Slicked Back Haircuts: A Timeless Classic
Since the early 20th century, slicked back haircuts have been a staple of men’s fashion, exuding an air of sophistication and effortless style. This iconic hairstyle is characterized by its sleek, backward-combed appearance, often complemented by a variety of fades, tapers, and undercuts.
Men’s Slicked Back Haircuts: A Style Guide
Slicked back haircuts are incredibly versatile, adaptable to different hair types and face shapes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect slicked back hairstyle for you:
Hair Length & Texture
Slicked back haircuts work best on hair that is at least medium in length, allowing enough volume for a defined shape.
- Straight hair: Slicked back hairstyles lend themselves well to straight hair, providing a sleek and polished look.
- Wavy hair: Wavy hair can add natural texture and movement to a slicked back style, creating a more laid-back and casual appearance.
- Curly hair: Slicking back curly hair requires more preparation and product, but the end result can be a unique and stylish look.
Face Shape
The shape of your face can influence the most flattering type of slicked back haircut for you:
- Oval faces: Most slicked back hairstyles suit oval face shapes, as they complement the balanced proportions.
- Round faces: Avoid slicking back hair too tightly, as this can emphasize the roundness of the face. Opt for a more relaxed or asymmetrical style.
- Square faces: Slicked back hairstyles can soften the angular lines of a square face, creating a more balanced look.
- Triangular faces: A slicked back haircut with volume at the top can help balance out a narrower chin.
Fades, Tapers, & Undercuts
Fades, tapers, and undercuts can add a modern touch to a slicked back haircut, creating a sharp and defined look:
- Fades: A fade gradually blends the hair from a short length to a longer length, creating a seamless transition between the haircut and the skin.
- Tapers: Similar to fades, tapers create a gradual reduction in hair length, but they maintain a shorter length on the sides and back, rather than blending into the skin.
- Undercuts: Undercuts involve shaving or trimming the hair on the sides and back of the head, creating a more dramatic contrast with the longer hair on top.
Types of Slicked Back Haircuts
Classic Slick Back
This timeless style is characterized by a sleek and tightly combed back look, often with a high shine. The classic slick back is suitable for all hair types and face shapes.
Textured Slick Back
The textured slick back adds a touch of movement and volume to the classic style, with the top hair section lightly teased or tousled for a more casual and effortless look.
Side-Swept Slick Back
For a more asymmetrical approach, the side-swept slick back features hair combed back from one side, creating a defined side part. This style is best suited for medium to long hair and can help balance out a round or square face shape.
Undercut Slick Back
The undercut slick back combines a slicked back hairstyle with an undercut on the sides and back, creating a sharp and modern look. This style works well for all hair lengths and can help define a strong jawline.
Pompadour Slick Back
A slicked back pompadour involves styling the top hair section into a quiff or pompadour, creating a more voluminous and dramatic look. This style is best suited for medium to long hair and can add height and definition to a round or square face shape.
How to Style a Slicked Back Haircut
Achieving a perfect slicked back haircut requires the right tools and products:
- Comb: Use a fine-toothed comb to distribute product evenly and smooth out the hair.
- Brush: A paddle brush can help create a sleek and polished look.
- Hairdryer: Use a hairdryer to dry the hair away from the face, helping to set the slicked back style.
- Styling products: Pomade, gel, or wax can provide hold and shine to the hair, depending on the desired effect.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Wash and dry your hair using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
- Apply a small amount of styling product to the palms of your hands and rub them together to warm up the product.
- Use the comb to distribute the product evenly through the hair, starting from the roots and working towards the ends.
- Comb the hair back smoothly, ensuring that it is combed away from the face.
- Use the brush to smooth out any remaining flyaways or frizz.
- Set the style using the hairdryer, blowing the air away from the face and towards the back of the head.
- If desired, apply a small amount of hairspray to help lock in the style.
Evolution of the Slicked Back Haircut
The slicked back haircut has undergone a significant evolution over the decades, adapting to changing fashion trends and societal norms:
- Early 20th Century: The slicked back haircut emerged as a popular style among men in the early 1900s, often accompanied by a mustache or goatee.
- 1950s: The slicked back haircut became synonymous with the pompadour, a voluminous and dramatic style that was popularized by Elvis Presley and other rock ‘n’ roll icons.
- 1960s: The Beatles and other British Invasion bands introduced a more relaxed and casual approach to the slicked back look, with longer hair and less product.
- 1970s: The slicked back haircut experienced a decline in popularity during the 1970s, as longer and more natural hairstyles took center stage.
- 1980s: The slicked back haircut made a resurgence in the 1980s, often paired with a mullet or perm.
- 1990s: The grunge movement of the 1990s led to a decline in the popularity of the slicked back haircut, as messier and more casual styles became more prevalent.
- 2000s: In the early 2000s, the slicked back haircut experienced a revival, particularly among hip-hop artists and celebrities, who embraced a more modern and polished approach to the style.
- Present-Day: The slicked back haircut continues to be a popular choice for men of all ages, offering a timeless and versatile style that can be tailored to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Why Slicked Back Haircuts Matter
Slicked back haircuts offer a range of benefits, contributing to both personal and social well-being:
- Confidence: A well-styled slicked back haircut can boost confidence and self-esteem, providing a sense of polish and sophistication.
- Style: Slicked back haircuts are a versatile style that can be adapted to any occasion, from formal events to casual gatherings.
- Professionalism: A slicked back haircut can convey a professional image, making it a suitable choice for business or job interviews.
- Health: Slicked back haircuts can help to protect the hair from sun damage and other environmental factors, as the product used to style the hair creates a barrier between the hair and the elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When styling a slicked back haircut, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much product: Overusing styling products can make the hair look greasy and weighed down. Use a small amount of product and gradually add more as needed.
- Combing the hair in the wrong direction: Combing the hair towards the face can create a messy and unkempt look. Always comb the hair back away from the face.
- Not setting the style with a hairdryer: Using a hairdryer to set the style helps to lock in the product and prevents the hair from moving out of place.
- Ignoring the sides and back: Don’t neglect the sides and back of the hair when styling. Use clippers or scissors to trim or fade the hair to maintain a clean and polished look.
Conclusion
The slicked back haircut is a timeless classic that has been a staple of men’s fashion for over a century. This versatile style can be adapted to suit different hair types, face shapes, and personal preferences, offering a range of benefits that contribute to both personal and social well-being.