Slick-back

The slick back hairstyle is a classic symbol of male elegance and impeccable styling, emphasizing decisiveness, refinement, and masculinity. It consists of smooth, neatly combed-back hair that creates an impression of flawless restraint and confidence. The slick back is an integral part of male style and the embodiment of a classic look.

Here are the key stages in the development of this hairstyle:

• Early 20th century: The Gentleman’s Style
  The slick back hairstyle emerged in the early 1910s-1920s, during a time when the gentleman’s style was dominating men’s fashion. At that time, men began actively using hair products such as gels or pomades to comb their hair back and achieve a sleek, shiny look.

  The slick back became popular due to its understated elegance. It was a style that emphasized respectability and confidence. It was especially common among the financial and cultural elite, as well as in the worlds of fashion and cinema.

• 1920-1930s: The Golden Age of Hollywood
  In the 1920s-1930s, the slick back gained even more popularity thanks to Hollywood. Stylists of the time began actively working on creating looks for movie stars, and the slick back became the signature style of many actors. One of the most famous wearers of this style was Harry Morgan, an actor of that era, whose hair was always neatly combed back. The hairstyle became a symbol of elegance and masculinity.

   

• 1950s: Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Iconic Figure of Elvis Presley
  In the 1950s, the slick back experienced another surge in popularity with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll and its iconic figures, such as Elvis Presley. Elvis’s style, with his smooth, slicked-back hair, became iconic for an entire era. The slick back gained a new context — it was now associated with youth culture, boldness, and energy. This was a time when rock stars and young people, eager to look bold and stylish, actively adopted this hairstyle.

  Elvis not only popularized the slick back among young people, but also made it a key part of his persona, which added to his special charisma. His hairstyle became a symbol of how a man could look both elegant and rebellious at the same time.

 


• 1960s: Influence on Youth Subcultures
  In the 1960s, despite many young people opting for longer, more informal styles, the slick back did not disappear. It remained popular among those who wanted to look more “official” or elegant. At the same time, the slick back became popular among various subcultures that sought to combine style and protest, such as the mods in Britain, who wore it with sharp suits and coats.

 

• 1980s-1990s: Modernization and Changes in Fashion
  In the 1980s-1990s, the slick back underwent some changes, becoming part of the general “retro” trend and a return to 1950s style. This period was marked by more expressive versions of the hairstyle, using gels and waxes that allowed for even shinier and sleeker variations of the slick back.

  However, this period also saw a blending of styles, and the slick back was no longer as strict and defined as it had been in earlier decades.

 

• The Present: The Revival of Classic Style
  In the 2000s, the slick back underwent a full revival. From young men to sports and movie stars, many people started choosing this hairstyle again, looking back to classic style icons like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. Modern versions of the slick back are often combined with other styles — such as undercuts or fades, where the sides are shaved or trimmed short, while the top section of the hair remains longer and slicked back.

   
  Styling techniques have also changed — now, various gels, waxes, pastes, and even pomades are used to achieve a more natural, yet still stylish look.

Step-by-step Guide for Styling a Slick Back:

• 1.Hair Preparation
  • Shampoo and condition your hair: Start by washing your hair with shampoo. Use conditioner to keep your hair moisturized but not heavy. Apply conditioner only to the ends to avoid weighing down the roots. Our Scissor Hands shampoo and conditioner duo is perfect for this.
• 2. Drying
  • Volumizing cream: If you have thin hair, use a volumizing product first, such as Poison hair styling balm, to add lift at the roots.
  • Blow-drying: Use a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle and a comb. Start drying from the front of your head, creating volume at the crown, and gradually move towards the back. Tilt your head downward to lift the hair from the roots.



• 3. Fixing
  • Apply styling product:Once your hair is dry, use either gel or pomade. The choice of product depends on the look you want to achieve:
  o Raze Gel will provide strong hold and a very smooth look..
  o Fury Pomade -will create a more natural effect, adding texture with lighter hold.
• • Apply a small amount of product to your fingers (start with a small amount to avoid using too much) and evenly distribute it through the hair, starting from the back of your head to the hairline.
  • Important: Don’t apply too much product, as it could make your hair heavy and greasy. Gradually add more if needed.

Summary:

The hairstyle chosen by stylish and confident men, the slick back, looks both classic and modern, and is suitable for any occasion — from business meetings to formal events. It creates an image that is associated with charisma, intellect, and elegance, making every wearer of this hairstyle a true icon of style.