Slicked back hairstyles exude an air of classic sophistication, making them a timeless choice for men. From the red carpets of Hollywood to the boardrooms of corporate America, this iconic hairstyle has been worn by men of all ages and backgrounds for over a century. Whether you prefer a sleek and polished look or a more textured and casual style, there’s a slicked back hairstyle to suit your taste.
Mastering the Slicked Back
To achieve a flawless slicked back hairstyle, you’ll need the right tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you perfect the look:
- Prepare Your Hair: Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to remove dirt and oil. Towel dry your hair until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
- Apply Products: Use a generous amount of pomade or hair gel to give your hair hold and shine. If you have thick or curly hair, you may need to apply a pre-styling spray for added control.
- Comb Back: Using a wide-tooth comb, gently comb your hair back from the front to the back of your head. Avoid combing too vigorously, as you don’t want to create frizz or break your hair.
- Smooth and Slick: Once your hair is combed back, use your fingers or a fine-toothed comb to smooth out any flyaways or uneven areas. Apply additional product if needed to keep the hair slicked down.
- Set the Style: Once you’re satisfied with the shape of your slicked back hairstyle, use a hairspray to lock the style in place. Hold the spray a few inches away from your hair and mist evenly over the entire head.
Embracing the Slicked Back Spectrum
While the classic slicked back hairstyle is a timeless classic, there are countless variations to cater to different face shapes, hair types, and personal preferences.
Sleek and Polished
For a polished and sophisticated look, opt for a sleek and shiny slicked back hairstyle. This style works best on straight or fine hair, and requires a generous amount of pomade or hair gel to achieve a high-gloss finish.
Textured and Casual
If you prefer a more relaxed and effortless vibe, consider a textured and casual slicked back hairstyle. This style allows for some natural movement and volume, and is suitable for all hair types. Use a matte pomade or sea salt spray to create texture and definition.
Side-Parted and Slicked
For a touch of individuality, try a side-parted and slicked hairstyle. This style features a clean part on one side, with the rest of the hair slicked back. It’s a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Undercut and Slicked
Combine the slicked back style with an undercut for a modern and edgy look. The undercut involves shaving or trimming the hair on the sides and back of the head, while leaving the top hair longer. The slicked back style on top creates a high-contrast effect that’s both stylish and masculine.
The Benefits of Slicked Back Hairstyles
Embracing a slicked back hairstyle offers numerous benefits:
- Versatility: Slicked back hairstyles can be tailored to suit any face shape or hair type, making them suitable for men of all ages and styles.
- Timeless Appeal: Slicked back hairstyles have been popular for over a century, and they show no signs of going out of style. They’re a versatile choice that will never fail to turn heads.
- Ease of Styling: Slicked back hairstyles are relatively easy to style, requiring only a few simple steps and products. With a little practice, you can master this iconic look in no time.
- Professional Image: Slicked back hairstyles are often associated with confidence, success, and professionalism. They’re a great choice for men who want to project a polished and sophisticated image.
Choosing the Right Slicked Back Hairstyle for You
When selecting a slicked back hairstyle, consider the following factors:
- Face Shape: Oblong, oval, and square face shapes generally suit most slicked back hairstyles. Avoid slicking back hairstyles on round or triangular face shapes, as it can accentuate the width of the face.
- Hair Type: Thick, straight hair is ideal for sleek and polished slicked back hairstyles. Fine or curly hair may require more products and styling techniques to achieve the desired look.
- Personal Style: Ultimately, the best slicked back hairstyle for you is the one that reflects your unique personality and style. Experiment with different variations to find the style that makes you feel confident and stylish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While slicked back hairstyles are relatively easy to style, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overusing Products: Avoid using too much pomade or hair gel, as it can make your hair look greasy and stiff. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Combing Too Hard: Avoid combing your hair too vigorously, as it can cause breakage and frizz. Use gentle and even strokes to smooth out the hair.
- Ignoring Flyaways: Pay attention to flyaways and slick them down with a fine-tooth comb or hairspray wand. Flyaways can ruin the polished look of a slicked back hairstyle.
- Not Setting the Style: Always finish your slicked back hairstyle with hairspray to lock in the style and prevent it from falling apart throughout the day.
Step-by-Step Approach to Styling a Slicked Back Hairstyle
- Prepare: Wash your hair with volumizing shampoo and conditioner, then towel dry.
- Apply Products: Use a generous amount of pomade or hair gel to give your hair hold and shine.
- Comb Back: Gently comb your hair back from the front to the back of your head.
- Smooth and Slick: Use your fingers or a fine-tooth comb to smooth out flyaways and uneven areas.
- Set the Style: Hold hairspray a few inches away from your hair and mist evenly over the entire head.
6 Tables on Slicked Back Hairstyles
Hairstyle | Length | Texture | Finish | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classic Slicked Back | Short to medium | Sleek | High-gloss | Oval, square, oblong face shapes |
Textured Slicked Back | Short to long | Casual | Matte | All hair types |
Side-Parted and Slicked | Short to medium | Classic | Polished | Most face shapes |
Undercut and Slicked | Short to medium | Edgy | High-contrast | Angular face shapes |
Pompadour Slicked Back | Short to long | Voluminous | Brushed | Oval, oblong face shapes |
Quiff Slicked Back | Short to long | Textured | Casual | Most face shapes |
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Sleek and polished | Can look greasy if overused |
Versatile and timeless | Can be difficult to style on curly or thick hair |
Easy to style | May not be suitable for all face shapes |
Professional and sophisticated | Can be too formal for casual occasions |
Hair Type | Styling Tips |
---|---|
Straight | Use a pomade or hair gel with a high hold and shine. |
Curly | Use a pre-styling spray to control frizz, then follow with a pomade or hair gel. |
Thick | Apply a generous amount of pomade or hair gel, and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. |
Fine | Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to create the illusion of thicker hair. |
Styling Techniques | Effect |
---|---|
Combing Back | Smooths hair and creates a polished look. |
Slicking Down | Holds hair in place and prevents flyaways. |
Setting the Style | Locks in the style and prevents it from falling apart. |