Top Slicked Back Fade Haircuts for Men: Modern Style Guide

Men prefer the slicked back fade for its clean and sharp look. The style combines short sides with longer hair on top, combed backward. Fades create smooth transitions between different hair lengths.

The slicked back fade mixes classic style with new elements. Barbers cut the sides and back short while keeping more length on top. You can adjust this cut to match your style and hair type.

History of Slicked Back Hairstyles

The story of slicked back hairstyles begins in the 1920s. Silent film stars like Rudolph Valentino made this look popular. Men used oil-based products to create a shiny finish.

The 1950s brought new energy to this style. Icons such as Elvis Presley and James Dean wore their hair slicked back with added volume. Their influence made the hairstyle connect with youth culture.

Business professionals adopted slicked back styles during the 1980s. The look signaled success and power in corporate settings. Characters like Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street" displayed this image.

Today's slicked back fade takes elements from each era. Modern barbers use precise fading techniques with classic styling. This mix appeals to men who want a timeless yet current appearance.

Types of Slicked Back Fade Haircuts

Classic Slicked Back Fade

The timeless version features hair combed straight back with a clean fade on the sides. Barbers cut the sides progressively shorter toward the bottom. The result creates a neat, professional look.

Men with oval or square faces benefit most from this style. The balanced proportions work well with most hair types. Styling requires medium to strong hold products applied to damp hair.

Low Fade Slicked Back

Graduated styles start the blending near the ears. The transition happens lower on the head compared to other fade types. Such options work well in conservative work settings.

The subtle nature of this cut makes it good for first-time fade wearers. The style needs less frequent maintenance than higher fades. Hair grows out more evenly with this cut.

Mid Fade Slicked Back

Temple-level haircuts begin the tapering around the temples. The design creates more contrast than a low fade but remains less dramatic than a high fade. The mid-section balance suits most face shapes.

This versatile option works in both casual and formal settings. The style shows more scalp than low fades without being too bold. Weekly touch-ups help maintain the clean lines.

High Fade Slicked Back

Crown-area styles start the tapering near the crown. The approach creates a bold look with maximum contrast between the top and sides. The style draws attention upward and shows confidence.

Men with round faces benefit from the added height this style creates. The dramatic transition needs skilled barbers to execute properly. Expect maintenance every 2-3 weeks to keep the lines sharp.

Skin Fade Slicked Back

Bare-scalp variations take sides down to the skin at their shortest point. Barbers blend from bare skin to longer hair on top. The technique creates the most striking contrast among fade options.

This bold choice suits men who want to make a statement. The style requires frequent maintenance to keep the clean look. Visit your barber every 1-2 weeks for touch-ups.

Textured Slicked Back Fade

Layered cuts add movement to the top section. Barbers cut the top hair at different lengths to create depth. The modern approach works well for thick or wavy hair.

The style looks less formal than classic slick backs. Men can achieve this look with matte finish products. The textured top provides a more casual, current appearance.

Slicked Back Undercut Fade

Disconnected styles feature a sharp contrast between the top and sides. Barbers keep the length on top while cutting sides very short. The combination creates a dramatic, edgy appearance.

This option suits men with straight, thick hair. The clean separation between sections makes a bold statement. Styling requires strong-hold products to keep hair in place.

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Face Shape

Oval Face

Balanced faces work with most slicked back fade options. The proportional features match well with various fade heights. Classic slicked back fades enhance natural symmetry.

High fades add definition to oval faces. The sharp lines complement existing features. Almost any variation suits this versatile face shape.

Round Face

Circular faces need height on top and tight sides. High fade slicked back styles create visual length. The vertical emphasis makes faces appear less circular.

Pompadour slicked back fades add extra height for better balance. Keep sides very short for maximum slimming effect. Avoid styles that add width to the sides.

Square Face

Angular faces pair well with classic slicked back fades. The clean lines highlight strong jawlines. Low and mid fades complement angular features without emphasizing them.

Textured, slicked back styles soften sharp angles. Light layering on top balances strong features. This face shape handles both sleek and textured versions well.

Rectangular Face

Elongated faces require width rather than height. Low fade slicked back cuts work best for this shape. The style avoids adding unwanted length to already long faces.

Side-parted slicked back fades create horizontal emphasis. This helps balance the face's vertical nature. Avoid high fades, which may make faces appear longer.

Heart-Shaped Face

Tapered faces match well with mid fade slicked back styles. The moderate contrast balances wider foreheads with narrower chins. Soft fades prevent emphasizing the upper face.

Some volume on the sides helps balance proportions. Textured, slicked back fades add width where needed. Avoid skin fades, which create too much contrast.

How to Ask Your Barber for a Slicked Back Fade

Barbers need specific details to create your desired look. Start by specifying the fade height you want: low, mid, high, or skin fade. The choice determines where the tapering begins.

Tell your barber how much length to leave on top. Most slicked back styles need 3-5 inches to work properly. Show pictures of styles you like for visual reference.

Discuss the transition between the top and sides. Explain if you want a blended look or a sharper contrast, like an undercut. Mention if you prefer textured or smooth styling on top.

Ask about maintenance needs and how often you should return. Good barbers provide styling tips specific to your hair type. They can recommend products that work best for your cut.

How to Style a Slicked Back Fade

Step-by-Step Styling Guide

1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair that remains slightly damp.

2. Apply a small amount of product to your palms and distribute evenly through your hair.

3. Use a comb to direct hair backward from the forehead.

4. For added volume, blow dry while continuing to comb hair backward.

5. Apply a small amount of finishing product for extra hold and shine if desired.

6. Set the style with light hairspray for an all-day hold.

Best Products for Slicked Back Fades

Each hair type requires specific styling products. Men with fine hair should use lightweight pomades or mousses. These provide hold without weighing hair down.

Thick hair requires stronger products like heavy pomades or gels. These control volumes keep strands in place. Water-based options wash out easily compared to oil-based alternatives.

Wavy or curly hair benefits from cream-based products. These provide hold while enhancing natural texture. Apply to damp hair for best results.

Choose traditional pomades for high shine. Select matte-finish products for natural looks. Most men need a combination of pre-styling and finishing products for best results.

Maintenance & Care Tips

Regular Trimming Schedule

Fades require regular maintenance to stay sharp. High and skin fades need touch-ups every 1-2 weeks. Low and mid fades can last 3-4 weeks between cuts.

The top section needs trimming every 4-6 weeks. This maintains the proper length ratio between the top and sides. Regular cuts prevent the style from growing out unevenly.

Daily Care Tips

Wash your hair 2-3 times weekly with quality shampoo. Daily washing can remove natural oils that help with styling. Use conditioner to keep hair soft and manageable.

Protect your style while sleeping by using a silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and helps maintain the shape. Consider wearing a shower cap when not washing your hair.

Use heat protection spray before blow drying. This prevents damage and keeps hair healthy. Apply leave-in conditioner occasionally for extra moisture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Dealing with Cowlicks

Cowlicks can disrupt slicked-back styles. Use stronger hold products in problem areas. Direct your blow dryer against the natural growth pattern while combing.

For persistent cowlicks, ask your barber to cut that section slightly shorter. This reduces the lifting effect. Sometimes, leaving slightly more length helps weigh down stubborn areas.

Fixing Flat Hair

Some men struggle with flat hair when attempting slicked back styles. Use volumizing products at the roots before styling. Blow dry upward at the roots to create lift.

Texturizing powder adds volume to limp hair. Apply to dry hair at the roots for instant lift. Consider a layered cut on top to create natural volume.

Managing Thick Hair

Thick hair can be hard to control in slicked back styles. Start styling with damp, not wet hair. This makes thick hair more manageable.

Use strong-hold products designed for thick hair. Apply in sections, working from back to front. Consider thinning shears during cuts to remove bulk without losing length.

FAQ

How long does hair need to be for a slicked back fade?

Hair needs to be 3-5 inches on top for most slicked back fades. The sides vary from skin-tight to about half an inch, depending on fade type.

Can curly hair work with slicked back fades?

Yes, curly hair works with a slicked back fade. Use stronger products and consider a textured style rather than a sleek finish.

How often should I wash my slicked back fade?

Wash slicked back fades 2-3 times weekly. Overwashing removes natural oils that help with styling.

Which face shape looks best with slicked back fades?

Oval and square face shapes look best with slicked back fades. Other shapes can wear modified versions that balance their features.

What products give the best hold for slicked back fades?

Pomades and gels provide the strongest hold for slicked back fades. Water-based options offer good hold with easy washing.

Conclusion

This timeless style continues to evolve while maintaining its classic appeal. Whether you prefer a traditional slick look or a modern textured version, the slicked back fade delivers confidence and style to men of all ages.