20+ Best Slicked Back Hairstyles & Haircuts for Men

Popular among men from all walks of life, the slicked-back haircut is an easy way to let others know you mean business. We mean that both figuratively and literally, whereas the style is frequently employed by those on Wall Street, the truth is that any man graced with an instinct for sharpness and enough follicles atop his head can pull off the pushed-back hairstyle.

Don’t just conjure up an image of Don Draper and think that’s all there is to the men’s slicked-back haircut. There are various ways to push back those follicles, from classic fades to a pompadour finish. Even men with curly hair can tame their curls to achieve a pushed-back hairstyle of impeccable precision. We are covering it all, methods, products, and specific types of men’s swept-back hairstyles. Check it out, and you’ll be looking slick in no time.

Related: Our complete guide to the best haircuts for men is your reference point for hairstyles.

How To Slick Back Hair

As long as there’s an ample amount of hair on your head, you can theoretically pull off the men’s slicked-back hairstyle. That said, there are types of hair more suited for the task. Short, straight hair is much easier to push back than curly hair. The hair should be of low or medium density; thick hair can be trickier to maintain in the pushed-back style. Finally, the hair should naturally grow toward the back. These qualities are not necessary, but they are ideal for the slicked-back hairstyle.

For those with straight hair of low to medium density, folding it back couldn’t be much easier. When your hair is damp (or “towel dry”), simply apply some product, then run it through with a wide-tooth comb.

If your hair is longer or denser, the process is slightly more involved. To start, spread hair product evenly and thoroughly while your hair is damp. Now grab a hairdryer and set it to a low setting, trailing it with your comb as you style your hair from front to back (or slightly toward the side). This will help maintain the slicked-back look for longer.

Achieving slicked-back hair with curly follicles is even more involved, but still possible to pull off. You want to run a brush through your hair while it’s a little wetter than damp. Trace the brush strokes with a blow dryer, occasionally spraying your hair with sea salt spray to maintain texture. Once your hair is dry, apply a strong product, then push it back with your fingers.

Best Slicked-Back Haircuts and Hairstyles for Men

Next time you stroll into the barbershop looking for a slicked-back haircut, consider one of the following styles, and if these five don’t tickle your fancy, scroll all the way down to see the best slicked-back hairstyles for men.

1. Slicked-Back Side Part

Popularised by Don Draper in the hit series Mad Men, this style works best with hair that’s medium in density and not too long. Slicked-backside part signature features include hair slightly longer on top than on the sides, one edge of the fringe longer than the other, and a hard, clearly defined part on one side of the crown.

2. The Classic Slick Back

Canonised by Gordon Gekko in Oliver Stone’s Wall Street (and recently rocked by the likes of Eric Trump), it’s a slick-back style for men that remains uniform in length and appearance, with all follicles commonly swept back in one direction.

3. The Slicked-Back Pompadour

Longer on top and tapered at the sides, the men’s slicked back pompadour came roaring back into style thanks to celebrities like David Beckham. While indisputably slick, the men’s hairstyle also leaves plenty of room for personal expression.

4. The Slicked-Back Curly Quiff

With a good barber and some quality product at your disposal, all you curly-haired gents out there can easily pull off a slick back curly hairstyle. Try to keep the hair generally short, with the sides shorter than the top.

5. The Slicked-Back Undercut

Blending the top and sides with textural precision is the men’s slicked-back undercut. Now more popular than ever, the style takes time to achieve and involves growing out the top while tapering the sides regularly. Do it right, and you’re looking at slicked back perfection.

6. Textured Slick Back

A more relaxed take on the traditional slick back, the textured version embraces movement rather than forcing every strand into submission. Instead of high-shine pomade, use matte clay or paste and work it through with your fingers to create lift and separation. The result is a style that feels clean but not overly groomed, making it perfect for gents who want a modern, wearable look that transitions effortlessly from office to after-work drinks.

7. Medium-Length Slick Back

For men growing their hair out or wanting something with a bit more flow, the medium-length slick back is a strong choice. It sits right in the sweet spot between tidy and tousled. Your barber will usually leave the sides lightly tapered so the top can sweep straight back without harsh contrasts. Use a lightweight cream or mousse before blow-drying to keep the shape controlled. The finish is neat, professional, and easy to maintain without committing to a tight fade.

8. Wet Look with Curtain Fringe

One of the biggest hair trends across 2023 and 2024 was the return of the curtain fringe, often paired with a glossy, slicked-back finish. This hybrid look keeps the front parted and slightly longer while the rest of the hair is pushed back with a wet-look pomade or gel cream. Think early-2000s boy-band energy, but with sharper product choices and better styling. It’s an excellent option for men with straight or wavy hair who want something fashion-forward without going full K-pop idol.

9. Modern Mullet Slick Back

If the mullet refuses to die, the least we can do is make it stylish. The modern mullet slick back blends a tapered front and sides with longer hair at the back, all slicked away from the face for a clean silhouette. It works exceptionally well for blokes with medium to thick hair, and it’s become a favourite among Gen Z thanks to its mix of practicality and attitude. Add a lightweight pomade after blow-drying to keep everything smooth without smothering the natural movement.

Best Products for Slicked-Back Hairstyles

Just as diverse as the types of men’s slicked back hairstyles are the number of products you can use to obtain the look, but please be aware that too much product can make your hair look greasy, dry or flaky. You must maintain a healthy hair-washing routine while sporting your new style.

Now you have the method down pat and all the style advice you need, it’s almost time to get started. Don’t get your things ready and go just yet, though. No matter what style you decide upon, you’ll need some quality hair products to maintain your new look.

Pomade

Used more than any other product by men with slicked-back hair, pomade delivers a steady hold and no shortage of shine. Choose between oil-based pomade (which offers more shine and a stronger hold) and water-based pomade (which is easier to rinse out), and start rocking the slicked-back look like so many generations of men before you.

Clay

Surging in popularity among young men is clay, which is made using natural minerals as opposed to potentially harmful chemicals. The product comes in a range of formulas and delivers less shine than a pomade. Clay is also suitable for adding both texture and volume to men’s swept-back hair.

Gel and Hairspray

While you might have rocked copious amounts of hair gel as a teenager, it’s a product best left behind as an adult. Not only will it dry out your hair, but the gel is usually laced with all sorts of chemicals. As for hairspray, it’s okay to apply in small doses; use it to give your slicked-back haircut a nice finishing touch.

• Uppercut Deluxe Matte Hair Pomade – Buy it here
• Bed Head for Men Matte Separation Workable Wax – Buy it here
• Suavecito Shine-Free Matte Pomade – Buy it here
• Layrite Super Hold Pomade – Buy it here
• Pacinos Pomade -Firm Hold – Buy it here
• Black & White Pluko Hair Dressing Pomade – Buy it here
• Steadfast Pomade, Original Hold – Buy it here
• REUZEL Blue Pomade – Buy it here
• Imperial Barber Grade Products Blacktop Pomade – Buy it here
• Lockhart’s Lemon Goon Grease Heavy Hold Pomade – Buy it here 

20+ Best Slicked-Back Hairstyles & Haircuts

You have the method, you picked your preferred style, and you understand the differences between products. All that’s left is to browse the hairstyles below and imagine the new you, ready to take on everything that Wall Street, your new boss at work, or even the dog park has to offer.

For more haircut and hairstyle ideas, check out a selection of our hair-related articles below:

Haircuts and Hairstyles

• Short Hairstyles & Haircuts For Men
• Long Haircuts & Hairstyle Tips for Men
• Pompadour Haircut & Hairstyles for Men
• Straight Haircuts & Hairstyles for Men
• Curly Haircuts & Hairstyle Tips for Men

Hair Loss and Treatments

• 6 Common Hair Loss Causes in Men
• A Guide to Hairline Tattoos
• How Wayne Carey Regrew a Full Head of Hair with Mosh
• 15+ Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men to Beat the Bald Spot