Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Slick-back haircuts haunt us in all epic Hollywood movies, from Al Pacino’s iconic slick hair in The Godfather to Brad Pitt’s legendary slicked-back style in The Fury. And while these timelessly chic looks are worthy of all praise, we have something else to catch your interest. Check these 20 stylish slick back fade cuts for inspiration and create your signature style to become the main character of your own life!
Guys aiming to try a slick back hairstyle can expect to look more mature due to the confidence and sophistication this haircut exudes. Accentuated by a clean low fade, this style will look more voluminous and thicker, especially if you lift your hair at the roots while combing it back.
@razortrim
This haircut masterfully blends a longer top with faded sides and nape that enhances a voluminous comb over. A clean line-up incorporated into the look makes it more elegant and tasteful.
@modernfreshfades
Pompadour hairstyles can transform your whole appearance by elongating the face shape with the airy volume created on the top of your head. For those who are afraid it will look too pretentious, we offer pairing it with a modern taper fade.
@kivarkarthik
Embrace the Godfather aesthetic with this short, slicked-back hair styled with hydrating oil and a wide-tooth comb. Start by applying some product to your strands and pulling them back into a desired shape. Once done, spray some of your favorite strong-hold product. Pair it with a skin fade haircut for an ultimately clean-cut look.
@__tru___
Taking inspiration from this stunning haircut featuring drop fade, you will have everything you need to craft your own hairstyle masterpiece. Comb over your hair at the front to make an accurate slick back quiff, and use hair pomade to give it this chic, glossy appearance.
@yourbarberconnect
This hairstyle embodies a perfect mix of modern and classic, working great for those who don’t want to stop on one specific haircut. If you’re open to experimenting with your hair, ask your stylist for a slicked-back pompadour with a burst graduation. Get your burst fade refreshed every 2-3 weeks to maintain its refined look.
@il.magri
Smarten up your style with this smoothed-back haircut spiced up with a mid fade, popular among men of all ages. This is a perfect alternative for gents who are not ready to go very short with their haircuts and, yet, prefer styles that are easy to maintain.
@oldhead_studio
With a true gentleman’s touch, a classic slick back is always a good idea for any guy. Yet, the TripleC stylists offer to take it to a whole other level by adding an undercut, which brings edgy style while still keeping it professional.
@triplec_cuts
Slick-back haircuts work fantastic with beard styles, as they provide a perfect balance between boldness and sophistication. If you wish your hair smoothed back rather than loosely combed back, use a men’s hair gel for styling.
@sergiobarron_
If you aim to give your haircut just a bit of a refresh, go for a subtle taper at the sides or/and the nape. It doesn’t need as much maintenance as some types of fades do yet still makes your hairstyle look sharp and edgy.
@chino.chopz
To recreate this stylish look at home, you should follow these simple yet working recommendations. First, use a tiny amount of hair pomade, giving your hair a healthy shine and a needed hold. Then, brush your hair with a comb by giving it a slight wave shape all the way back. Finish with a hair spray for extra hold. And don’t forget to request a taper fade with graduation the next time you visit your stylist.
@il.magri
For a lightweight and voluminous slick back like this, you may need to blow-dry your hair with a round brush, lifting it at the roots. But first, apply some product like a pomade or clay with a matte finish to make your hair stay in place once blow-dried.
@allencheng0104
This haircut requires you to grow longer hair at the top as you will need it for creating this messy styling. As for the rest of your hair, make it tapered or even shaved at the sides and nape, adding a little accent with an undercut design.
@almighttyzeus
If you don’t mind disconnection in haircuts, you would love this edgy bald fade style with a longer slicked-back top. You can make it swept in one direction or create a distinct parting line, and finish it all with accurately trimmed facial hair.
@barbarianstyle_net
Mid-length hair looks awesome when slicked back loosely, so if you’re considering a new hairstyle, we encourage you to give this combed-back mullet a try. While it’s a great way to take your hair away from your face, you can still emphasize your hair’s volume and movement by giving it a little tousle.
@juice.the.barber
If you want something statemental, shave half of your head up to the very top, keeping some length for an iconic slick back look. The longer length you leave, the more styling options you will have, as you may be able to gather the strands in a man bun or a ponytail.
@dyedhappy.byholly
You may need a high-quality hair gel or mousse to be able to achieve this styling on your own, but it won’t take you long to make it like a pro. And, if you ever get tired of this super sleek and stylish haircut, which we seriously doubt, you can feel free to grow out the top while tapering the sides.
@roman_santa_ana
This mid-length wavy hair slick back made by Sergio Slavnov is not just a hairstyle but a lifestyle statement for the modern man. You can easily craft this look at home following Sergio’s hair styling routine. Use a volume lift styling mousse and a firm hold hair spray to infuse your hair with texture and definition and maintain a flawless appearance.
@bestmenshaircutsnyc
A classic comb-over hairstyle oozes a classy chic and sophistication, complimenting the masculine beauty of men at any age. But you can easily give it a modern twist with a nape fade, which implies tapering the hair from nape to neck.
@joysbirththebarbershop
Embrace the timeless allure of slick back hairstyle with this ultimately stylish and attractive haircut that exudes tradition meeting trendsetting. You won’t see any precision lines here, as the haircut features a gradual transition from a longer top to a bald nape.
@barbers.and.brothers
Depending on the amount of hair you’re starting with, you can go for a long slicked-back mullet, a short bald fade slick back hair, or something in between. Let one of these styles be your reference to ensure your stylist makes everything as desired.
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
