sharp while the top stays sleek. Great for summer or anyone who wants a fresh, clean cut that still looks stylish in casual fits.
Slick Back with Hard Part
This one’s for the perfectionists. You carve a defined part line, then slick everything down cleanly. The result looks intentional and powerful — like you mean business. Best for guys with straight hair and corporate jobs.
Slick Back with Side-Swept Fringe
You let the front lean slightly to the side before slicking it back. It softens the forehead and adds movement. Great for wavy or curly hair that refuses to behave. Looks chill but stylish.
Long Slick Back Flow
For the guys with longer locks, this one’s pure power. You slick it back to reveal your face while keeping that natural flow. It’s bold, confident, and gives a rock-star energy without trying too hard.
Slick Back Quiff
Volume in the front, sleek finish at the back. The quiff gives lift, while the slick keeps it controlled. Great for round faces or anyone wanting that “modern gentleman” look without the fuss.
How To Style Modern Slicked Back Hair For Men
- BEGIN WITH A DAMP HAIR
- OVERLAY YOUR MANE WITH POMADE
- COMB YOUR HAIR FROM YOUR BROW TO YOUR CROWN
- SMOOTH BACK THE SIDES.
- RESUME COMBING YOUR HAIR BACKWARDS TO PRODUCE THE SHAPE YOU DESIRE.
Begin with a damp hair
The slicked-back appearance of your hair will remain in place preferably when you begin with wet hair. The hair will cease drying in a smooth position aiding it to stay in place for the entire day. Before you start slicking it back, you can shampoo and towel it to make it dry.
Overlay your mane with pomade
You can use your fingers to apply a general quantity of hold Pomade to your hair while concentrating on the sides, and top. Pomade is a typical product utilized to generate this appearance. A firm hold pomade is vital to maintaining your hair slicked back, till you cleanse it.
Comb your hair from your brow to your crown
Using a fine-toothed hairstylist comb, you can run your mane right back from your forehead to the top. The typical slick doesn't include a part. Therefore, you'll only need to run the comb right back. Do this various times so that your hair or the top, rest horizontally in a straight design from front to rear.
Smooth back the sides.
To slick the sides of your hair, you'll need to place the comb on the right side temple of your head and run it to the back. Similarly, perform this on the left side of your head. The hair on your head's sides should slide in a slicked form from front to rear.
Resume combing your hair backwards to produce the shape you desire.
Mostly, six to seven comb throughs can be sufficient to produce this swift style. To keep the ointment evenly administered in your mane, you should try and style your hair in few slicks plausible. However, it may start looking messy when you handle it a lot.
Which Slick-Back Hairstyle Should You Choose?
Use this quick chart to find the perfect slick-back style for your hair type, face shape, and vibe.
| Hair Type | Face Shape | Style Goal | Recommended Slick-Back Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight + Thick | Square / Oval | Sharp, business-ready look | Classic Slick-Back or Hard Part Slick-Back |
| Straight + Fine | Oval / Diamond | Fuller, lifted look | Slick-Back Quiff or Pompadour Hybrid |
| Wavy (Medium length) | Round / Oval | Natural movement, relaxed vibe | Textured Slick-Back or Loose Slick-Back |
| Curly / Coarse | Oval / Triangle | Controlled but voluminous | Slick-Back with Fade or Slick-Back with Side-Swept Fringe |
| Medium-Long (6–10 inches) | Any | Modern, casual sophistication | Curtain-Slick or Soft Slick-Back |
| Long (10+ inches) | Oblong / Oval | Flowing, confident, low-maintenance | Long Slick-Back Flow |
| Thin / Receding Hairline | Any | Fuller, face-framing effect | Textured Slick-Back or Slick-Back with Side Sweep |
| High Volume Lovers | Square / Diamond | Dramatic, standout hairstyle | Pompadour Hybrid or Slick-Back Quiff |
| Low Maintenance Guys | Any | Quick daily styling | Loose Slick-Back or Fade to Slick |
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, start with the Textured Slick-Back...it works with almost every hair type, takes less product, and still gives that clean, confident edge.
Products to Use for a Slick Back Hairstyle
If you want a slick back that actually holds and looks good all day, products matter more than you think. You can’t just run water through your hair and expect “movie star” results. Here’s the quick breakdown of what you’ll need.
1. Pre-Styler (Optional but powerful)
Use a lightweight volumizing spray or sea salt spray before blow drying. It gives grip, texture, and helps your slick-back stay put without looking greasy. My go-to trick... a few sprays, then use a round brush while drying your hair back.
2. Pomade (for classic shine)
If you’re going for thatclean, wet finish, choose a high-shine pomade. Oil-based pomades hold longer, but water-based ones wash out easier. Perfect for classic slicks, hard parts, or undercut versions.
3. Matte Clay or Paste (for modern texture)
For a softer, natural slick-back, go withmatte clay or texture paste. It gives control without killing volume. Great for medium or wavy hair types, and it looks effortless.
4. Comb + Blow Dryer
The tools that separate boys from men. Use afine-tooth comb for clean definition or a wide-tooth comb for more texture. Always blow dry in the direction you want your slick to set, it builds natural hold even before product.
5. Finishing Spray (optional but worth it)
Lock everything in with alight-hold hairspray. It keeps the flyaways down and your slick looking crisp from morning to night.
