A slick back is the haircut equivalent of a tailored suit. Hair combed straight back, smooth, with a subtle shine and clean sides: it signals that you care about details. With a low taper fade, it looks modern and sharp rather than old-fashioned, and the low fade keeps it appropriate for formal settings.
Quick Facts
| Top length | 3 to 6 inches |
| Fade height | Low |
| Bottom length | #0.5 to skin |
| Best hair types | Straight, wavy, thick |
| Face shapes | Oval, square, diamond |
| Product | Water-based pomade, cream (softer look) |
| Styling time | 3–5 minutes |
10 Best Low Taper Fade Slick Back Styles
1. Classic Slick Back
Smooth, combed back, medium shine. Formal and timeless.
2. Modern Textured Slick Back
Pushed back with fingers, not a comb, using cream or matte paste. Softer and more casual.
3. Slick Back with Volume
Lifted at the front with a blow-dryer before slicking back. Combines slick back and pompadour.
4. Wet-Look Slick Back
High shine, tight finish. Best for events.
5. Short Slick Back
3 inches on top. Easier to manage day to day.
6. Long Slick Back
5 to 6 inches, pushed back with natural movement at the ends. See long hair.
7. Slick Back with a Side Part
A defined part adds structure. See side part.
8. Wavy Slick Back
Waves combed back with cream show texture. See wavy hair.
9. Slick Back with a Beard
A well-groomed beard completes the polished look. See with beard.
10. Slick Back with a Hard Part
A shaved line on one side. Strong, retro-modern feel.
How to Ask Your Barber
"Low taper fade, half guard at the bottom, sides at a #3. On top, I want to slick it back: keep about 4 inches, same length from front to crown or slightly longer at the front. Don't over-texture it; I want it to lie smooth."
Note: slick backs look better with less texturizing than modern crops, because smooth hair lies flatter.
How to Style a Slick Back
- Start with damp hair. Most pomades work well on slightly damp hair for a slick finish.
- Optional: blow-dry back for volume at the front.
- Warm pomade in your hands.
- Apply from front to back, making sure it reaches the roots.
- Comb straight back with a fine-tooth comb for a classic look, or use your fingers for a textured look.
- Smooth the sides of the top so they meet the taper cleanly.
Avoiding the Greasy Look
- Use less product. Start with a fingertip amount.
- Choose water-based pomade for easy washing and less buildup.
- Wash regularly. Product buildup makes hair heavy and dull.
- Try a cream for a natural, lower-shine slick back.
See our products guide.
Who Should Avoid a Slick Back?
A slick back shows the whole hairline. If you have a receding hairline or thin hair, a textured crop or French crop is usually more flattering.
Slick Back by Occasion
| Occasion | Finish | How |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Natural, low shine | Cream, combed with fingers |
| Wedding or formal event | Medium shine, neat | Water-based pomade, fine-tooth comb |
| Night out | Textured, slightly messy | Matte paste, fingers |
| Gym or sport | Practical | Pushed back with a little gel or left natural |
Classic Slick Back vs Textured Slick Back
The classic slick back is precise: every hair combed in line, with visible comb tracks and a medium to high shine. It is formal and works best with straight or thick hair.
The textured slick back is the modern default: hair pushed back with fingers, some volume at the front, and a matte or natural finish. It looks relaxed and suits more hair types, including wavy hair.
If you are not sure which to wear, start textured. It is easier to style and looks good even when it is not perfect.
Training Hair to Stay Back
If your hair keeps falling forward:
- Blow-dry it straight back every morning for two weeks, pointing the dryer from front to back at the roots.
- Use a pomade with medium to strong hold.
- Ask your barber to keep the front slightly longer than the crown so the weight pulls it back.
- Avoid a heavy fringe area; if the front is too thick, ask for light weight removal.
Protecting Your Scalp and Hair
Pomade sits on the scalp all day. Wash it out every day or two, especially with oil-based products, and use a gentle clarifying shampoo once a week if you notice buildup. Healthy hair slicks back more smoothly than hair coated in old product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hair need to be to slick back?
At least 3 inches on top; 4 to 6 inches is ideal.
Is a slick back professional?
Yes. It is one of the most formal men's hairstyles. Keep the shine moderate for offices.
What's the best product for a slick back?
Water-based pomade for a classic look; cream for a softer, natural finish.
Does a slick back work with thick hair?
Very well. Thick hair slicks back evenly and hides the scalp.
