So, you’re chasing the perfect slicked-back hair look but aren’t quite sure you can pull it off? At Uppercut Deluxe, we’ve got you. This guide covers everything you need to know when it comes to how to slick back men's hair, from essential tools to styling steps, to help you master the look with confidence.
Why the Slick-Back Works (and When It Doesn’t)
The men’s slicked back hair look has long been a symbol of effortless style and classic cool. Its clean, polished finish suits everything from casual to formal, and a man who has mastered the slicked-back look brings with him an air of self-assuredness. Yet the pitfalls on the road to slicked-back perfection are many, and easily stepped into; think a greasy appearance, a midday hair collapse, or that stubborn cowlick that simply refuses to stay put.
Below, we’ll look at how to avoid these common mistakes, as well as how to keep men's hair slicked back throughout the day.
What You’ll Need: Tools & Products
Having the right tools and products is fundamentally important to perfect the slicked-back look.
- Wide-tooth comb: helps detangle hair gently without breakage
- Fine-tooth comb: essential for achieving that smooth, sleek finish
- Vent brush: great for blow-drying hair back while maintaining volume
- Blow-dryer with cool shot: for setting style and locking hold
- Heat protectant spray: shields hair from damage during blow-drying
- Salt spray: adds texture and grip, great as a pre-styler
- Pomade: for glossy, strong-hold styles
- Clay: offers matte finish with flexible control
- Paste: provides medium hold and texture without stiffness
- Styling powder: lifts roots and adds volume without weight
- Light hairspray: locks in your style without crunch or heaviness
Step-by-Step: Slick Back Hair the Barber Way
- Towel-dry your hair to remove excess moisture, leaving it damp but not wet.
- Apply heat protectant spray evenly.
- Pre-style with salt spray if you want extra texture and grip.
- Use a vent brush or wide-tooth comb to blow-dry hair straight back, using the blow-dryer’s cool shot to set the shape.
- Start with a small amount of your chosen product, just a pea-sized portion to begin.
- Pat the product between your hands before distributing evenly through your hair, from mid-lengths to ends, then roots.
- Comb your hair straight back with a fine-tooth comb, following your natural hairline and part if you have one.
- Avoid touching your hair excessively after styling to prevent product breakdown and frizz.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for extra hold.
Be sure to give each step a couple of minutes so your hair sets properly before moving on.
How to Keep Men’s Hair Slicked Back All Day
To maintain your slicked-back style throughout the day, use a layering approach: pre-style with salt spray, follow with your main styling product, and finish with a light hairspray. Blow-drying hair in the right direction and using the cool shot to set the style will also help lock it in place. Resist the urge to touch or run your hands through your hair, as this breaks down the hold. For a quick lunchtime reset, mist with water and comb back again to refresh your look.
What Hair Product for Slicked-Back Men?
Choosing the right product depends on your desired finish and hair type:
- High-shine pomade offers classic glossy slicks with strong hold but can feel heavy and greasy if overused, ideal for thick or straight hair.
- Medium-shine paste gives flexible control with moderate hold, and is great for textured styles or wavy hair.
- Firmer clays or fibres provide matte finishes and are perfect for a natural look with strong control.
- Light hairspray can lock in your style without stiffness or residue, especially when layered over other products.
Pomades are typically best for formal looks, while clays and pastes suit everyday wear. Find your perfect product in our pomade, paste and clay collections.
How to Slick Back Men’s Short Hair
Short hair slick backs work best with clippered sides and around 3-4cm length on top. Blow-dry hair back using a vent brush to encourage direction and volume. Use a lightweight paste or pomade to avoid separation or a greasy look, applying sparingly with a fine-tooth comb.
How to Slick Back Men’s Medium Hair
Medium-length hair benefits from pre-styling with salt spray for texture and grip. Comb hair straight back while blow-drying to set the shape, then finish with pomade or paste for hold and shine. Use styling powder at the crown if you need extra lift or volume.
How to Slick Back Men’s Long Hair
For long hair, detangle carefully first, then distribute your product from mid-lengths to ends before applying to roots. Comb back in sections for a smooth finish. Optionally, use a loose tie to set the style, releasing it later for a softer look, then finish with pomade or paste.
How to Slick Back Men’s Curly Hair
Curly hair requires special care to maintain texture while slicking back. Start with a leave-in conditioner and curl cream to hydrate and define curls. Diffuse on low heat to set, then use paste or a light pomade to tame flyaways and keep hair slicked back without crushing natural curl patterns.
How to Slick Back Men’s Wavy Hair
Wavy hair shines with texture when slicked back. Use salt spray and medium heat when blow-drying to encourage wave formation. Finish with a featherweight or matte pomade for control without stiffness or crunchiness.
Thinning or Fine Hair: Avoid Gaps & Scalp Shine
If you have thinning or fine hair, avoid heavy, oily products that weigh hair down or reveal scalp shine. Lightweight paste or matte clay can add texture and body. Comb gently from the ends to the roots to avoid breakage and use a subtle styling powder at the roots to create the illusion of density and volume.
Tips for Common Mistakes & Quick Fixes
- Too much product? Use a dry comb or paper towel to absorb excess.
- Applying product to roots first? Start mid-lengths every time. It will avoid weighing your roots down.
- Fighting your natural part? Work with your hair’s true growth pattern for a smoother finish.
- Touching hair too often? Resist! It’s strictly hands-off once styled so you preserve the hold.
- Skipping the set? Do not! Always finish with a cool blow-dry shot and light hairspray for longevity.
Shop at Uppercut Deluxe for Hairstyle Products for the Perfect Slick Back Look!
Mastering the slicked-back look is simple enough with the right tools, techniques and products. Check out Uppercut Deluxe’s curated collections to find everything you need from pomades and clays to brushes and combs. Create a slick look that lasts all day.
Explore now, take note, and walk into your next event with that classically cool look you’re after.
