Okay friend, I have a new obsession and it’s all about slick back medium length hair men – the vibe is equal parts polished and lived-in. I keep pinning styles that feel clean but still soft enough to run your fingers through, and honestly I love how versatile this look is.
I made this list because I’ve had that awkward middle-length phase and needed real, wearable inspo that actually fits a busy life – I’ve tried and kept at least three of these on repeat. My own hair is fine and a little stubborn so I’ll call out what worked for me and what I learned the hard way.
Scroll through for 10 easy-to-follow looks, quick styling tips, and the exact products I’d reach for to get each finish without drama.
These 10 slick back medium length hair men looks
Classic Tapered Slick Back
This is the one I keep recommending when someone wants a safe, sharp upgrade – it suits straight to slightly wavy hair and adds structure with a subtle taper at the sides. Difficulty is low if your barber knows the taper length you want, and the trick is to towel dry then apply a little matte pomade and comb back while hair is still warm from a blow dry.
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Pompadour Slick Back
This pompadour variation brings volume to medium length hair and works best on hair with natural lift or a slight wave. It’s medium difficulty because you need to create height with the blow dryer and a round brush, then lock it with a medium hold pomade; once you get the technique it feels like second nature. Pro tip – focus product at the roots to keep the top voluminous without greasing down the sides.
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Textured Asian Flow Slick
I love this for thicker hair that can hold texture – it’s slightly undone but still clearly slicked back, which makes it modern and relaxed. Difficulty is medium since the look needs layering at the barber to remove weight and a texturizing product to separate strands. If your hair is thick, ask for layers and use a salt spray before styling to get that lived-in texture.
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Shoulder-Length Flow Back
This longer shoulder-length slick back is for flow lovers and suits wavy or loosely curly hair best; it feels effortless and a little bohemian. It’s a bit higher maintenance because you’ll need regular trims to prevent split ends, but styling is low fuss – a detangling cream and hands-through finishing cream usually do the trick. I once convinced my guy to grow his out like this and he kept getting compliments at coffee shops.
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Messy Fringe Push Back
This messy fringe pushed back style is perfect if you like a lived-in, slightly undone look – it works on straight and wavy hair types. Difficulty is low and the trick is using a small amount of matte cream and pushing back with fingers instead of a comb to keep movement. I used this when I wanted something softer than a full slick and it made my hair look fuller instantly.
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Curly Medium Slick Back
Curl lovers, this one keeps your natural texture but tames the sides and slicks the top back for a refined shape – it’s ideal for medium curl patterns. Difficulty is medium because you need to balance hydration with hold – a curl cream then a light gel works best. I recommend diffusing downward to keep curl shape, then smoothing with fingers and a small dab of gel at the crown.
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Clean Side-Undercut Slick Back
This is that crisp undercut with medium length on top slicked back for a high-contrast finish – best for straight hair or very loose waves. Difficulty is low to medium depending on how sharp you want the undercut; styling is simply product and combing back for that clean silhouette. I once saw an entire wedding party adopt this look after one guy showed up with it – it’s surprisingly contagious.
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Mustache-Friendly Slick Back
If you wear facial hair, this medium slick back keeps the balance between hair and mustache by not pulling too much volume up front. Difficulty is low – maintain with a grooming oil for the mustache and a light pomade to slick hair back gently. My partner and I perfected this combo after we both realized matching hair and facial hair tones makes everything look cleaner.
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Flowy Mid-Length Sweep
This flow cut sits right in that heartthrob territory – medium length, soft layers, and a gentle sweep back so hair moves naturally. Difficulty is low for daily styling – a little leave-in and finger-combing is enough, but the barber cut has to be right. I love this when I want something romantic but not fussy for weekend plans.
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Old Money Textured Slick
Think refined, textured, and intentionally a little soft – this one pairs a side part with a slick back finish for an elegant feel. Difficulty is medium because you’ll need a texture product and a light shaping cream to keep the look timeless without looking greasy. If you want a smart, elevated everyday style, this is the one I’d start with.
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How to Actually Make This Work For You
Pick the version that fits your hair texture and lifestyle – straight hair usually needs a smoothing product and a comb, wavy hair benefits from salt spray and finger styling, and curly hair needs moisture-first then light holding products. Communicate clearly with your barber about length at the nape and how much weight to remove so the slick back sits right without looking flat, and practice one styling routine at home for a week so you can tweak timing and product amounts. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix small products – a little cream under pomade can help keep finer hair from looking greasy while giving medium hold.
What hair types work best for slick back medium length hair men?
Most hair types can pull this off with small adjustments – straight hair gets a classic slick, wavy hair gains texture and movement, and curly hair needs more moisture and light hold to define shape. Ask your barber about layering if you have thick hair so the style doesn’t balloon out.
Which tools or products are must-haves?
I recommend a blow dryer for adding root lift and shaping, a medium to light hold pomade or cream depending on your texture, and a heat protectant if you use hot tools. A small round brush or vented brush makes a big difference for volume on medium length hair.
How can I save time styling this look in the morning?
Wake up and refresh with a quick spritz of water or a leave-in spray, finger comb in a small amount of product, and go – once you find the right product combo you can often style this in under 5 minutes. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also reduce morning frizz and save styling time.
What’s a common mistake people make with slicked back styles?
Using too much heavy product is the top mistake – it flattens hair and makes it look greasy rather than sleek. Start with a pea-sized amount, distribute evenly, and add more only where needed to maintain movement and natural texture.
