Slick Back Hair – Den tidsløse frisure, der aldrig går af mode - GORCOS

Slick Back Hair – The Timeless Hairstyle That Never Goes Out of Style

by Kadir Duran ︱ ︱ Reading time: 10 minutes

What is slick back hair – and why is it still so popular?

There's something effortlessly confident about a slicked back hair look .
It signals control, purity and classic style – while being adaptable to any time and trend.
The hairstyle has been around for decades, but its appeal remains unchanged: It's simple, masculine, and always well-dressed.

Slick back hair originally became popular in the 1920s, where men used heavy oils and pomades to create the characteristic smooth surface.
Since then, the style has evolved – from the tightly combed back “gentleman look” to more relaxed and modern variations.
Today, you see slicked back hair everywhere: on catwalks, in movies, in offices and in gyms.
It suits almost all face shapes and hair types – as long as you choose the right version and styling technique.

A look with many expressions

The beauty of slicked back hair is that you can style it to suit your personality.
For a clean and classic look, use a matte pomade and a tight comb for a glossy finish.
If you prefer a more modern and relaxed look, use matte paste and your fingers instead of a comb to create a messy slick back that still looks well-groomed, but without being too polished.

This flexibility is the reason why slicked back hair still dominates both the fashion world and men's hairstyles globally.
It's a hairstyle that communicates excess, but requires minimal effort – you just need to master the technique and products.

Slick Back Hair Inspiration and Trends

Today, we see slicked back hair combined with fades , undercuts , and even curls – a testament to how versatile the hairstyle has become.

On Pinterest you can find everything from long slick back hair with natural movement to slick back hair fades that give a more modern and distinctive look.

Whether you're into the classic version or a more modern interpretation, slick back hair has one thing in common:
It makes you look well-groomed – like a man who has a handle on the details but doesn't have to try too hard.

Relevant products

The most popular slick back hair styles

One of the great strengths ofslicked back hairis that the hairstyle can be adapted to all hair types, lengths and face shapes.

Whether you have short, long, thick or curly hair, there is a version of the slick back style that is perfect for you.

Here you will get an overview of the most popular variants right now — and how they differ from each other.

Slick Back Hair Fade

This version combines classic elegance with a modern edge.

The sides gradually fade down towards the skin, while the top is smoothed back to create contrast and definition.

The result is a sharp and clean look that works perfectly for both formal and casual occasions.

Use apomadeormedium hold gelfor a shiny result, or go formatte pastefor a more natural finish.

Slick Back Long Hair Men

Long hair and a slicked back are a strong combination if you want a more distinctive look.

This is about creating structure without losing movement.

Use alight hold gelorcurling cream, and comb the hair back with your fingers rather than a close comb to maintain a natural flow.

This style works especially well for men with wavy or thick hair, where volume becomes part of the look.

Messy Slick Back Hair

A more relaxed and modern interpretation of the classic slick back.

Instead of perfectly combed lines, let the hair fall a little more naturally, giving the hairstyle texture and life.

It requires less product, but more technique — usematte pastein small amounts and work the product into the hair with your hands.

Perfect for those who want a sophisticated yet effortless look.

Slick Back Curly Hair

Curls and slick back may sound like an impossible combination, but it actually works great if you use the right products.

Onecurling creamorcurl enhancing gelhelps tame curls while allowing hair to be styled back.

It gives a cool, textured look that differs from the classic, smooth version – but still feels structured and modern.

Slick Back Hair Thinning

For men with incipient hair loss or thinning hair, slick back hair is a brilliant solution.

When the hair is slicked back, it creates the illusion of denser coverage.

Use products that do not clump, e.g.light hold pomadeorvolumizing spray, and avoid too much shine as it can highlight areas of thinning hair.

Frequently asked questions about Slicked back hair

What is slicked back hair?
Slick back hair is a hairstyle where the hair is swept back from the forehead creating a clean, smooth and stylish look. It can be styled with pomade, matte paste or gel, depending on whether you want a classic, shiny look or a more natural finish.
What products should you use for slick back hair?
The best products for slick back hair are pomade, matte paste, clay or hair gel. Pomade provides shine and strong hold, while matte paste gives a more modern, matte look. For men with thin hair, a light styling cream can be ideal to avoid weighing down the hair.
How do you style slicked back hair?
Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. Distribute the product evenly in your hands, work it into the hair, and then comb it back with a comb. Finish with hairspray or volume mist to keep the hairstyle in place all day.
Is slick back hair suitable for all hair types?
Yes – slick back hair works for straight, wavy and curly hair. For straight hair it creates a classic, clean look, while curly hair gets more structure and character. The most important thing is to choose a product that matches your hair type and desired finish.
How does slick back hair last all day?
For a lasting result, use products with medium to strong hold and finish with hairspray. A small amount of product at the roots can help hold the shape, while a light touch-up with water or a salt spray mid-day keeps the style fresh.

How to style slick back hair step-by-step

Mastering slick back hair isn't just about combing your hair back — it requires the right preparation, technique, and product combination.

Here you will find a simple guide that ensures you strike the perfect balance between hold, shine and movement.

Step 1: Start with clean hair

Wash hair thoroughly to remove oil, dirt and residue from previous products.

A clean starting point makes it easier for new products to spread evenly.

It's best to use a shampoo that provides some moisture so that your hair doesn't become too dry or static.

Step 2: Dry your hair – but not completely

The best base for slick back styling isslightly damp hair.

If the hair is completely wet, the products will not bond properly, and if it is completely dry, it can be difficult to style.

Use a towel or a hair dryer on low heat to remove most of the moisture.

Step 3: Choose the right product

The choice of product depends on the style you are going for:

  • Pomade:Gives shine and a classic “wet look”. Perfect for formal looks and short hairstyles.
  • Matte paste:Provides structure without shine – ideal for a more modern and natural look.
  • Gel:Provides strong hold and a defined finish, but be careful not to use too much.
  • Creamor mousse:Good for longer hair or wavy texture where you want movement and light hold.

Distribute a small amount in the palms of your hands and warm the product before working it into the hair.

Step 4: Comb the hair back

Use acomb with close teethfor a sharp and controlled result – or your fingers if you want a more natural and airy version.

Start from the forehead and ride backwards in one smooth motion.

If you want volume, you can blow-dry your hair slightly backwards while lifting the hair roots with the comb.

Step 5: Fix with finish

Finish with a light layerhairsprayorvolume lossto keep the shape in place all day long.

If you want a more flexible look, use asea ​​salt sprayas a finish – it gives texture without making the hair heavy.

With the right products and techniques, it only takes a few minutes to style slick back hair, but the results last all day.

It's a hairstyle that can go from business to casual without losing its character.