Slick Back Undercut: Is It Right for You?
Learn what a slick back undercut is, who it looks best on, and how to style it before you visit the barbershop.
Thinking about getting a slick back undercut? It is a bold haircut that looks clean and sharp. But cutting off a lot of hair can feel scary. Here is everything you need to know before you sit in the barber chair.
What Is a Slick Back Undercut?
This haircut has two main parts. The sides and the back of your head are buzzed very short. The top is left long.
Then, you comb the top hair straight back toward your neck. There is no slow blend between the short sides and the long top. That sharp line is what makes it an undercut.
Who Does It Look Best On?
This cut works well on many people, but your face shape matters:
Oval and square faces: This cut looks great on you. It shows off your jawline. Round faces: The tall hair on top can make your face look a bit longer and leaner. * Long faces: Be careful. Very tall hair on top can make a long face look even longer.
Your hair type matters too. Straight or slightly wavy hair is the easiest to slick back. If you have very thick or curly hair, you will need stronger hair cream to keep it flat.
How to Ask Your Barber for It
Do not just say the name of the haircut. Barbers like details.
Tell them how short you want the sides. A "number 2" or "number 1" clipper guard is common. Tell them you want a "disconnected undercut." That tells the barber not to blend the top into the sides.
For the top, you need at least four to six inches of hair. If it is too short, the hair will stick straight up instead of lying down flat.
Daily Styling and Upkeep
This is not a wake-up-and-go haircut. You have to style it every morning.
First, wash your hair and towel it dry until it is just damp. Put a small scoop of pomade or styling wax into your hands. Rub your hands together, then run them through your hair from front to back. Use a comb to pull the hair straight back. A quick blast with a hair dryer helps hold the hair in place all day.
To keep the cut looking fresh, you must visit the barber every two to three weeks to trim the buzzed sides.
Preview the Cut First
Still not sure if you can pull it off? You do not have to guess. Use HairMatch AI to check your face shape for free. Then, you can buy a render pack starting at $0.99 to see this exact cut on your own face before the barber touches your hair.