Defined by its sleek, polished appearance, the male slicked back hairstyle has been a popular choice for men of all ages and backgrounds throughout history. From classic Hollywood icons to modern-day rock stars, slicked back hair has been synonymous with style, sophistication, and confidence.
Why Slicked Back Hair?
The slicked back hairstyle offers several distinct advantages that make it a timeless classic:
- Versatility: Slicked back hair can be adapted to suit various face shapes, hair types, and personal styles.
- Timelessness: The style has endured through decades, making it a universally recognizable and stylish choice.
- Ease of styling: Slicked back hairstyles are relatively easy to achieve and maintain with the right products.
- Flattering: Slicked back hair can help accentuate facial features, creating a more defined and polished appearance.
Types of Slicked Back Hairstyles
While the basic concept of slicked back hair remains the same, there are several different variations to choose from:
Classic Slick Back
The classic slick back involves brushing the hair back from the forehead, with the sides typically shorter and blended into the back. This style exudes a timeless and sophisticated look.
Modern Slick Back
The modern slick back maintains the overall sleekness of the classic style but with a more contemporary touch. The sides may be shaved or trimmed shorter, and the top can be styled with more movement and texture.
Side-Slicked Back
The side-slicked back hairstyle parts the hair on one side and slicks it back to create a sleek, asymmetrical look. This style offers a more casual and versatile option than the classic slick back.
Undercut Slick Back
The undercut slick back involves shaving or trimming the sides and back of the head closely, while leaving the top longer and slicked back. This style offers a bold and edgy look that is particularly popular among younger men.
How to Style Slicked Back Hair
Achieving a perfect slick back hairstyle requires the right products and techniques:
Products
- Pomade: A medium to strong-hold pomade is essential for keeping the hair slicked back in place all day long.
- Hairspray: Hairspray helps to lock in the style and prevent flyaways.
- Comb: A fine-toothed comb is used to distribute the product evenly and smooth the hair back.
Technique
- Prepare: Wash and condition your hair to remove any buildup or oils.
- Apply pomade: Rub a small amount of pomade between your fingers and apply it to the damp hair.
- Comb back: Use a fine-toothed comb to smooth the hair back and distribute the pomade evenly.
- Use hairspray: Hold a can of hairspray several inches away from your head and spray it over the hair to hold the style in place.
- Touch up: Throughout the day, touch up the hairstyle by re-combing and applying more pomade or hairspray as needed.
Tips and Tricks for Slicked Back Hair
- Use a pre-styler: Applying a pre-styler before the pomade helps to create a stronger hold and prevent the hair from becoming greasy.
- Blow-dry the hair: Blow-drying the hair before slicking it back helps to smooth out the hair shaft and reduce frizz.
- Comb the hair in sections: Divide the hair into sections and slick back each section separately to ensure even coverage and a sleek finish.
- Use a brush for a more polished look: A brush can be used to create a smoother and more polished slick back hairstyle.
- Experiment with different products: Different pomades and hairsprays provide different levels of hold and shine. Experiment with different products to find the combination that works best for your hair type and desired look.
Table 1: Types of Slicked Back Hairstyles and Their Key Features
| Hairstyle | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Slick Back | Hair is brushed back from the forehead and blended into the back | Timelessness, sophistication, ease of styling |
| Modern Slick Back | Contemporary take on the classic slick back | Shorter sides, more movement and texture on top |
| Side-Slicked Back | Hair is parted on one side and slicked back | Asymmetrical look, casual and versatile |
| Undercut Slick Back | Sides and back of the head are shaved or trimmed closely | Bold, edgy look, popular among younger men |
Table 2: Hair Products for Slicked Back Hair
| Product | Purpose | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pomade | Holds the hair in place | Medium to strong hold, various levels of shine |
| Hairspray | Locks in the style and prevents flyaways | Provides hold and control, adds texture |
| Pre-styler | Creates a stronger hold and prevents greasiness | Enhances the effects of pomade, adds volume |
Table 3: Tips for Slicking Back Different Hair Types
| Hair Type | Tips |
|---|---|
| Thin, fine hair | Use a volumizing pre-styler and a light-hold pomade |
| Thick, coarse hair | Use a strong-hold pomade and comb the hair in sections |
| Curly hair | Blow-dry the hair straight before slicking it back |
| Oily hair | Use a matte pomade and wash the hair more frequently |
Table 4: Troubleshooting Common Problems with Slicked Back Hair
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Hair is not slicked back smoothly | Product distribution is uneven | Use a comb to distribute the product evenly |
| Hair becomes greasy throughout the day | Hair is not properly prepared | Wash and condition the hair before styling, use a pre-styler |
| Hair doesn’t hold the slicked back style | Product hold is not strong enough | Use a stronger-hold pomade and apply it in sections |
| Hair has flyaways | Product application is not thorough | Comb the hair thoroughly and apply hairspray |
Conclusion
The slicked back hairstyle remains a versatile and timeless choice for men of all ages and styles. With the right products and techniques, it is possible to achieve a sleek, polished look that exudes confidence and sophistication. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, side-slicked, or undercut slick back, this hairstyle offers endless possibilities for personalization and self-expression.