How to Ask Your Barber for a Slick Back Undercut
Learn how to ask your barber for a slick back undercut, what face shapes it fits best, and how to style it at home.
A slick back undercut is a sharp, clean haircut. The sides and the back of your head are shaved very short. The hair on top is left long and brushed straight back toward your neck.
It is a cool style, but it can feel scary to try. Here is everything you need to know before you sit in the barber chair.
Who Does It Look Good On?
This cut looks great on many people, but your face shape matters:
Oval and square faces: This cut looks best on you. Your jawline is already strong, and the short sides show it off. Round faces: The tall hair on top can make your face look a bit longer, which looks great. * Long faces: Be careful. Very short sides and tall hair on top can make your face look even longer.
If you have very thick, straight hair, this cut is easy to pull off. If your hair is curly, you can still do it, but you will need more paste or gel to keep it flat.
What to Say to Your Barber
Barbers love clear directions. Do not just say, "Give me an undercut." Say these exact details instead:
The top: Tell them you want four to six inches of length on top. You need enough length so the hair can reach the back of your head and stay down. The sides: Tell them how short you want the sides. Ask for a "number 1" or "number 2" clipper guard. If you want skin showing, ask for a "skin fade." * The disconnect: Ask for a "disconnected undercut." This means there is no smooth blend between the short sides and the long top. It is a sharp line.
Always bring a photo on your phone. A picture helps your barber see the exact style you want.
How to Style It at Home
You cannot just wake up and walk out the door with this haircut. You have to style it every morning.
First, wash your hair and towel it dry so it is damp. Next, put a small scoop of pomade or styling cream in your hands and rub them together. Run your hands through your hair from the front all the way to the back.
Finally, use a comb to pull all the hair straight back. If your hair likes to fall forward, use a hair dryer while you comb it back. The warm air helps the hair stay in place all day.
How Often Do You Need a Trim?
The sides of an undercut grow fast. To keep the cut looking clean, you will need to see your barber every two to three weeks to buzz the sides. You can let the top grow longer for a while without cutting it.
Want to see how you look with this haircut before you make the big cut? HairMatch AI lets you check your face shape for free. Then you can see this exact style on your own face with our photo packs starting at just $0.99.