The slick back undercut is a bold and modern hairstyle that combines the sleekness of a slicked-back look with the edgy contrast of an undercut. This style has gained popularity for its sharp, clean lines and versatility. It’s perfect for men who want a hairstyle that offers a polished and structured look while still maintaining a bit of an edge. Whether you’re looking for a clean-cut, professional appearance or a more daring, edgy look, the slick back undercut offers the best of both worlds.
In this guide, we’ll explore what the slick back undercut is, why it’s so popular, how to achieve it, and how to style and maintain it for the perfect look.
The slick back undercut is a modern, versatile hairstyle that combines a clean slicked-back look with the edgy contrast of an undercut. Here’s how to achieve and style this bold cut.
What is a Slick Back Undercut?
A slick back undercut is a hairstyle that features short sides and back, often achieved through an undercut technique, where the hair on the sides and back is shaved or clipped short, while the hair on top remains longer. The longer hair on top is then styled back, often using a comb or fingers to create a sleek, polished look. The undercut adds a sharp contrast between the longer hair on top and the short sides, giving the hairstyle an edgy, modern feel.
This style can be customized to suit different lengths on top, from medium-length hair to longer styles, depending on your preference. It’s a classic yet contemporary style that works for a variety of occasions, from professional settings to casual outings.
Why Choose a Slick Back Undercut?
The slick back undercut offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for men:
- Bold and Modern: The slick back undercut combines two distinct elements—the sleek, controlled look of a slicked-back style and the edgy, sharp contrast of an undercut. This makes it a bold, fashionable choice for those looking to stand out.
- Versatile Styling Options: The slick back undercut can be styled in various ways, from a more polished, professional look to a more textured, relaxed style. It can also be paired with different beard styles for added contrast and definition.
- Suitable for Various Face Shapes: The sharp lines of the undercut and the volume on top work well with many different face shapes, from oval and square faces to round and diamond faces.
- Low Maintenance on the Sides: The undercut portion of the style is low-maintenance, as the sides and back are clipped short, reducing the amount of upkeep compared to longer styles. Regular trims to keep the undercut sharp are all that’s needed.
How to Achieve the Perfect Slick Back Undercut
To achieve the perfect slick back undercut, follow these steps:
Choose the Length of the Top
- The first step is deciding how long you want the hair on top to be. The slick back undercut works well with both medium-length hair and long hair. The longer the hair on top, the more dramatic the contrast with the undercut will be.
- Typically, the hair on top should be at least 2-3 inches long to achieve the sleek, combed-back look.
Get the Undercut
- The next step is to create the undercut on the sides and back. The sides are clipped or shaved very short, while the back can either be tapered or kept blunt, depending on your preference.
- The fade on the sides can be low, mid, or high, depending on how much contrast you want between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides. For a more dramatic effect, a high fade works well with the undercut, while a low fade offers a subtler look.
Style the Top
- Once the undercut is complete, the hair on top is styled back. Apply a styling gel, pomade, or wax to damp hair and use a comb or your fingers to slick the hair back. This creates a smooth, polished finish that contrasts with the short sides.
- If you prefer a more textured look, you can leave the top a bit messier, using a light hold styling cream to create more volume and movement.
Clean Up the Edges
- After the haircut is complete, use a detail trimmer or razor to clean up the edges around the hairline, ears, and neck for a crisp, sharp finish. This will give your style a more defined, clean look.
How to Style Your Slick Back Undercut
Styling the slick back undercut is simple and can be adapted to your desired level of sleekness or texture. Here are a few ideas:
Classic Slicked Back
- For a polished, formal look, use a strong-hold pomade or gel to slick the hair back. Comb the hair from front to back, ensuring that the top is sleek and smooth. The sides will naturally blend with the shorter length due to the undercut.
Textured and Casual
- For a more relaxed, textured version of the slick back undercut, use a light styling cream or texturizing spray. Instead of combing the hair flat against your head, use your fingers to create some volume and natural texture at the top. This style is great for a more laid-back vibe.
Side Parted Slick Back
- If you prefer a bit of asymmetry, you can add a side part to the top of your hair. Comb the hair over to one side and apply product to keep it in place. This adds a sophisticated edge to the classic slick back while maintaining the bold undercut on the sides.
Pompadour Style
- The slick back undercut pairs beautifully with a pompadour, which adds height and volume to the front of the hair. Use a strong-hold pomade to create volume at the front, combing the hair back and upwards to achieve that classic pompadour shape.
How to Maintain Your Slick Back Undercut
To keep your slick back undercut looking sharp, follow these maintenance tips:
- Trim Regularly: The undercut needs to be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to maintain the clean, sharp lines on the sides. The hair on top should also be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain the length.
- Use the Right Products: Apply a strong-hold pomade or gel for a sleek finish. If you prefer a more textured style, use a light hold cream or wax to add volume and definition to the top.
- Hydrate Your Hair: Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, especially if you’re using styling products regularly. A leave-in conditioner or lightweight styling cream will also help keep the hair on top in good condition.
FAQs
How often should I get the sides trimmed for a slick back undercut?
The sides of the undercut should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to maintain the sharp, clean lines of the fade.
Can I wear the slick back undercut with a beard?
Yes! The slick back undercut pairs well with a beard, adding definition to your jawline and creating a well-groomed, masculine look.
How do I style my hair for a slick back undercut without it looking too stiff?
To avoid a stiff look, use a light hold pomade or texturizing cream to keep the hair in place while maintaining natural movement and volume.
Is the slick back undercut suitable for all hair types?
Yes! The slick back undercut can be customized for straight, wavy, or curly hair. For curly hair, you may need to use more moisturizing products to manage the texture.
Does the slick back undercut require a lot of maintenance?
While the undercut requires regular trims, the slicked-back top is relatively low-maintenance as long as you keep it clean and apply the right styling products.
The slick back undercut is a timeless, bold hairstyle that combines the sleekness of a slicked-back look with the sharp contrast of an undercut. It’s perfect for men who want a clean, structured look with a modern twist. Whether you prefer a polished, formal style or a more textured, casual finish, the slick back undercut offers versatility and edge, making it a great choice for any occasion. With regular maintenance and the right products, your slick back undercut will always stay sharp, fresh, and stylish.