Slicked back hair has been a popular hairstyle for decades, and for good reason. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and it’s flattering on almost every face shape.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about slicked back hairstyles for men, including the different types of slick backs, how to style them, and what products to use.
Types of Slick Back Hairstyles
There are many different types of slick backs, but the most popular include:
- Classic slick back: This is the most traditional type of slick back, and it’s characterized by its sleek, polished look. The hair is combed straight back from the forehead and secured with a strong-hold gel or pomade.
- Modern slick back: This type of slick back is more relaxed and casual than the classic slick back. The hair is still combed back from the forehead, but it’s not as tightly controlled. This style is often paired with a fade or undercut on the sides.
- Pompadour slick back: This type of slick back features a quiff or pompadour at the front of the head. The rest of the hair is slicked back as usual.
- Side part slick back: This type of slick back features a side part on one side of the head. The hair is combed back from the side part and secured with a strong-hold gel or pomade.
How to Style a Slick Back Hairstyle
Styling a slick back hairstyle is relatively easy, but it does take some practice to get it just right. Here are the steps:
- Start with clean, dry hair. This will help the gel or pomade to hold better.
- Apply a small amount of gel or pomade to your hair. Start with a dime-sized amount and add more as needed.
- Comb your hair back from the forehead. Use a fine-toothed comb for a sleek, polished look.
- Secure the hair with a strong-hold gel or pomade. Use a brush or your fingers to distribute the product evenly throughout the hair.
- Set the hair with hairspray. This will help to keep the slick back in place all day long.
Products for Slick Back Hairstyles
There are a number of different products that you can use to style a slick back hairstyle. The most important thing is to choose products that are designed for strong hold and shine.
Here are some of the best products for slick back hairstyles:
- Gel: Gel is a great option for slick back hairstyles because it provides a strong hold and a high shine. However, gel can also be drying, so it’s important to use a product that is designed for your hair type.
- Pomade: Pomade is another great option for slick back hairstyles. Pomade provides a medium to strong hold and a natural shine. Pomade is also less drying than gel, so it’s a good option for people with dry or damaged hair.
- Wax: Wax is a good option for people who want a more relaxed, casual slick back. Wax provides a light to medium hold and a natural shine. Wax is also easy to apply and remove.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks for styling a slick back hairstyle:
- Use a fine-toothed comb for a sleek, polished look.
- Apply the gel or pomade to damp hair for a more natural look.
- Start with a small amount of product and add more as needed.
- Secure the hair with a strong-hold gel or pomade.
- Set the hair with hairspray to keep it in place all day long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when styling a slick back hairstyle:
- Using too much product. Using too much product can make your hair look greasy and messy.
- Combing your hair back too tightly. Combing your hair back too tightly can cause it to break.
- Not securing the hair with a strong-hold gel or pomade. Not securing the hair with a strong-hold gel or pomade will cause it to fall out of place throughout the day.
- Not setting the hair with hairspray. Not setting the hair with hairspray will cause it to lose its hold and become frizzy.
Conclusion
Slicked back hairstyles are a versatile and stylish option for men of all ages. With the right products and techniques, you can create a slick back that is both polished and modern.