Slick back.
Two very different slick backs, both from my chair. The first is long on top, combed straight back to a glossy finish over a fade that drops to skin around the ear.
The second is shorter and pushed back over a high skin fade, with a single shaved line curving behind the ear, worn with a long grey-and-dark beard. Same direction, very different attitude.
BOOK THIS CUT| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jobs in mining, oil and ag | 15.5% | Census ACS 2023 |
| Median age | 37.4 | Census ACS 2023 |
| Population | 31,813 | Census ACS 2023 |
Length first.
The top has to reach.
A slick back needs enough hair on top to lie back without standing up, usually with the most length over the forehead, tapering shorter toward the crown. The sides can be anything from a scissor cut to a skin fade. A fade keeps it modern. A softer taper leans classic, and an undercut gives the hardest contrast.
Straight and wavy, mostly.
Curls can, with help.
Straight and wavy hair slick back most easily. Curly hair can get there with a shorter top, or it can lean into a looser, pushed-back shape. It is a dependable choice for anyone who needs to look put-together at work and still wants some length.
Your booking.
Long beard? Pick the second.
Essential Haircut$50 · 40 min+
Sides, top and straight razor neckline, then I style it, so you leave seeing how the slick back should sit.
LEARN MOREBook this serviceSignature Cut$65 · 45 min+
Your beard trimmed to shape or lined up, plus a hot towel, on top of the cut. The match for a look like the second photo.
LEARN MOREBook this serviceSides on a schedule.
The top is forgiving.
The fade or taper is what dates a slick back, because the sides show regrowth before the top does. The top can go longer, and a little extra length often makes it easier to comb back. When the sides start puffing out, it's time to get back in my chair.
Slick back FAQ.
What does a slick back haircut look like?+
All the hair on top is combed back from the forehead toward the crown, with no part and short sides. The two photos on this page show a long, glossy version and a short one.
How should hair be cut to slick it back?+
Leave length on top, especially at the front, and take the sides shorter so the back-combed hair has a clean edge to sit against.
Can a slick back have a shaved line?+
Yes. The second photo has one: a single line curving behind the ear, cut into a high skin fade. More line work is on the hair designs page.
Slick back with a fade or a taper?+
A fade, like a high skin fade, makes it sharper and more modern. A low taper keeps the sides fuller and the overall look more traditional.