The Tapered Slick Back: Featured Style Guide
The tapered slick back is the ultimate hairstyle for anyone looking to combine cool and classy!
With its slicked-back top and sharp, tapered sides, it’s versatile, stylish, and guaranteed to make you stand out.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from styling tips to keeping it fresh between barber visits.
Ready to step up your hair game? Let’s get started!
What is a Tapered Slick Back?
The tapered slick back is that perfect mix of sharp and smooth.
Imagine sleek, styled-back hair on top, with sides that gradually fade down for a clean, modern finish.
It’s a hairstyle that’s polished yet laid-back, making it the go-to for anyone wanting to look effortlessly cool.
The Key Elements of a Tapered Slick Back
- Slicked-Back Top: The hair on top is combed back, creating a sleek, glossy look that’s all about control and style.
- Tapered Sides: The sides aren’t just cut short—they’re tapered, meaning the length gradually decreases, giving the style a clean, smooth transition.
- Gradual Fade: This soft fade flows naturally from the top to the sides, giving the haircut its signature, seamless look.
How It’s Different
- Classic Slick Back: No taper, just one length throughout.
- Undercut Slick Back: High contrast, with long hair on top and super-short sides.
- Tapered Slick Back: A more subtle, blended fade, making it perfect for both formal and casual settings.
It’s a versatile, stylish haircut that combines the sleekness of a classic slick back with the freshness of a modern fade—perfect for any occasion!
What Does A Tapered Slick Back Look Like?
Who Suits a Tapered Slick Back?
Wondering if the tapered slick back will suit you?
Spoiler alert: it works for a lot of people!
Let’s break it down by face shapes and hair types so you can see how this style could totally work for you.
Face Shapes: The Perfect Match?
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Oval Face: Congrats, you hit the hair jackpot! Oval faces suit almost any style, including the tapered slick back. It’ll look effortlessly smooth.
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Square Face: Your sharp jawline + this sleek style = winning combo. The slick back softens while showing off those strong angles.
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Round Face: Want a little structure? The tapered sides slim the face, while height on top adds length—just what you need for balance.
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Heart-Shaped Face: Tame that wider forehead with a neat top and tapered sides to even out your look.
Hair Types: Can You Pull It Off?
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Straight Hair: Perfect for a slick back! It stays sleek and shiny with minimal effort. Just a little product, and you’re ready to roll.
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Wavy Hair: Your waves add texture and volume, giving the slick back a more relaxed, textured vibe.
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Curly Hair: Yes, you can! Control those curls with a strong-hold product, and the taper will give you a sharp, stylish contrast.
Hair Thickness: Thick or Thin, You're In!
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Thick Hair: Loads of volume up top makes this style look bold and full. Just use a good pomade to keep it in check.
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Thin Hair: A tapered slick back can create the illusion of more volume, especially with the right lightweight product.
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, or you’ve got an oval or square face, the tapered slick back has your back (literally) and will keep you looking sharp!
How to Style a Tapered Slick Back
Ready to rock that smooth tapered slick back look?
Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be turning heads in no time.
Step 1: Prepping the Hair
You don’t need to shampoo and condition your hair every time you style.
- Freshen Up: Dampen your hair with a spray bottle or run your hands under the tap.
- Towel Dry: Make sure your hair is damp—not soaking wet. Damp hair holds styling products better and is easier to mold.
Step 2: Applying the Right Product
Now it’s time to get that sleek finish.
The product you use can make or break your style!
- Pomade: Want a high-shine, sleek finish? Go for our Beard Beasts Lockdown Pomade—it’s perfect for strong hold with just the right amount of gloss.
- Gel: If you’re after a firmer hold with a bit more shine, Beard Beasts Styling Gel has got you covered. Our gel gives you serious hold without the crunch (because crunchy hair is a no-no).
- Mousse: For those with wavy or curly hair, mousse can help control and add volume while still keeping it slick.
Start with a dime-sized amount of product and build up if necessary.
Step 3: Using a Comb for a Smooth Finish
Now for the fun part—slicking it back!
- Comb it back: Use a hair comb to get that perfectly smooth, slicked-back look. Start from the forehead and move toward the back of your head in even strokes.
- Personalize it: If you like a tight slick, comb it with some pressure. Prefer a looser, more relaxed look? Comb lightly and let some texture show.
Step 4: Blending the Tapered Sides
Now, let’s make sure those sides are just as sharp as the top.
- Blend it in: Use your comb or fingers to smooth down the tapered areas. You want the sides to blend seamlessly with the top, creating that perfect flow.
- Keep it neat: Use a small dab of your product—whether it's pomade or gel—to make sure everything stays sleek and tidy.
Pro Styling Tips
Want to take your tapered slick back to the next level?
Here’s what we recommend:
- Tip #1: Always apply your product to damp hair. It helps distribute the product evenly and gives better control.
- Tip #2: Use a hand mirror to check the back—don’t forget, people will see it!
- Tip #3: Finish with a light mist of American Crew Men's Hair Spray to keep everything locked in.
With these easy steps and a little help from your trusty products, you’ll be rocking a sharp, shiny, and fresh tapered slick back every day!
How to Keep Your Haircut Fresh Between Barber Visits
We’ve all been there—your tapered slick back is looking flawless, and then, bam! The sides start growing out, and the neckline gets fuzzy.
With just a few simple steps, you can keep your style looking sharp until your next barber visit.
Hair Trimming Tips: DIY Touch-Ups
You don’t need to be a barber to do some light maintenance at home!
A little trim here and there can keep your tapered slick back looking neat.
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Neckline Touch-Up: The back of your neck is the first place that shows growth. Use a trimmer like the Philips Norelco Multigroom to clean up the neckline. It’s a quick way to keep things looking sharp.
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Taper Check: If the sides are getting too long, use clippers (low setting) to lightly blend the taper back into shape.
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Snip Stray Hairs: Not ready to tackle clippers? No problem! A small pair of scissors can help tidy up around your ears and sideburns.
Daily Hair Care Routine
Even without a daily trim, caring for your hair properly can keep your tapered slick back looking fresh.
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Shampoo every 2-3 days: Washing too often strips natural oils. Use a gentle shampoo like Huron Mens Shampoo to keep your hair clean but not dried out.
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Condition every wash: Conditioner keeps your hair smooth and manageable. Huron Mens Hydration Conditioner is a great option for softness without weighing down your slick back.
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Dry Shampoo for Non-Wash Days: On days when you’re not washing, a spritz of Living Proof Dry Shampoo helps absorb oil and keeps your hair looking clean without stripping it.
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Serum for Shine: If you want your slick back to have that extra polished glow, add a drop of Moroccanoil Treatment for shine without the grease.
Weekly/Monthly Maintenance
Of course, your barber is your best friend when it comes to maintaining that perfect tapered slick back.
Here’s a general guide for how often to go:
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Every 2-3 weeks: If you love that super crisp fade, a visit every 2-3 weeks is ideal to keep the sides tight and the taper fresh.
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Every 4 weeks: If you prefer a more low-maintenance look, a monthly visit will still keep your cut in shape, with a bit more relaxed vibe.
By following these simple steps and using the right products, your tapered slick back will stay sleek, fresh, and stylish—even between barber visits!
Conclusion: Mastering the Haircut
Congrats! You’re now ready to rock the tapered slick back like a pro.
With the right tools, products, and a bit of know-how, you’ll keep your style looking sharp and fresh, no matter what.
Key Takeaways
- Face Shapes & Hair Types: The tapered slick back is super versatile, working well with most face shapes and hair textures.
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Styling Steps:
- Start with damp hair, apply pomade or gel for the slick look, and use a fine-tooth comb to perfect the finish.
- Blend those tapered sides to keep the cut looking clean and sharp.
- Touch-Up Tips: Keep your style in shape between barber visits with simple DIY touch-ups.
- Barber Visits: To keep that crisp fade looking flawless, schedule a visit to your barber every 2-4 weeks.
In short, the tapered slick back is a timeless, low-maintenance style that looks great on everyone.
With a little care, you’ll keep it looking slick and polished every day.
Now go out there and own it!
