The Slicked Back Hairstyle for Men: How to Execute It Correctly

The slicked back style is one of the most recognizable men's looks. It is also one of the most commonly executed poorly. Done correctly, it is clean, structured, and distinctly formal without requiring a complicated process. Here is exactly how to get it right.

Length Requirements

The slicked back style requires sufficient length to actually comb backward from the forehead and stay in position. The minimum workable length is approximately 3 to 4 inches on top. Less than this and the hair does not reach far enough back to stay combed in position; it falls forward and requires constant adjustment. The sides are typically short (tapered or faded) to create contrast with the longer, controlled top. A high skin fade with a longer slicked back top is one of the most common modern versions.

Product Selection

The slicked back style requires a medium to strong hold product with a smooth finish. The goal is a pomade (water-based or oil-based) that lets the hair be combed flat and holds the directional position all day. Matte products that create texture do not work for this style; the smooth, continuous flow of the hair from forehead to the back of the head is broken by textured or piece-y products. A medium-hold water-based pomade is the practical choice for most men because it provides shine and hold while washing out completely.

Avoid gel for this style unless you specifically want a very rigid, wet-look result. Gel sets the hair in position but cracks or flakes when the hair moves. Pomade holds with flexibility and does not flake.

Application Technique

Apply product to slightly damp hair, not completely dry. The hair is more pliable when damp and the product distributes evenly. Work a small amount through the entire top section. Comb or brush backward from the forehead using a fine-tooth comb or a natural-bristle brush, working from the front hairline toward the crown. Keep the comb direction consistent (straight back, not angled) for a clean profile. For a side part version, establish the part first with the comb and then direct each side backward rather than straight across.

A blowdryer on medium heat while combing backward sets the direction before the product cools. Once set, the hair holds the combed-back position significantly better than air-drying alone.

Maintaining It Through the Day

A small comb in your pocket allows mid-day touch-ups if needed. A small amount of additional product on fingertips can reset any sections that have loosened. The style holds best in dry conditions. High humidity is the primary enemy of the slicked back style in water-based pomades because the humidity reactivates the product. For humid environments, a slightly stronger-hold formula or an oil-based pomade provides more resistance to weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my hair need to be a specific type for a slicked back style?

The style works best with straight to mildly wavy hair. Very curly or coily hair can be combed back but requires more product and effort to stay in position and may not produce the same clean, flat profile. The style is executed differently in different hair types; on wavy or textured hair, the slicked back look often incorporates the natural pattern rather than fully flattening it. Some men with curly hair achieve a modified version with a stronger hold product.

How long does the style last before needing a refresh?

With a good pomade and proper application, most men get 8 to 12 hours of hold. Factors that reduce hold time: high humidity, vigorous exercise, not using enough product, or using a product with insufficient hold for the hair type. Touch-ups extend the look through a full day.

Can I get the slicked back look without using heavy products?

Lighter products work if the hair has enough natural texture to assist the directional hold. A light pomade or a paste with a slicker finish can work for men with straighter hair at medium length. The hold will be less all-day secure than a medium pomade, but the lighter feel may be worth the trade-off. The longer the hair, the more the weight of the hair assists the directional hold regardless of product.

Is the slicked back style appropriate for professional settings?

Yes. It is one of the most traditionally professional men's hairstyles. The controlled, directional structure reads as intentional and polished. It is more formally appropriate than most textured or natural styles. The high-contrast version with a skin fade is more contemporary and fashion-forward; the standard version with tapered sides is broadly appropriate in most professional environments.

How do I remove pomade from my hair?

Water-based pomade washes out with regular shampoo. Apply shampoo to dry hair first (before wetting), work it through, then rinse. This breaks down the pomade more effectively than applying shampoo to already-wet hair. Oil-based pomade requires a clarifying shampoo or dishwashing soap applied directly to the dry hair before rinsing. For men using oil-based pomade regularly, a weekly clarifying wash prevents buildup.

Related Reading From CADMEN Barber Academy

• Slicked Back Hair for Men: The Cut, the Product, and the Style
• The Slicked-Back Hairstyle: How to Wear It and What to Use
• Slicked Back Undercut for Men: Style Guide and Product Tips
• 7 Reasons Why You’re Clients Aren’t Coming Back
• Choosing a Hairstyle for Your Face Shape: A Practical Guide
• The Men's Quiff: How to Cut and Style It