Front and back view of a 40-year-old man with a thick, dark, wavy slicked-back hairstyle, widow's peak, and a full groomed beard.
Slicked Back

Classic Wavy Slicked Back Haircut with Tapered Sides and Full Beard

Top Top Long (10-20 cm)
Sides Sides Short (6-20 mm)
Hair Type Hair Type Wavy (Type 2)
Face Shape Face Shape Diamond
Maintenance Maintenance Medium
Thickness Thickness Thick / Dense

About This Style

This refined variation of the classic slicked-back hairstyle is a masterclass in managing thick, wavy hair while maintaining a highly professional aesthetic. The image showcases a seamless flow of dense, dark hair directed straight back, brilliantly utilizing the natural Type 2 wave to create built-in volume and rich texture. Unlike severe, flat slick-backs, this style respects the hair's natural body, allowing gentle ripples to form along the crown and back, culminating in a neatly tapered nape. The widow's peak is elegantly incorporated, providing a strong, structured front hairline.

Ideal for the modern professional, this look commands respect in strict business environments. It perfectly suits men who desire a polished, authoritative appearance without sacrificing their hair's natural character. The diamond face shape is balanced beautifully by the strategic height at the roots and the seamless transition into the full beard, creating a distinctly masculine silhouette.

Key Features

  • Dense, wavy texture (Type 2) that adds natural volume and dimension rather than laying completely flat against the scalp.
  • Scissor-cut, short sides (around 10-15mm) that blend seamlessly into the longer top without a harsh disconnection.
  • Uninterrupted backward hair flow that elegantly manages a widow's peak, using it as a central anchor for the style.
  • A neatly tapered neckline that cleans up the perimeter while maintaining the layered look at the back of the head.
  • A cohesive silhouette that transitions smoothly from the slicked sides directly into the structured, full beard.

Getting the Cut

  1. Request a classic scissor-cut slick back, leaving the top quite long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) to allow the hair to reach the crown when combed back.
  2. Ask for the sides to be taken down to a short but substantial length (around 10mm to 15mm), using a scissor-over-comb technique rather than clippers to maintain a softer, more natural texture.
  3. Instruct the barber to blend the sides seamlessly into the longer top, ensuring there is no harsh undercut or disconnection line.
  4. Request subtle texturizing or point cutting through the top bulk to remove excess weight, allowing the thick, wavy hair to flow backward without puffing out at the sides.
  5. Ask for a natural, tapered finish at the nape of the neck, avoiding a harsh blocked or squared-off neckline for a smoother grow-out phase.
  6. Specify that the widow's peak should be left natural and integrated into the backward flow, not shaved or pushed back artificially.

Daily Routine

  1. Start your routine with freshly washed, towel-dried hair that is left slightly damp, which is crucial to help distribute thick styling products evenly through dense waves.
  2. Apply a generous dime-sized amount of high-hold, medium-shine water-based pomade, working it thoroughly from the deep roots all the way to the very tips of the hair.
  3. Use a premium wide-tooth comb to establish the initial backward direction, ensuring the product coats the hair evenly while gently managing the natural wave pattern.
  4. Switch to a fine-tooth comb or a boar bristle styling brush to refine the overall shape, pulling the hair straight back from the widow's peak and smoothing the shorter sides downward.
  5. For extra volume and all-day hold, use a professional blow dryer on a medium heat setting while combing backward, locking the wavy texture securely into its final slicked position.
  6. Finish the look by carefully patting down any stray flyaways and ensuring the transition from the sideburns into your groomed beard is perfectly smooth.

Products & Tools

  • Water-based pomade with a firm, intensive hold and a medium-to-high shine finish to lock thick waves in place all day.
  • Pre-styling grooming tonic or sea salt spray to provide foundational grip and heat protection before blow-drying.
  • High-quality wide-tooth comb for initial detangling and establishing the backward flow without destroying the wave pattern.
  • Boar bristle styling brush to smooth the hair cuticle, distribute natural oils, and flatten the shorter sides securely.
  • Professional blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment to direct airflow precisely backward from the hairline.

Maintenance

  • Schedule barber visits every 5 to 8 weeks to maintain the precise taper at the neckline and manage the bulk of the thick top.
  • Wash hair 2 to 3 times a week using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to prevent intensive styling products from drying the scalp.
  • Utilize a clarifying shampoo twice a month to remove stubborn pomade buildup and keep the hair follicles exceptionally clean.
  • Avoid wearing tight hats, as they will aggressively flatten the natural wavy volume and ruin the carefully combed styling.
  • Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce overnight friction and frizz.

Best For

Face Shapes: Diamond, Oval, and Square; the added volume on top balances wide cheekbones and strong jawlines perfectly. Hair Types: Thick, dense, and wavy (Type 2) hair that requires strong directional control and thrives with added product weight. Demographics: Men aged 35-45 seeking a mature, authoritative, and sophisticated aesthetic. Lifestyles: Highly suited for business professionals, corporate environments, and formal formal occasions requiring a polished look.

Pro Tips

  • Don't fight the widow's peak; use it as the natural center point to split the backward flow, creating a symmetrical, distinguished front profile.
  • Avoid using cheap drugstore gels that flake and dry rock-hard; invest in premium water-soluble pomades for a reworkable, professional finish.
  • During humid summer months, apply a tiny amount of anti-frizz serum before your pomade to stop the wavy hair from expanding outward.
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