When it comes to stylish looks, the slicked back undercut has become one of the best hairstyles for men who want a sleek and cool finish. By pairing slick back hair with an undercut or undercut fade, guys are able to style an easy trendy look.
Men love this comb back hairstyle because the haircut affords the versatility to try a number of cool short sides, long top styles. Plus, there are several different ways to cut the hair on the sides and back as well, ranging from a disconnected undercut to undercut fade.
Whether you have thick, thin, wavy, short or long hair, there are many stylish slick back undercuts to consider.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled examples of the best slicked back undercut haircuts. From short to long, explore these stylish slicked back hairstyles to find cool undercut styles.
What Is The Slicked Back Undercut?
The slicked back undercut is a cool hairstyle for men that involves short hair on the sides and back cut as an undercut haircut with longer hair on top that is brushed as a slick back. The result is a clean cut, sexy look that blends classic and modern men’s hair trends.
The slicked back undercut also comes in many different variations. For instance, the slick back hair on top can be short, medium or long. Short hair is low-maintenance and quick to style, but medium-length and long hair slicked back can offer flexible styling. How short or long you grow out your hair will depend on how far you want this swept back hairstyle to go.
Guys also have the option of asking their barber for different types of undercuts. The undercut is a high-contrast cut that generally starts high on the sides, and is trimmed to one length. Your barber will use hair clippers to trim, buzz or shave the desired length.
You can get a traditional undercut, disconnected undercut, or undercut fade. The disconnected undercut haircut maximizes contrast with a hard part between the hair on top and sides. Conversely, the undercut fade blends the tapered sides.
Much like a slick back fade, the undercut can be combined with a high, mid or low fade.
The slick back undercut also looks good with a beard. Manly and hot, the undercut and beard complement each other for a masculine yet classy men’s style.
How To Cut The Slicked Back Undercut
If you’re a fan of the slicked back undercut and want to get the hairstyle, you’ll need to start with the right cut. To get the undercut, you’ll need to tell your barber how short and high you want the cut to go. Because the undercut haircut is trimmed with a single hair clipper number, the cut basically looks like a buzz cut on the sides and back.
However, if you prefer to taper the sides and blend your hair, ask your stylist for an undercut fade. Essentially, the slick back undercut fade requires the very same haircut and way of styling.
Guys can then tailor the edgy look with a line up to clean up the hairline and a shaved hard part between the sides and top to accentuate the cut.
To do a slicked back, you’ll need at least 3 inches of hair on top. Let your hair grow out to allow for a layered cut. While short hair is easier to style, a long hair slicked back undercut is the more distinct and popular version.
A layered haircut that thins out the top can be perfect for slicking back thick hair. Meanwhile, if you have thin hair or a receding hairline, allow for 4 to 6 inches for better coverage and a fuller look. You’ll need to invest in a good hair product, like wax or clay, for a matte, textured finish that will give your hair a thicker feel.
Ultimately, slicked back hair is super versatile, and can be applied to a variety of men’s haircuts, hair types, and face shapes.
How To Style Slicked Back Hair
Now that you have your undercut, it’s time to learn how to style slicked back hair. In fact, by consistently styling a swept back hairstyle, you’ll be able to train your hair to slick back naturally.
Historically, the best hair product for the slicked back undercut is pomade. If you have thick hair, you’ll absolutely need a high-hold, strong pomade to pull your hair back and keep it styled and in place all day.
Nevertheless, if you want a textured slick back undercut, a good wax, clay or hair cream can help you comb your hair back and give the hairstyle a natural finish.
To do a slicked back undercut, start with towel-dried, slightly moist hair after a warm shower. Use your favorite styling product, rub it between your hands to warm it up, and apply it through your hair. Now comb your hair straight back.
For a classic slick back hairstyle, sweep your hair back until it is flat and has no volume. Otherwise, modern slicked back hair requires a lighter touch with some volume, height and flow.
Finish with a coat of pomade on the top of your hair. Guys can leave their hair brushed back and sleek or run their fingers through for a little messy swept back style.
Best Slick Back Undercut Hairstyles
Although the slick back undercut is a style of its own, there are a few different variations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about a swept back hairstyle for yourself. From short to long slicked back hair and classic to modern undercut styles, here are the best ways to wear a slick back undercut hairstyle.
Modern Slick Back
The modern slick back consists of hair that is combed and pulled back with volume. The new slicked back undercut hairstyle is loose, casual and dashing. The styling can easily be transformed to incorporate a comb over, side part, or quiff.
To style this modern version, you’ll need a light to medium hold hair product. If you have especially thick hair, apply a high hold product. The goal is to brush back your hair with your hands and fingers, keeping the strands separated and natural-looking. Simply put, you’re just sweeping your hair back as opposed to the very traditional slick look.
As men’s hair trends have skewed towards texture and flow, we recommend a low-shine or matte finish pomade, wax or clay.
Classic Slick Back
The classic slick back is the true American version of this retro hairstyle. Originally styled by gangsters and bad boys, traditional slicked back hair is combed flat, with no volume, and blends directly into the scalp.
While the classic slick back undercut required an oil-based pomade, you can still recreate the look with a strong, shiny styling product. With a good, high-shine pomade, guys can style the perfect greaser hairstyle.
Long Slicked Back Undercut Hairstyle
Long slicked back hair is a popular hairstyle for men. The long hair slicked back undercut is stylish and fashionable, especially when paired with a full, thick beard. Easy and simple to achieve, slicking back long hair with an undercut on the sides can be one of the best ways to manage and control unruly hair.
While long undercut hairstyles may require more maintenance and time to style in the mornings, the benefit is that they are versatile. Guys can slick their hair back or to the side, brush it up and back or pull it forward and down. The styling options are limitless.
Short Slicked Back Undercut Hairstyle
If you have a short haircut, short slicked back hair can also work. With shorter hair on top, men will need to get a very short undercut haircut on the sides to get the proper contrast. This is where an bald undercut fade that blends into the skin might become necessary.
Textured Slick Back Undercut
The textured slick back undercut is one of the best hairstyles for men and a top hair trend for the year. The textured brush back offers volume and movement, allowing guys to style a thicker, fuller look. This can be particularly good for men with thinning hair, bald spots, or receding hairlines.
To get a textured slick back, use a high-quality matte pomade, wax, or clay. Hair products with beeswax, fibers, or clay ingredients can help thicken the appearance of hair strands.
For the best textured undercut hairstyle, we recommend you style the men’s slicked back a little messy for a more natural finish. You can even add some height at the front of your head. You can also have a few pieces of hair fall off the sides of your undercut.
Brushed Back Undercut
Finally, the brushed back undercut falls into a category of its own since it tends to have more height in the front than your standard slick back. This combed back hairstyle is ideal for men who have very thick or wavy hair that makes it difficult for them to achieve the flatter, straighter styles found above.
To sweep your hair back, apply a styling cream or light mousse, then brush your thick hair back and leave a little volume just above the forehead. This style pairs exceptionally well with full facial hair.
Slicked Back Undercut Fade
The slicked back undercut fade is definitely one of the most popular haircut variations of this unique style. The undercut fade offers the middle ground between a slick back hair fade and undercut with a taper of the hair on the sides and back.
The end result is an undercut slick back fade that is blended, fresh and clean cut. If the high-contrast undercut is too edgy and defined for you, then consider this ultra dapper twist.
Shaved Sides Slicked Back Hair
Shaved sides with slicked back hair can give men a super short version of the undercut hairstyle. Because undercut styles are cut all one-length, it would be easy to ask your barber to simply shave your sides and back with a number 0 clipper guard.
Men’s shaved sides hairstyles are hot and rebellious, so consider the look if you want to maximize contrast.
Hair Products For The Slicked Back Undercut
Pomade
Pomade is the most popular hair styling product for modern men. There are several formulations, including water-based formulas with a high or low hold and sleek to low shine or matte finish. The most reputable pomade brands on the market right now include Suavecito, Layrite, Baxter of California, Uppercut Deluxe, Imperial Barber, Smooth Viking and Reuzel.
Wax and Clay
If you want natural, textured slicked back hair, styling wax or clay might be the perfect choice to achieve the look. These products can be great for guys with thinning hair because ingredients like beeswax add thickness for a fuller style. We highly recommend top-rated products like TIGI Bed Head’s Matte Separation Workable Wax and Smooth Viking’s Styling Clay.
Styling Cream
Styling cream can help slick back your hair if you want a loose, flowing hairstyle. The best hair creams for men can help you control and style your look while avoiding any stiffness or hardness. In effect, a good hair cream will maximize volume and movement for a relaxed finish.
Hair Gel
If you want a shiny finish, hair gel may be the right product for you. The best styling gels for men no longer use alcohol and certainly don’t make your hair stiff. Instead, a high-quality gel offers a high-shine, strong hold solution. If you plan to use gel for a slick back, don’t cheap out and make sure you use a top brand.
Mousse
If you’re a guy with thin or fine hair, mousse may be an excellent option for you. While hair mousse for men offers many of the same benefits as styling cream, mousse foam can be easier to use and apply on thick hair. Get a mousse with a good hold and soft finish for a touchable style.
