I’m Hakan, a men’s grooming specialist with over a decade working behind the chair and styling shoots, campaigns and everyday clients. The slickback is one of the most versatile looks in a man’s playbook — it can read classic and refined, rugged and textured, or sharp and modern depending on cut, product and finishing technique. In this guide I showcase 24 images that demonstrate variations for different hair lengths, textures and face shapes. Slickbacks suit oval and square faces best but can be adapted for round or receding hairlines with the right fade and volume. Practical tips: choose water-based pomade or medium-hold wax for shine and control, blow-dry for lift at the roots, and use a wide-tooth comb for textured finishes or a fine-tooth comb for a polished look. Read on for styling steps, product picks and barber instructions so you can nail the slickback at home or in the salon.
Modern Textured Slick Back with Tapered Sides
This clean, textured slick-back with tapered sides suits oval, square and oblong face shapes and can add height to round faces for better balance. The cut keeps length on top (about 2–4 inches) with a short, tapered back and sides for a polished silhouette. Styling technique: towel-dry hair then apply a small amount of pre-styler (sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse) at the roots. Use a blow dryer and a medium round or vent brush to lift the front and sweep hair back, finishing with a wide-tooth comb to create separation and natural texture. Work a pea-sized amount of matte pomade, clay or styling cream through hair—focus on roots for hold and ends for definition—and lock with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer, round/vent brush, comb. Products: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte pomade/clay/cream, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—requires basic blow-drying technique; request tapered shaping from your barber. Maintenance: trims every 3–5 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, clarify monthly and avoid product buildup for easy daily restyling.
Textured Pompadour with Tapered Sides — Mens Voluminous Quiff
A modern textured pompadour with short tapered sides creates height and a clean silhouette ideal for medium to thick hair. Face-shape suitability: best on oval, square and heart-shaped faces where added top volume balances proportions; men with round faces can wear it if height is emphasized and sides are kept tight. Styling technique: towel-dry hair, apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing spray at the roots. Blow-dry using a round brush or vent brush while lifting at the crown to build volume, then comb the front back and slightly to the side for the pompadour shape. Work a pea-sized amount of matte pomade or styling clay through mid-lengths and ends to define texture, smoothing the sides with a comb. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to lock height. Tools needed: hairdryer, round/vent brush, comb, and regular barber clippers for the taper. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing spray, matte pomade or clay, light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance: trim every 3–5 weeks to keep the taper, condition weekly, avoid heavy buildup, and refresh with water and a small amount of product between washes.
Textured Slick-Back with Tapered Sides — Modern Mens Haircut
Clean, textured slick-back with short tapered sides that blends a classic pompadour shape into a modern mens haircut. Suitability: Flattering on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces; the added height helps lengthen round faces but avoid if you have a very high forehead or advanced receding hairline. Technique: Start with towel-dried hair and apply a light pre-styler (sea-salt spray or leave-in cream). Blow-dry the hair back using a medium vent brush or wide-tooth comb to create lift at the front. Work a pea-sized amount of medium-hold pomade or matte paste evenly through roots to tips, then comb or brush back to set the shape; for more texture, use fingers to break up the finish. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray for lasting hold without stiffness. Tools needed: blow dryer, vent brush or comb, fine-tooth comb for finishing, and regular barber visits for the cut. Products required: pre-styler, medium-hold pomade or matte clay, and flexible hairspray. Difficulty: Moderate — about 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance tips: trim the taper every 3–5 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, and use a clarifying wash monthly to remove product buildup.
Classic Side-Part Pompadour — Slicked-Back Mens Hairstyle
This refined side-part pompadour is ideal for oval, square and heart-shaped faces — it adds height at the crown and defines the jawline. Men with round faces can still wear a toned-down version by reducing volume at the top and keeping the sides tighter. To style, towel-dry hair to damp, create a clean side part, then blow-dry using a round brush or vent brush to lift the front and sweep the top back. Use a fine-tooth comb to set the part and shape the sides. Tools needed: hairdryer, round or vent brush, fine-tooth comb, and clippers for maintenance. Recommended products: a water-based pomade or medium-hold cream for controlled shine, matte paste for a more natural finish, a light pre-styling spray or volumizing mousse, and a light hold hairspray to lock the shape. Difficulty: moderate — requires practice with blow-drying and product control. Maintenance tips: schedule a trim every 3–5 weeks to keep the side taper sharp, shampoo 2–3 times weekly, use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to avoid product buildup, and refresh daily with a small amount of water and restyle as needed.
Modern Textured Pompadour with Short Sides
Suitable for oval, square and heart-shaped faces, this modern textured pompadour pairs volume on top with short, tapered sides to emphasize the jawline and cheekbones. Start with towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing spray or mousse at the roots, then blow-dry while lifting the hair with a round brush or your fingers to build height. Use a comb to shape the front into a subtle quiff or slick it back for a cleaner finish. Tools: blow dryer, vent or round brush, fine-tooth comb, and clippers for side maintenance. Products: root lifter or sea-salt spray, matte clay or medium-hold pomade for texture, and a light-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires 5–10 minutes daily styling and occasional barber skill for the shape. Maintenance: ask your barber for 3–4 week tapered sides and 6–8 week scissor work on top, shampoo 2–3 times weekly depending on oiliness, and refresh style with small amounts of product to avoid buildup. For finer hair, keep slightly longer length on top; coarse hair benefits from stronger-hold products.
Textured Voluminous Quiff for Men — Modern Messy Pompadour
This textured voluminous quiff suits oval, square, diamond and oblong face shapes — the height at the front lengthens the face while tapered sides sharpen the jawline. For round faces, keep the sides tighter to create contrast. Start with towel-dried, slightly damp hair. Apply a lightweight pre-styler (sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse) through roots and mid-lengths. Blow-dry using your fingers or a round brush, lifting at the roots and directing hair back and slightly up to build volume. Warm a pea-size amount of matte clay or low-shine pomade between palms and work from the back forward, sculpting the quiff with your fingers for separation and movement. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to lock shape without stiffness. Tools: hairdryer with nozzle, round or vent brush, wide-tooth comb, and a small styling mirror for the back. Products: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/pomade, light hairspray, conditioner. Difficulty: medium — 5/10, about 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape, shampoo 2–3× weekly, condition regularly, and refresh with water or texture spray between washes.
Classic Slicked-Back Men’s Hairstyle — Tapered Sides with Wet-Look Finish
This slicked-back style suits oval, square and longer rectangular face shapes best — it lengthens the face while keeping a clean jawline. Ideal for straight to slightly wavy, medium-to-thick hair; very fine or tight curls will need texturizing or a different approach. To style: start with towel-dried hair, apply a dime-to-nickel sized amount of medium-to-strong hold pomade or styling cream (choose high-shine for a wet look or matte paste for a modern finish). Use a fine-tooth comb to comb the hair straight back from the forehead, or a boar-bristle brush for a smoother lay; use a hairdryer on low heat if you need extra volume at the root. Tools needed: barber scissors/clipper for tapered sides, fine-tooth comb, boar-bristle brush, blow dryer. Products required: pomade or styling cream, light hairspray to lock shape, clarifying shampoo for buildup removal. Difficulty: easy to moderate — the cut makes daily styling straightforward but requires practice for a neat finish. Maintenance tips: trim sides every 3–5 weeks, avoid heavy product buildup by washing with clarifying shampoo weekly, and scale product quantity to hair thickness to keep movement without flattening.
Tapered Slick-Back Pompadour for Men
A modern tapered slick-back pompadour pairs short, faded sides with a longer, swept-top for a clean, professional look. Best suited to oval, square and rectangular face shapes—these proportions add height and structure; men with round faces can still wear it by reducing top volume. Styling technique: towel-dry hair to damp, apply a light pre-styler (volumizing spray or sea-salt mist), then blow-dry using a vent or round brush while directing hair back and slightly upward to build lift at the front. Work a pea-to-nickel sized amount of medium-hold matte pomade or styling clay between palms, distribute from roots to tips and finish with a fine-tooth comb for a smooth, controlled finish. Tools needed: hairdryer, round or vent brush, fine-tooth comb and clippers for at-home touch-ups. Products required: volumizing spray or pre-styler, heat protectant, medium-hold pomade/clay, and optional light hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — takes 5–10 minutes daily and some practice to master direction and volume. Maintenance tips: trim every 3–5 weeks to maintain taper, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, clear product buildup regularly and use heat protection to preserve hair health.
Slicked-Back Taper with Side Part — Mens Classic Pomade Hairstyle
This modern slicked-back taper features short, clipped sides with a longer top swept back and defined by a subtle side part. Best suited for oval and square faces, it also flatters oblong shapes by shortening perceived length; men with round faces can adapt it by adding more height at the crown. Avoid if you have a very receding hairline unless you prefer a looser, textured version. To style: start with towel-dried hair, apply a dime-to-quarter-sized amount of water-based pomade or grooming cream, and comb the top back while defining the part. Use a blow dryer on medium heat with a fine-tooth comb or vent brush for added lift and hold. Tools needed: clippers for the tapered sides (or a barber), fine-tooth comb, blow dryer, and a vent or round brush. Products required: pre-styling cream or light mousse (optional), water-based pomade or medium-hold gel, and a light hairspray for all-day hold. Difficulty: easy to moderate — achievable at home but cleaner when maintained by a barber. Maintenance tips: trim the sides every 3–5 weeks, condition regularly to prevent product build-up, and wash out pomade thoroughly to maintain scalp health.
Textured Slick-Back Hairstyle for Men — Modern Classic with Volume
This textured slick-back pairs a longer top with neatly tapered sides for a refined yet modern look. It suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces best and can help balance longer (oblong) faces when you keep some volume and side texture. To style: start with towel-damped hair, apply a light sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse for lift, then blow-dry while combing the top back with a round brush to build shape. Work a dime-to-nickel sized amount of water-based pomade or medium-hold matte clay through the hair with your fingers, then smooth with a fine-tooth comb to set the slick back; use fingers to break the top slightly for textured movement. Tools: blow dryer, round brush (or vent brush), fine-tooth comb, and clippers/trimmer for tidy sides. Products: sea-salt spray or mousse, medium-hold pomade or matte clay, and light hairspray for longevity. Difficulty: moderate — needs basic blow-drying and product control. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–5 weeks, use a clarifying shampoo weekly to avoid buildup, and refresh daily with a light spritz of water and a dab of product to revive shape.
Slicked-Back Pompadour with Tapered Sides
This clean, modern slicked-back pompadour with tapered sides flatters oval, square and rectangular face shapes by emphasizing height and a strong jawline. It can also help elongate round faces when you maintain volume on top; it’s less suited to very fine or severely thinning hair without extensions or thickening treatments. Start with towel-dried hair, apply a volumizing pre-styler or sea-salt spray, then blow-dry while directing hair back and up using a round or vent brush for lift at the front. Work a small amount of medium-hold matte paste or clay between your palms, emulsify, and run through roots to ends; use a fine-tooth or tail comb to refine the shape. For more shine, substitute a light pomade and finish with a light hold hairspray to lock the look. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round/vent brush, fine-tooth comb, clippers/scissors for trims. Products: volumizing pre-styler, medium-hold paste or pomade, light hairspray, clarifying shampoo as needed. Difficulty: medium — 5–10 minutes daily with basic blow-drying skill. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–4 weeks, top every 6–8 weeks, avoid buildup with regular washes and refresh with dry shampoo between washes.
Textured Slick-Back with Tapered Sides — Mens Medium-Length Hairstyle
This textured slick-back with tapered sides works best for oval, square, rectangular and heart-shaped faces — it adds height and structure while keeping the temples clean. Men with round faces can wear a modified version with extra volume at the crown to elongate the face. To style: start with towel‑dried hair, apply a light pre-styling product (sea‑salt spray or heat protectant), then blow‑dry using a comb or round brush to direct hair back while building lift at the roots. Work a pea‑to‑nickel sized amount of matte pomade or styling cream through the hair with fingertips, then refine the shape with a fine-tooth comb for a neat, textured finish. Tools needed: hairdryer, round brush or wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, and regular scissors for maintenance. Products required: pre-styler (sea salt or spray), heat protectant, matte pomade/wax or lightweight cream, and optional light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — about 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance tips: trim the taper every 4–6 weeks, use conditioner to keep texture soft, clarify weekly to remove build-up, and avoid overloading with heavy products to preserve natural movement.
Sleek Slicked-Back Pompadour for Men with Tapered Sides
This polished, wet-look slicked-back pompadour suits oval, square and rectangular faces best — it adds height and defines the jawline; men with heart shapes can also wear it, while very round faces may want more volume at the crown and shorter sides to create angularity. Start with towel-damp hair at medium length on top (3–5 inches) and shorter, tapered sides. Work a light heat-protectant and a volumizing sea-salt spray through the roots, then blow-dry back with a vent or round brush to build lift. Use a fine-tooth comb to shape the hair back and a small amount of water-based pomade or medium- to high-hold cream for a slick, reworkable finish; for a drier texture swap pomade for matte paste. Tools needed: hairdryer, vent or round brush, tail comb and a mirror. Difficulty: medium — basic blow-dry skills help achieve clean height and shape. Maintenance: trim every 3–6 weeks to keep the tapered sides sharp, use a clarifying shampoo weekly if you use heavy product, and reapply small amounts of product to refresh the look during the day.
Mens Textured Pompadour with Tapered Skin Fade
This modern textured pompadour with a tapered skin fade creates height and clean lines, making it ideal for oval, diamond, and heart-shaped faces; it also helps elongate round faces when you keep more volume on top. Styling technique: start with towel-dried hair, apply a light heat-protectant and volumizing spray, then blow-dry using a round brush to lift the front and direct hair back. Use a comb or fingers to create texture and separation, finishing by working a pea-sized amount of matte clay or pomade through the mid-lengths and tips for hold and definition. Tools needed: hair dryer, medium round brush, fine-tooth comb, and a pair of hair clips for sectioning. Products required: heat protectant/volumizer, matte clay or low-shine pomade, optional sea-salt spray for extra texture, and light-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — basic blow-dry skills and product control are needed. Maintenance tips: get a clean-up of the fade every 3–5 weeks, trim the top as needed to preserve shape, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, and restyle each morning with a small amount of product or water to revive volume.
Textured Side-Swept Pompadour with Tapered Sides
Suitable for oval, square and heart-shaped faces, this textured side-swept pompadour adds height and strong cheek definition; it also flatters round faces by creating vertical lift. Best on straight to wavy medium-thick hair — fine hair can work with volumizing products, while very curly hair will require straightening. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a small amount of sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry using a round or vent brush to lift the front and sweep hair back and slightly to the side. Use fingers to separate and define texture. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte clay or medium-hold pomade through the mid-lengths and ends for pliable hold and separation, and set with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer, round/vent brush, wide-tooth comb (for product distribution) and fingers or a small styling brush. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic blow-drying skill. Maintenance tips: trim sides and back every 3–5 weeks to maintain the taper, shampoo 2–3× weekly with conditioner, clarify monthly to remove buildup, and restyle daily for best shape.
Classic Slicked-Back Taper — Modern Mens Hairstyle
This slicked-back taper pairs short, blended sides with a longer top for a clean, versatile look. It flatters oval, square and heart-shaped faces by emphasizing strong cheekbones and jawlines; men with round faces can adapt it by adding extra height at the front to elongate the face. Best for medium to thick, straight or slightly wavy hair. Styling technique: start with towel‑damped hair, apply a small amount of pre-styler (sea salt or volumizing spray) if extra lift is needed. Work a pea-sized amount of pomade or styling cream through the top, then blow‑dry while combing hair back from the forehead to the crown to set volume and shape. Finish with a fine-tooth comb for sleek lines. Tools needed: hair dryer, vent or round brush, fine-tooth comb and clippers for upkeep. Products required: pre-styler (optional), medium-hold pomade or matte paste, and light hairspray for hold. Difficulty: moderate — daily styling takes 5–10 minutes and some practice to perfect the comb-back symmetry. Maintenance: get side tapers trimmed every 3–4 weeks, top trimmed every 6–8 weeks, wash/condition regularly and avoid excess product buildup with periodic clarifying shampoo.
Textured Pompadour for Men with Tapered Sides
This textured pompadour-slick back combines volume on top with tapered sides for a clean, contemporary look. It flatters oval and square faces particularly well, adds height to round faces, and softens longer/heart-shaped profiles when kept slightly undone. Start with towel‑dried, slightly damp hair. Apply a heat protectant and a volumizing spray or mousse at the roots. Use a hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle and a medium round brush or vent brush to lift the hair at the crown while directing the strands backward for shape. Work a pea‑sized amount of matte clay or medium-hold pomade between your palms, warm it up, then run through hair from back to front and shape with a comb or fingers to create texture and separation. Finish with a light hold hairspray for longer wear. Tools needed: hairdryer, round or vent brush, comb, and clean towel. Products: heat protectant, volumizer or sea salt spray, matte clay/pomade, and light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — takes 5–10 minutes and some practice. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–5 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly to avoid buildup, and refresh daily with a small amount of product or water and rework with fingers.
Modern Textured Pompadour for Men with Natural Volume and Short Sides
This medium-length textured pompadour suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces best — the height and flow add length for round faces but are less flattering if you already have a very long face. It works ideally on medium to thick, straight or slightly wavy hair; fine hair can still benefit from volumizing products and powder. To style: towel-dry to damp, apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray at the roots. Blow-dry with a round brush or vent brush, lifting at the crown and sweeping the hair back to create height and separation. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of medium-hold matte pomade or styling cream through the ends with your fingers for texture and light shine; lock with a light mist of flexible hairspray if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, wide-tooth comb, and fingers for final shaping. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic blow-dry technique. Maintenance: trim every 3–5 weeks to keep the sides tidy and crown controlled, condition regularly to preserve shine, avoid heavy product buildup, and use occasional deep-conditioning masks for hair health.
Textured Slick-Back for Men — Medium-Length Top with Tapered Sides
A modern textured slick-back pairs a medium-length top with subtly tapered sides to create polished volume and natural movement. Suitability: ideal for oval, square and diamond face shapes; adding height on top helps balance round faces. Best on medium to thick hair with natural wave or slight curl; fine hair can work with volumizing pre-styling. Styling technique: towel-dry hair to damp, mist a sea‑salt or volumizing spray through the top, then blow-dry back using a round or vent brush and a concentrator nozzle to build lift at the roots. Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to define the waves before applying product. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush (or vent brush), wide-tooth comb and your fingers. Products required: lightweight pre-styler (sea-salt/volumizer), medium-hold water-based pomade or styling cream for control and sheen, optional matte clay for a more textured finish, and a light hairspray to set. Difficulty level: moderate — 6–10 minutes daily with some heat styling. Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to maintain the taper, use conditioner to prevent frizz, clarify monthly to remove buildup, and refresh shape by reworking product with damp hands rather than piling more product on.
Textured Side-Part Pompadour with Low Taper Fade
This modern side-part pompadour pairs height and texture on top with a neat low taper at the sides — a versatile look that flatters oval, square, diamond and heart-shaped faces and can visually lengthen round faces. Technique: start with towel‑dried, slightly damp hair. Apply a light pre-styling product (sea‑salt spray or volumizing mousse), then blow‑dry using a round brush or vent brush while lifting the front and directing hair into a clear side part. Create the part with a fine-tooth comb, then work a pea-sized amount of medium‑hold matte clay or pomade through the top, sculpting volume with fingers or a comb. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray for hold without stiffness. Tools needed: hair dryer, round or vent brush, fine-tooth comb, and clippers for at-home touchups. Products required: pre-styler (mousse/salt spray), medium-hold matte clay/pomade, optional shine serum and light hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — requires basic blow-dry skill and daily shaping. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–5 weeks, keep top length between 2–4 inches for best shape, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with regular conditioning to avoid product buildup.
Mens Slicked-Back Taper — Classic Sleek Back Hairstyle
A modern slicked-back taper that delivers a polished, controlled look. Best suited to oval, square and oblong face shapes — it emphasizes strong jawlines and adds height for rounder faces when you build a bit of volume. To style: towel-dry hair until slightly damp, apply a pea-sized amount of water-based pomade or styling cream through your palms and distribute evenly from hairline to crown. Use a fine-tooth comb to sweep the hair back; for lift, blow-dry while combing with a vent or round brush and direct hair toward the crown. Finish with a light mist of medium-hold hairspray or a touch more pomade for a wet sheen. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, blow dryer, vent/round brush and optional clips. Products required: water-based pomade or cream, optional pre-styler (sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse) and finishing hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — straightforward steps, but achieving a flawless, even finish takes practice. Maintenance: trim sides and neckline every 3–5 weeks, clarify weekly to prevent buildup, use minimal product to avoid greasiness and refresh with a damp comb-through in the morning.
Classic Slicked-Back Taper — Mens Wet-Look Backcombed Style
A medium-length slicked-back taper that balances a polished wet-look with natural movement. Face-shape suitability: works best on oval, square and heart-shaped faces; adding height at the crown helps elongate round faces. Those with very fine or thinning hair should use volumizing pre-styling products or opt for a shorter version. Styling technique: start with towel‑damped hair, apply a dime-to-quarter-sized amount of product evenly through roots to ends, then blow-dry while combing back to set shape and build volume at the crown. Finish by smoothing with a fine-tooth comb or fingers for a softer texture. Tools needed: hairdryer, vent or round brush for lift, fine-tooth comb for finishing, and a wide-tooth comb or fingers for initial shaping. Products required: water‑based pomade or styling cream for shine and control (or matte clay for a less glossy finish), optional pre-styling spray or sea-salt spray for texture, and a light hairspray to lock the look. Difficulty level: moderate — straightforward but requires timing with damp hair and product control. Maintenance tips: get tapered trims every 3–6 weeks, use clarifying shampoo weekly to remove buildup, condition regularly, and refresh daily with a small amount of product or a spritz of water.
Classic Slicked-Back Men’s Hairstyle with Low Taper (Slick Back)
This classic slicked-back style suits oval, square and rectangular face shapes best—its clean lines lengthen the profile and emphasize a strong jawline. For round faces, keep more height at the crown to avoid widening. Start with towel‑dried hair: warm a pea‑sized amount of high‑hold pomade or gel between your palms and distribute from mid-length to ends, then use a fine‑tooth comb to brush hair straight back. For added volume, blow‑dry while combing back with a vent brush before product. Tools needed: fine‑tooth comb, vent/round brush, hairdryer and regular barber scissors/clippers for the cut. Products required: high‑shine pomade or firm gel for the wet look, matte paste alternative if you prefer texture, and a light hairspray for all‑day hold. Difficulty level: easy to moderate for daily styling; achieving the precise tapered sides requires a professional barber. Maintenance tips: get a trim every 3–4 weeks to keep the taper sharp, use clarifying shampoo weekly to remove product build‑up, condition regularly, and start with small product amounts—add as needed to avoid weighing hair down.
Textured Medium-Length Back-Swept Hairstyle for Men
This textured, back-swept look suits men with wavy to straight medium-thick hair and flatters oval, square and heart-shaped faces by adding width at the top and length at the jaw. For finer hair, use volumizing pre-styling; very tight curls will need longer length or a different cut. Styling technique: towel-dry hair until damp, mist a sea-salt spray or lightweight mousse through the lengths, then blow-dry using your fingers or a medium round brush to lift at the roots and push hair back. Work a dime-to-nickel amount of matte paste or cream through from mid-length to tips to create separation and natural hold; twist small sections for added texture and finish with a light-hold hairspray or sea-spray for movement. Tools needed: blow dryer (with diffuser or concentrator), medium round brush or wide-tooth comb, and your fingers for shaping. Products required: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte paste/clay, lightweight hairspray, and a weekly conditioner or leave-in. Difficulty: moderate — quick once practiced. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep shape, avoid daily heavy washing, and condition regularly to preserve shine and texture.
The slickback remains a timeless option because it’s adaptable — the right cut, product and daily routine will make it work for virtually any man. My best practice: consult your barber about proportions (length on top versus sides), bring reference images (use the 24 examples in this post), and choose a product that matches your texture: water-based pomade for shine and ease, clay or matte paste for texture, and a light hairspray for hold without stiffness. For thinning hair, keep volume at the front and softer sides; for thick hair, ask for layering to remove bulk. Invest 3–5 minutes each morning: blow-dry for direction, apply a pea-to-nickel sized amount of product, comb or rake through, and finish. If you’re unsure, book a styling session with your barber — little adjustments make a big difference. Style confidently. — Hakan
